BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 9 - Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar continues its historic march at the box office, delivering another record performance in its fifth week. The spy actioner raked in a staggering 51+ crore net in the fifth week, comfortably surpassing Chaava, which previously held the benchmark with around 30 crore net in the same period. Such a massive fifth-week total underlines the film's extraordinary hold at the ticket windows. With this sensational run, the Aditya Dhar directorial has now crossed the 790 crore net mark at the Indian box office. Despite entering its sixth week, the film has shown no signs of slowing down, driven by strong word of mouth, repeat audiences, and consistent footfalls across multiplexes and mass belts alike. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dhurandhar will breach the 800 crore net milestone by the sixth Saturday, a feat achieved by only Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun. The Bollywood mega blockbuster is set to beat Pushpa 2's 812 crore net India total, and going by current trends, it is expected to overtake the record within the next couple of days, positioning itself as the biggest Hindi film ever at the Indian box office. After crossing the Pushpa 2 mark, Dhurandhar will not just rewrite Hindi cinema records but also emerge as the highest-grossing single-language film in Indian cinema. As the film inches closer to history, its box office journey stands as a testament to star power, strong storytelling, and unmatched audience acceptance over an extended theatrical run. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Bengaluru, January 9 - The teaser of Rocking Star Yash's gangster action drama Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups has literally rocked with record-breaking viewership in the first 24 hours. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the teaser, which was launched on January 8, revealed Yash as Raya. As per the official update, the Toxic teaser, called Daddy is Home, generated an earth-shattering 220+ million views across social media platforms (YouTube, Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook) in the first 24 hours, which is possibly a new record for an Indian film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On YouTube, the promo scored 48.70+ million views, followed by monstrous 150+ million views on Instagram across various individual accounts of the cast and crew. On Twitter and Facebook, the teaser garnered over 23 million cumulative views. Apart from its massive viewership, it also garnered over 6 million likes. The record-breaking viewership for the teaser underlines the huge buzz for the movie, which is one of the marquee Pan India films of the year. A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups marks Yash's first film since one of India's biggest blockbusters, KGF: Chapter 2, which was released in 2022. Produced by KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, Toxic has been in Kannada and English, making it the first Kannada movie to do so. Also starring Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, and Rukmini Vasanth, the film is scheduled to release on March 19, 2026, in multiple languages. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

The Marathi social drama Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam has emerged as a massive sleeper hit of 2026, delivering an extraordinary performance at the box office within its first eight days.Despite opening with limited screens and facing a colossal clash with the high-budget Hindi actioner Dhurandhar and several other new Hindi releases, the film has managed to carve out its own space through overwhelming positive word-of-mouth.By the end of its extended first week, the film has officially amassing an India Net collection of ₹5.75 crore, firmly establishing itself as a commercial triumph. The film's box office trajectory is marked by a remarkable and rare display of stability during its first week. After a dip on its first Friday, where collections stood at ₹0.45 crore, the movie witnessed a massive surge over the weekend, peaking at ₹1.5 crore on Sunday. Most significantly, the film displayed a rare inverted weekday trend; daily collections from Monday through Thursday (₹0.5 crore to ₹0.55 crore) consistently outperformed the opening Friday's figures. This rock-solid holding, including a 10% jump on its second Thursday, indicates an extraordinary grip at the ticket windows and powerful word-of-mouth that is allowing the film to gain momentum even as it enters its second week. Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam Day Wise Box Office CollectionDAYINDIA NET COLLECTIONDay 1 [1st Thursday]₹ 0.7 CrDay 2 [1st Friday]₹ 0.45 CrDay 3 [1st Saturday]₹ 1.05 CrDay 4 [1st Sunday]₹ 1.5 CrDay 5 [1st Monday]₹ 0.5 CrDay 6 [1st Tuesday]₹ 0.5 CrDay 7 [1st Wednesday]₹ 0.5 CrDay 8 [2nd Thursday]₹ 0.55 CrWeek 1 Collection₹ 5.75 CrTotal₹ 5.75 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Directed and written by Hemant Dhome, the film serves as a poignant clarion call for the preservation of regional language education.The plot revolves around a 90-year-old Marathi-medium school in coastal Maharashtra that is on the verge of demolition to make way for a modern English-medium international institute.The narrative follows the school's sensitive headmaster, Dinkar Shirke (played by Sachin Khedekar), who calls upon his former students to reunite and save their beloved