Bollywood

1 min ago

Cocktail 2 Day 1 Live News Update: Shahid Kapoor Starrer Secures Solid 8.83 Cr Opening Start

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Homi Adajania returns to the director's chair today, June 19, for the release of Cocktail 2, a film that carries the weight of a fourteen-year legacy. The original 2012 movie remains a definitive benchmark for the urban romantic-comedy genre, having turned a modest 35 Crore budget into a worldwide gross of over 121 Crore. Back then, the film benefited from a grounded narrative and a soundtrack that became a cultural staple. The challenge for this spiritual successor is to capture that same contemporary charm while navigating a significantly different theatrical environment in 2026. Live Now The new narrative is led by the trio of Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna. For Shahid Kapoor, this release is a critical one as it marks his second major appearance of the year. His earlier outing in February, O Romeo, was a commercial disappointment that netted only 8.50 Crore on its opening day despite a very wide release. However, the early interest in Cocktail 2 indicates a much stronger resonance with the audience. By focusing on a fresh dynamic between the leads and maintaining the director’s signature style, the film is positioned to perform significantly better than Shahid's previous release. LIVE BLOG 10:00 AM (IST) 19 JUN 2026 Cocktail 2 Review: Taran Adarsh Calls It A WINNER; Awards 4 Stars Trade analyst Taran Adarsh has shared his early verdict on Cocktail 2, describing it as a total WINNER. Awarding the film a strong 4-star rating, he noted that the movie more than lives up to the massive expectations following the 2012 original. The review highlights that the film scores on all fronts, including solid performances, superb music, stunning visuals, and captivating writing. #OneWordReview...#Cocktail2: WINNER. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️More than lives up to expectations... Solid performances, superb music, stunning visuals, and captivating writing – this film scores on all fronts. #Cocktail2ReviewGet ready to be surprised... Yes, #Cocktail2 is a love… pic.twitter.com/2Kc0g13gnG— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) June 18, 2026 09.40 AM (IST) 19 JUN 2026 Cocktail 2 Day 1 Live Update: BMS Ticket Sales Surge; National Chains Add 3.25 Cr Cocktail 2 has officially taken center stage today, June 19. As an urban romantic drama, the film has managed a healthy start with a total advance gross of 8.83 Cr including block seats. In the major national chains, it secured 3.25 Cr, supported by roughly 76,000 ticket sales. PVR led the contributions with 1.9 Cr, while INOX and Cinepolis followed with 95 Lakhs and 40 Lakhs respectively. The momentum on BookMyShow has also been impressive, showing a significant spike in the final 24 hours. Sales rose from 6.95K on June 14 to a peak of 69.72K on June 18, bringing the final pre-sale tally on the platform to 120.29K tickets. 09.20 AM (IST) 19 JUN 2026 Cocktail 2 Day 1 Advance Report: Secures 8.83 Cr Pre-Sales Cocktail 2 has wrapped up its advance booking phase with a total gross of 8.83 Cr including block seats. Within the national multiplex chains, the film showed a steady performance by collecting 3.25 Cr from approximately 76,000 tickets sold. PVR emerged as the top contributor with 1.9 Cr, followed by INOX at 95 Lakhs and Cinepolis at 39 Lakhs. This start puts it well ahead of Shahid Kapoor’s previous release, O Romeo, which had managed 5.9 Cr in total advances earlier this year. @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." } ] }

Bollywood

45 min ago

197 views

Cocktail 2 Box Office earns 8.83 Cr gross joining Dhurandhar 2 in the Top 5 Advance Bookings of 2026

