BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Indian film industry is currently witnessing a rare and intense standoff involving the film Satluj. After a grueling four-year battle with the censor board, the movie was quietly released on ZEE5 on July 3, 2026, without any prior marketing or announcement. However, the victory for the filmmakers was short-lived. Within just 48 hours, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting forced the streaming platform to take the movie down in India, citing national security concerns. This sudden ban has only served to amplify the conversation around the film, with veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma being one of the first major voices to speak out in its favor. Ram Gopal Varma, known for his own history with gritty and realistic cinema, described Satluj as a deep wound that will never heal. He noted that the film serves as a form of confrontation rather than mere entertainment. RGV specifically praised the way director Honey Trehan chose a slow-burn investigative approach instead of sensationalizing the horror. He highlighted that any art that makes the powerful this uncomfortable has successfully done its job, further emphasizing that the truth hits harder when someone tries to hide it. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The controversy surrounding the film is as complex as its production history. Originally titled Ghallughara, the project faced a demand for 127 cuts from the censor board. The makers subsequently changed the title to Punjab '95 and finally to Satluj to bypass authorities and reach the audience. While government officials have accused the team of being misleading to avoid compliance, the film has found a massive audience abroad. Despite being banned in India, it remains available on ZEE5 Global in markets like the US and Canada, leading to a massive 374% surge in international app downloads. At its heart, Satluj is a biographical crime drama based on the real-life crusade of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Diljit Dosanjh delivers what many are calling a career-defining performance as Khalra, a bank manager who unearthed a paper trail exposing thousands of illegal extrajudicial cremations in Punjab during the 1990s. Arjun Rampal also features in a significant role as a morally complex CBI officer navigating the institutional rot within the system. RGV commented on this specifically, stating that Diljit acts with a quiet fury that replaces typical chest-thumping heroism with a ledger and a conscience. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Just saw SATLUJ and it is not a film , but a deep wound that will never heal. It stirs up the sludge in one of the darkest chapters of our history This is cinema used as confrontation , where @diljitdosanjh acts with a quiet fury with no chest thumping heroism.. His only weapons…— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) July 7, 2026 The film is being compared to classics like Gulzar's Maachis for its emotional weight and historical honesty. By focusing on bureaucratic files and cremation records rather than exploitation, the movie creates a hard-hitting reminder of the dark chapters in modern history. The fact that Jaswant Singh Khalra himself disappeared and was murdered shortly after making his findings public adds a chilling layer of realism to the narrative. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) As it stands, Satluj has become more than just a movie; it is a point of national debate regarding censorship and the freedom of artistic expression. While Indian viewers are currently blocked from watching it legally, the massive international traction and the vocal support from industry figures like RGV suggest that the film's impact will linger far longer than its 48-hour stay on Indian streaming servers. It serves as a courageous piece of filmmaking that chooses truth over popcorn spectacle, proving that some stories simply refuse to be silenced.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 7 - The Central Government has responded to the controversy surrounding the removal of Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj from ZEE5, stating that the decision was taken in view of national security concerns and issues related to the film's certification process (as per ANI). The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has also constituted a high-level Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) to conduct a detailed review of the film's content. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to Information and Broadcasting Ministry sources, the IDC was set up on Monday, a day after ZEE5 took down Satluj from its platform. The committee has been tasked with examining the film, which is inspired by the disappearance of Punjab-based human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, and will assess whether any further action is required under the existing legal and regulatory framework. Explaining the takedown, ANI reported, citing government sources, that the film was released on the OTT platform without completing the mandatory certification process. Officials claimed that the project, which was earlier developed under the title Punjab 95, had faced objections during certification and was released as Satluj without resolving those issues. The Centre maintained that the removal directive was issued in accordance with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Honey Trehan and starring Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role, Satluj is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and depicts events linked to Punjab during the militancy era. The film premiered on ZEE5 before being removed from the platform following the government's direction, triggering widespread debate over censorship, freedom of expression, and regulatory oversight of OTT content. With the formation of the Inter-Departmental Committee, the government has now initiated a formal review of the film. The committee's findings are expected to play a key role in determining the Centre's next course of action and could influence whether Satluj returns to streaming in the future or faces additional regulatory measures.