institution.The film features an ensemble cast including Amey Wagh, Siddharth Chandekar, Kshitee Jog, Harish Dudhade, and Kadambari Kadam, while also marking the highly anticipated Marathi film debut of popular digital creator and actor Prajakta Koli. Financially, the film's trajectory is nothing short of phenomenal. Produced on a modest budget of just ₹2 crore, the 8-day worldwide gross collection has already reached ₹6.75 crore. With zero overseas collection reported so far, the entire revenue has been driven by the domestic market, where the India Gross also stands at ₹6.75 crore. Having already recovered nearly triple its production cost in net collections alone, Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam has earned a super hit verdict. The film continues to be a favorite among families and educators, proving that rooted, culturally significant stories remain a powerhouse at the regional box office.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 21 - Shahid Kapoor reunites with director Vishal Bhardwaj for an action drama film, titled O Romeo. The film has been in the making since last year and is scheduled to hit the big screens on February 13, 2026, amid huge expectations from the duo. The makers recently unveiled the first look teaser of the film, followed by the excellent trailer, which has raised expectations. By the look of the trailer, it seems the film with unapologeticaly raw and brutal with its action and some intense romance. O Romeo is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under his banner Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. The film features a big ensemble, including Tripti Dimri, Nana Patekar, Disha Patani, Vikrant Massey, Fareeda Jalal, Avinash Tiwary, Aruna Irani, Hussain Dalal, and Tamannaah Bhatia in key roles. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Chennai, January 9 - The release of Thalapathy Vijay's much-awaited film Jana Nayagan continues to remain uncertain, with no immediate relief in sight for the makers. Just when it appeared that the film had crossed its biggest hurdle, the situation took another dramatic turn. The Madras High Court Chief Justice bench stayed the earlier directive that had cleared the way for the film's release. As a result, the certification granted to Jana Nayagan has effectively been put on hold, once again stalling its theatrical rollout. Earlier in the day, a single judge of the Madras High Court, Justice PT Asha, allowed the writ petition filed by the production house KVN Productions LLP and directed the CBFC to immediately issue a U/A (16+) certificate to the film. It looked like a major relief for the makers who have been looking to release the movie soon, but not to be. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The CBFC swiftly filed an appeal before the division bench led by the Chief Justice. The court urgently heard the case in the afternoon and stayed the single judge's order. As a result, the certification granted to Jana Nayagan has effectively been put on hold, once again stalling its theatrical rollout. The next hearing is on January 21, after Pongal holidays, which means no immediate release in sight for Jana Nayagan. With distributors, exhibitors, and fans left waiting, the film's future now hinges entirely on the court's verdict. For now, Jana Nayagan stands as one of the most high-profile releases to be indefinitely delayed due to prolonged censorship and legal disputes. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The re-release of the comic entertainer Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2, which was scheduled to hit theaters today, January 9, 2026, has been cancelled at the last minute. This sudden decision comes after the makers had already released a fresh trailer to build momentum for a second theatrical run. The film originally debuted on December 12, 2025, but its performance was severely hindered by a crowded holiday window. The planned re-release was intended to give the film a cleaner run in the New Year, but logistical challenges have forced the producers to withdraw the film from the current schedule. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, the primary reason for this last-minute cancellation is a major dispute over screen allocation. The producers, Venus, and their studio partner, Star Studio 18, reportedly reached a stalemate regarding the number of screens and show timings. While the producers were promised a wider release across 500 screens, they were only able to secure approximately 200-250 screens, mostly with unfavorable morning or late-night slots. An industry source quoted by the trade portal mentioned that the makers felt the film was not being given sufficient visibility, stating that even when holdover releases have slowed down, they were not getting the showcasing they demanded, leading to the decision on the evening of January 8 to scrap the re-release entirely. Directed by Anukalp Goswami and produced by Venus Worldwide Entertainment in association with Abbas-Mustan Films, the sequel features Kapil Sharma in the lead role, portraying the character of Mohan. The supporting cast includes Manjot Singh, Warina Hussain, Tridha Choudhary, Parul Gulati, Ayesha Khan, and veteran actor Asrani. The plot is a high-energy comedy of errors where Mohan finds himself juggling multiple identities and accidentally marrying four different women, leading to a series of chaotic and humorous situations as he tries to keep his complicated personal life from collapsing. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The prequel, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon (2015), which marked Kapil Sharma's Bollywood debut under the direction of the duo Abbas-Mustan, was a massive commercial success. It benefited from a solo release window and strong word-of-mouth, eventually earning a Hit verdict at the box office.The 2015 film earned an India Net collection of ₹49.98 crore and a Worldwide Gross of ₹72.25 crore, setting a very high benchmark for the franchise that the sequel has struggled to reach. In contrast, the performance of Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 during its initial December 2025 run was significantly impacted by the dominance of mega-budget films like Dhurandhar and Avatar: Fire and Ash. During its time in theaters before being phased out, the sequel managed to collect approximately ₹12.33 crore India Net and around ₹16.23 crore Worldwide Gross. With a production budget estimated at ₹35 crore, the film's current status remains Below Average, as the cancellation of the re-release further limits its chances of recovering its investment through theatrical windows.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Indian film industry is abuzz with reports of a monumental collaboration that could redefine the Pan-India landscape. According to latest industry buzz, Icon Star Allu Arjun is set to join forces with the master of gritty action cinema, Lokesh Kanagaraj. The project is reportedly backed by the prestigious Mythri Movie Makers. While fans eagerly await an official announcement ,the reported timeline suggests a massive year ahead for the Icon Star. Allu Arjun is set to resume work next week to wrap up his highly anticipated project with director Atlee, with a target to finish by October 2026. Following this, and after a brief scheduled break, the actor is expected to transition into Lokesh Kanagaraj's world. Allu Arjun has evolved from a premier Telugu superstar into a global icon, a transition accelerated by the historic success of the Pushpa franchise. His unique ability to command massive box office numbers in the Hindi belt and international markets has cemented his status as one of the most bankable stars in India today. With his current market value at an all-time high, any project he attaches himself to becomes an immediate must-watch event for audiences and a high-stakes venture for distributors. His journey to the top is backed by years of consistent box office dominance. Even before his pan-India breakthrough, the Icon Star delivered massive hits such as Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020), which amassed approximately ₹269 crore worldwide and became one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of its time. This reliability was established much earlier with commercial blockbusters like Sarrainodu (2016) and Duvvada Jagannadham (2017), both of which comfortably crossed the ₹100 crore gross mark, proving his immense pull long before the current pan-India era. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   However, it was Pushpa: The Rise (2021) that truly redefined his career trajectory. The film grossed over ₹350 crore worldwide, but its most significant feat was the performance of the Hindi-dubbed version. By contributing nearly ₹106 crore net from the Hindi belt alone, the film proved that Allu Arjun's appeal transcends language barriers. As Pushpa 2: The Rule continues to track for record-breaking opening numbers in 2026, his collaboration with visionary directors like Lokesh Kanagaraj is poised to set new benchmarks for Indian cinema. In the modern era of Indian cinema, Lokesh Kanagaraj has established himself as a formidable brand, distinguished by his visionary Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) and a signature style of high-stakes, gritty action storytelling.He is one of the rare filmmakers today whose name alone acts as a massive pull for audiences, capable of guaranteeing a record-breaking opening at the box office regardless of the star cast. His ability to blend technical brilliance with commercial sensibilities has made him a favorite among both critics and trade analysts. The director's recent track record is a testament to his unmatched box office dominance. His 2023 blockbuster, Leo, shattered multiple records to gross over ₹605 crore worldwide, cementing its position as one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time. This followed the monumental success of Vikram (2022), which revitalized the box office for legend Kamal Haasan by collecting over ₹414 crore globally.Even during the challenging pandemic period, his film Master (2021) managed to gross ₹223 crore worldwide ,despite 50% occupancy restrictions in many regions, proving that his storytelling resonates deeply even under adverse conditions. While Lokesh has primarily operated within the heart of Kollywood (Tamil cinema), collaborating with icons like Thalapathy Vijay and Kamal Haasan, his reported upcoming project with Allu Arjun (AA23) marks a historic shift in his career. This venture—rumored to be his long-cherished sci-fi dream project Irumbu Kai Mayavi—will be his first direct collaboration with a Telugu superstar in a primary lead role. While his dubbed films have consistently performed exceptionally well in the Telugu-speaking states, this project signifies his official foray into directing a hero from outside the Tamil industry. This move is expected to further expand his creative footprint, bridging the gap between the southern industries and the northern belts to create a truly national cinematic event.