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Cocktail 2 has officially taken center stage today, June 19, marking a notable moment for the mid-year box office. As an urban romantic drama, the film has managed a healthy start with a total advance gross of 8.83 Cr including block seats. In the major national chains, it secured around 3.25 Cr, supported by roughly 76,000 ticket sales. PVR led the contributions with nearly 1.9 Cr, while INOX and Cinepolis followed with 95 Lakhs and 39 Lakhs respectively. The numbers reflect a clear focus on the multiplex audience, showing that the summer window remains a viable spot for character-driven stories. This release is a significant one for Shahid Kapoor, marking his second major appearance of the year. His previous film, O Romeo, was a commercial disappointment, netting only 8.50 Cr on its opening day despite having a massive footprint of 11,903 shows. However, the advance booking pace for Cocktail 2 suggests a much more optimistic outcome for the actor. With 8.83 Cr in pre-sales already in the bag compared to the 5.9 Cr managed by O Romeo, the momentum is clearly higher this time around. This shift in audience interest indicates that Cocktail 2 is positioned to perform significantly better than his February release, which struggled to convert its wide release into substantial collections, finishing its first day with a total India gross of 10.20 Cr. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While today is all about the contemporary vibe of Cocktail 2, it was only a few months ago that the industry witnessed a very different level of momentum with Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge. Released on March 19, this spy thriller currently holds the record for the year with a massive 62.43 Cr in total pre-sales. Its performance in national chains was on another scale, pulling in over 25 Cr from more than 5 Lakh ticket sales. PVR alone accounted for 12.16 Cr, with INOX adding 8.70 Cr. The high occupancy levels, which averaged around 40 percent in these chains, proved that high-stakes action remains the most potent driver for advance bookings in the current market. This pattern of brand-driven success actually began in the first month of the year when Border 2 arrived for the Republic Day weekend. The war drama showcased how legacy franchises can bridge the gap between different generations of filmgoers. It secured 17.5 Cr in total advance bookings, with national chains contributing roughly 5.5 Cr. By selling 1.40 Lakh tickets across these major circuits, the film established a strong foundation for the year. PVR contributed 2.60 Cr to this total, while INOX and Cinepolis together brought in nearly 2.6 Cr, benefiting from the patriotic sentiment of the January 23 release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Beyond these massive tentpole sequels, the first half of 2026 also carved out space for specific genre collaborations that relied on director-actor nostalgia. Bhooth Bangla, which brought Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan back together on April 17, managed over 6.5 Cr in total pre-sales. Within the national chains, it saw a gross of 1.75 Cr from approximately 52,000 tickets, with PVR providing just over 1 Cr of that volume. Similarly, the romantic thriller O Romeo utilized its February 13 release to target the Valentine's window. Starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, it earned 5.9 Cr in total advances, with national chains adding 1.45 Cr through 44,200 ticket sales. Top 5 Bollywood Movies of 2026 (H1) - 1st Day Advance GrossMOVIE NAMEADVANCE GROSS [WITH BLOCK SEATS]Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge₹ 62.43 CrBorder 2₹ 17.50 CrCocktail 2₹ 8.83 CrBhooth Bangla₹ 6.80 CrO Romeo₹ 5.90 Cr

Tollywood

11 hrs ago

798 views

Peddi Box Office: Overtakes Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu in North America; Becomes Highest Telugu Grosser of 2026

BY CHRISTA LINCY

While Peddi has managed to cross the $3.4 million mark in North America after 13 days, the numbers tell a story of underperformance when placed against its high stakes. On the surface, surpassing the $3.38 million lifetime gross of Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu and becoming the top Telugu grosser of 2026 in this territory looks like a milestone. However, when we look at the actual economics, the film is struggling to justify its massive pre-release valuation in the overseas market. The North America breakeven target for this Ram Charan starrer was set at a staggering $6.5 million, which is roughly ₹62.22 crore. This was the highest target ever set for his solo lead films in this region, setting a very high bar for success. With the film currently trending toward an expected closing gross of approximately $3.50 million, it is clear that Peddi will fall significantly short of its recovery goal. Despite the top-ranking status for the current year, the wide gap between the target and the actual collection marks the film as a box office failure in the overseas circuit. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The films current performance has allowed it to overtake the lifetime collections of Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, which earned $3.38 million in the region. Reaching this total in less than two weeks shows a strong connection with the NRI audience and reflects the steady interest the film has maintained since its release. It is currently sitting at $3.42 million and is continuing to add to its tally as it nears the end of its second week. When looking at the all-time list of Telugu grossers in this market, Peddi has now entered the top tier. It is currently placed at the 12th spot, having moved past films like Bharat Ane Nenu and Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu. The film is now chasing the numbers set by Rangasthalam, which is the next target on the list. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Top Telugu Grossers in North AmericaRANKMOVIE NAMENORTH AMERICA GROSS ($ MILLION)1Baahubali 2 The Conclusion$ 20.77 M2Kalki 2898 AD$ 18.57 M3RRR$ 15.34 M4Pushpa 2: The Rule$ 15.26 M5Salaar Part 1 - Cease Fire$ 8.92 M6Baahubali The Beginning$ 8.47 M7Devara: Part - 1$ 6.07 M8They Call Him OG$ 5.59 M9Hanu-Man$ 5.31 M10Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo$ 3.63 M11Rangasthalam$ 3.51 M12Peddi$ 3.42 M13Bharat Ane Nenu$ 3.41 M14Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu$ 3.38 M

