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.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The focus for Jana Nayagan has shifted toward its massive reach on digital platforms, where it is breaking significant volume records. On BookMyShow, the film has officially crossed the 30 lakh ticket milestone, making it only the seventh Tamil film in the last three years to achieve this. This performance is being viewed as a major success, especially considering the film carries an A-rating and faced challenges from early online leaks before its release. The following seven Tamil films have crossed the 30 lakh milestone on BookMyShow over the last three years, with approximate ticket sales recorded as follows: • Jailer — 9.21 million tickets • Leo — 7.30 million tickets • Coolie — 6.09 million tickets • Amaran — 4.90 million tickets • Karuppu — 4.51+ million tickets • The Greatest of All Time (GOAT) — 4.51 million tickets • Jana Nayagan — 3.30 million tickets (Ongoing) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Beyond BookMyShow, the film has seen high volume through other trackers as well. According to data from District SS, an additional 2.5 million tickets have been sold, bringing the total tracked ticket count to over 5.8 million within just five days. This level of penetration across different booking platforms indicates a very high level of audience engagement that extends beyond just the major multiplex chains. Thalapathy Vijay has also reached a personal milestone with this release, securing a historical hat-trick. He is now the only Indian actor to have three consecutive films—Leo, The Greatest of All Time, and Jana Nayagan—cross the 1 million ticket mark in advance bookings alone on BookMyShow. For Jana Nayagan, the pre-sales alone accounted for 1.18 million tickets, setting a strong foundation for the opening weekend. The daily ticket sales trend on BookMyShow highlights how the film maintained its momentum. Following the massive 1.18 million pre-sales, the film sold 631.73K tickets on Thursday, 492.97K on Friday, and 487.58K on Saturday. Even as it moved toward the end of the weekend, it sold 350.6K tickets on Sunday and 155.47K on its first Monday. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On the Monday ticket sales chart, Jana Nayagan secured the 9th position for the highest first Monday sales for a Tamil film on the platform. With 155.47K tickets sold, it joined an elite list featuring major blockbusters. While the Monday dip was expected following a massive weekend, the cumulative total of 33,00,720 tickets on BookMyShow alone solidifies the film's position as one of the most widely watched Tamil releases of the year. Here is how the top 10 list for the highest first Monday ticket sales on BookMyShow stands: 1. Jailer — 638K 2. Leo — 470K 3. Karuppu — 300K 4. Amaran — 206K 5. Dude — 195K 6. The Greatest of All Time — 190K 7. Coolie — 180K 8. GBU — 160K 9. Jana Nayagan — 155K 10. Maharaja/Bison — 126K

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 28 - Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures are on the verge of delivering one of the biggest box office launches in cinematic history with Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The Tom Holland starrer is now tracking for a staggering $800 million-plus worldwide opening weekend, a figure that would rank second only to Avengers: Endgame. The film's advance-booking campaign has exceeded expectations in virtually every major market, signalling unprecedented demand ahead of its global release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The biggest driving force behind these extraordinary projections is the film's phenomenal advance sales. Pre-sales worldwide are reportedly second only to Avengers: Endgame, with an exceptional response not just in North America but also in international markets such as India, China, South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and Latin America. China and South Korea, in particular, have witnessed surprisingly explosive ticket demand after a gap. In North America, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is now reportedly targeting a $300 million-plus opening weekend, a feat achieved only once before by Avengers: Endgame. Overseas markets are expected to contribute more than $500 million, taking the global debut beyond the $800 million mark if current trends continue. If these projections hold, the film will register one of the largest domestic and international debuts ever recorded. