BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, May 5 - Thalapathy Vijay has delivered a historic and blockbuster political debut, completely reshaping the landscape of Tamil Nadu politics. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has emerged as the single-largest force in the 2026 Assembly elections, winning 108 seats and challenging decades of dominance by established parties. Adding to the impact, Vijay himself registered massive victories in both Perambur and Trichy East constituencies, cementing his position as a serious political leader from day one. His debut has widely been described as a blockbuster moment - an apt word for a superstar who has seamlessly transitioned from cinema to politics without any fuss. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This political triumph has now directly amplified the hype around his upcoming and last film Jana Nayagan, which is slated to release later this month. The timing couldn't be more perfect. The film's title, meaning People's Leader, now mirrors Vijay's current image in real life, turning the project into more than just a movie - it's becoming a cultural event. Trade circles believe that Vijay's sweeping electoral success has elevated Jana Nayagan into a symbolic extension of his political journey. Audiences are no longer just waiting for a film; they are anticipating a reflection of the leader he is emerging as. The overlap between his on-screen persona and real-world political rise has created unprecedented curiosity. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by H Vinoth, Jana Nayagan was supposed to be released in January this year, but it was forced to be delayed due to censorship issues. Adding to the woes, the film was leaked online recently, leaving makers worried about its business. But with a historical electoral victory for Vijay, the delay might be a blessing in disguise for Jana Nayagan amid renewed enthusiasm among the fans. As said, Jana Nayagan is Thalapathy Vijay's last film, which he had already confirmed during the music launch event of the film. The actor turned politician has now committed to fully focus on politics. While his party fell short of an absolute majority, Vijay is expected to become the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu with the support of other parties.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, May 5 - Akshay Kumar's horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla continues its impressive theatrical run, achieving a major milestone at the Indian box office. The film has now overtaken OMG 2 to become the actor's third-highest-grossing film in the post-pandemic era. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film has grossed approximately 228 crore worldwide in 18 days, allowing it to surpass OMG 2 and claim the third position in Akshay Kumar's post-pandemic box office chart. In India, Bhooth Bangla has minted approximately 171.30 crores gross (144.25 crore net), while overseas collection stands at an estimated 56.50 crores so far. This achievement underlines the film's steady performance not just in India, but also in overseas markets where it has found a consistent audience. Akshay Kumar's box office journey in the post-pandemic era has seen its share of ups and downs, but the superstar continues to deliver notable performances at the global box office, including Bhooth Bangla, which has emerged as a strong success story. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Akshay Kumar’s Top 5 Films Post-Pandemic (Worldwide) S. No. Movie Worldwide Gross 1 Sooryavanshi ₹ 293 Cr 2 Housefull 5 ₹ 288.65 Cr 3 Bhooth Bangla ₹ 228 Cr 4 OMG 2 ₹ 221.75 Cr 5 Jolly LLB 3 ₹ 171.65 Cr As of May 4, 2026. Leading the Akshay Kumar's post-pandemic list is director Rohit Shetty's cop drama Sooryavanshi, which remains Akshay Kumar's biggest post-pandemic grosser with 293 crore worldwide. Close behind is the comedy franchise film Housefull 5, followed by Bhooth Bangla, social comedy drama Oh My God 2, and courtroom comedy drama Jolly LLB 3 among the top 5 grossers. The success of Bhooth Bangla is particularly significant as it marks a strong comeback for Akshay Kumar in the commercial space. The horror-comedy genre, combined with his signature comic timing, has resonated well with audiences, helping the film maintain a solid run at the box office.