Tollywood

11 hrs ago

2K views

Peddi Box Office: Becomes the 9th movie to achieve the 200 Crore Telugu Net milestone

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Peddi is heading toward the end of its second week at the box office. On its fourteenth day, the film collected a gross of ₹2.83 crore across India. When we look at the previous day, where it earned ₹3.96 crore gross, there is a clear downward movement as the film nears the end of its second week. Most of the revenue continues to come from the Telugu states, but the drop indicates that the initial frenzy is now stabilizing into a steady run. Breaking down the state-wise gross for Day 14, the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions contributed ₹2.10 crore. Other territories followed with Karnataka at ₹0.25 crore, Tamil Nadu at ₹0.08 crore, and the Rest of India bringing in ₹0.40 crore. Comparing these to Day 13, where APTG stood at ₹2.80 crore and the Rest of India was at ₹0.71 crore, it is evident that the Hindi and other language markets are seeing a steeper decline than the home market. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In terms of screen presence and viewer interest, Peddi held approximately 3,800 shows across India on Wednesday with an overall occupancy of 17 percent. In major hubs like Hyderabad, the Telugu version maintained a decent 17.3 percent occupancy from 379 shows. Meanwhile, the Hindi version in the National Capital Region saw 9.8 percent occupancy across 89 shows, and Surat recorded a lower 3.8 percent. These numbers reflect a film that is performing well in its primary market while finding it tougher to sustain momentum in the North. The total India net collection of ₹226 crore shows a heavy reliance on the Telugu version, which has contributed ₹200.48 crore. The Hindi dub has performed decently with ₹21.57 crore so far. Contributions from other languages include ₹1.96 crore from the Tamil version, ₹1.69 crore from Kannada, and ₹0.30 crore from Malayalam. These figures clarify that while the film has made an impact across multiple markets, its core strength remains the Telugu audience. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The ticket sales on BookMyShow also tell a similar story. After selling 43.03K tickets on its second Tuesday, the count moved to 27.71K on the second Wednesday. This brings the total tickets sold on the platform to 3,709,770. This consistent interest has helped the film cross a significant milestone in its home language, officially entering the 200 crore net club in Telugu alone. Looking at the performance in national multiplex chains, Peddi sold nearly 2,800 tickets across PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis on Wednesday. This resulted in a total gross of approximately ₹7 lakh from 780 shows. Among the chains, INOX contributed the most with 1,400 tickets sold and a gross of ₹3 lakh. PVR and Cinepolis followed with 770 and 660 tickets respectively, each adding about ₹2 lakh to the tally. With an overall occupancy of 2 percent in these urban centers, it is clear that the films current momentum is largely driven by single screens and regional circuits. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On the international front, the film added ₹0.25 crore on Day 14. According to data from Venky Box Office, the North America total has reached $3.42 million after a $66K Tuesday. Based on early estimates, the total overseas gross now stands at ₹52.45 crore. When combined with the India gross of ₹268 crore, the worldwide gross collection for Peddi reaches an estimated ₹320 crore, while the total India net collection currently sits at ₹226 crore. Fastest Movies to 200 Cr Net (Telugu Version)MOVIE NAMEDAYS TAKENTELUGU NET COLLECTIONRRR3₹ 216.23 CrPushpa: The Rule - Part 25₹ 211.60 CrBaahubali 2 The Conclusion7₹ 203.00 CrKalki 2898 AD7₹ 202.05 CrSalaar: Cease Fire - Part 111₹ 205.75 CrPeddi14₹ 200.48 CrDevara - Part 116₹ 200.25 CrMana ShankaraVaraprasad Garu17₹ 200.65 CrAla Vaikunthapurramuloo47₹ 200.25 Cr

Bollywood

16 hrs ago

491 views

Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Dhurandhar Lead the List of Most Watched Indian OTT Films in 2026