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) India is also emerging as one of the strongest international territories for the superhero blockbuster. The film is currently expected to open with at least $5 million over its opening weekend in the country, with the potential to climb to $7 million or more depending on walk-in audiences and premium-format occupancy. Strong demand, coupled with robust bookings across the country, has positioned India among the film's top-performing overseas markets. Should these projections translate into actual box office numbers, Spider-Man: Brand New Day will not only deliver one of the biggest openings in cinema history but also reaffirm Spider-Man's status as the world's most bankable superhero franchise. With bookings already approaching historic levels worldwide, all eyes are now on whether the film can come close to Avengers: Endgame's legendary opening weekend record. It is releasing on July 30 in India.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Kahaani franchise is preparing for its third installment with a significant change in its leading lady. Industry reports suggest that Yami Gautam has been finalized to play the lead role in the upcoming thriller, effectively replacing Vidya Balan who was the face of the first two films. Original director Sujoy Ghosh is set to return to direct this project, which is reportedly scheduled to begin filming in November 2026. While the brand name remains, the story for this third part will not be a direct continuation of the previous narratives. Sujoy Ghosh is reportedly crafting a completely fresh mystery centered on a new character played by Yami Gautam. The objective is to preserve the signature suspense and atmospheric tension of the Kahaani universe while introducing a new narrative arc. This approach suggests that the series is evolving into an anthology of standalone thrillers tied together by their investigative and emotional core rather than a single recurring protagonist. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The decision to move forward with a third film is backed by the impressive commercial history of the franchise. The original Kahaani, released in 2012, became a legendary success by earning a worldwide gross of 79.20 Cr on a production budget of approximately 8 Cr. It netted 51.30 Cr in the domestic market and was declared a Hit. Most notably, its global gross was more than 13 times its production cost, a rare feat for mid-budget cinema that established it as a benchmark for return on investment. The 2016 sequel, Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh, saw a worldwide gross of 55.90 Cr and an India net of 33.03 Cr, which resulted in an Average verdict at the box office. The franchise has always relied on grounded, real-life inspirations to build its scripts. The core plot of a woman searching for a missing loved one in a strange city was inspired by novelist Advaita Kala's own experiences. In 1999, she moved from the US to Kolkata to work at a hotel, retracing the footsteps of a boyfriend who had previously worked there. The feelings of isolation, language barriers, and the intensity of her search were captured in the screenplay. Sujoy Ghosh amplified this by using guerrilla-filmmaking techniques, often shooting with hidden cameras on the busy streets of Kolkata to ensure the city appeared as an authentic, living character rather than a structured movie set. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Yami Gautam enters the franchise at a high point in her career, especially following the recent announcement from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on July 18, 2026. She was honored with the National Film Award for her performance in the political thriller Article 370, marking the very first such recognition in her 14-year career. In the film, she portrayed Zooni Haksar, a determined intelligence officer navigating a high-stakes mission in Jammu and Kashmir. This victory was particularly significant as it served as a double win; she received individual honors while the film itself, produced under her and husband Aditya Dhar’s banner, B62 Studios, secured the marquee Best Feature Film award. With Article 370 also crossing the 100 Cr mark worldwide, her proven ability to lead serious, content-driven projects like A Thursday and Lost has made her a logical successor in this genre. While the shift in leads remains a major talking point for fans, the return of Sujoy Ghosh as the creative head suggests the eerie and gritty tone of the series will remain intact as the team prepares to begin filming in late 2026.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Jana Nayagan recorded an India gross collection of ₹11.76 Cr on its fifth day. The net collection for the day stood at ₹10.15 Cr, marking a 68.3% drop from Sunday's net of ₹32.00 Cr. This decline is largely seen as the film stabilizing after the high-volume surge of its opening weekend. It is common for major releases to see this kind of shift as they move into the work week, indicating that the initial rush has settled into a more consistent daily pattern for the rest of the week. In terms of show counts, the movie operated across 10,436 shows on its fifth day. The total India net collection has now reached ₹134.90 Cr, with the gross figure standing at ₹157.74 Cr. Looking at the international performance, early estimates suggest the film added ₹4.00 Cr on Monday, bringing the total overseas gross to approximately ₹75.50 Cr. This takes the estimated worldwide gross total to ₹233.24 Cr. These figures have been accumulated over a total of 60,099 shows across the country to date. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to data from Venky Box Office, the overseas first weekend, which covered the first four days, ended with a total gross of $7.45 million, or approximately ₹71.5 Cr. Within this, the North American market contributed $1.31 million, with Canada accounting for $415K. Despite these large numbers, the performance is being viewed as below par for a Vijay starrer, given the high expectations typically associated with his international reach. If we look at the language-wise split for Monday, the Tamil version remains the primary driver, contributing ₹8.40 Cr net with an occupancy of about 32.7%. The Hindi version brought in ₹1.20 Cr net at 12.5% occupancy, while the Telugu version added ₹0.55 Cr net at 17.4% occupancy. Regionally, Tamil Nadu was the strongest contributor on Day 5 with a gross of ₹8.00 Cr, followed by the Rest of India at ₹1.26 Cr, Karnataka at ₹1.15 Cr, and Kerala at ₹0.70 Cr. The AP/TG region saw a gross of ₹0.65 Cr. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The occupancy rates across different languages and regions provide a clearer picture of where the film is maintaining its hold. The Tamil version led the way with an overall occupancy of 32.7% on its first Monday. Interest grew steadily throughout the day, starting at 24.6% in the morning and peaking at 40.2% during the evening shows. Regionally, Chennai remained the primary stronghold with 53.8% occupancy across 784 shows, followed closely by Coimbatore at 47.0%. Other regions like Madurai and Bengaluru recorded 31.3% and 20.5% respectively, while Mumbai and Trivandrum saw lower turnout for the Tamil version at 8.3% and 13.8%. For the Hindi version, the overall occupancy was recorded at 12.5%. Similar to the Tamil version, the night shows saw the highest engagement at 17.5%, while morning shows started slower at 7.2%. In major Hindi-speaking circuits, Mumbai led with 12.3% occupancy across 240 shows, while the National Capital Region (NCR) followed with 10.8% for its 317 shows. Ahmedabad and Surat saw more modest figures, staying within the 6% to 8% range. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The Telugu version maintained a steady overall occupancy of 17.4% on Day 5. Interestingly, the afternoon shows performed slightly better than the rest of the day at 19.9%. Among the major regions, Vizag-Visakhapatnam showed the most strength with 20.5% occupancy. Both Hyderabad and Vijayawada recorded identical overall occupancy figures of 13.8%, though Hyderabad managed this over a much larger volume of 247 shows. The trend on ticket booking platforms reflects this Monday shift. On BookMyShow, the film sold 155.47K tickets on Monday, which is a significant step down from the 350.6K tickets sold on Sunday. However, the cumulative ticket sales on the platform have reached a strong 33,00,720. In national cinema chains like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, the film sold roughly 41.5K tickets on Monday, generating a gross of approximately ₹0.68 Cr. These chains saw an average occupancy of around 14% across nearly 1,370 shows. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In terms of historical records, Jana Nayagan did not manage to break into the top five list for the highest first Monday collections in Kollywood. It currently holds the 16th rank in that specific category, trailing behind films like Leo, which holds the top spot with a massive ₹29.50 Cr Monday net. However, when we look at the total collection over the first five days for the Tamil version, the film has secured a position among the top earners. You can see how it compares to other major releases in the table below. Top 5 Tamil Movies - First 5 Days India Net (Tamil Version)MOVIE NAME1ST 5 DAYS NET (TAMIL)Leo₹ 171.45 CrJailer₹ 139.05 CrCoolie₹ 135.80 CrThe Greatest of All Time₹ 134.10 CrJana Nayagan₹ 116.65 Cr

