BY SACNILK TEAM

Chennai, January 9 - The Madras High Court has cleared a major hurdle for the release of Thalapathy Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan, directing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a U/A censor certificate to the film without any further delay. The court came down strongly on the prolonged hold-up in certification and observed that the statutory body could not keep a completed film in limbo after due process had already been followed by the makers. During the hearing, the High Court noted that the CBFC had failed to act within a reasonable timeframe despite multiple screenings and submissions by the production house. Emphasising the financial and logistical consequences of such delays, the court ordered the board to immediately issue a U/A (16+) certificate, effectively removing the legal obstacle that had stalled the film's theatrical release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Jana Nayagan, directed by H. Vinoth, is one of the most anticipated Tamil films in recent times and carries massive expectations, especially as it is widely seen as Vijay's final full-fledged cinematic outing before his active political entry. The film's release plans were disrupted due to the pending certification, forcing the makers to postpone the originally scheduled release date amid growing uncertainty. With the High Court's directive now in place, the path has been cleared for the film's release, and an official announcement regarding the new release date is expected soon. The verdict has also sparked industry-wide discussion on accountability and timely certification, reinforcing the judiciary's message that procedural delays cannot override creative freedom and commercial commitments. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The divine roar of the forest has reached the global stage. Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1, the monumental prequel to the 2022 cult hit, has officially entered the Best Picture contending race at the 2026 Oscars (Academy Awards). Produced by Hombale Films and led by the visionary Rishab Shetty, the film continues its journey of Rooted in culture, driven by divinity, bridging the gap between ancient folklore and international prestige. Moving away from the timeline of the first film, Chapter-1 serves as a prequel that explores the historical and mythological genesis of the legend. It delves deeper into the Daiva culture and the sacred relationship between man and nature in coastal Karnataka. By setting the story in an earlier era, the film provides a grander scale and a more intense look at the spiritual heritage that captivated audiences worldwide. Rooted in our culture, driven by divinity.Proud and privileged as #KantaraChapter1 enters the Best Picture contending race at the #Oscars Academy Awards 2026.#KantaraForOscars#Kantara @hombalefilms @KantaraFilm @shetty_rishab @VKiragandur @ChaluveG @rukminitweets… pic.twitter.com/xSCsH28Qjr— Hombale Films (@hombalefilms) January 9, 2026 Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1 has officially rewritten the record books for Kannada cinema, cementing its place as a global phenomenon. Proving once again that deeply rooted, culturally authentic stories possess a universal appeal, the film's financial trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary. Produced on a substantial budget of approximately ₹125 crore, the prequel has far exceeded all commercial expectations, demonstrating the immense power of the Kantara franchise and the vision of Rishab Shetty. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   On the global stage, the film has achieved a monumental milestone, crossing the ₹852.36 crore mark in worldwide gross collections. This massive international footprint is supported by a dominant performance at the domestic box office, where the film amassed a staggering ₹622.48 crore net in India. With a total Return on Investment (ROI) of approximately 400%, the film has officially been declared an All Time Blockbuster, yielding significant profits for Hombale Films and its distributors. One of the most remarkable aspects of its theatrical run is its unprecedented pan-India success.In a rare feat for regional cinema, the Hindi-dubbed version of the film outperformed the original Kannada version, collecting ₹223.79 crore net compared to the ₹200.02 crore earned in its home state. This highlights the film's massive pull in the North Indian markets and its ability to resonate with diverse audiences across the country, transcending language barriers to become a true national tent-pole. This marks a significant moment for Indian regional cinema. Following its strong opening (collecting ₹75 crore in its first weekend) and an exceptionally long theatrical run, the film's transition from a box office titan to an Academy Award contender highlights its artistic depth.The film's sustained momentum and critical acclaim have now propelled it onto the global awards circuit. Combining high-octane storytelling with spiritual depth, the film stands as a benchmark for how regional Indian stories can dominate both the commercial box office and the international stage.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, January 8 - Pan India superstar Prabhas-fronted The Raja Saab has excellent pre-sales at the worldwide box office for the opening day, despite a late start and without a key territory, Telangana. The romantic horror-comedy has crossed 50 crore in worldwide pre-sales, which is superb. Advance bookings of the film, especially in Andhra Pradesh, are superb, driven by premiere sales which are 10+ crore. Overseas markets too have seen good momentum on the last day and clocked nearly 22 crores in sales for day 1+premieres. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The achievement becomes even more remarkable as Telangana remains excluded due to ticket pricing and regulatory issues. The pre-sales, however, are not that good in the Hindi belt, which has deliverd consistant good results for past Prabhas-starrers. Directed by Maruthi, The Raja Saab marks Prabhas' return to a fun, mass-friendly genre blending romance, horror, and comedy. With bookings closing on a strong note, expectations are high for a huge opening day worldwide, as the film heads into release backed by solid momentum and strong audience anticipation. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 8 - Director Rohit Shetty is all set to bring back his most successful comedy franchise. Golmaal 5, the fifth instalment of the blockbuster Golmaal series, is set to reunite the director with Ajay Devgn and others, and the latest reports suggest that it is heading to start rolling soon. According to the report by Bollywood Hungama, Rohit Shetty will start work on Golmaal 5 after wrapping up his upcoming biopic on former Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria, which stars John Abraham in the lead role. Once that project is completed, the filmmaker will shift full focus to his trademark comedy universe. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The report says that Shetty plans to take the film on floors in February this year with a marathon schedule starting at the end of the next month. The duo of Rohit Shetty and Ajay Devgn are super confident about Golmaal 5 and believe that the script for the fifth instalment is funnier than the earlier four films. With production planned to begin in early 2026, the makers are eyeing a 2027 release, giving the film ample time for shooting, post-production, and a grand theatrical rollout. Given the franchise's box office track record, Golmaal 5 is already being seen as one of the most anticipated Bollywood releases of 2027. Rohit Shetty is known for blending slapstick comedy with scale, and Golmaal 5 is expected to push the envelope further in terms of humour, ensemble storytelling, and entertainment value. While plot details are being kept under wraps, fans can expect the signature chaos, catchphrases, and laugh-out-loud moments that define the franchise. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Tamil film industry, once the pioneer of the Pan-India wave, is currently facing a series of structural challenges. As 2025 draws to a close and the 2026 festival season kicks off with the postponement of Jana Nayagan, industry analysts are pointing toward a deeper crisis involving rising costs, shifting audience habits, and a massive power vacuum in the making. Thalapathy Vijay's transition into full-time politics following the release of Jana Nayagan is the most significant economic blow to the industry in recent years.According to theatre owners, Vijay's retirement is expected to result in a potential yearly loss of ₹10-20 Lakhs in revenue, a figure that sustains many small-scale exhibitors through leaner months. Vijay has been the primary driver for theater occupancy in Tamil Nadu, particularly in B and C centers, where his films consistently guaranteed footfalls regardless of critical reception. With his departure, exhibitors—who are already struggling with a lack of consistent hits in 2025—fear a permanent decline in the mass movie culture that has sustained single screens for decades. The digital and satellite marketplace is currently undergoing a significant bubble burst,marking a sharp correction in how Southern content is valued. Recent reports suggest that major OTT players have slashed their acquisition prices by 40% to 50% compared to 2024 levels. This shift reflects a move away from the aggressive, high-value bidding wars that characterized the post-pandemic era, as streaming platforms now prioritize sustainable returns over mere library expansion. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   This market correction has created a growing disparity between skyrocketing star salaries and the actual return on investment (ROI). While top-tier stars like Vijay, Ajith Kumar, and Rajinikanth continue to command remunerations between ₹150 crore and ₹250 crore, OTT buyers are no longer willing to pay inflated premiums. Platforms are increasingly demanding guaranteed Pan-India performance and proven theatrical footfalls before committing to high-value digital rights. Compounding these financial pressures is a deepening conflict between exhibitors and producers over the theatrical release window. Theater owners are advocating for a strict eight-week exclusive theatrical window starting in 2026 to protect the revenue of single screens and B&C centers. This demand has created significant friction with streaming partners, who typically favor a four-week window to capitalize on digital marketing momentum, further complicating the revenue models for upcoming big-budget releases. The postponement of Jana Nayagan—reportedly due to censor issues is a symptom of an industry in transition. As Kollywood prepares for a post-Vijay era, the focus is shifting toward content over stardom and Pan-India collaboration to survive the ongoing financial correction.