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The viewership data for Indian OTT films in 2026 shows which titles have gathered the most attention across different platforms. While Netflix accounts for a large portion of the top-performing movies, JioHotstar and Amazon Prime also have notable entries on the list. The rankings are based on total viewership in millions, reflecting the reach of these digital releases so far this year. When looking at the charts, the Dhurandhar franchise is the undisputed champion of 2026. The first film, Dhurandhar, secured a massive 31.1 million views on Netflix, setting a benchmark that other films are finding hard to cross. Interestingly, the momentum carried over to its sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which brought in 16.9 million views on JioHotstar. This indicates that the franchise has a loyal following that is willing to move between platforms to stay updated with the story. It is a rare feat for an Indian digital franchise to dominate the top two spots simultaneously. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Netflix remains the primary home for the most-watched films, occupying seven out of the top ten spots. High-tension thrillers like Accused and action-packed dramas like Made In Korea have found a solid audience, recording 16.6 million and 13.5 million views respectively. Established franchises like Mardaani 3 also performed well, showing that Rani Mukerji's portrayal of Shivani Shivaji Roy still has a strong pull even in its third outing. Meanwhile, JioHotstar made its presence felt with Prabhas's The Raja Saab, which garnered 10.3 million views, and Amazon Prime secured a spot with Anil Kapoor's Subedaar at 9.6 million views. Most Watched Indian OTT Films in 2026RANKMOVIE TITLEPLATFORMVIEWERSHIP (MILLIONS)1DhurandharNetflix31.1 M2Dhurandhar: The RevengeJioHotstar16.9 M3AccusedNetflix16.6 M4Made In KoreaNetflix13.5 M5HaqNetflix11.3 M6Mardaani 3Netflix10.7 M7KartavyaNetflix10.3 M8The Raja SaabJioHotstar10.3 M9Tere Ishk MeinNetflix9.7 M10SubedaarAmazon Prime9.6 M The performance of uncensored and alternate versions is also visible in the data. Dhurandhar (Uncensored) holds the eleventh spot with 8.9 million views on Netflix and JioHotstar. Additionally, the Netflix release of Dhurandhar: The Revenge has recorded 4 million views. These numbers show that providing multiple versions or platform-specific cuts can help in gathering extra viewership.

Hollywood

19 hrs ago

313 views

CBFC Cuts 5 Minutes of Spider-Man: Brand New Day India? Here Is The Truth

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 18 - Sony and Marvel's Spider-Man: Brand New Day is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated Hollywood films of 2026. Ever since Spider-Man: No Way Home became a global blockbuster, fans have been eagerly waiting to see Tom Holland return as Peter Parker in the next chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The excitement around the film is especially massive in India, where Spider-Man continues to be one of Marvel's most popular superheroes. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Recently, social media was flooded with rumours claiming that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had cut nearly five minutes from the Indian version of the film. The speculation started after some Indian cinema booking platforms reportedly showed a runtime shorter than several international listings, leading fans to believe that scenes had been removed for the India release. However, Sony Pictures India has now dismissed these claims. Responding to discussions on X (formerly Twitter), the studio clarified that Spider-Man: Brand New Day has yet to receive certification in India. This means reports about the CBFC already imposing cuts on the film are inaccurate and premature. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) At present, there is no official CBFC certification record confirming any edits or scene removals from the movie. The runtime difference could simply be due to placeholder listings or variations in how theatres display film durations, including credits and intermission timings. Until the film officially completes the certification process, rumours about five-minute cuts remain unverified speculation. The film is scheduled to release on July 30, and bookings in PLF formats have already begun.

Kollywood

19 hrs ago

186 views

Gatta Kusthi 2: Vishnu Vishal's First Sequel Sets July 3 Release; Red Giant Movies Bags TamilNadu Theatrical Rights