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Patriot recorded a net collection of 1.70 crore on its first Monday in India. For a film featuring two major legends, this number is relatively low and suggests that the star power is not translating into a strong weekday hold. This takes the total India net collection to 23.35 crore, while the domestic gross stands at 27.09 crore after the first four days of release. The film operated with an average occupancy of 19 percent on Monday across a total of 1,781 shows. While this occupancy percentage might seem decent, the low daily collection reveals that the film is mostly playing in smaller centers or lower-priced screens. Across its entire run so far, the movie has been played across 9,020 shows, but the inability to cross the 2 crore mark on a Monday for a project of this scale is a point of concern. Ticket sales on BookMyShow also show a significant cooling period. The film sold 41.18K tickets on Monday, which is a sharp drop from its pre-sales and opening day figures. Since its release, the platform has recorded over 8.46 lakh tickets in total. The steady decline from a strong 250K on Friday to just 41K on Monday indicates that the initial curiosity has settled quite quickly. Here is the detailed breakdown of the ticket sales trend so far: Patriot Ticket Sales Breakdown (BookMyShow)PHASE/DAYTICKETS SOLDPre Sales333.18KFriday (Day 1)250.74KSaturday (Day 2)125.08KSunday (Day 3)95.92KMonday (Day 4)41.18KTOTAL846,100 (8.46 Lakh) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The performance in the national chains further highlights the struggle in urban markets. Across PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, the movie managed to sell roughly 6,490 tickets on Monday from 628 shows, resulting in a gross of around 14.25 lakh. PVR was the biggest contributor with nearly 3,930 tickets from 280 shows. INOX and Cinepolis followed with approximately 1,340 tickets from 159 shows and 1,220 tickets from 189 shows, respectively. With an average occupancy of just 5.41 percent in these national chains, the film is essentially playing to very few people in high-end multiplexes, which is a disappointing trend for a big-budget release. On the international front, the film is finding better support. It added 2 crore from overseas markets on Monday, taking its total international gross to 40.50 crore. According to data from Venky Box Office, the North America market has contributed a total of approximately 2.80 crore ($334K) so far, with Saturday alone bringing in around 1.20 crore ($144K). This international revenue has been crucial in pushing the worldwide gross collection to 67.59 crore. While the global numbers look more respectable, the film needs a much stronger performance in the domestic market if it wants to improve its final standing. Looking ahead, Patriot will need to maintain a steady run over the rest of the week. With a total India net of 23.35 crore, it is clear that the movie is facing stiff competition and is not quite reaching the heights expected from its legendary cast. The coming days will show if it can hold its current levels or if the collections will continue to slide as it faces more competition in the coming weeks.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, May 5 - In what could turn out to be one of Bollywood's most exciting reunions, Kareena Kapoor Khan is reportedly in advanced talks to star opposite Salman Khan in an upcoming superhero film directed by Raj & DK. The film, produced by Atul Agnihotri and Mythri Movie Makers, marks Salman Khan's first full-fledged entry into the superhero genre, making it a highly anticipated project. According to Variety India's report, Kareena has emerged as the frontrunner for the female lead, with discussions at an advanced stage. This project will reunite Salman and Kareena after more than a decade. The duo was last seen together in the blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and has previously shared screen space in films like Bodyguard, Main Aur Mrs Khanna, and Kyon Ki.... Their on-screen chemistry has always been a fan favourite, making this potential comeback even more exciting. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What We Know About The Film While the official announcement of the film is yet to be made, the yet-untitled project is being described as a high-concept superhero action entertainer, blending Raj & DK's signature storytelling style with Salman Khan's mass appeal. The project has already generated massive buzz, bringing together one of Bollywood's biggest stars with the creators of acclaimed shows like The Family Man. The film will present Salman Khan in a never-seen-before avatar as he steps into the role of an ageing superhero, who's drawn back into action by circumstances beyond his control, eventually leading him into a larger conflict. Interestingly, Kareena wasn't the initial choice for the role. Earlier, reports suggested that Samantha Ruth Prabhu was being considered, but Kareena has now taken the lead in the casting race. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Shoot Timeline Revealed As per the report, the film is expected to go on floors around October–November 2026, once Salman Khan wraps up his current commitments. The makers are reportedly eyeing a 2027 theatrical release, positioning it as a major tentpole project. A Salman–Kareena pairing has historically delivered both commercial success and strong audience recall. Bringing them together in a superhero film, combined with Raj & DK's fresh creative vision, could result in something truly unique for Hindi cinema.