BY CHRISTA LINCY

As the promotional cycle for Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana Part 1 moves into high gear before its Diwali release, the industry is already turning its attention to Ranbir Kapoor's next massive theatrical outing. According to a report by Variety India, the production team behind Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War is currently finalizing the first official look of the film, which is expected to be unveiled in the coming months. This early reveal is intended to begin the long-term marketing journey for the project, which remains one of the most talked-about ensemble pieces in modern Hindi cinema. The decision to release the first official asset before Diwali 2026 is a calculated move to build anticipation well ahead of the film's scheduled release on January 21, 2027. While the production house has yet to lock in a specific date for this unveiling, sources indicate that fans can expect the official character posters or a teaser image in the next few weeks. This strategy allows the film to establish its presence in the audience's mind even as Ranbir Kapoor dominates the narrative with his portrayal in the Ramayana epic. During his recent interaction at the San Diego Comic-Con, Ranbir himself confirmed the status of both projects, noting that he is actively working on both Love & War and Ramayana to ensure they meet their respective timelines. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The casting of Love & War is a significant draw, bringing together the powerhouse trio of Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. However, the rest of the supporting cast has been kept strictly under wraps by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his team. Despite several alleged first look photos and leaked images circulating on social media over the last few months, the makers have maintained a tight lid on the actual production designs. The official advice for audiences has been to disregard these unofficial leaks, as the upcoming character reveals are designed to offer the first authentic glimpse into the aesthetic and tone of the film. Billed as an intense romantic drama, Love & War is set against the sprawling backdrop of a military conflict. This combination of intimate emotional stakes and grand-scale military action is a hallmark of Bhansali's storytelling style. The project arrives at a time when all three lead actors are experiencing major career milestones. Alia Bhatt is coming off the release of her action-packed role in Alpha, which arrived in theaters earlier this July. Vicky Kaushal’s last major outing was the historical drama Chhaava, released in 2025, where he received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Meanwhile, Ranbir Kapoor is preparing to lead the Diwali box office with Ramayana, which also stars Yash and Sai Pallavi. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With Bhansali at the helm and a cast of this caliber, the expectations for Love & War are high. The film's January 2027 release window provides a clear path for it to dominate the first quarter of that year. As the production enters its next phase, the official first look will serve as the primary confirmation of the film's visual direction, effectively ending the months of speculation and leaked rumors that have followed the project since its announcement.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The business surrounding Namit Malhotra's Ramayana continues to set new benchmarks in the Indian film industry. As the epic prepares for its highly anticipated release, the focus has shifted toward its non-theatrical deals. According to a report by Pinkvilla, the makers are currently targeting a record-breaking music rights deal worth ₹100 crore for the first installment of the franchise. If achieved, this would comfortably become the highest music rights valuation for a Hindi film to date. The massive valuation is driven by the unique musical collaboration of Academy Award winners AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer, who are composing the score for the film. This high-profile partnership has naturally attracted all the major music labels in the country. Currently, several key players are in negotiations, including T-Series, Sony Music, Saregama, and Universal. Industry sources indicate that Sony Music has placed the highest bid so far at approximately ₹70 crore, while T-Series has offered around ₹60 crore. While these figures already exceed previous industry standards, the production team is holding out for a number closer to their ₹100 crore target. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) To put this into context, the current record for the highest music rights deal for a Hindi film is held by Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which was sold to T-Series for ₹54 crore. The fact that the opening bids for Ramayana have already surpassed this mark highlights the immense market confidence in the project. The film features a star-studded cast led by Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, which adds to its global appeal across multiple languages. The music deal is just one part of a much larger financial strategy. The makers have already secured significant distribution partnerships, including Dharma Productions for North India and Sony Pictures for international markets. The deal with Sony Pictures is particularly noteworthy as a unique partnership where the studio has reportedly committed roughly ₹235 crore toward global marketing. With the producers adding another ₹140 crore, the total marketing budget is estimated at a massive ₹375 crore. This strategy aims to recover a significant portion of the production costs through high-value non-theatrical rights before the film even hits theaters. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Part One is scheduled for a grand theatrical release during Diwali 2026. While fans were expecting the first trailer on July 24, the launch was pushed back to a later date that is yet to be announced. As the release window approaches, the finalization of these record deals will be closely monitored by the industry to see if the film can indeed hit the elusive ₹100 crore milestone in the music space.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, July 28 - Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan is doing more than just posting impressive box office numbers - it is reminding everyone why the actor's exit from cinema leaves a massive void in the Tamil film industry. Despite facing a delayed release, outright negative reviews, piracy issues, and the actor's full-time transition into politics, the film has still emerged as one of the biggest Tamil releases of 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Within just the opening weekend, the film crossed the 200 crore worldwide milestone. Instead of fading after the opening weekend, as trade was expecting given the negative reception, the film has shown surprisingly good hold on Monday, underlining why Vijay has remained one of Indian cinema's most bankable stars for over two decades. The film opened with around 78 crore worldwide and enjoyed a healthy jump over the weekend. Strong weekday collections are often a sign that a film is attracting audiences beyond the initial fan frenzy, and Vijay's swansong has done exactly that. The Monday performance has significantly improved the film's long-term box office prospects and reaffirmed the actor's unmatched drawing power. Though it may still not be able to recover the cost involved, due to reasons mentioned above. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What Tamil cinema will miss the most is Vijay's ability to turn every release into a theatrical event. Regardless of reviews, genre, or competition, his films consistently delivered massive openings, packed cinemas, and strong performances in Tamil Nadu as well as overseas markets. Few stars have enjoyed the kind of universal appeal that brings together families, casual moviegoers, and hardcore fans in such huge numbers. His consistency at the box office has made him one of the industry's most dependable superstars. While Tamil cinema continues to boast several talented leading actors, replacing Vijay's unique combination of fan following, theatrical pull, and box office reliability will be an enormous challenge. Jana Nayagan is once again demonstrating that his presence alone can elevate a film into a major commercial event. As the film continues its theatrical run, it serves as a reminder that Vijay's retirement from acting leaves a void that cannot be filled overnight.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Marvel fans in India have a notable week ahead at the box office with the arrival of Spider-Man: Brand New Day on July 30. The theatrical prints of this new Spider-Man film will include the official trailer for Avengers: Doomsday. While the footage has already circulated online, this move allows Indian audiences to experience the scale of the next major Avengers crossover on the big screen for the first time. Including the Avengers: Doomsday trailer in theaters is a strategic move to leverage the high attendance numbers expected for a Spider-Man release. India remains a key international market for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and offering the chance to see flagship ensemble footage in a premium format often helps drive early ticket sales. This theatrical debut of the trailer is highly anticipated as it provides a large-scale look at the new direction the franchise is taking following recent production updates. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The early footage from Avengers: Doomsday has provided plenty of details for fans to analyze, especially regarding the massive scale of the film. Reports suggest that the final movie is currently tracking for a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 46 minutes. This would make it one of the longest entries in the franchise, sitting right alongside the expansive runtimes of previous Avengers crossovers. The trailer itself is packed with hidden elements that hint at the high stakes involved in this multiversal story. One of the most significant details being discussed by audiences involves a display inside the newly renovated Avengers Tower. Fans speculate that three connected globes seen in the footage represent three distinct realities colliding. This visual is widely believed to represent the main MCU (Earth-616), the world of the Fantastic Four, and the original 20th Century Fox X-Men universe, suggesting that an incursion will be a central plot point. Additionally, eagle-eyed viewers have reportedly decoded a glitched countdown clock from promotional teasers, which appears to display coordinates for past locations of the Infinity Stones, leading to theories that the history of the Stones still plays a role in this upcoming crisis. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The action sequences shown in the trailer give us a glimpse of some unexpected matchups. One notable scene takes place on the grounds of the X-Mansion, featuring a battle where Shang-Chi uses the Ten Rings against Gambit, and Yelena Belova faces off against Mystique. The power of the new antagonist is also established early on. In a shocking moment, Thor attempts to hit Doctor Doom with Stormbreaker, but Doom effortlessly stops the weapon using just two fingers. This interaction sets a very dangerous tone for the heroes, especially given Thor's emotional narration where he warns that all past sacrifices will be for nothing without a miracle. While the focus remains on the release of Spider-Man Brand New Day, the inclusion of the Doomsday footage adds an extra layer of value for theater-goers. Historically, Marvel has used these theatrical attachments to create a unique event-style atmosphere for fans who prefer the big-screen experience over mobile leaks or early digital previews. The July 30 date puts Indian fans in a unique position to catch this content as theaters prepare for one of the busiest weekends of the quarter. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Avengers Doomsday has been a major talking point in the industry recently, especially after the confirmation of the Russo Brothers returning to direct and the casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. By pairing the trailer with a Spider-Man film, the studio is leaning into the strong connection between these characters that has been established in previous phases of the MCU. For now, all eyes are on the July 30 release to see how this double-feature experience impacts the opening day numbers across major Indian cities. Avengers Doomsday Trailer: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) When can Indian audiences see the Avengers Doomsday trailer in theaters? The trailer will be officially attached to the theatrical prints of Spider-Man: Brand New Day starting from July 30, 2026 What is the estimated runtime for Avengers Doomsday? Current reports suggest the film is tracking for a massive runtime of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 46 minutes, making it one of the longest entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What are the key theories from the first trailer? Fans speculate that the three connected globes shown in the footage represent multiversal incursions between Earth-616, the Fantastic Four universe, and the Fox X-Men universe. There are also theories about the creation of Battleworld and the return of Infinity Stone coordinates. Who is directing the film and when will it release? The Russo Brothers are returning to direct this milestone event, which is officially scheduled for a global theatrical release in December 2026.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 28 - Spider-Man: Brand New Day has finally been seen by the members of the press after the worldwide premiere on July 27. The fourth standalone Spider-Man, led by Tom Holland, is one of the most eagerly awaited, and the early reactions from the premiere indicate why it is generating so much hype, not just in North America, but worldwide. The early reactions say that director Destin Daniel Cretton's blockbuster is grounded, emotionally charged, and one of the best, if not the best, Spider-Man movies across all three series. Following the events after Spider-Man: No Way Home, Brand New Day shows Holland's Peter Parker/Spider-Man being vulnerable yet a hope for mankind. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Destin Daniel Cretton's Spider-Man: Brand New Day injects a ferocious energy into Spidey's latest adventure, delivering all the thrills you'd expect from a Tom Holland Spider-Man movie while feeling deeper, more thoughtful and more mature than the previous trilogy. That… pic.twitter.com/ejzaeoVape— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) July 28, 2026 #SpiderManBrandNewDay is not only Tom Holland's best Spider-Man movie, it's one of the best Spider-Man films period.Super emotional and heartfelt, packed with unforgettable moments and an amazing direction, it perfectly captures what makes Peter Parker such an enduring hero. I… pic.twitter.com/HHLJHfDrd1— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) July 28, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) It really is a brand new day for Peter Parker as Destin Daniel Cretton takes over for Jon Watts in the director’s chair for SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY. Cretton brings a more grounded, back-to-basics approach to the beloved web-slinger, making this fourth standalone film feel like… pic.twitter.com/d3DNxiyBHA— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) July 28, 2026 SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY — Marvel dials back the multiverse tedium for a grounded Spider-Man tale that’s back to the grungy city roots of the comic book hero we knew and loved. Tom Holland finally nails the sarcasm, angst and love hassles of Spidey/Peter Parker as Stan Lee… pic.twitter.com/EuliPdmkqo— Peter Howell 🖊 (@peterhowellfilm) July 28, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) #SpidermanBrandNewDay is everything I hoped it would be! A tragic yet poetic odyssey about what it truly means to feel alone, only to realize you may not have to be alone…It’s thematically beautiful while still delivering an endlessly entertaining Spider-Man adventure that… pic.twitter.com/QCeOoY5JU4— Zach Pope (@ZachhPope) July 28, 2026 #SpidermanBrandNewDay is an older Spider-Man movie.Gone are the high school days, not just in tone but in visuals as well. No pop song over the end credits. This is a reserved, street level, Spider-Man.It does