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) has officially reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his immediate intervention to lift the ban on the blockbuster spy thriller Dhurandhar across six Gulf nations. In a formal letter dated January 7, 2026, the producers' body termed the ban a suppression of the freedom of expression, especially since the film has already been cleared by India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and has emerged as a historic success. The appeal follows reports that authorities in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia have restricted the film's release.The ban is reportedly due to the film's sensitive geopolitical plot, which follows Indian covert intelligence operations set against the backdrop of real-life terror events such as the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the IC-814 hijacking. Despite its massive global popularity, Gulf censors have allegedly flagged the content as having anti-Pakistan messaging, a claim the filmmakers and IMPPA have moved to challenge through diplomatic channels. Massive Financial Setback: ₹90 Crore Lost. Directed by Uri fame Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, Dhurandhar has emerged as an All Time Blockbuster, recently entering the elite ₹1,200 crore club worldwide. While it is currently nearing the all-time Hindi net record set by Pushpa 2: The Rule, the film has already cemented its place as one of the biggest Indian grossers in history. As per the latest reports, the film has amassed a Worldwide gross of ₹1228 Cr, with an India Net of ₹786 Cr, India Gross of ₹943 Cr, and Overseas collections reaching ₹285 Cr. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   However, despite these historic numbers, the lack of a Middle Eastern release—a traditional stronghold for Indian action films—has caused a significant financial dent.Overseas distributor Pranab Kapadia estimated that the ban across six Gulf countries has resulted in a loss of nearly $10 million (approx. ₹90 crore) from that market alone. IMPPA President Abhay Sinha emphasized in the letter to the Prime Minister that these are India-friendly countries with whom India shares robust economic and cultural ties, making the unilateral ban even more unexpected. The letter, which was also copied to Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar and I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, urges the Government of India to engage with the respective authorities to ensure that artistic freedom is respected. Dhurandhar features an ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, portraying a high-octane operation set in Karachi's Lyari area. As the film continues its record-breaking run in North America and India, the industry remains hopeful that government-level dialogue will allow the millions of Indian expats in the Middle East to finally watch the film on the big screen.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, January 8 - One of the biggest box office clashes of the year, Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar 2 and Yash-fronted Toxic have already started intensifying, with over two months still left for their release, which is on March 19. And the victim of this clash is Pan-India superstar Prabhas-fronted The Raja Saab. The romantic horror-comedy, directed by Maruthi, is scheduled to hit the big screens tomorrow, January 9, but the full-fledged advance booking in Hindi, especially in national chains, is yet open. As of now, only the single-screen cinemas and independent and smaller chains have begun booking for The Raja Saab. Anil Thadani-backed AA Films is distributing The Raja Saab in Hindi, and according to the report by Bollywood Hungama, the distributors are asking the national chains to give considerable shows to Toxic, which will be distributed by the same distribution house. Only then will these cinemas get to play the Prabhas-starrer. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The report further stated that the theatre chains haven't agreed to the demand as Toxic clashes with Dhurandhar 2 on March 19. The theatres have earned a huge amount of moolah because of Dhurandhar's first part, which is still running in cinemas. It's a given that Dhurandhar 2 will have an earth-shattering opening. The theatre chains are also aware of the fact that Toxic is also a big film and is expected to do very well in Hindi. But they don't want to make any deal at this point for the film, and especially do not want to short-change Dhurandhar 2. This is where the matter regarding the Raja Saab booking has been stuck. Meanwhile, The Raja Saab has paid premieres today, January 8, from 9:00 pm onwards, and the bookings for the same are robust in Andhra Pradesh, while Telangana pre-sales will start after the government order regarding the ticket price hikes. The film's worldwide pre-sales for the opening day have crossed 30 crores and are headed to finish around 40 crores before the premiere shows start. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Prabhas has consistently led high-budget films that command significant attention from the trade, even when commercial results have been mixed. Following the Baahubali franchise, his subsequent projects have often opened to large numbers despite failing to meet long-term recovery targets for distributors. For instance, the 2019 film Saaho grossed over ₹424 crore worldwide but was declared an average performer overall because its earnings did not reach the high threshold required for a hit verdict. Similarly, Radhe Shyam in 2022 saw a worldwide gross of approximately ₹214 crore, which was insufficient to cover its production costs, resulting in a significant theatrical loss. The momentum reached new heights with Adipurush, which, despite controversy, witnessed a thunderous domestic opening of ₹86.75 crore net on its first day, bolstered by an advance booking gross of ₹26.39 crore. This trend of massive pre-sales peaked with the 2024 sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD. Made on a staggering budget of ₹600 crore, Kalki became a global phenomenon, grossing over ₹1,000 crore worldwide and recording a massive ₹61.8 crore in Day 1 advance bookings with block seats. These figures cement Prabhas as a unique force capable of drawing audiences in record numbers across diverse languages and formats. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Prabhas Movies Day 1 Advance Booking Comparison (India Gross)Movie TitleRelease YearAdvance Booking Gross (Day 1)Tickets Sold (Approx.)Kalki 2898 AD2024₹ 55+ Cr2,093,904Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire2023₹ 48.94 Cr2,238,346Adipurush2023₹ 26.39 Cr1,074,247Radhe Shyam2022₹ 23.00 Cr1,100,000The Raja Saab2026₹ 8.62 Cr* (with block seats)164,264Note: Excluding paid premieres Looking at the current trajectory for his upcoming horror-comedy, The Raja Saab, the domestic advance booking gross currently stands at ₹8.62 crore. However, this figure is not directly comparable to his previous outings because bookings in the crucial Telangana market—his primary stronghold—opened significantly late due to legal deliberations regarding ticket price hikes. In contrast, the international response has been explosive; the film has already amassed approximately $1.7 million (₹15.3 crore) in overseas pre-sales. Notably, it has crossed the $1 million mark in North America alone, marking the third consecutive film for Prabhas to achieve this milestone in that region. The prospects for The Raja Saab have received an additional, massive boost following the sudden postponement of Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan. This shift in the Sankranti release calendar has allowed exhibitors to redirect hundreds of extra shows and prime screens to Prabhas's film, particularly in overseas markets like the UK and Malaysia. While domestic pre-sales are currently catching up following the regional booking delays, the steady international demand and the reduced competition suggest that The Raja Saab is set for a solid start at the box office this festive season.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan has been officially postponed from its January 9 release date due to a delay in obtaining the Indian censor certificate. This late-stage rescheduling has triggered the largest refund process in Indian film history. While international markets have already cleared the film, the domestic deadlock has prompted widespread support from the film fraternity and shifted the box office focus toward other festive releases like Prabhas's The Raja Saab. According to industry trackers and ticketing platforms, BookMyShow has begun the monumental task of refunding over 450,000 tickets. This marks the first time a film of this magnitude has had to cancel and repay such a massive volume of pre-booked seats simultaneously. While the film has already been cleared for release in 25 countries internationally, the pending status of the censor certificate in India has made a Pongal release legally impossible. Trade analysts suggest that the earliest the film could now hit screens is January 22nd or 23rd, 2026. The sudden delay of Jana Nayagan has brought the film fraternity together to back Vijay during this crisis. Actor Ravi Mohan (Jayam Ravi) expressed his support on X, stating that Vijay himself is the opening and the festive season essentially begins whenever he arrives on screen. He emphasized that he stands with the star as one among millions of supporters, regardless of the change in schedule. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Director Karthik Subbaraj criticized the current regulatory environment, noting that the required three-month lead time for censor completion is unrealistic for big-budget films finishing post-production. He warned that these rigid timelines are killing cinema, citing that other major releases like Parasakthi are already experiencing similar booking disruptions. Meanwhile, Sibi Sathyaraj offered a more hopeful perspective, encouraging fans to remain patient and viewing these administrative challenges as the buildup to a massive eventual success. The exit of Jana Nayagan from the Pongal race has significantly altered the theatrical landscape. As reported earlier, Prabhas's The Raja Saab is the immediate beneficiary, with theaters across Tamil Nadu and overseas shifting prime shows and extra screens to the horror-comedy to accommodate the holiday crowd. For Vijay fans, the wait for the People's Leader continues. While the financial hit from refunds is historic, the surging emotional support from the industry suggests that when Jana Nayagan finally arrives, it may witness an opening unlike any seen before.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, January 8 - The recently released first look poster of Pan India superstar Prabhas-fronted Spirit took the social media by storm, and started a conversation online. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the poster perfectly aligned with the director's raw and unapologetic style of filmmaking. The poster is raw, intimate, and visually arresting. It features Prabhas in a rugged, wounded avatar, his back bearing visible scars and bandages, while Tripti Dimri, who plays the female lead, stands close, lighting his cigarette. The imagery suggests vulnerability, intensity, and emotional complexity, hallmarks of Sandeep Reddy Vanga's storytelling. Rather than a conventional heroic pose, the poster opts for realism and psychological depth. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) During a recent video interaction while discussing his upcoming film, The Raja Saab, Prabhas spoke with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The actor asked Vanga where the idea for the poster originated. In response, the filmmaker shared that he was initially in a dilemma about how to present the star in Spirit, as Prabhas is such a massive star and didn't want to disappoint his fans. Unsure of which version would best capture the character's intensity, Vanga finally chose a moment directly from one of the film's scenes, resulting in the now iconic first look. Prabhas admitted that he was genuinely worried about how the director would present him in the film. Given Vanga's bold and uncompromising approach, the actor was curious and slightly anxious about the poster. However, those concerns disappeared the moment he saw the poster. Calling it a superb poster, Prabhas went on to say that Spirit has his favourite first-look poster of his career so far. His endorsement has only fueled excitement among fans, many of whom praised the poster for breaking away from routine star-driven visuals. #Spirit pic.twitter.com/DDHwpWlf3N— Absolute KCPD (@AbsoluteKCPD) January 8, 2026 Spirit marks the first collaboration between Prabhas and Sandeep Reddy Vanga and is being mounted as a large-scale cop action thriller. With the first look already making a strong statement and the actor himself expressing complete confidence in the director's vision, expectations for the film continue to rise sharply. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 8 - The year 2025 was a landmark for IMAX, which officially delivered the best year in its history, setting a new record at the global box office in 2025. The premium large-format exhibitor earned a massive $1.28 billion worldwide, marking a 40% jump over 2024 and underlining the growing audience demand for immersive, event-scale theatrical experiences. The milestone year was powered by a strong and diverse slate of blockbuster releases, spanning Hollywood tentpoles, animation, anime, and international hits. From high-octane action spectacles to visually rich fantasy films, IMAX continued to position itself as the go-to format for must-see cinema. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Leading the record-breaking year for IMAX was China's Ne Zha 2, which emerged as the year's highest-grossing IMAX title with $167 million. James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash reaffirmed the franchise's dominance on the premium screens with $112 million, while F1: The Movie, Mission: Impossible, and Demon Slayer delivered strong results with nearly $100 million each. IMAX continues to expand its market, and the 40% year-over-year growth highlights its expanding global footprint and the increasing willingness of audiences to pay for premium theatrical experiences. With filmmakers continuing to design movies specifically for IMAX and audiences prioritising big-screen immersion, 2025 stands as a landmark year for the brand. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, January 8 - Pan India superstar Prabhas' much-anticipated film The Raja Saab is showing encouraging signs at the overseas box office as advance bookings gain momentum just ahead of its grand premiere. After a slow start, the film has witnessed a noticeable spike in ticket sales across key international markets, signalling growing audience interest as the release date draws closer. According to the latest update, The Raja Saab has crossed the $1.70+ million mark and should close in at $2 million in overseas bookings for its opening day and premiere shows. The surge has been driven largely by good last-minute traction in North America, where pre-sales have crossed $1 million. The USA and Canada together account for a major chunk of the pre-sales, with premieres alone contributing a substantial share of the total. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Apart from North America, the pre-sales have also started moving well in markets such as the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Gulf. The film's genre, a blend of horror and comedy, appears to be striking a chord with the diaspora audience, especially as promotional content and on-ground buzz intensify ahead of release. The postponement of Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan, which scored excellent pre-sales before dropping out, is proving to be beneficial for The Raja Saab, as more prime shows are now being allotted to it, especially in North America. The upward trend suggests that the film could see a strong walk-up response if early word of mouth turns positive. Directed by Maruthi as a mass entertainer with a horror twist, The Raja Saab is set to hit screens worldwide with premiere shows beginning on January 8, followed by a full-fledged theatrical release on January 9, 2026. With bookings picking up pace at the right time, all eyes are now on how the film performs once audiences step into theatres. Stay tuned...