BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, February 4 - Netflix's upcoming film Ghooskhor Pandat, headlined by Manoj Bajpayee, has landed in controversy soon after its official announcement, with the title becoming the biggest point of contention. The film, which features Bajpayee as a corrupt police officer, drew sharp criticism on social media for allegedly being offensive and casteist in nature. The backlash stems from the use of the word "Pandat/Pandit" in the title, which many users and community members claim unfairly associates the Brahmin community with corruption. Several netizens argued that even if the story revolves around bribery and systemic rot, the title unnecessarily targets a specific identity, thereby hurting religious and social sentiments. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The outrage has now escalated beyond social media, with legal action being threatened. Reports suggest that complaints have been filed with authorities, and concerned people have publicly warned Netflix and the makers of potential court proceedings if the title is not changed. The complainants allege that the title could amount to promoting hatred and stereotyping, which may invite legal scrutiny. As of now, Netflix and the film's makers have not issued an official statement addressing the controversy or confirming any changes to the title. Meanwhile, boycott calls continue to trend online, putting the project under pressure even before its release. It remains to be seen whether the streaming giant will opt for damage control or stand by the original title amid the growing legal and public backlash. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 1 - Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar has made its digital debut recently, but not before scripting history at the box office. It not only became the biggest Bollywood grosser domestically but also emerged as the most-watched Bollywood film in Hindi in the post-pandemic era, registering an extraordinary 3.65+ crore admissions during its theatrical run. Released solely in Hindi, Dhurandhar's massive numbers highlight its unparalleled acceptance among audiences, making it a landmark film for an original Hindi release in the post-COVID box office landscape. Despite not being a Pan India release, the film came remarkably close to the overall Bollywood footfall record held by Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan, which remains the number one Bollywood film across all versions with approximately 3.80 crore admissions, including approximately 3.30 crores in Hindi, since the health crisis. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) It is not an exaggeration to say that Dhurandhar could have comfortably surpassed Jawan had it been released in other languages and might have also topped 4 crore (40 million) admissions overall. Even so, achieving such proximity to Jawan's all-version tally with just a single-language release underlines the film's historic theatrical pull. Meanwhile, Allu Arjun's pan-India blockbuster Pushpa 2 continues to dominate on another front, standing as the most-watched film of the post-COVID era in the Hindi language, with an estimated 3.88 crore Hindi admissions. Pushpa 2 was a phenomenon before Dhurandhar, largely due to its sequel factor and extraordinary hype around it. Together, these numbers reflect the evolving dynamics of the post-pandemic box office, where original Hindi films like Dhurandhar are competing head-to-head with large-scale pan-India productions. Ranveer Singh's film, in particular, has proven that strong content and audience connection can deliver record-breaking theatrical results even without the advantage of multiple language versions. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

The box office journey of Dhurandhar is nothing short of a cinematic miracle. As the film enters its 9th Friday (Day 57), it continues to rake in the moolah, recording a steady collection of ₹0.25 Crore. While most films lose their breath by the fourth week, this Aditya Dhar-directed spy thriller is proving that it has a never-say-die attitude, even in the face of massive digital and theatrical competition. What makes this Day 57 performance truly extraordinary is the timing. Dhurandhar officially began streaming on Netflix on January 30 (yesterday). Conventionally, the moment a blockbuster hits an OTT platform, its theatrical occupancy crashes to zero. However, the Dhurandhar Craze is so intense that audiences are still choosing the big-screen experience over the comfort of their couches. The film is currently trending at No. 1 in India on Netflix, yet the ticket counters at multiplexes remain busy, showing the immense repeat value of this Ranveer Singh starrer. The resilience of the film is further highlighted by the ongoing Border 2 juggernaut. Despite Sunny Deol's war epic dominating the majority of screens and capturing the patriotic pulse of the nation, Dhurandhar has managed to retain its own dedicated audience. It is rare to see two massive films of the same genre—high-octane action and patriotism—co-existing so successfully. While Border 2 is bringing in the masses, Dhurandhar is sustaining its legacy as a long-term blockbuster. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   To put this ₹0.25 Crore Day 57 collection into perspective, one must look at the historical benchmarks. When compared to the biggest industry titans at the same stage of their release, Dhurandhar stands tall. On their 57th day, legendary hits like Jawan and Dangal were struggling to stay above the ₹0.05 Crore mark. Even the mighty Baahubali 2 (Hindi) had slowed down to approximately ₹0.10 Crore by its 9th Friday. By earning double those figures, Dhurandhar has officially entered the league of the most consistent long-run performers in Indian cinema history. The film's dominance isn't just restricted to the Indian borders. As per the latest streaming data, #Dhurandhar is trending in multiple countries worldwide. It has secured the No. 1 spot in India, No. 7 in Qatar, and No. 8 in Bahrain. The surge in Middle Eastern markets is particularly noteworthy; since the film faced theatrical restrictions in certain Gulf regions due to its bold geopolitical narrative, fans in those countries are now flocking to Netflix to finally witness the spectacle. As it stands, Dhurandhar is no longer just a movie; it is a cultural phenomenon. With its combined success on the big screen and its explosive debut on Netflix, the film is on track to set a Total Gross record that might remain unbeaten for years to come. Whether it's the 70mm screen or the smartphone screen, the world is currently under the spell of the Dhurandhar wave.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, February 4 - The makers of Ram Charan's upcoming film Peddi have officially announced that the film's theatrical release has been postponed. Originally slated to hit cinemas on March 27, 2026, the highly anticipated action drama will now arrive a month later, with a new release date set for April 30, 2026. The postponement was confirmed through a new poster shared by the team. According to reports, the decision was made to avoid a box-office due to pending work and to avoid a clash with Pawan Kalyan's Ustaad Bhagat Singh, which has secured the March 26 release. The makers felt April would provide a better and less crowded slot for Peddi to reach a wider audience. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi is described as an intense rural sports drama and marks Ram Charan's first collaboration with the filmmaker. The film stars Janhvi Kapoor as the female lead, with music composed by A.R. Rahman, adding to the already high expectations surrounding the project. Despite the delay, buzz around Peddi remains strong, with fans eagerly awaiting promotional material in the coming weeks. With its new April 30 release date, the Ram Charan starrer is now positioned as one of the biggest summer attractions of 2026. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The sequel to the iconic war epic, Border 2, continues to maintain a steady grip at the domestic box office as it completes its twelfth day of release. Starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Diljit Dosanjh, the film has shown resilience during its second week, trending well on weekdays despite the typical drop following a high-grossing second weekend. On its second Tuesday (Day 12), the film earned an estimated ₹ 5.75 crore net in India, taking its total domestic tally toward a significant milestone. With the current trend, Border 2 has now reached a cumulative India net collection of ₹ 286.75 crore. The film is expected to breach the ₹ 300 crore mark by the end of its second week or the start of its third Friday. The steady footfall in the Hindi heartland and mass circuits has been the primary driver for these numbers, as the film continues to capitalize on the patriotic sentiment and the legacy of its predecessor. Border 2 Day 12 Box Office Collection ReportCategoryCollection DetailsIndia Net Collection (Day 12)₹ 5.75 CrTotal India Net Collection₹ 286.75 CrIndia Gross Collection₹ 342.5 CrOverseas Collection₹ 50.0 CrWorldwide Total Collection₹ 392.5 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   On the global front, Border 2 is on the verge of entering the ₹400 crore club. The worldwide collection currently stands at ₹392.5 crore, supported by a decent contribution of ₹50 crore from the overseas markets. While the domestic market remains the powerhouse for this war drama, the international numbers have provided a stable cushion, especially in regions with a significant Indian diaspora like North America and the UAE. Read Also: [OTT Release This Week Feb 2 to Feb 8: List of Indian Movies] When compared to Sunny Deol's previous historic blockbuster, Gadar 2, the second Tuesday performance of Border 2 shows a more conventional weekday decline. For context, Gadar 2 had recorded a massive ₹ 12.10 crore on its second Tuesday, following a ₹ 13.50 crore second Monday. While Border 2 is trailing behind the record-breaking pace of Gadar 2, it remains one of the highest-grossing films of the year, maintaining a Super-Hit trajectory with strong theatrical legs.