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The road to the big screen for Spider-Man: Brand New Day has officially cleared its final regulatory hurdle in India. The Central Board of Film Certification, or the CBFC, has granted the film a U/A 13 certificate after a detailed review. This age-based classification, which falls under the updated Cinematograph Rules, means the movie is deemed suitable for viewers above 13 years of age with parental guidance. While the core of the story remains intact, the Indian theatrical version will feature a few specific edits to align with the board's standards for this category. According to the official censor report, the visual modifications were relatively minor but targeted. The primary change involved the complete removal of kissing scenes at two different points in the film. These romantic moments, which totaled about 8 seconds in duration, were deleted to maintain the family-friendly nature of the rating. Beyond these visual trims, the board also required thorough sanitization of the audio and subtitle tracks. Various strong words and cuss words have been muted in the English soundtrack, with corresponding removals in the subtitles to ensure the language remains appropriate for a teenage audience. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In addition to the content edits, the CBFC has mandated the inclusion of a static health warning. Indian regulations are quite strict regarding the depiction of alcohol and tobacco on screen. Consequently, a warning message about the harmful effects of liquor will be superimposed on the frame during any scene that shows characters consuming alcohol. This is a standard procedure for most Hollywood and Indian films released in the country and is a key requirement for securing a final certificate. The overall impact on the film's runtime is negligible, as the deletions only account for a few seconds. For Marvel fans, this means the high-flying action and emotional depth of Tom Holland's latest outing will be delivered almost entirely as intended. The U/A 13 rating is a strategic move for the distributors, as it opens up the widest possible market by allowing young fans to experience the film in theaters without the stringent restrictions of an Adult-only certificate. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With the legal clearance now in place, the film is set to dominate screens across English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu versions starting July 30. As advance bookings continue to trend at record-breaking levels, it is clear that these minor adjustments have done nothing to dampen the massive anticipation for what is being touted as one of the biggest superhero events of the year.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

In a cinematic era dominated by massive opening days, Imtiaz Ali's Main Vaapas Aaunga has proven that word-of-mouth still holds incredible power. The film started as a quiet release but quickly transformed into a certified sleeper hit, showing endurance that is rare in today's market. After a successful 45-day theatrical run where it consistently surprised analysts, the film is now gearing up for its highly anticipated digital premiere on one of the world's largest streaming platforms. Where and when to stream Main Vaapas Aaunga on OTT? According to the Free Press Journal, Main Vaapas Aaunga is reportedly scheduled to premiere on Netflix on August 7, 2026. While official confirmation is still pending, the digital rights were acquired for a reported 30 Crore. This partnership has been a key factor in the film's financial recovery. The global release will allow audiences to access Imtiaz Ali's latest project just a few weeks after its steady theatrical run. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The Incredible Sleeper Trend: Surpassing Classics The box office journey of Main Vaapas Aaunga is a case study in audience growth. The film opened with a modest 12.25 Cr in its first week, but the second week saw a phenomenal surge, almost doubling its collections to reach 22.55 Cr. This momentum stayed strong into the third week, which at 17.45 Cr, was still significantly higher than its opening week numbers. This consistent hold allowed the film to surpass the lifetime collections of the 2007 classic, Jab We Met. This feat has cemented Main Vaapas Aaunga as one of the top five highest-grossing films of Imtiaz Ali's storied career. Following its steady performance at the box office, here is where the film currently stands among the top five highest-grossing films directed by Imtiaz Ali in terms of total worldwide collections. Tamasha: ₹136.60 Cr Jab Harry Met Sejal: ₹111.04 Cr Rockstar: ₹108.71 Cr Main Vaapas Aaunga: ₹98.86 Cr Love Aaj Kal 2020: ₹56.90 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film's endurance didn't just stop at personal milestones; it also secured a spot as the 8th highest-grossing Hindi film of 2026. In doing so, it surpassed other notable high-profile releases like Alpha, The Kerala Story 2, and Chand Mera Dil. Here is how the weekly net collections progressed through its theatrical run: Week 1: ₹12.25 Cr Week 2: ₹22.55 Cr Week 3: ₹17.45 Cr Week 4: ₹7.85 Cr Week 5: ₹3.02 Cr Week 6: ₹1.32 Cr Day 43 to Day 45 (7th Weekend): ₹0.39 Cr On the international front, the film found a strong audience, particularly in North