BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 27 - The much-awaited thriller Haiwaan, starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, has officially locked its theatrical release date. The film is slated to hit cinemas worldwide on September 11, 2026, marking one of the biggest Bollywood releases of the year. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan, Haiwaan has already created significant buzz among moviegoers due to its intriguing premise and the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after nearly two decades. The duo, known for their memorable on-screen chemistry in films like Main Khiladi Tu Anari and Tashan, are expected to bring an intense dynamic to this psychological thriller. According to industry reports, Haiwaan is inspired by the critically acclaimed Malayalam thriller Oppam, starring superstar Mohanlal. While Saif Ali Khan is expected to play the protagonist, Akshay Kumar will reportedly be seen in a dark, negative role — something fans are eagerly looking forward to. Meanwhile, Mohanlal will be seen in a cameo role. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) One obsession. One relentless pursuit.One date you’ll want to remember.#Haiwaan - A Priyadarshan Film starring Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar ✨In cinemas 11th September 2026.Mark your calendars 🗓️ #SaifAliKhan @akshaykumar@priyadarshandir @ipritamofficial… pic.twitter.com/cAuIDV7sTR— KVN Productions (@KvnProductions) June 27, 2026 Apart from the theatrical release update, the makers have also finalised the film's post-theatrical streaming partner. Sony Pictures Networks India has acquired the digital rights, and the film will stream on SonyLIV after completing its run in cinemas. The deal also includes satellite and music rights as well, making it one of the notable pre-release acquisitions in recent months. With Priyadarshan at the helm and a powerful star cast leading the project, along with Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Haiwaan is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated thrillers of 2026. Fans are now eagerly waiting for the teaser and official trailer announcement. The movie is produced by KVN Production in its Bollywood debut with Thespian Films.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 27 - Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has dominated the comedy-horror and ensemble entertainer space in 2026 with two major releases — Bhooth Bangla and Welcome To The Jungle. While both films generated decent buzz before release, the real battle began at the box office, with advance booking numbers and opening day collections becoming the biggest talking points. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The comedy genre has fared well over the years if made well, and both the films this year featuring Khiladi Kumar have proved that once again by taking a good start at the domestic box office, continuing Akshay's winning streak. However, the interesting thing is that both films have put almost identical numbers, from booking to day 1 collection. Opening Day Advance Booking Analysis Bhooth Bangla maintained a slight lead in advance booking numbers. The horror-comedy benefited from Akshay Kumar's return to the genre and strong trailer response. Meanwhile, Welcome To The Jungle also recorded impressive pre-sales due to franchise nostalgia, ensemble cast appeal, and strong family audience interest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Welcome To The Jungle vs Bhooth Bangla Advance Booking Comparison Film Without Block Seats With Block Seats Bhooth Bangla ₹ 3.30 Cr ₹ 6.80 Cr Welcome To The Jungle ₹ 3.10 Cr ₹ 6.25 Cr Opening Day India Net Collection Analysis Although Bhooth Bangla maintained a slight edge in booking, Welcome To The Jungle successfully converted audience excitement into higher footfalls on release day, after scoring identical numbers in paid previews. The comedy entertainer clearly dominated the Day 1 box office race by posting a bigger opening collection, proving the strength of franchise-driven cinema in Bollywood. Both Bhooth Bangla delivered a good start and went on to become one of the most successful Bollywood films of 2026. Welcome To The Jungle has also opened well and showcased Akshay Kumar's continued pull among audiences. The advances for the weekend are good, and if the momentum continues beyond the weekend, Welcome 3 can emerge as another successful film for the actor. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Welcome To The Jungle vs Bhooth Bangla Day 1 Collection Comparison Film Paid Previews Total Day 1 India Net Bhooth Bangla ₹ 3.75 Cr ₹ 16 Cr Welcome To The Jungle ₹ 3.75 Cr ₹ 19 Cr