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The highly anticipated Pan-India action entertainer Dacoit, starring Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur, has officially locked in a new release date. According to an exclusive report by Bollywood Hungama, the makers have decided to release the film on April 10, moving it from its previously planned slot of March 19. This strategic realignment comes as the production team seeks to avoid a crowded theatrical window and ensure the film receives maximum visibility across both South Indian and Hindi markets. The decision to shift the release to April 10 is aimed at capturing the long weekend advantage, providing a stronger platform for the film's box office performance. With several big-ticket films slated for release in late March and early April, the team behind Dacoit—led by Annapurna Studios has opted for a window that allows the film a clearer run at the ticket windows. Dacoit is described as an intense, gritty action-drama and a soul-stirring love story. The film marks the directorial debut of Shaneil Deo, who has previously worked as a cinematographer on Adivi Sesh's acclaimed projects like Kshanam and Goodachari. The film is being shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu, underscoring its Pan-India appeal. Adivi Sesh, known for his impeccable track record in the thriller and drama genres, is coming off a string of back-to-back successes. His previous theatrical outings, including the biographical action drama Major (2022) and the investigative thriller HIT: The Second Case (2022), were both critical and commercial hits. Beyond Dacoit, Sesh is currently working on the high-budget sequel G2 (Goodachari 2), which is expected to further solidify his standing in the action genre. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Mrunal Thakur has also established herself as a formidable name in the South Indian film industry following her blockbuster debut in Sita Ramam (2022) and the successful emotional drama Hi Nanna (2023). Her ability to draw audiences in both the North and South makes her a key asset for Dacoit. Apart from this film, Mrunal has a packed 2026 schedule featuring a slate of high-profile Hindi projects. Her upcoming lineup includes the Sanjay Leela Bhansali production Do Deewane Seher Mein (Feb 20, 2026) alongside Siddhant Chaturvedi, and David Dhawan’s romantic comedy Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai (June 5, 2026) featuring Varun Dhawan. Additionally, she will be seen in the thriller Pooja Meri Jaan and a special musical project titled Bheegi Bheegi, which reunites her with her Sita Ramam co-star Dulquer Salmaan. Read Also: [OTT Release This Week Feb 2 to Feb 8: List of Indian Movies] The collaboration between Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur is one of the primary highlights of Dacoit, as it brings together two performers known for their strong screen presence and choice of content-driven cinema. With the new release date set for April 10, the marketing campaign for the film is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, targeting a wide audience base across multiple languages.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Indian digital space has a new undisputed king as the high-octane actioner Dhurandhar has officially shattered all previous viewership records for an Indian film on Netflix. According to the latest data tracking the first-weekend performance of theatrical releases on the platform, Dhurandhar debuted with a staggering 7.6 million views, comfortably surpassing the massive benchmarks set by previous record-holders like Ranbir Kapoor's Animal and Hrithik Roshan's Fighter. This performance marks a historic moment for Indian content on the global streaming giant, as it is the first time a post-theatrical digital premiere has crossed the 7 million mark within its opening weekend. Netflix's viewership metric, which calculates the total hours watched divided by the film's runtime, shows a clear dominance of big-budget commercial entertainers. While Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal held the top spot for a significant period with 6.2 million views, Dhurandhar has now outpaced it by a margin of 1.4 million. Even the highly anticipated pan-India sequel Pushpa 2: The Rule falls into the fourth position with 5.8 million views, trailing behind the air-force action drama Fighter. This data highlights that while theatrical box office is one measure of success, the digital life of a film can often see different titles emerging as the primary choice for global audiences. As per the records compiled by Filmy View, here is the list of the top 10 Indian movies with the highest first-weekend views on Netflix: Top 10 Indian Movies: Highest 1st Weekend Views on NetflixRANKMOVIE NAME1ST WEEKEND VIEWSRECORD WINDOW1Dhurandhar7.6 Million3 Days (Weekend)2Animal6.2 Million3 Days (Weekend)3Fighter5.9 Million3 Days (Weekend)4Pushpa 2: The Rule5.8 Million3 Days (Weekend)5Raid 25.6 Million3 Days (Weekend)6Crew5.4 Million3 Days (Weekend)7Gangubai Kathiawadi5.3 Million6 Days8Jawan5.2 Million3 Days (Weekend)9Idli Kadai5.2 Million5 Days10Lucky Baskhar5.1 Million3 Days (Weekend) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The list also reflects the immense popularity of various genres across different languages. Ajay Devgn's Raid 2 and the female-led heist comedy Crew have shown exceptional staying power, both crossing the 5.4 million mark in their respective opening weekends. Interestingly, Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan, which