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The anticipation for Christopher Nolan's next project has reached a fever pitch with the release of the latest trailer for The Odyssey. Premiering on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the footage was personally introduced by Nolan himself, giving fans their most detailed look yet at this massive adaptation of the classic Greek epic. Set to hit theaters and IMAX on July 17, the film appears to be another ambitious entry in the director's legendary filmography. This new trailer shifts the focus toward the emotional core of the story. Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, and we see glimpses of his long, grueling journey home to Ithaca. The stakes are deeply personal, as he fights to return to his wife Penelope, played by Anne Hathaway, and their son Telemachus, portrayed by Tom Holland. While the original myth is famous for its grand scale and mythical encounters, Nolan seems to be grounding the narrative in the human struggle of a husband and father trying to save his family from the chaos of his absence. One of the biggest highlights of this footage is the first look at the antagonists and side characters. Robert Pattinson appears as the villainous suitor Antinous, who has effectively taken over Odysseus's household, while Charlize Theron is seen as the nymph Calypso. The casting choices suggest a high-stakes drama where the internal conflicts are just as intense as the physical journey. Seeing Pattinson and Theron in these specific roles adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to an already star-studded lineup. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) From a technical standpoint, the film carries all the hallmarks of a Nolan production. It was shot entirely on IMAX 70mm film, a detail that is prominently highlighted to emphasize the visual scale of the project. The collaboration between Nolan and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema continues to yield stunning, grand imagery, which is paired with a nerve-piercing score by Ludwig Göransson. The combination of these technical elements suggests that the film is designed to be a purely immersive experience that demands to be seen in the highest possible format. As we head toward the July 17 release, the buzz surrounding The Odyssey is expected to grow significantly. By blending a classic literary foundation with cutting-edge IMAX technology and a powerhouse cast, Nolan is positioning this as the definitive cinematic event of the summer. Whether it is the personal story of a man lost at sea or the grand scale of the ancient world, the trailer makes it clear that this project is intended for the largest screens available.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Kara has completed its first Monday at the box office, and the numbers reflect a typical weekday shift for a mid-range regional film. On its fifth day, the movie collected 1.80 crore net across India, which marks a 64 percent drop from Sunday's 5.00 crore haul. While a drop of this magnitude is expected on the first working day, the film has managed to keep its total India net collection at a respectable 25.15 crore within its first five days of release. Looking at the state-level performance, Tamil Nadu stands as the biggest contributor for the film with a 1.15 crore gross on Monday. This revenue was driven by the Tamil version, which maintained a 16 percent occupancy across a wide footprint of 2,119 shows. In the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana market, the film grossed 0.72 crore. It is interesting to note that the Telugu version actually recorded a slightly higher occupancy of 17 percent, even though it operated with about half the number of screenings at ,107 shows. This indicates that while the show count is lower in the Telugu states, the demand per screening remains quite healthy. The film saw smaller contributions from other regions, with Karnataka adding 0.15 crore to the daily gross. Kerala and the rest of India regions provided more modest numbers, contributing 0.03 crore and 0.01 crore respectively. These figures show that the film's momentum is primarily concentrated in its core Southern markets. With a total India gross of 2.06 crore for the day, the data suggests that Kara is finding its most loyal audience in Tamil Nadu and the Telugu states, where the consistent occupancy levels are helping it sustain its theatrical run during the work week. In the national multiplex chains, Kara continues to find a place among the top-performing titles. On Monday, the film sold 9,445 tickets across PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, generating a gross of 11.75 lakh. PVR led the way with 5,300 tickets sold, while INOX and Cinepolis contributed 3,500 and 645 tickets respectively. Although it is currently behind the massive numbers of Raja Shivaji, the film's ability to sell nearly 10,000 tickets in these premium chains on a Monday shows that it still has a firm grip on the urban audience. Additionally, the film has reached a significant milestone on BookMyShow, crossing over 5 lakh total tickets