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The 2022 sports-comedy Gatta Kusthi was a significant success for Vishnu Vishal, earning a Hit status at the box office. Made on a modest budget of around ₹5 crore, the film managed to collect over ₹14 crore worldwide, proving that a strong story about gender dynamics can resonate deeply with the audience. Now, the team is back with Gatta Kusthi 2, which is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 3, 2026. The project has already started on a high note, with Red Giant Movies recently bagging the Tamil Nadu theatrical rights, adding a major boost to its distribution. This film is a milestone for Vishnu Vishal as it marks the very first sequel in his career. Interestingly, it wasn't a pre-planned franchise. After the first film's success, director Chella Ayyavu pitched a different story to Vishnu, but the actor specifically requested a sequel to Veera and Keerthi's journey instead. Vishnu has been quite open about his past disappointments with sequels for hits like Ratsasan and Indru Netru Naalai falling through. He believes that if Gatta Kusthi 2 succeeds, it could finally break the sequel curse and open doors for his other popular franchises to return. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While the first film focused on the wife breaking societal boundaries and the husband learning to accept her strength, the sequel shifts the gaze to the man's perspective. It aims to explore modern household power dynamics, specifically looking at a relationship where the wife is the primary financial earner or the more successful public figure. Vishnu Vishal clarified that it isn't a simple comedy at the expense of men, but a narrative promoting true partnership and equality in a modern setup. Aishwarya Lekshmi returns to play Keerthi, and their chemistry is expected to be the core of this second chapter. The scale of the sequel is much larger than its predecessor. The cast has seen massive new additions, including veteran actress Ramya Krishnan as Raja Rajeshwari and comedy superstar Yogi Babu as Balbir Singh. Familiar faces like Karunas, Kali Venkat, and Munishkanth are also reprising their roles to maintain the comedic flavor of the original. On the technical side, the film features a fresh team with Sean Roldan handling the music and KM Bhaskaran behind the lens. The hype is already visible online, as the official teaser crossed 3 million views within just 24 hours of its release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Watch the Teaser here: Financially, the film has already secured a very strong position. Vishnu Vishal revealed that this project has achieved the highest pre-release business of his entire career. A major part of this is due to a premium OTT deal with Netflix, which secured the digital rights even before the physical shooting had begun. This was an outright purchase model rather than a revenue-sharing one, covering a significant chunk of the production costs early on. With Vels Film International and Vishnu Vishal Studioz producing, Gatta Kusthi 2 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated family entertainers of the summer.

Bollywood

20 hrs ago

5.7K views

Cocktail 2 Opening Day Box Office Expectations: Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Rashmika Mandanna's Sequel Heading For Double-Digit Opening

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 15 - Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna's much-awaited romantic comedy drama Cocktail 2 is showing promising signs at the box office ahead of its release on June 19. The film's advance booking commenced on June 14, and the initial response from audiences has been encouraging, indicating healthy anticipation for the sequel. The film has kept the decent advance sales momentum leading to the release day, hinting at a good opening. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In the first 24 hours of advance sales, Cocktail 2 sold approximately 11,000 tickets (without block seats) for its opening day nationwide, with the current ticket sold count standing at 82,000, worth 5.40 crores gross (with block seats), with a few hours still left for the release. The final advance sales are expected to be over 7 crores gross for the opening day, which is a good result, suggesting that the film has managed to generate considerable interest among moviegoers, particularly in urban multiplex circuits where romantic entertainers traditionally perform well. The positive booking trend has strengthened trade expectations for the film's opening day collection. According to early projections, Cocktail 2 is expected to open in the 12 crore to 15 crore net range in India, which would comfortably place it among the better Bollywood openings of the year. If the film manages to sustain its current booking momentum over the coming days, the higher end of that range could also come into play. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Cocktail 2 First Day Advance Booking Report The original Cocktail, released in 2012, had opened to 10.95 crore net at the Indian box office and went on to emerge as one of the most successful urban romantic dramas of its time. Based on the sequel's early pre-sales performance, Cocktail 2 appears well-positioned to surpass the opening-day collection of the first film and set a new benchmark for the franchise. The advance booking activity for major Bollywood releases typically accelerates significantly on the last day before release, particularly with spot bookings and last-minute ticket purchases contributing heavily to overall sales. Directed by Homi Adajania, Cocktail 2 brings together Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna in a fresh romantic tale while carrying forward the brand value established by the cult 2012 hit. The film's music, star cast, and promotional campaign have all contributed to building awareness among audiences. With encouraging bookings, strong urban appeal, and a popular franchise name behind it, Cocktail 2 is currently on track for a double-digit opening. The next few days of pre-sales will determine whether the film can push beyond expectations and emerge as one of Bollywood's biggest romantic-comedy openings in recent years. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})

Tollywood

20 hrs ago

397 views

Venkatesh's Next Two Films With Trivikram Srinivas and Anil Ravipudi Release Dates Locked