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Akshay Kumar’s comedy entertainer Welcome To The Jungle has begun its box office journey with an estimated 3.75 crore net, around 4.50 crore gross from paid preview shows across India. Early trade reports suggest the film performed well in limited evening/night screenings ahead of its official release. Directed by Ahmed Khan, the film features a huge ensemble led by Akshay Kumar along with Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade and Rajpal Yadav, among others. Trade analysts are closely watching whether positive word-of-mouth can help the film sustain through the weekend, especially after Akshay Kumar’s recent comedy success with Bhooth Bangla. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) LIVE BLOG 10:00 PM (IST) 26 JUN 2026 Welcome To The Jungle Live Update: Clocked 18+ Crore Gross According to early estimates, Welcome To The Jungle has scored around 15+ crore net (18+ crore gross) on its opening day. Including paid previews, the opening of the film is 18.75 crores net (22.50 crore gross), which is a good start. Worldwide, the movie has grossed around 30 crores (estimated). 08:00 PM (IST) 26 JUN 2026 Welcome To The Jungle Live Update: Clocked 13.75+ Crore Gross The comedy entertainer has improved with each passing show, overall showing good momentum on its opening day. The film has grossed 13.75+ crores as of 8 PM in real-time collection, and is heading towards 18-20+ crores gross on its opening day, excluding paid previews. 03:00 PM (IST) 26 JUN 2026 Welcome To The Jungle Live Update: Clocked 5.50+ Crore Gross The Ahmed Khan-directed film is showing good momentum going into the evening and night shows. The film has grossed 5.50+ crores as of 3 PM in real-time collection, and if the momentum continues, the movie can score 14-15 crores net on its opening day, excluding paid previews. 12:00 PM (IST) 26 JUN 2026 Welcome To The Jungle Live Update: Clocked 2+ Crore Gross As of 12 PM, the comedy entertainer grossed over 2 crore (1.75 crore net). The word of mouth is coming into play as occupancy for evening and night shows is much better, comfortably putting it on course for around 15 crores net opening day. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 09:10 AM (IST) 26 JUN 2026 Taran Adarsh Gave 3.5 Stars To Welcome 3, Calls It Entertaining #OneWordReview...#WelcomeToTheJungle: ENTERTAINING.Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½Get ready for a 1980s-style masala entertainer... The focus is on fun, laughter, nostalgia, and larger-than-life entertainment – not logic or reasoning... Several jokes land effectively, though the post-interval… pic.twitter.com/ImE9Dccrnp— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) June 25, 2026 . 09:00 PM (IST) 26 June 2026 Welcome To The Jungle Paid Previews: Scores Decent 3.75 Cr Net Just like Akshay Kumar's last movie, Bhooth Bangla, Welcome To The Jungle also scored around 3.75 crores net collection in its Thursday paid previews, which is one of the biggest for a Bollywood film. The movie is expected to take around 15 crore net opening (including previews). @keyframes pulse { 0% { opacity: 1; } 50% { opacity: 0.2; } 100% { opacity: 1; } } .blinking-dot { height: 7px; width: 7px; background-color: white; border-radius: 50%; display: inline-block; animation: pulse 1.2s infinite ease-in-out; } { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "LiveBlogPosting", "headline": "Peddi Box Office Collection Day 5 Live Update", "description": "Analytical report and live updates for Peddi box office performance.", "liveBlogUpdate": [ { "@type": "BlogPosting", "headline": "Peddi hits 150 cr mark", "datePublished": "2026-06-08T09:50:00+05:30", "articleBody": "Peddi has officially crossed the 150 crore net mark in India, according to early estimates." } ] }

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, June 26 - Director S. S. Rajamouli has shared a major update on the progress of his hugely-awaited film Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The filmmaker revealed that the production has already wrapped up most of its large-scale filming portions and is now moving toward the final stages of the shoot. Fans have been eagerly waiting for updates on the ambitious project, which is being mounted on a massive scale. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Speaking about the current status of the film, Rajamouli said, "What I can say is we have completed a major portion of the shoot, including all the important large-scale action sequences. We are now filming the smaller interconnecting scenes, so hopefully by September, or a little into October, we should be finishing the shoot." His statement has now given fans a clearer timeline for the completion of the film. The update has created huge excitement among movie lovers, especially after reports of extensive shooting schedules across multiple international locations surfaced earlier this year. The film is said to feature grand action episodes, visually rich storytelling, and cutting-edge VFX work, making it one of the most ambitious Indian productions currently in development. Mahesh Babu's collaboration with Rajamouli has already generated massive expectations across the country. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While the makers have remained tight-lipped about the plot, Varanasi is believed to be an adventure-driven action drama with a global backdrop. Priyanka Chopra Jonas is playing a key role in the film alongside Mahesh Babu, with Prithviraj Sukumaran donning the antagonist hat. The project is being produced on a huge budget of over 1000 crores and is expected to deliver a cinematic spectacle on an international scale. With the shoot now nearing completion, fans can expect more official announcements, promotional material, and possibly a teaser in the coming months. As Rajamouli enters the final leg of production, anticipation surrounding Varanasi continues to grow stronger with every update. The film is scheduled to release on April 7, 2027, in multiple languages, also in IMAX.