deal with a lot of themes of loneliness, which I tend to…— Robert Adams (@RCAReacts) July 28, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Spider-Man: Brand New Day somehow manages to top No Way Home as my new favorite Spider-Man film and the best Marvel movie to date. The secret sauce with this one is the emotional weight of the screenplay. You really feel the pain and sorrow that Peter is feeling and the scenes… pic.twitter.com/Ox8jIR4IpL— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) July 28, 2026 #SpiderManBrandNewDay is not only my least favorite of the Tom Holland Spidey films, but one of the worst movies of the MCU as a whole. It's tremendously ugly with atrocious CGI and unintelligible action, and the emotional beats are hokey. A big disappointment. pic.twitter.com/n5VOqJ0aHX— Sean Boelman (@bigtunaonfilm) July 28, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) #SpiderManBrandNewDay is AWE-INSPIRING. ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR. Destin Daniel Cretton crafts a bold and mature take on our favourite web-head. Tom Holland cements himself as the best Spider-Man to don the mask. Amazing action sequences. Sensational production design. The defining… pic.twitter.com/Ru0C2Q1Obh— Anthony Gagliardi @ The Movie Podcast (@AJGaliardi) July 28, 2026 #BrandNewDay is the Tom Holland Spider-Man movie I’ve been waiting for. Packed with so much emotional depth. Spectacular new visual flair. Along with strong character arcs. Destin Daniel Cretton nailed all these elements. I’m so satisfied! Also Punisher/Spidey dynamic… PERFECT😂 pic.twitter.com/0xIAJB8fJv— Cris Parker (@3CFilmss) July 28, 2026

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Ranbir Kapoor is reportedly no longer associated with the fourth installment of the Dhoom franchise, according to a report by Bollywood Hungama. While he was widely considered for the role of the lead antagonist, the actor has decided to move on from the project. This development follows a period of high industry expectation regarding his potential entry into the Yash Raj Films action series, marking a change in the development plans for the upcoming film. The reports suggest that while discussions between the actor and the production house were ongoing for quite some time, they eventually fizzled out. A key reason cited for this departure is the script. Sources indicate that Ranbir Kapoor was not entirely convinced by the current draft of the story. Known for prioritizing the narrative and character depth over franchise labels, the actor chose to part ways after several rounds of meetings did not yield a creative consensus. This decision has reportedly left the production team looking for a fresh direction as they prepare to reboot one of India’s most successful brands. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) For nearly two years, the strongest trade rumor in Bollywood suggested that Aditya Chopra had selected Ranbir Kapoor to lead the rebooted franchise as its new charismatic anti-hero. However, the actor himself provided a definitive answer during a recent appearance at San Diego Comic-Con while promoting his upcoming project, Ramayana. When asked directly about headlining the action series, Ranbir explicitly denied his involvement, stating that his current focus is entirely on Ramayana and his other film, Love & War. There has also been significant movement regarding the directorial helm of the project. Earlier, it was believed that Ayan Mukerji would be directing Dhoom 4. However, after the experience with War 2, Aditya Chopra reportedly decided to seek a different creative lead for this specific franchise. Ranbir, who shares a close professional bond with Mukerji, was reportedly awaiting clarity from YRF regarding the director and the final vision. With the project undergoing internal shifts, the actor has now moved on to explore other subjects and is meeting with various writers and directors for his future slate. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) From a trade perspective, however, the status of the film remains in the early stages. Multiple industry sources claim that the script for Dhoom 4 is still very much in the development phase and that no official casting decisions have been finalized at this point. They argue that until the script is locked, any attachment or departure of a lead actor remains part of the evolving pre-production process. Regardless of these conflicting views, it appears certain that YRF will eventually have to look for new casting options if they wish to match the scale of the previous installments. The Dhoom franchise holds a special place in Bollywood history, known for its stylized villains and high-speed chases. It began in 2004 with John Abraham, followed by an era-defining performance by Hrithik Roshan in Dhoom 2 in 2006. The last chapter, Dhoom 3 in 2013 starring Aamir Khan, was a massive commercial juggernaut. It became the first Indian film to breach the ₹500 crore mark at the worldwide box office, setting a benchmark for action cinema in the country. Given this legacy, the pressure to find a lead who can carry the franchise forward is immense. The franchise is also known for its history of pushing technical boundaries. Yash Raj Films used the massive box office weight of the series to gamble on innovation with Dhoom 3, which became the first native Hindi movie ever presented in the IMAX format. This move caused a significant surge in premium-screen average ticket prices across major metro chains and set a new standard for the scale of Indian action cinema.