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Chennai, January 9 - The Madras High Court has cleared a major hurdle for the release of Thalapathy Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan, directing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a U/A censor certificate to the film without any further delay. The court came down strongly on the prolonged hold-up in certification and observed that the statutory body could not keep a completed film in limbo after due process had already been followed by the makers. During the hearing, the High Court noted that the CBFC had failed to act within a reasonable timeframe despite multiple screenings and submissions by the production house. Emphasising the financial and logistical consequences of such delays, the court ordered the board to immediately issue a U/A (16+) certificate, effectively removing the legal obstacle that had stalled the film's theatrical release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Jana Nayagan, directed by H. Vinoth, is one of the most anticipated Tamil films in recent times and carries massive expectations, especially as it is widely seen as Vijay's final full-fledged cinematic outing before his active political entry. The film's release plans were disrupted due to the pending certification, forcing the makers to postpone the originally scheduled release date amid growing uncertainty. With the High Court's directive now in place, the path has been cleared for the film's release, and an official announcement regarding the new release date is expected soon. The verdict has also sparked industry-wide discussion on accountability and timely certification, reinforcing the judiciary's message that procedural delays cannot override creative freedom and commercial commitments. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The divine roar of the forest has reached the global stage. Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1, the monumental prequel to the 2022 cult hit, has officially entered the Best Picture contending race at the 2026 Oscars (Academy Awards). Produced by Hombale Films and led by the visionary Rishab Shetty, the film continues its journey of Rooted in culture, driven by divinity, bridging the gap between ancient folklore and international prestige. Moving away from the timeline of the first film, Chapter-1 serves as a prequel that explores the historical and mythological genesis of the legend. It delves deeper into the Daiva culture and the sacred relationship between man and nature in coastal Karnataka. By setting the story in an earlier era, the film provides a grander scale and a more intense look at the spiritual heritage that captivated audiences worldwide. Rooted in our culture, driven by divinity.Proud and privileged as #KantaraChapter1 enters the Best Picture contending race at the #Oscars Academy Awards 2026.#KantaraForOscars#Kantara @hombalefilms @KantaraFilm @shetty_rishab @VKiragandur @ChaluveG @rukminitweets… pic.twitter.com/xSCsH28Qjr— Hombale Films (@hombalefilms) January 9, 2026 Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1 has officially rewritten the record books for Kannada cinema, cementing its place as a global phenomenon. Proving once again that deeply rooted, culturally authentic stories possess a universal appeal, the film's financial trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary. Produced on a substantial budget of approximately ₹125 crore, the prequel has far exceeded all commercial expectations, demonstrating the immense power of the Kantara franchise and the vision of Rishab Shetty. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   On the global stage, the film has achieved a monumental milestone, crossing the ₹852.36 crore mark in worldwide gross collections. This massive international footprint is supported by a dominant performance at the domestic box office, where the film amassed a staggering ₹622.48 crore net in India. With a total Return on Investment (ROI) of approximately 400%, the film has officially been declared an All Time Blockbuster, yielding significant profits for Hombale Films and its distributors. One of the most remarkable aspects of its theatrical run is its unprecedented pan-India success.In a rare feat for regional cinema, the Hindi-dubbed version of the film outperformed the original Kannada version, collecting ₹223.79 crore net compared to the ₹200.02 crore earned in its home state. This highlights the film's massive pull in the North Indian markets and its ability to resonate with diverse audiences across the country, transcending language barriers to become a true national tent-pole. This marks a significant moment for Indian regional cinema. Following its strong opening (collecting ₹75 crore in its first weekend) and an exceptionally long theatrical run, the film's transition from a box office titan to an Academy Award contender highlights its artistic depth.The film's sustained momentum and critical acclaim have now propelled it onto the global awards circuit. Combining high-octane storytelling with spiritual depth, the film stands as a benchmark for how regional Indian stories can dominate both the commercial box office and the international stage.