BY CHRISTA LINCY

Gatta Kusthi 2 has officially etched its name in the history of Tamil cinema as a major success for Vishnu Vishal. The sports-comedy sequel has achieved a massive milestone by becoming the highest-grossing film of the actor's career. By reaching a worldwide gross of ₹25.64, it has surpassed the lifetime collections of his previous best, the psychological thriller Raatchasan, which had collected approximately 20 Cr. This is a significant feat, proving that the actor has found a solid footing with his character-driven sports dramas. Analyzing the Day 5 gross performance, Gatta Kusthi 2 pulled in ₹2.51 Cr across the country. This indicates a steady hold with a roughly 7 percent dip from Monday gross of ₹2.70 Cr. While we saw several Hindi titles benefiting from Discount Tuesday to register growth, this sports-comedy followed a standard weekday trajectory while maintaining a very respectable grip. After its first five days, the total India gross has now reached ₹21.14 Cr, while the net collection sits at ₹18.40 Cr. The film continues to run on a wide scale with 2,201 shows and an overall occupancy of 22.0 percent. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The state-wise breakdown provides a clearer picture of where the film is drawing its strength. Tamil Nadu remains the primary engine, contributing a gross of 2.25 Cr on Tuesday compared to 2.40 Cr on Monday. In Karnataka, the gross collection stood at 14 Lakhs on Day 5, a marginal dip from the 15 Lakhs recorded on Day 4. Similarly, Kerala saw a collection of 10 Lakhs on Tuesday against 12 Lakhs on Monday. In the Telugu states (AP/TG), the film held steady at 1 Lakh, while the rest of India contributed another 1 Lakh. In total, the Day 5 India gross reached 2.51 Cr compared to Monday gross of 2.70 Cr. Regional occupancy reports highlight a very healthy trend in urban centers, especially in Chennai where the film recorded a 28.3 percent occupancy from 401 shows. Coimbatore followed with 18.5 percent occupancy across 163 shows, while Bengaluru saw 15.5 percent occupancy from 184 shows. Interestingly, the performance in national chains was quite impressive. PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis collectively sold roughly over 8,400 tickets on Tuesday, resulting in a gross of approximately over 10 Lakhs. The average occupancy in these chains was nearly 9.5 percent, which is significantly higher than many other concurrent releases, showing that the movie is attracting premium theater audiences. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The digital footprint of the film is equally robust. On the booking platform BookMyShow, Gatta Kusthi 2 sold 31.05K tickets in the last 24 hours alone. This brings the total tickets sold on the platform to approximately 434.53K since its release. This level of sustained interest on a weekday indicates that the positive word of mouth is successfully translating into footfalls, allowing the film to hold its ground even as new competition prepares to enter the market. On the international front, based on early estimates, the film added 50 Lakhs on its fifth day. This pushes the total overseas gross to 4.50 Cr. When combined with the domestic performance, the worldwide gross collection is estimated to be around ₹25.64, at this stage. With the Raatchasan record now in the rearview mirror, Vishnu Vishal has set a new benchmark for his future projects. If the film continues this steady trend through the second weekend, it could very well aim for even higher lifetime targets before the theatrical window starts to narrow.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 8 - Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Part 1 continues to dominate headlines even months ahead of its theatrical release. Starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, the epic has easily been the most anticipated Indian movie in the making, not just among fans but also in the trade, for its enormous box-office potential. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) As the release date gets nearer, the film distribution race is heating up. Yesterday, Variety India reported that Karan Johar's Dharma Productions has acquired the all-India distribution rights to Ramayana Part 1 in a massive 250-crore deal. While the deal is huge, it started a conversation on social media about whether the rights were really sold for 250 crores, a significant but half of what the makers reportedly quoted, as earlier reports stated a staggering 500 crore demand. Now, according to the latest report by Bollywood Hungama, Dharma Productions has reportedly secured the theatrical distribution rights for 350 crore, making it the biggest distribution deal in Bollywood history. While the official announcement hasn't been made yet, the 350 crore deal looks more believable given the massive box office potential and the distribution demand of the makers. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dharma Productions is reportedly preparing an extensive nationwide release strategy for the epic. The project, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and backed by Namit Malhotra, stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravie Dubey as Laxman, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman, among many others in prominent roles. Mounted on a massive budget and envisioned as a two-part cinematic saga, Ramayana is among the most anticipated Indian films in recent years. Produced by Prime Focus Studios and Monster Mind Creations, the first instalment is scheduled for a grand worldwide theatrical release during the 2026 Diwali festive season, while Ramayana Part 2 will release on Diwali 2027.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Dhamaal franchise has built a legendary reputation for delivering high-octane laughter, and the upcoming fourth installment is currently one of the most anticipated releases of 2026. After several shifts in the release schedule to find the perfect window, the makers have finally settled on a release date of July 10. The anticipation is visible on platforms like BookMyShow, where over 125K people have already marked their interest in the film, making it one of the most tracked Indian movies of the year on IMDb. Looking at the initial advance booking reports, the film is starting to gain momentum across the country. For the first day, Dhamaal 4 has recorded an all-India gross of 33.79 Lac. When we include block seats, this figure jumps to a much more substantial 1.61 Cr. So far, the film has sold roughly 13,475 tickets for its opening day across 3,698 shows. While the real occupancy currently sits at 1 percent, these are early numbers and the pace is expected to pick up significantly as the release day approaches. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Maharashtra is currently leading the charts among states, with a gross of 8.48 Lac and a total including block seats of 36.12 Lac from 912 shows. Delhi follows closely with a gross of 6.72 Lac, reaching 36.46 Lac with block seats. In terms of major regions, the National Capital Region (NCR) and Mumbai are the primary drivers, contributing 6.72 Lac and 6.57 Lac respectively to the opening day tally. Other markets like Gujarat and Rajasthan are also contributing, with Gujarat showing a gross with block seats of 19.59 Lac from 700 shows and Rajasthan recording 11.1 Lac with block seats. The pressure on this fourth installment is high because the franchise has a perfect track record at the box office. The original Dhamaal was a Hit with an India net collection of 33.06 Cr and a worldwide gross of 51.30 Cr. Double Dhamaal followed that success with 44.10 Cr net and 71.00 Cr worldwide gross, also earning a Hit verdict. The stakes were raised significantly with Total Dhamaal, which collected a massive 155.67 Cr net in India and a worldwide gross of 232.18 Cr, making it a Superhit. With all three previous films being successful, the industry is watching closely to see if Dhamaal 4 can maintain this 100 percent success rate. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The plot this time around follows the classic boys on a wild quest for the Treasure of Life, but with a few supernatural twists involving pirates and ghosts. Ajay Devgn returns as a quirky IRS officer, leading the veteran ensemble of Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Jaaved Jaaferi, and Sanjay Mishra. Interestingly, the film is moving away from the franchise tradition of having no female leads. After Madhuri Dixit joined the third part, Dhamaal 4 features a larger female cast including Sanjeeda Shaikh, Esha Gupta, and Anjali Anand. Ravi Kishan also joins the chaos as a quirky pirate. The technical aspects of the film are also set for a smooth release. The Censor Board has granted a U/A 13+ certificate with a runtime of 2 hours and 23 minutes. While no scenes were cut, minor modifications were made to certain hand gestures and vocabulary to keep it family-friendly. On the music front, the soundtrack is already generating buzz. Songs like Chatni, which is a recreation of the popular track originally by Mamta Sharma, and Guru Randhawa's energetic track Qeher are trending heavily, adding to the overall excitement for the film's theatrical debut on July 10.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 8 - The makers of Rajkummar Rao-fronted highly anticipated biopic on former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly have officially unveiled the film's title, first-look poster, and release date. Titled Dada - The Sourav Ganguly Story, the sports drama is set for a worldwide theatrical release on May 14, 2027. The announcement was made on July 8, coinciding with Ganguly's birthday, giving fans their first glimpse of Rajkummar Rao's transformation into one of Indian cricket's greatest icons. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The first-look poster recreates one of the most unforgettable moments in Indian cricket history—Sourav Ganguly waving his jersey from the iconic Lord's balcony after India's dramatic NatWest Trophy triumph in 2002. Rajkummar Rao is seen sporting Ganguly's signature hairstyle and physique, while the tagline, "He Didn't Just Play The Game, He Changed It," highlights the legendary captain's impact on Indian cricket. The poster has already received an overwhelmingly positive response across social media. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane, Dada will chronicle Ganguly's inspiring journey from a young cricketer in Kolkata to becoming one of India's most influential captains. The film is expected to delve into his leadership during a transformative phase in Indian cricket, his fearless approach on the field, and the legacy he built for future generations. Rajkummar Rao reportedly underwent extensive cricket training and spent considerable time studying Ganguly's batting style, mannerisms, and personality to portray the role authentically. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Happy Birthday Dada!@SGanguly99 #RajkummarRao #VikramadityaMotwane#Dada #DadaTheSouravGangulyStory #DadaFirstLook pic.twitter.com/5eCWDvkKFA— Luv Films (@LuvFilmsLLP) July 8, 2026 Backed by Luv Films, the biopic has been mounted on a grand scale, with filming taking place at several iconic cricket venues, including Eden Gardens. The project has been one of the most eagerly awaited sports dramas in Hindi cinema ever since Ganguly confirmed Rajkummar Rao would play him on screen. With its title now officially revealed and the release date locked, Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story has become one of the biggest Bollywood releases to look forward to in 2027. Cricket fans and moviegoers alike will be eager to see Rajkummar Rao bring the remarkable story of one of India's most celebrated captains to life when the film arrives in cinemas on May 14, 2027.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Welcome To The Jungle, the third chapter in a franchise known for its mass appeal, is currently highlighting the fact that big-budget comedies still hold a special place for the family audience. The film has clearly managed to find its stride as it enters the second week of its theatrical run. It is impressive to see how the movie is holding its own in the middle of a very busy 2026 season, proving that there is still plenty of room for lighthearted entertainment. This steady performance points to a healthy level of interest from viewers who are looking for a shared cinematic experience. The film saw a positive shift on its second Tuesday, collecting a net of 3.00 Cr. This represents a 13.2 percent growth from Monday net of 2.65 Cr. Much like other films currently in theaters, the Discount Tuesday offers played a pivotal role in boosting footfalls. After twelve days of its theatrical run, the total India net collection stands at 120.55 Cr, while the India gross has reached 143.35 Cr. This performance has been supported by a consistent show count, with 6,138 shows running across the country on Tuesday. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A closer look at regional occupancy reveals that the film remains a favorite in major urban centers. The National Capital Region (NCR) led the way with 24.3 percent occupancy, while Pune and Mumbai followed closely with 21.0 percent and 20.8 percent respectively. Other key markets like Lucknow and Bengaluru also showed steady engagement with 15.0 percent and 17.3 percent occupancy. The real story, however, lies in the impact of the Discount Tuesday offers within national chains like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis. While Monday saw a modest of over 8,000 tickets sold with a gross of 21 Lakhs and 2 percent occupancy, Tuesday witnessed a massive surge. The film sold roughly 25,000 tickets on Tuesday, nearly tripling its Monday footfalls in these chains, resulting in a gross of about 43 Lakhs and an average occupancy of 6.4 percent. This clear spike demonstrates how much the reduced pricing helped pull audiences back into theaters after the typical Monday dip. On the digital booking front, BookMyShow recorded 54.12K tickets sold on Tuesday, an improvement over Monday 46.01K tickets. However, in the list of top 2nd Tuesday ticket sales for recent blockbusters, Welcome 3 missed the top 10 spot by a margin of about 10,000 tickets, trailing behind Sitaare Zameen Par which held the tenth position with 64K tickets. Regardless, the total tickets sold on the platform for this film have now crossed the massive 21.62 Lakh mark. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Looking at the international performance, early estimates suggest the film added 0.50 Cr on Day 12, taking its total overseas gross to 30.95 Cr. It has officially crossed the 3 Million Dollar mark and is now trending toward a 4 Million Dollar finish. According to data from Venky BoxOffice, the North America totals reached 1.11 Million Dollars, following a 17K Dollar Monday. This overseas stability pushes the estimated worldwide gross collection to 174.30 Cr. The film has shown a steady performance after its initial slow start. Having already crossed the 3 Million Dollar mark, current trends suggest it is heading toward a lifetime finish of approximately 4 Million Dollars overseas. When we analyze this against Akshay's last five releases, a 4 Million Dollar finish would put Welcome 3 on par with the international run of Kesari 2. It has already comfortably moved ahead of Jolly LLB 3's 3.2 Million Dollar total, though it still trails the stronger overseas numbers of BhoothBangla at 5.5 Million Dollars and the 7 Million Dollar benchmark set by Housefull 5. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) By reaching 174.30 Cr, Welcome 3 has officially surpassed the lifetime collections of Jolly LLB 3, which stood at 171 Cr. This move elevates the film to the 4th spot among the actor's highest-grossing releases in the post-pandemic era. It now sits behind the top three performers: Sooryavanshi at 293 Cr, Housefull 5 at 288 Cr, and OMG 2 at 221 Cr. While the next target is technically OMG 2, the gap of nearly 47 Cr is substantial, and reaching it will depend entirely on how the film survives the upcoming screen crunch. The real challenge for Welcome 3 starts now. While it has its own dedicated audience, the arrival of Alpha and the upcoming release of Dhamaal 4 on July 10 will create a severe screen crunch. This looming threat means that exhibitors will have to make tough choices regarding show timings. For a movie that is already twelve days into its run, maintaining momentum during such a transition is difficult. However, its ability to grow on a weekday suggests that if it can hold onto its core screens.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Tamil film industry witnessed a notable event this week as veteran filmmaker Kasthuri Raja, father of acclaimed actor Dhanush and director Selvaraghavan, officially launched NEEK actor *Pavish’s next film with a traditional ceremony in Chennai. The project, which marks the directorial debut of Mahesh Rajendran, began its journey with a pooja attended by prominent industry names and well-wishers. Kasthuri Raja gave the film its ceremonial start by clapping the first board, symbolizing blessings and good fortune for the team. Pavish, who earned recognition through Nilavukku En Mel Ennadi Kobam (NEEK) — a film directed by Dhanush and noted for its youthful narrative — is now set to expand his horizons with this new venture. The yet-untitled project brings together a promising mix of emerging talent and seasoned technicians. Director Mahesh Rajendran, who previously assisted filmmaker Lakshman, steps into the limelight with this feature. According to reports, the film is being positioned as a romantic entertainer with a contemporary touch, aiming to connect with younger audiences while retaining a family-friendly appeal. Adding to the freshness of the cast, the film introduces Naga Durga, a well-known digital creator making her Tamil cinema debut. She is also said to be preparing for her first Telugu release, marking a busy phase in her acting career. This casting move signals the team’s intention to blend cinematic experience with new-age digital reach, widening the film’s audience base. The production is backed by Zinema Media & Entertainment Ltd and Creative Entertainers & Distributors, with veteran producer G. Dhananjeyan associated with the project. On the technical front, the crew includes a strong lineup: P. G. Muthaiah as cinematographer, N. B. Srikanth (a National Award-winning editor) handling the cuts, Magendran overseeing art direction, and Harshika managing costumes. The combination of an experienced crew and an energetic young cast hints at a film designed for both visual appeal and narrative flow. The shooting began immediately after the launch event in Chennai and is expected to move through an intense filming schedule. Sources close to the team reveal that principal photography will continue through the end of 2025, with completion expected by early 2026. The makers are keeping further details — including the film’s title, genre specifics, and music director — under wraps for now, but the buzz suggests a romantic drama with comedic undertones. For Pavish, this project represents a crucial next step in his career trajectory. After earning notice in NEEK for his easygoing screen presence, this film gives him a chance to lead from the front in a story crafted around his strengths. The presence of Kasthuri Raja at the launch not only adds symbolic weight but also signals strong industry support for the emerging star. As Tamil cinema continues to welcome younger voices and creators, this collaboration between Pavish and debutant Mahesh Rajendran stands out as a film to watch. With credible names backing it, a grounded creative vision, and a launch rooted in tradition, the project arrives with both promise and purpose — a sign that the next generation of Tamil storytellers is stepping forward with confidence.