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Raj B. Shetty has officially stepped into the Tamil film industry with a high-profile project. On July 5, 2026, marking the actor-director's birthday, Raaj Kamal Films International announced that the multi-talented performer has joined the cast of Sivakarthikeyan's upcoming rural action drama, Seyon. This collaboration marks a significant expansion for Raj, who has recently been making successful inroads into various South Indian film industries. The makers welcomed him with a striking character poster that features his silhouette against an intense, fiery backdrop. While the details of his character are being kept under wraps, industry speculation indicates that Raj will play the principal antagonist. This sets the stage for a mighty on-screen face-off with Sivakarthikeyan in what is the actor's 26th film. Directed by Sivakumar Murugesan and produced by Kamal Haasan, the project features a musical score by Santhosh Narayanan and a cast that includes Bhagyashri Borse as the female lead alongside Bala Saravanan, Singampuli, and Aruldoss. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This casting choice is a major win for the production, as Raj B. Shetty is widely regarded as a powerhouse of the modern Mangaluru Wave in Kannada cinema. He first gained national attention with his brilliant writing and directorial debut in Ondu Motteya Kathe, followed by his career-defining underworld masterpiece, Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana. His versatility was further evident in his recent 2025 blockbuster horror-comedy, Su From So, which stands for Sulo Chana from Someshwara, a project he both co-produced and headlined. Beyond his Kannada roots, Raj has already established himself as a formidable villain in Malayalam cinema, having debuted opposite Mammootty in Turbo. His entry into the Tamil market with Seyon is part of a larger plan, as he is also slated to appear in Thiagarajan Kumararaja's upcoming OTT project, Pocket Novel, alongside Vijay Sethupathi. With a background that includes co-writing the massive hit Kantara and delivering intense performances in films like Toby, Raj brings a level of grounded realism and intensity that is expected to elevate the rural action narrative of Seyon. With a technical team led by Raaj Kamal Films International and a star like Sivakarthikeyan at the center, Seyon is being positioned as a major theatrical event for 2026. The addition of Raj B. Shetty adds a layer of creative depth to the ensemble, making the project one of the most interesting cross-industry collaborations to watch out for in the coming year.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The mid-2026 cinematic window is shaping up to be one of the most competitive periods in recent box office history. As major domestic and international titles prepare for their theatrical debuts, BookMyShow interest trends provide a fascinating look at which films are currently capturing the audience’s imagination. From massive superhero sequels to technically ambitious epics from master directors, the diversity of content is driving high engagement across the board. Leading the pack with massive traction is Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which currently boasts over 636k total interests. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film explores a Peter Parker operating in complete anonymity in a world that has forgotten him. Starring Tom Holland and Zendaya alongside new additions like Sadie Sink and Mark Ruffalo, the movie is adding a steady 8k interests daily as it approaches its July 31 release. Close behind is the pan-Indian spectacle Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups. Starring Yash in a dual role, this ₹500 crore period gangster epic has amassed 619k interests. Even with its August 26 release still weeks away, the buzz surrounding Geetu Mohandas's vision and the powerhouse female cast of Nayanthara and Kiara Advani is undeniable. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is carving its own unique path with 226k interests. This project is making history as the first narrative feature shot entirely on IMAX film cameras. While early trailers sparked internet debates over Robert Pattinson's modern dialogue choices, official first reactions from critics have described it as a visual masterpiece. With a nearly three-hour runtime and a cast featuring Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway, the film is set to hit theaters on July 17. The daily growth of 2k interests suggests that Nolan's technical ambition is outweighing any social media polarization. In the comedy and drama segments, Dhamaal 4 is generating healthy momentum with 121k total interests. The Ajay Devgn-led ensemble is currently adding 4k daily likes, showing strong nostalgia for the franchise as it gears up for a July 10 launch. Meanwhile, Awarapan 2 has crossed the 150k milestone. The legacy sequel marks the return of Emraan Hashmi to his iconic role as Shivam. Directed by Nitin Kakkar, the film completed principal photography in June and is eyeing an August 14 release. To better visualize how these heavyweights stack up against each other, here is a breakdown of their current standing on the platform. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Most Anticipated Movies (July-August 2026) - BMS Interest TrendsMOVIE NAMETOTAL BMS INTERESTSRELEASE DATESpider-Man: Brand New Day636K+31 Jul 2026Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups619K+26 Aug 2026The Odyssey226K+17 Jul 2026Awarapan 2150K+14 Aug 2026Dhamaal 4121K+10 Jul 2026 The data suggests a very healthy appetite for diverse genres this summer. While Spider-Man and Toxic are operating on a different scale of volume, the steady rise of films like Dhamaal 4 indicates that family audiences and franchise fans are ready to return to theaters in large numbers. As release dates draw closer, these interest counts are expected to translate into strong advance booking numbers, setting the stage for several potential blockbusters across July and August.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 7 - Michael is all set to enter the prestigious $1 billion club at the worldwide box office, capping off a sensational theatrical run across global markets. The musical biographical drama has emerged as one of the biggest commercial successes of the year and is now only a few million dollars away from reaching the historic milestone. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film has already concluded its run in India with a gross collection of over 83.50 crore. Despite facing strong competition from multiple local and Hollywood releases, Michael enjoyed a successful run in the country, driven by fanfare, positive audience reception and steady collections throughout its theatrical journey. Globally, Michael has amassed $991 million so far and is expected to reach $1 billion in the coming days. Strong performances across Europe, Latin America, and Asia have ensured that the film maintained momentum well beyond its opening weeks, putting it on course to surpass the landmark figure. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Joining the billion-dollar club would place Michael among the highest-grossing films of the year and further underline its worldwide appeal. The milestone is especially significant as only a select number of films manage to achieve the feat during their theatrical run. With several overseas markets still contributing to its box office total and limited theatrical engagements continuing, Michael is expected to comfortably cross the $1 billion mark in the coming days. The film's remarkable global performance, coupled with its solid 83 crore-plus gross in India, has firmly established it as one of the year's biggest worldwide blockbusters.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The 2026 box office has just witnessed its most improbable success story. Obsession, a psychological thriller made on a lean budget of just $750,000, has officially crossed the ₹100 Cr gross milestone at the Indian box office. In doing so, it has cemented its place as the number one Hollywood film of the year in India so far, outperforming massive sci-fi projects and star-studded sequels. With a global haul of over $400 million, the film is now being hailed as the most profitable movie of all time, proving that high-concept storytelling can occasionally overshadow blockbuster budgets. Looking at the specific results in India, the film has achieved a net collection of ₹83.96 Cr. The India gross stands at ₹99.92 Cr, which essentially hits the century mark in latest reported estimates. This domestic performance has been a key factor in its overall trajectory, allowing it to surpass other major 2026 releases like Project Hail Mary and Michael in the Indian market. It is noteworthy that the movie has claimed the top spot among Hollywood films this year, showing just how well it has resonated with local audiences. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The momentum shows no signs of fading as the film enters the mid-week stretch. Looking at the advance booking trends for today in major national chains—PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis—there is a visible jump in interest. Today, the film has recorded approximately 1,600 ticket sales, resulting in a gross of about ₹2.5L across 235 shows. This is a healthy climb from yesterday’s advance booking of roughly 1,100 tickets and ₹2.4L gross. In the chain-wise breakdown for today, PVR leads with roughly 680 tickets, followed by Cinepolis with 510 and INOX with nearly 380 tickets. The overall occupancy in these premium chains has climbed to 4.5%, suggesting that word-of-mouth is still attracting new viewers. While Obsession leads the 2026 Hollywood chart in India, the competition has also been quite strong. Films like Michael and Project Hail Mary have recorded significant global numbers, but they currently trail behind Obsession in the Indian net and gross rankings. To give you a clearer picture of the landscape, here is how the top five Hollywood performers of the year stack up in the domestic market. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Top 5 Hollywood Movies of 2026 - India Net & Gross CollectionMOVIE NAMEINDIA NET COLLECTIONINDIA GROSS COLLECTIONObsession₹ 83.96 Cr₹ 100.00 Cr*Project Hail Mary₹ 75.27 Cr₹ 89.52 CrMichael₹ 71.07 Cr₹ 83.60 CrThe Devil Wears Prada 2₹ 30.34 Cr₹ 35.85 CrLee Cronin's The Mummy₹ 25.32 Cr₹ 30.03 Cr *Estimated/Latest Reported Gross The success of Obsession is a fascinating case study for the industry. While Michael and Project Hail Mary boast massive worldwide gross figures of over ₹9,000 Cr and ₹6,400 Cr respectively, Obsession has found a much deeper grip with the Indian audience relative to its scale. It has managed to hold its ground even against established brands like The Mummy franchise and the highly anticipated sequel to The Devil Wears Prada.