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, January 8 - Pan India superstar Prabhas-fronted The Raja Saab has excellent pre-sales at the worldwide box office for the opening day, despite a late start and without a key territory, Telangana. The romantic horror-comedy has crossed 50 crore in worldwide pre-sales, which is superb. Advance bookings of the film, especially in Andhra Pradesh, are superb, driven by premiere sales which are 10+ crore. Overseas markets too have seen good momentum on the last day and clocked nearly 22 crores in sales for day 1+premieres. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The achievement becomes even more remarkable as Telangana remains excluded due to ticket pricing and regulatory issues. The pre-sales, however, are not that good in the Hindi belt, which has deliverd consistant good results for past Prabhas-starrers. Directed by Maruthi, The Raja Saab marks Prabhas' return to a fun, mass-friendly genre blending romance, horror, and comedy. With bookings closing on a strong note, expectations are high for a huge opening day worldwide, as the film heads into release backed by solid momentum and strong audience anticipation. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 8 - Director Rohit Shetty is all set to bring back his most successful comedy franchise. Golmaal 5, the fifth instalment of the blockbuster Golmaal series, is set to reunite the director with Ajay Devgn and others, and the latest reports suggest that it is heading to start rolling soon. According to the report by Bollywood Hungama, Rohit Shetty will start work on Golmaal 5 after wrapping up his upcoming biopic on former Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria, which stars John Abraham in the lead role. Once that project is completed, the filmmaker will shift full focus to his trademark comedy universe. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The report says that Shetty plans to take the film on floors in February this year with a marathon schedule starting at the end of the next month. The duo of Rohit Shetty and Ajay Devgn are super confident about Golmaal 5 and believe that the script for the fifth instalment is funnier than the earlier four films. With production planned to begin in early 2026, the makers are eyeing a 2027 release, giving the film ample time for shooting, post-production, and a grand theatrical rollout. Given the franchise's box office track record, Golmaal 5 is already being seen as one of the most anticipated Bollywood releases of 2027. Rohit Shetty is known for blending slapstick comedy with scale, and Golmaal 5 is expected to push the envelope further in terms of humour, ensemble storytelling, and entertainment value. While plot details are being kept under wraps, fans can expect the signature chaos, catchphrases, and laugh-out-loud moments that define the franchise. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Tamil film industry, once the pioneer of the Pan-India wave, is currently facing a series of structural challenges. As 2025 draws to a close and the 2026 festival season kicks off with the postponement of Jana Nayagan, industry analysts are pointing toward a deeper crisis involving rising costs, shifting audience habits, and a massive power vacuum in the making. Thalapathy Vijay's transition into full-time politics following the release of Jana Nayagan is the most significant economic blow to the industry in recent years.According to theatre owners, Vijay's retirement is expected to result in a potential yearly loss of ₹10-20 Lakhs in revenue, a figure that sustains many small-scale exhibitors through leaner months. Vijay has been the primary driver for theater occupancy in Tamil Nadu, particularly in B and C centers, where his films consistently guaranteed footfalls regardless of critical reception. With his departure, exhibitors—who are already struggling with a lack of consistent hits in 2025—fear a permanent decline in the mass movie culture that has sustained single screens for decades. The digital and satellite marketplace is currently undergoing a significant bubble burst,marking a sharp correction in how Southern content is valued. Recent reports suggest that major OTT players have slashed their acquisition prices by 40% to 50% compared to 2024 levels. This shift reflects a move away from the aggressive, high-value bidding wars that characterized the post-pandemic era, as streaming platforms now prioritize sustainable returns over mere library expansion. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   This market correction has created a growing disparity between skyrocketing star salaries and the actual return on investment (ROI). While top-tier stars like Vijay, Ajith Kumar, and Rajinikanth continue to command remunerations between ₹150 crore and ₹250 crore, OTT buyers are no longer willing to pay inflated premiums. Platforms are increasingly demanding guaranteed Pan-India performance and proven theatrical footfalls before committing to high-value digital rights. Compounding these financial pressures is a deepening conflict between exhibitors and producers over the theatrical release window. Theater owners are advocating for a strict eight-week exclusive theatrical window starting in 2026 to protect the revenue of single screens and B&C centers. This demand has created significant friction with streaming partners, who typically favor a four-week window to capitalize on digital marketing momentum, further complicating the revenue models for upcoming big-budget releases. The postponement of Jana Nayagan—reportedly due to censor issues is a symptom of an industry in transition. As Kollywood prepares for a post-Vijay era, the focus is shifting toward content over stardom and Pan-India collaboration to survive the ongoing financial correction.