America where it earned 1.48 million dollars, securing a hit status in the region. By the end of its 45-day theatrical run, Main Vaapas Aaunga amassed a total worldwide gross of 98.86 Cr. Main Vaapas Aaunga: Box Office Collection Summary(As of 45 Days) CATEGORY COLLECTION (INR) India Net Collection ₹ 64.83 Cr India Gross Collection ₹ 77.03 Cr Overseas Gross Collection ₹ 21.83 Cr Worldwide Total Gross ₹ 98.86 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Main Vaapas Aaunga: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is Main Vaapas Aaunga a hit or a flop? Main Vaapas Aaunga is a Clean Success. While it had a slow start, its massive growth in the second and third weeks, combined with a strong OTT deal from Netflix, ensured it fully recovered its 70 Crore budget. Where can I stream Main Vaapas Aaunga on OTT? The film is reportedly heading to Netflix, following the platform’s acquisition of the digital rights for a reported 30+ Crore. How did the film perform compared to Jab We Met? On its 17th day of release, Main Vaapas Aaunga surpassed the lifetime worldwide collections of the 2007 film Jab We Met, making it one of Imtiaz Ali’s most successful films to date. What is the Main Vaapas Aaunga OTT release date? As per reports from the Free Press Journal, the movie is expected to start streaming on August 7, 2026.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 27 - The excitement surrounding director Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Part 1 continues to grow as fresh details about the film's ending and its long-awaited trailer have surfaced. During the film's panel at San Diego Comic-Con, the filmmaker confirmed that the first instalment will conclude on a major cliffhanger, setting the stage for the second chapter. While it may not be a shocking part for Indian audiences, it may definitely lead to massive excitement among international audiences. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Comparing the narrative structure to epic two-part sagas, Tiwari explained that the story naturally demanded a split, allowing the first film to build towards an emotionally charged ending rather than rushing through the entire epic. The update comes just days after the film's trailer was unexpectedly postponed from its originally planned global launch. Producer Namit Malhotra had announced that the trailer would be delayed, citing unforeseen circumstances, despite it being scheduled to debut at Comic-Con before releasing online worldwide. According to the latest reports, the trailer is now expected to be dropped online on July 29 and will be attached to Spider-Man: Brand New Day print in cinemas from July 30, giving audiences their first full look at the ambitious mythological epic on the big screen. As already made official, Ramayana will be distributed by Sony Pictures, the studio behind Brand New Day, internationally. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The two-part format will allow the makers to explore the Ramayana with greater depth, while the cliffhanger ending is expected to leave audiences eagerly awaiting the conclusion. Ranbir Kapoor, who portrays Lord Ram, recently revealed that some of the film's biggest moments, including the face-off between Lord Ram and Yash's Ravana, have not yet been filmed, underscoring the massive scale and ongoing production of the duology. Yash, meanwhile, has described portraying Ravana as one of the most challenging roles of his career, promising a fresh interpretation of the iconic antagonist. Produced by Namit Malhotra and Yash, Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol, and Ravi Dubey in key roles. The first film is slated for a Diwali 2026 release, with Part 2 scheduled to arrive during Diwali 2027, making it one of the most ambitious Indian film franchises ever mounted.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Tom Holland has undergone one of the most successful transformations in Hollywood history, evolving from a child actor in emotional dramas to the face of the most popular superhero franchise on the planet. As the world waits for Spider-Man: Brand New Day to hit theaters on July 30, there is a lot of debate about where this film will land in his career rankings. Holland has proven his mettle not just as Peter Parker, but as a bankable lead in high-octane action films like Uncharted. To give you a perspective of the mountain this new release has to climb, let's look at his current standing as a solo lead. Tom Holland's Top 5 Solo Lead Movies (Worldwide Gross) MOVIE NAME WORLDWIDE COLLECTION Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) $1.922 Billion (₹15,700 Cr) Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) $1.132 Billion (₹9,280 Cr) Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) $880 Million (₹7,210 Cr) Uncharted (2022) $407 Million (₹3,335 Cr) The Impossible (2012) $198 Million (₹1,620 Cr) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While the global numbers are staggering, the Indian market has shown some interesting trends with Holland's work. Uncharted, for instance, was a certified global hit with a worldwide gross of ₹1,100 Cr, yet it strangely underperformed in India, ending its run as a flop with a net collection of just ₹8.42 Cr. On the flip side, the Spider-Man brand is a different beast altogether. No Way Home became a cultural phenomenon in India, amassing a massive ₹271 Cr gross and ₹217.10 Cr net. Brand New Day is currently aiming to tap into that same fervor, and the early signs are nothing short of monstrous. The advance booking data for the July 30 premiere shows that the Indian audience is ready for more web-slinging action. In the national chains including PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, the film has already sold approximately 3.19 Lakh tickets, resulting in a total advance gross of ₹16 Cr. When we break these down, PVR is leading with 1.57 Lakh tickets sold for ₹8.35 Cr. INOX follows with 1.02 Lakh tickets at ₹4.70 Cr, and Cinepolis has added 0.60 Lakh tickets worth ₹2.95 Cr. With an overall advance occupancy of nearly 36 percent across more than 4,000 shows, the film is pacing like a massive summer tentpole. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The digital momentum on BookMyShow is equally impressive. The film has already crossed the 800K ticket mark in pre-sales, officially securing the record for the best BookMyShow pre-sales for a Hollywood movie since August 2023. By surpassing the final pre-sale numbers of Deadpool and Wolverine, it has clearly established itself as a massive event film. What is truly fascinating is the acceleration of interest; while the early booking days were steady, the period from July 17 to July 26 saw a massive surge where daily sales skyrocketed from 43K to a peak of 141K tickets. To challenge the top spot on Holland's list, Brand New Day is chasing ambitious daily net targets across different versions. The English version is the primary driver, aiming for a daily net of ₹152.69 Cr. The Hindi version is targeting ₹52.52 Cr, while the Tamil and Telugu dubs are looking at ₹9.61 Cr and ₹2.28 Cr respectively. These targets are designed to push the film toward the ₹217.10 Cr net benchmark set by its predecessor. While No Way Home relied heavily on the nostalgia of returning characters, Brand New Day is being marketed as a fresh, grounded start for the character. This shift in tone appears to be working, as the massive advance numbers indicate that Tom Holland's solo star power is more than enough to drive another potential billion-dollar success story.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

After winning hearts on the big screen with its hilarious take on marriage and wrestling, Vishnu Vishal's Gatta Kusthi 2 is now creating buzz for its upcoming OTT debut. The sequel, which brought back the fan-favorite pair of Veera and Keerthi, managed to keep the audience entertained with its fresh role-reversal plot and quirky humor. While the movie has had a steady run in theaters since its release on July 3, reports are now surfacing about its shift to digital platforms, sparking plenty of excitement among those waiting to watch it at home. Where and when to stream Gatta Kusthi 2 on OTT? While an official announcement is still pending from the makers, industry trends suggest that Gatta Kusthi 2 is expected to release on Netflix around July 30 or July 31, 2026. This follows the standard four-week theatrical window common for mid-budget Tamil hits. Netflix has officially acquired the post-theatrical digital rights globally. In a move to capture the pan-India audience, the platform is expected to stream the film in its original Tamil version, along with dubbed versions in Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What is the story of Gatta Kusthi 2? The sequel fast-forwards six years after the events of the first film. Veera (Vishnu Vishal) has fully embraced his role as a dedicated stay-at-home househusband, cheerfully handling cooking, cleaning, and neighborhood gossip while looking after their six-year-old daughter. Meanwhile, Keerthi (Aishwarya Lekshmi) is the primary breadwinner, balancing her government job with the Indian Railways while pursuing her dreams as a national wrestling champion. The narrative explores how their domestic peace is tested by societal judgments and a professional conspiracy, forcing the couple to fight for their family both inside and outside the wrestling ring. The film performed admirably at the box office, proving that high-concept comedies still have a strong market. In India, the film netted over ₹40 crore, with Tamil Nadu predictably acting as the primary contributor. Over its three-week run, the film showed