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, June 18 - Tollywood star Venkatesh Daggubati is gearing up for an exciting lineup over the next year, with his upcoming collaborations with director Trivikram Srinivas and hitmaker Anil Ravipudi now reportedly locking their release dates. Venkatesh’s much-anticipated family entertainer with Trivikram Srinivas, tentatively titled Aadarsha Kutumbam House No. 47, is reportedly hitting theatres on October 2, 2026, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. The film has already generated strong buzz among fans, especially after reports suggested that the makers recently wrapped up the climax shoot. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The project marks the first full-fledged collaboration between Venkatesh and Trivikram Srinivas, a combination Telugu audiences have wanted to see for years. Industry circles expect the film to blend Trivikram's trademark emotional storytelling with Venkatesh's strong family-entertainer appeal. Meanwhile, Venkatesh's next collaboration with Anil Ravipudi, tentatively titled #VenkyAnil5 or #NKRAR2, has officially been luanched with shoot is expected to begin soon. The makers have also locked its theatrical release window. The untitled multi-starrer, which also features Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, Keerthy Suresh and Krithi Shetty, is slated to release on January 12, 2027, during the Sankranthi festive week. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film is especially significant because it marks the fifth collaboration between Venkatesh and Anil Ravipudi. Their earlier projects delivered impressive commercial success and established a strong rapport with family audiences. Music composer G. V. Prakash Kumar has joined the project, further raising expectations around the entertainer. Producer Naga Vamsi had earlier confirmed that Trivikram Srinivas had lined up projects with both Venkatesh and Jr NTR, ending months of speculation surrounding the director's future films. With one film slated for Gandhi Jayanti and another arriving during the lucrative Sankranthi festival, Venkatesh appears set for a packed and promising theatrical run.

Bollywood

21 hrs ago

375 views

Rishab Shetty's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Biopic Expanded Into A Two-Part Theatrical Saga

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Rishab Shetty is currently at a peak in his career, especially after his National Award win for Kantara. If you have been following his upcoming line-up, it is clear that he is moving toward massive, high-budget epics. According to a report by Variety India, his highly anticipated historical project, The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has now seen a major change in its production strategy. Originally planned as a single film, the makers have decided to expand the story into a two-part theatrical saga. This expansion is not just about the length of the story but also the sheer scale of the production. Variety India has revealed that the film is being mounted on a massive budget of over ₹500 crore. This puts it among the most expensive historical dramas ever produced in Indian cinema. The vision behind splitting the film into two chapters is to capture the vast legacy and defining moments of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with the detail they deserve. The current plan is to release the first chapter in 2028, with the second chapter following closely in 2029. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Director Sandeep Singh is aiming for a high level of authenticity, with a significant portion of the filming expected to take place across Maharashtra. This is where the Maratha kingdom was established, and the team wants to bring those historical sites to life on the big screen. However, fans will have to wait a bit longer for cameras to start rolling. Rishab Shetty is first expected to complete his work on Jai Hanuman, directed by Prashanth Varma, which is slated for a 2027 release. Once his commitments for that film are over, he will fully transition into the role of the legendary Maratha ruler. The scale of this project marks a significant moment for Hindi-language cinema as well, as it is being positioned as one of the most ambitious interpretations of Shivaji Maharaj's life. While the Maratha ruler has been the subject of many films over the years, the ₹500 crore budget and the two-part structure suggest that this version will be on a different level entirely. The first look of Rishab Shetty in this role has already created a lot of conversation online, and the official confirmation of this revised release strategy has only added to the anticipation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Beyond the budget and the scale, there has also been a lot of discussion regarding a potential box office clash that has now been averted. Earlier reports suggested that the film might go head-to-head with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly anticipated Love and War. However, by moving the release of the first chapter to 2028, the makers have effectively avoided a massive confrontation. This shift is being seen as a calculated strategic move to ensure that both projects have enough breathing room at the box office. By choosing a solo window, the production team aims to maximize screen counts and audience reach, preventing two of Indian cinema’s biggest titles from eating into each other’s revenue. As of now, the technical crew and the rest of the supporting cast are yet to be officially announced. With Jai Hanuman in 2027 and the two parts of the Shivaji saga in 2028 and 2029, Rishab Shetty's schedule for the next few years is officially packed with some of the biggest films in the country.