was a monster at the box office, sits at the eighth spot with 5.2 million views, tied with the Tamil hit Idli Kadai. The diversity of the top 10—ranging from the intense biographical drama Gangubai Kathiawadi to the financial thriller Lucky Baskhar—proves that Netflix India has successfully bridged the gap between regional cinema and a global mainstream audience. Read Also: [OTT Release This Week Feb 2 to Feb 8: List of Indian Movies] In terms of the technical tracking of these numbers, Netflix typically follows a standardized window where Friday releases are tracked over 3 days, while Thursday releases are tracked over 4 days. However, certain films like Gangubai Kathiawadi and Idli Kadai were monitored over slightly longer periods (6 and 5 days respectively) to reach their 5M+ milestones. Despite these variations, the arrival of Dhurandhar at the top spot within a standard 3-day weekend window signals a massive shift in digital consumption patterns, solidifying its status as a certified OTT blockbuster.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Following the monumental global success of RRR, visionary director S.S. Rajamouli is set to return with his most ambitious project to date, titled Varanasi. Scheduled for a 2027 release, the film has already ignited a massive conversation across the globe. In a recent high-profile interview with DiscussingFilm, the lead cast—Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran—shared deep insights into the movie's plot, its decade-long development, and the grueling production process that took them into the heart of the African wilderness. The road to Varanasi has been a testament to Rajamouli's unwavering commitment. Mahesh Babu revealed that he has been waiting for this collaboration for over 15 years. He noted that he first met the director long before the Baahubali franchise changed the landscape of Indian cinema. Despite the massive delays caused by Rajamouli's other commitments and the pandemic, the director stuck to his word. Mahesh confessed that when he finally heard the narration after the release of RRR, the sheer scale of the vision was so intimidating that he felt a sense of nervousness, though he has since embraced the challenge of playing the lead role of Rudhra. In terms of plot, Varanasi is described as a high-concept, time-travel action epic. Mahesh Babu portrays Rudhra, a fervent devotee of Lord Shiva, the God of destruction and transformation. The narrative follows Rudhra as he is sent on a perilous mission through time to secure an ancient cosmic artifact. The journey is fraught with danger, as he discovers that he is being hunted by a brilliant but evil mastermind who intends to use the artifact for global domination. This blend of ancient Indian mythology and futuristic sci-fi elements marks a new chapter for Indian cinema, aiming for a truly globetrotting feel. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The primary antagonist, Kumbha, is played by Malayalam superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran, who described the role as the most unpredictable character arc of his career. Kumbha is a technologically advanced villain, characterized by his use of a high-tech wheelchair and Doctor Octopus-esque mechanical arms. Prithviraj highlighted Rajamouli's unique directorial style, noting that despite the humongous visual effects and sets, the director’s priority remains the actor's close-up. He emphasized that Rajamouli pushes his actors out of their comfort zones to ensure an honest and powerful performance, making the villainous Kumbha a truly formidable threat. The production of Varanasi has also broken new ground in terms of filming locations. A significant portion of the movie was shot in Maasai Mara, Kenya, where the cast had unprecedented access to wildlife. Priyanka Chopra Jonas remarked that the support from the Kenyan government allowed the team to film in a way that has rarely been attempted in cinema before, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Mahesh Babu added that the first day of shooting in Africa, surrounded by wild animals, was a memory he would never forget. With a budget estimated to exceed ₹1,000 crore and a release planned for the premium IMAX 1.43:1 format, Varanasi is shaping up to be a historic cinematic event in 2027.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Netflix India has officially unveiled its powerhouse lineup for 2026, signaling a massive year for Hindi content. The slate is a strategic mix of high-concept original films and the return of some of India’s most beloved streaming franchises. From the expansion of the Lust Stories anthology to gritty sports crime thrillers and the fifth season of the Kapil Sharma phenomenon, 2026 is set to be Netflix's most ambitious year in the Indian market. The 2026 movie slate is headlined by the highly anticipated social thriller Ikka, directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. Serving as the centerpiece of the lineup, the film marks a historic cinematic reunion by bringing Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna together on screen for the first time in nearly three decades since their 1997 collaboration in Border. In this official remake of the blockbuster