steady footfalls, particularly during the weekends. Here is a look at how the net collections progressed week by week: Week 1 Net Collection: ₹22.10 Cr Week 2 Net Collection: ₹12.86 Cr Week 3 Net Collection: ₹5.45 Cr Day 22 (4th Friday): ₹0.09 Cr Day 23 (4th Saturday): ₹0.19 Cr Day 24 (4th Sunday): ₹0.23 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With over 800,000 tickets sold on BookMyShow and more than 3.1 million footfalls recorded in the Tamil market, the film has clearly resonated with its core audience. While Tamil Nadu was the primary driver with a dominant 42.20 Cr gross, the movie also found support in neighboring states. Karnataka contributed 2.47 Cr and Kerala added 1.30 Cr to the total. Smaller but steady numbers also came from the APTG region at 0.17 Cr and the Rest of India at 0.19 Cr. This regional spread brought the total India gross to 46.33 Cr, providing enough momentum to push the worldwide collection past the 55 Cr milestone. Gatta Kusthi 2: Box Office Collection Summary(As of 24 Days) CATEGORY COLLECTION (INR) India Net Collection ₹ 40.92 Cr India Gross Collection ₹ 46.90 Cr Overseas Gross Collection ₹ 8.30 Cr Worldwide Total Gross ₹ 55.20 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Gatta Kusthi 2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is Gatta Kusthi 2 a hit or a flop? Gatta Kusthi 2 is a Box Office Success. The film has grossed over ₹55.20 Cr worldwide against its budget, performing strongly in urban centers and across Tamil Nadu. Where can I stream Gatta Kusthi 2 on OTT? The film will be available for streaming exclusively on Netflix in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada versions. Who are the lead actors in Gatta Kusthi 2? The film features Vishnu Vishal and Aishwarya Lekshmi reprising their roles as Veera and Keerthi, alongside Yogi Babu and Ramya Krishnan. When is the Gatta Kusthi 2 OTT release date? While not yet officially confirmed by Netflix, the film is expected to premiere on July 30 or July 31, 2026, coinciding with the end of its theatrical run.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 27 - The Independence Day weekend is set to witness an exciting clash at the Hindi box office as Emraan Hashmi's Awarapan 2 takes on Sunny Deol's Batwara 1947 on August 14, 2026. While both films belong to different genres and are targeting different audiences, the early trade buzz suggests that Awarapan 2 has gained a clear advantage ahead of the release. Though the situation could change once bookings begin and marketing campaigns reach their peak, the sequel is currently leading the race. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to early trade projections, Awarapan 2 is expected to open in the 15 crore net range at the Indian box office. The sequel has generated strong excitement thanks to the cult status of the 2007 original, which found a massive fan following after its theatrical release. Its teaser, music, and nostalgia factor have resonated well with audiences, making it the favourite to secure the biggest opening of Emraan Hashmi's career. On the other hand, Batwara 1947 is currently tracking for an opening day collection in the 5-7 crore net range. Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and backed by Aamir Khan, the period drama stars Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Karan Deol, and Shabana Azmi. While the film has the advantage of releasing during the Independence Day holiday and could benefit from positive word of mouth, its pre-release buzz is presently behind that of Awarapan 2, resulting in a comparatively modest opening-day projection. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) It is important to note that these are early trade estimates, and the box office scenario can change significantly closer to release depending on trailer response, promotional campaigns, advance bookings, and audience sentiment. However, based on the current momentum, Emraan Hashmi's romantic action sequel is clearly winning the opening-day battle, with Batwara 1947 likely relying on strong reviews and positive audience reception to bridge the gap over the extended weekend.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Raghav Juyal is currently grabbing headlines with the quirky trailer of his upcoming film, Bhai Tera Star Hai. While the buzz is growing, the industry has been curious about its release timing. The film is set to hit theaters on July 30, placing it in a direct clash with the Hollywood heavyweight, Spider-Man: Brand New Day. In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama, producer-director Vivek B Agarwal opened up about the strategy behind this bold move and shared some key insights into the film's theatrical plans. When asked about the decision to clash with a massive franchise like Spider-Man, Vivek was quite candid, stating that it wasn't so much a strategy as it was a necessity. After doing his homework on the upcoming release calendar, he realized that the window after July 30 is packed with big-ticket Bollywood films, solo monster releases, and major pan-India projects from the South. According to him, there simply wasn't another viable weekend available for a solo or comfortable release until the end of February 2027. Facing a choice between clashing with a massive Hindi film later or Spider-Man now, he chose the latter. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Another factor that influenced this decision was the current dry period in the Hindi film market. Vivek pointed out that after the release of Dhamaal 4 earlier in July, there haven't been any substantial Hindi releases. He felt that releasing the film now would attract audiences who have been waiting for fresh Hindi content and might prefer a local entertainer over an English blockbuster. It's a calculated gamble to fill a month-long gap in the domestic market. In terms of reach, the team is going big. Vivek revealed that PVR INOX Pictures is handling the distribution in India, and they are targeting a screen count of 900 to 1000 screens. This is a significant number for a high-concept film, signaling that the makers have strong confidence in its theatrical potential. The film's vibe reminds many of the small-budget, high-concept hits of the 2000s—the kind of cinema that often surprises at the box office, much like the recent success of Main Vaapas Aaunga. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) There was also a strong internal push to keep the film off OTT for its debut. Both Vivek and Raghav Juyal were adamant about a theatrical release, believing that if the content is good, the audience will show up. Raghav has been heavily involved in the marketing, conducting city tours and interacting directly with fans to build a grassroots connection. Vivek noted that while OTT is currently dominated by dark, serious, and toxic thrillers, there is a lack of fresh comedy. He believes audiences are tired of heavy content at home and are looking for a light-hearted, humorous experience in cinemas. As the film gears up for its July 30 debut, the focus remains on whether this fresh approach can hold its own against the web-slinging superhero. With a solid screen count and a clear target audience, Bhai Tera Star Hai is positioning itself as the primary Hindi choice for the weekend. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What is the release date of Bhai Tera Star Hai and is it clashing with any big movie? Bhai Tera Star Hai is set to hit theaters on July 30. The film is going into a direct clash with the Hollywood blockbuster Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Despite the massive competition, the makers have chosen this date to provide a fresh Hindi alternative to the audience during a relatively dry period for domestic releases. How many screens will Bhai Tera Star Hai have in India? The film is being distributed by PVR INOX Pictures, and the makers are targeting a screen count of 900 to 1000 screens across the country. This wide release suggests that the team has significant confidence in the film’s ability to attract the urban multiplex audience and fans of the lead actor, Raghav Juyal. Why did the producers decide to release the film alongside Spider-Man? Producer-director Vivek B Agarwal explained that the primary reason was a lack of available dates. According to his research, the calendar is packed with big Bollywood and Pan-India projects, leaving no other viable weekend for a release until the end of February 2027. Additionally, he wanted to capitalize on the lack of major Hindi releases in the market since mid-July. Who is the lead actor in Bhai Tera Star Hai? The film stars Raghav Juyal in the lead role. Known for his unique humor and rising popularity, Raghav has been a major part of the film's promotional campaign, conducting city tours to invite fans to watch the movie in cinemas. The film also features a strong ensemble cast that adds to its comedy quotient. Is Bhai Tera Star Hai a direct OTT release? No, the makers were very clear about giving the film a theatrical-first release. Vivek B Agarwal noted that while OTT platforms are currently filled with dark and serious thrillers, there is a demand for light-hearted comedies in theaters. The team believes that "fresh" content will always find an audience on the big screen regardless of digital trends. What is the genre of Bhai Tera Star Hai? The film is a high-concept comedy with a quirky vibe. It is being compared to the successful small-budget hits of the late 2000s that relied on strong humor and unique storytelling to surprise the box office. The makers are banking on its humor and fresh treatment to stand out from the typical serious content currently available.