Hollywood

21 hrs ago

224 views

Spider-Man: Brand New Day to skip IMAX release in India as Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey secures exclusive screens

BY CHRISTA LINCY

July is shaping up to be one of the biggest months for Hollywood releases in India, with two massive titles arriving just weeks apart. Christopher Nolan's period epic, The Odyssey, is scheduled to hit screens on July 17, followed by the highly anticipated Spider-Man: Brand New Day on July 30. While both films are still a few weeks away, the buzz is already reflected in the advance bookings. Tickets for The Odyssey went live on June 8, while Spider-Man bookings opened yesterday, June 17. The response has been overwhelming, suggesting a massive opening for both films at the Indian box office. However, there is a specific detail that has caught the attention of Marvel fans. For the first time in a long while, a solo Spider-Man film will skip an IMAX release in India. While these films are usually a staple for the giant screen format, Sony Pictures India recently confirmed that Spider-Man: Brand New Day will not be available in IMAX. Instead, the studio is steering audiences toward other premium large-format screens like PXL, 4DX, ScreenX, and Dolby Cinema. This decision is not about the film's quality, but rather a strategic screen-locking move by Christopher Nolan. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The reason behind this IMAX absence is the exclusive window secured for The Odyssey. Nolan's latest project was shot entirely using IMAX 70mm film cameras, making it a priority for the format globally. Because of the technical requirements and Nolan's long-standing partnership with the brand, all IMAX screens in India and around the world will exclusively play The Odyssey for a minimum of three weeks. Since Spider-Man arrives just thirteen days after Nolan's film, it falls directly into this lockout period, leaving no room for the web-slinger on IMAX screens. This trend of exclusive IMAX windows is becoming more common as filmmakers push for specific cinematic experiences. We saw a similar situation during the release of Oppenheimer in 2023, where its sustained performance kept other big titles away from IMAX for weeks. It looks like the industry is heading toward more of these clashes, as reports suggest that the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday might also face similar screen issues when it goes up against Dune: Part Three later in the year. To counter this, studios like Disney are even looking into introducing their own premium certifications to ensure their blockbusters still feel like a grand event. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Despite the lack of IMAX shows, the hype for Spider-Man: Brand New Day remains incredibly high. Fans are quickly filling up shows in other immersive formats like 4DX and ScreenX, which offer their own unique viewing experiences. The film also holds a unique connection to its competitor, as Tom Holland stars in both of these July blockbusters. It is a rare situation where an actor will be competing against himself at the box office with two of the years most anticipated movies. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set to release in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. Indian audiences will actually get to see the film on July 30, a day before its global release on July 31. With a wide variety of formats like 3D, Dolby Cinema, and MX4D still available, the movie is expected to dominate the charts, even if the biggest screens in the country are occupied by Nolan's epic journey.

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Peddi Team Includes 6 Minutes of Additional Footage In Cinemas; But Will The Gimmick Work?

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, June 18 - Superstar Ram Charan's Peddi is already in its second week in theatres, and the film's overall reception has been noticeably mixed despite the massive pre-release hype surrounding it. While the movie opened strongly on the back of star power and aggressive promotions, the momentum appears to have slowed after the initial weekend as audience reactions became more divided. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Meanwhile, considering the fading momentum at the box office, the makers have announced additional footage which will be attached to the already existing runtime from today (June 18). The movie is already nearing the end of its second week, and it has been in the unwanted controversy amid the mixed box office results. Newly inserted scenes are reportedly intended to enhance emotional depth and strengthen certain character arcs, based on audience feedback. The move once again highlights a familiar trend in Telugu cinema. Whenever a film fails to meet the industry's towering expectations, filmmakers often turn to post-release additions such as extended scenes, restored deleted footage, or modified edits in an attempt to revive audience interest. These revised versions are usually marketed as "improved cuts," creating fresh discussion around the film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) However, past results show that such gimmicks rarely make any significant impact on a movie's long-term box office prospects. In today's social media era, audience verdicts are formed within the first few days itself. Once word-of-mouth settles, changing public perception becomes extremely difficult. At best, additional footage may generate temporary curiosity among hardcore fans, but it seldom changes the overall theatrical fate of a film. In the case of Peddi, the six added minutes may slightly improve the viewing experience for audiences still watching the film in theatres. But expecting the additional runtime to dramatically alter the film's commercial trajectory may be unrealistic. Ultimately, a film's success depends on strong storytelling and emotional connection — not on post-release patchwork designed to manage perception after the first week. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film has already grossed around 320 crores worldwide in 14 days, which is otherwise a decent performance, thanks to a good performance in the Telugu states. However, the film needs to score way more than this worldwide to emerge as a clean box office hit, which is looking tough at this moment. After the initial rush, the box office momentum is slowing down, and if the additional footage also fails to improve buzz, the movie may be heading to an average affair.