Kaththi, Deol is expected to portray a challenging double role, while Khanna is slated for a sophisticated, high-stakes character designed to mirror their legendary screen chemistry. Adding to the high-octane lineup is Gandhari, an action-thriller written and produced by Kanika Dhillon under her banner Kathha Pictures. Directed by Devashish Makhija, the film stars Taapsee Pannu alongside Ishwak Singh and is described as a revenge saga with a soul, featuring Pannu as a mother on a mission in a fiercely protective and physically demanding role. For viewers seeking psychological depth and social commentary, the slate also includes Lust Stories 3, the latest installment of the fan-favorite anthology exploring urban relationship dynamics through four distinct lenses, and Accused, a gritty legal thriller that delves into the dark side of the Indian judicial system by following a high-profile criminal case that is not what it seems. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Upcoming Netflix Hindi Movies - 2026 Slate MOVIE NAME GENRE / KEY DETAIL Ikka Action/Drama (Kaththi Remake) Gandhari Action Thriller (Taapsee Pannu) Lust Stories 3 Anthology Drama Hum Hindustani Social Comedy/Drama Ghooskhor Pandat Crime Thriller Accused Legal Thriller Kartavya Police Procedural Maa Behen Family Drama/Comedy Toaster Indie Comedy Upcoming Netflix India Series (2026) On the series front, Netflix is doubling down on its most successful intellectual properties (IPs), ensuring a massive returning viewer base for 2026. A major highlight is The Great Indian Kapil Sharma Show (Season 5), where Kapil Sharma and Sunil Grover continue their record-breaking run; the show remains the platform's premier non-fiction asset, consistently securing spots in the Global Top 10. Fan-favorite Ravi Kishan also returns as VD Tyagi in Maamla Legal Hai (Season 2), which explores even more absurd legal cases within the quirky confines of the Patparganj District Court. Digital sensation Bhuvan Bam is set to expand the BB Ki Vines universe with Dhindora (Season 2), featuring significantly higher production values, while Rohit Saraf and Prajakta Koli return for Mismatched (Season 4) to navigate the complexities of adult life and careers post-college. Adding a gritty, historical edge to the slate is Operation Safed Sagar, a big-budget military drama chronicling the Indian Air Force's (IAF) pivotal role in the Kargil War, complete with authentic aerial combat sequences. Upcoming Netflix Hindi Web Series - 2026 Slate SERIES NAME GENRE SEASON / UPDATE The Great Indian Kapil Sharma Show Comedy / Talk Show Season 5 Mismatched Romance Drama Season 4 Kohrra Crime Mystery Season 2 (Punjabi/Hindi) Maamla Legal Hai Legal Comedy Season 2 Dhindora Comedy / Drama Season 2 (Bhuvan Bam) Operation Safed Sagar Military Action Based on IAF Mission Glory Sports Crime Thriller New Original LockUpp Reality Show New Platform Acquisition Talaash: A Mother's Search Emotional Thriller Limited Series Family Business Drama Thriller New Original Musafir Cafe Slice of Life Book Adaptation Hello Bachchon Family Comedy New Original Chumbak Comedy Drama New Original Desi Bling Lifestyle Reality New Original Yeh Dil Sunn Raha Hai Romance Thriller New Original Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web Crime Espionage New Original Read Also: [OTT Release This Week Feb 2 to Feb 8: List of Indian Movies]

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 4 - Ranveer Singh's spy action thriller Dhurandhar has taken the digital world by storm, delivering an excellent opening on Netflix after the historic box office run. Aditya Dhar's directorial made its Netflix debut on January 30, after the eigth weeks of theatrical run and as expected, the movie delivered record viewership. According to Netflix's weekly data chart, Dhurandhar was the number 1 movie worldwide during January 26 - February 2 among the non-English films. It generated a massive 7.6 million views in its first three days, making it the biggest opening for an Indian film on Netflix since 2024, outside of direct-to-digital releases. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dhurandhar has been trending number 1 in 7 countries and among the top 10 in 22 countries. With this achievement, Dhurandhar has surpassed Ranbir Kapoor's Animal, which had recorded 6.2 million views in the same time frame upon its Netflix debut. The milestone firmly establishes Dhurandhar as the strongest post-theatrical OTT performer among Indian films in recent years. The spy actioner had already enjoyed a sensational theatrical run before arriving on Netflix, and its record-breaking digital debut highlights the film's sustained audience pull. Strong word of mouth, repeat viewership, and global curiosity around the film have played a key role in driving these numbers. Meanwhile, Dhanush and Kriti Sanon's romantic drama Tere Ishk Mein is also seeing strong results on Netflix. After scoring 3.8 million views in the first weekend, the Anand L Rai-directed film scored another 4.4 million views this week, pushing total views to 8.20 million in 10 days. The movie is expected to continue performing well in the coming days. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The landscape of the Yash Raj Films (YRF) Spy Universe appears to be undergoing a major tactical shift as 2026 unfolds. Recent industry reports suggest that the highly anticipated female-led spy thriller, Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh, might bypass a traditional theatrical release in favor of a high-stakes direct-to-OTT premiere. This news comes as a surprise to fans who expected the film to be a massive cinematic event, but trade experts point toward a calculated move by Aditya Chopra to safeguard the franchise's future. The current strategic pivot appears rooted in a broader re-evaluation of solo female-led action films in the current theatrical market. The performance of Mardaani 3 served as a significant benchmark for gauging audience appetite for sheroes in the high-octane action space. However, the film's initial 4-day returns—netting ₹19.75 Cr in India and reaching a Worldwide total of ₹30.35 Cr (including ₹7.00 Cr from Overseas and an India Gross of ₹23.35 Cr)—suggest a challenging path for solo theatrical ventures. This data, coupled with ongoing production hurdles within the Spy Universe following War 2, indicates a shift toward a more cautious approach, placing Alpha under a period of strategic review. The release strategy for Alpha is currently a subject of significant trade observation. Following the recent box office trends for female-led action projects, reports have surfaced suggesting a potential shift from a traditional theatrical window to a direct-to-digital premiere. Such a move would allow the project to leverage high-value streaming partnerships, providing a secured revenue model in an increasingly volatile theatrical market. While production schedules within the YRF Spy Universe are frequently adjusted to align with broader franchise goals, the current focus remains on ensuring a massive global reach for Alia Bhatt's entry into the series. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   While a theatrical experience is usually the hallmark of the Spy Universe, this shift highlights a broader industry trend where even A-list projects are choosing the digital route to ensure profitability. If Alpha does indeed move to OTT, it will join a growing list of premium Bollywood films that found massive success by skipping the big screen. Direct-to-OTT Success Stories: Female-Led & Spy Thrillers 1. Darlings (2022) - Netflix: Record-Breaking Debut Alia Bhatt's digital premiere garnered over 10 million watching hours globally in its opening weekend—the highest for any non-English Indian original at the time. It trended in the Top 10 across 16+ countries. 2. Mission Majnu (2023) - Netflix: High-Viewership Hit This espionage thriller proved the digital potential of the genre, garnering over 19 million viewing hours shortly after its release, indicating massive audience pull without a theatrical window. 3. Jaane Jaan (2023) - Netflix: Global #1 Ranking A major hit that ranked as the #1 Indian film globally on the platform by view hours within its first few weeks, cementing the viability of female-led mystery thrillers on OTT. 4. Khufiya (2023) - Netflix: Critical & Commercial Success Tabu’s female-led spy drama bypassed theaters to become a viral success, praised for its realistic portrayal of intelligence operations and high global engagement. 5. Chakda 'Xpress (Upcoming) - Netflix: Anticipated Blockbuster Following the trend, this Anushka Sharma starrer is positioned as a major direct-to-digital event, skipping the box office to maximize global reach. While Yash Raj Films has yet to release an official statement regarding the release format of Alpha, the buzz in trade circles suggests that the theatrical-only mandate for the Spy Universe is being relaxed. As market dynamics shift, Alpha could become the first film in the YRF Spy Universe to test the waters of a digital-first strategy, potentially redefining how big-budget franchises operate in the future.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 3 - Superstar Shah Rukh Khan will be returning to the big screens with action thriller King. The Siddharth Anand's directorial is one of the most-anticipated Indian films of the year, scheduled to open in cinemas worldwide during the Christmas weekend on December 24. As the anticipation around the film continues to grow, Yash Raj Films has officially come on board to release it in the international market. The studio will serve as the international distributor for the action blockbuster, leveraging its well-established overseas distribution network. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The banner is expected to ensure a wide release across key territories, including North America, the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia, giving the film a strong global footprint. YRF has been a regular collaborator of Shah Rukh Khan films, and King marks another film for the blockbuster combo. King is produced by Red Chillies Entertainment in association with Marflix Pictures and is being mounted on a lavish scale, keeping in mind its global appeal and Shah Rukh Khan's massive overseas fan base. The film has already generated tremendous buzz due to its scale, genre, and a massive ensemble cast, which also includes Deepika Padukone, Suhana Khan, Arshad Warsi, and Abhishek Bachchan, among others. Stay tuned...