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 26 - In an era where theatrical success is increasingly unpredictable, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge arrived like a storm and refused to slow down even after weeks. The Aditya Dhar-directed spy actioner has completed a sensational 100-day run at the box office, proving that powerful storytelling and grand cinematic spectacle still rule the big screen. A Rare Box Office Phenomenon (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Led by Ranveer Singh, The Revenge began as one of the most anticipated releases of the year, but it quickly transformed into a worldwide phenomenon, with audiences turning up in massive numbers, be it in the home market or international territories. The film delivered a gripping mix of action, emotion, revenge, and political drama. Director Aditya Dhar expanded the scale with emotionally charged moments and a darker narrative that kept viewers invested from start to finish. The sequel not only met expectations but surpassed them in every possible way. Dhurandhar 2's extraordinary box office journey became one of the biggest talking points in the industry. From record-breaking opening numbers to packed theatres weeks after release, the actioner maintained a level of audience excitement rarely seen in recent years. Fans celebrated the film through social media trends, viral dialogues, fan edits, and repeated theatre visits, helping it evolve into much more than just another blockbuster release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What It Means For Indian Cinema Beyond its commercial success, the film also represents a major moment for Indian cinema. Dhurandhar 2 proved that audiences are still willing to invest in large-scale theatrical experiences when backed by strong storytelling, emotional depth, and cinematic ambition. At a time when the industry is constantly debating the impact of streaming platforms and changing viewing habits, the film's success has restored confidence in the power of theatrical filmmaking and event cinema. Apart from its box office numbers of 1800+ crores gross worldwide, the film earned praise for its performances and technical brilliance. Ranveer Singh's intense portrayal struck a chord with audiences, while the supporting cast added depth and impact to the story. The background score, action choreography, and large-scale cinematic presentation elevated the overall experience, making it one of the most talked-about films of the year. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What makes this 100-day milestone even more remarkable is the changing nature of modern movie consumption. In the era of instant streaming and short attention spans, sustaining theatrical momentum for over three months is a rare achievement. Yet Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge managed to unite audiences across regions and generations, reminding the industry of the unmatched magic of the theatrical experience.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, June 26 - The possibility of Baahubali 3 has once again become a hot topic among fans after actors Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, and Anushka Shetty dropped intriguing hints during the Netflix documentary Baahubali: The Torchbearer. The documentary, which revisits the legacy of SS Rajamouli's epic franchise, has sparked fresh excitement across social media. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A particular moment from the documentary quickly went viral after Rana Daggubati said, "The world may not be ready yet, but there will be Baahubali..." to which Prabhas was seen flashing three fingers, which fans instantly interpreted as a subtle confirmation of a third instalment. Anushka Shetty's presence and reaction during the interaction further intensified the buzz surrounding the franchise’s future. The Baahubali series remains one of the biggest cinematic achievements in Indian film history. The first two films, Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, shattered box office records and gained worldwide recognition for their grand storytelling, visual effects, and powerful performances. Even years after the release of the second film, the franchise continues to enjoy a massive fan following. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Although there has been no official announcement from director SS Rajamouli regarding Baahubali 3, the recent hints from the lead cast have reignited hopes among audiences. Fans have flooded social media with excitement, with many expressing their eagerness to return to the world of Mahishmati once again. If the project eventually becomes a reality, Baahubali 3 will become one of the most anticipated Indian films of the decade. Meanwhile, an animated Baahubali: The Eternal War Part 1 is currently in production for a 2027 grand worldwide theatrical release. SS Rajamouli, on the other hand, is currently directing Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film is scheduled to release on April 7, 2027, worldwide. The maverick filmmaker has not locked his next project after Varanasi, keeping his options open. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Bahubali 3 is Official now 🥳🥳🥳🥳 confirmed by Prabhas anna, Rana and Sweety #Prabhas #Bahubali3 pic.twitter.com/wo0qW6JCyF— 🍿 (@Mithabhashi__) June 25, 2026