sold since its release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Internationally, Kara is slowly approaching the 10 crore gross milestone. On Monday, it added 0.50 crore from overseas markets, bringing the total international gross to 9.65 crore. In the North America market, the film has grossed 105K dollars so far, with 37K dollars coming from Saturday alone, as per the data shared by Venky Box Office. This international contribution pushes the total worldwide gross collection to 38.70 crore. The daily overseas trend has been on a downward curve since the weekend peak, as seen in the breakdown below: Day 1: ₹2.50 Cr Day 2: ₹2.40 Cr Day 3: ₹2.75 Cr Day 4: ₹1.50 Cr Day 5: ₹0.50 Cr Looking at the overall picture, Kara has shown decent resilience. With a total India gross of 29.05 crore and a worldwide total nearing 40 crore, the film is in a stable position. The upcoming weekdays will be crucial in determining its final lifetime tally, but for now, the steady occupancy in its core markets and the strong performance in national chains indicate that the film is likely to have a healthy run for the remainder of the week.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Ek Din has faced a very difficult first Monday at the box office, with the numbers indicating a major struggle to find an audience. The film collected a modest 20 lakhs net on its fourth day, which represents a heavy 77.8 percent drop from Sunday's already low collection of 90 lakhs. For a new release, such a steep decline on the first working day is a clear sign that the film has failed to gain any real traction with the public. When analyzing the data, the most concerning aspect is the mismatch between the number of screenings and the actual revenue generated. Ek Din was playing across 1,135 shows on Monday, yet it only managed to bring in a total of 20 lakhs. If you look at the math, the film is averaging a very low amount of revenue per show. The Hindi version, which had the largest footprint with 1,006 shows, saw a poor occupancy rate of just 9 percent. Even in the Tamil and Telugu markets, where the occupancy was slightly higher at 18 percent and 14 percent respectively, the total show counts were too low to help the overall daily total. With a total India net collection of only 3.25 crore after four days, the film's theatrical journey looks very short-lived. The situation in the national multiplex chains provides an even clearer picture of this lack of demand. On Monday, Ek Din sold only 2,156 tickets across PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis from a combined 851 shows. This results in an average occupancy of just 1.57 percent in these premium theaters. Essentially, this means the film was playing to nearly empty halls, often with very few people per screening. PVR recorded 1,000 ticket sales from 429 shows, while INOX saw 790 tickets from 289 shows, and Cinepolis had a mere 360 tickets from 133 shows. When compared to other movies that are currently selling thousands of tickets per hour, these numbers highlight a significant lack of interest from the urban multiplex audience. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The international performance has also seen a downward trend, mirroring the domestic struggle. The film added just 5 lakhs from international markets on Monday, which is its lowest daily contribution so far. This brings the total overseas gross to 40 lakhs after the first four days. When you combine this with the India gross of 3.88 crore, the total worldwide gross collection currently stands at 4.28 crore. The overseas collections have been declining steadily since the second day, as shown in the breakdown below: Day 1: ₹0.10 Cr Day 2: ₹0.15 Cr Day 3: ₹0.10 Cr Day 4: ₹0.05 Cr Looking at the overall trajectory, Ek Din is heading toward a very low lifetime finish. A first Monday collection of just 20 lakhs across more than 1,100 shows suggests that theaters will likely begin reducing its show counts significantly to make room for better-performing titles. With the total India net standing at 3.25 crore and very little momentum left, the film is expected to conclude its run much sooner than anticipated.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Dhurandhar 2 has finally seen a significant shift in its box office trajectory after an incredible run. For the first time in 47 days, the daily collection has slipped below the 1 crore mark. It managed to earn 0.50 crore net on its seventh Monday, ending a streak of consistency that is rarely seen in Indian cinema. This marks the first time since its release that the film has failed to hit the seven-figure mark daily, which is quite an achievement considering it has been playing for nearly seven weeks. On Day 47, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge earned a net of 0.50 crore across its 753 remaining shows. This figure saw a drop of about 61.8 percent compared to Sunday's collection of 1.31 crore, which is a typical trend for a seventh Monday in theaters. With this addition, the total India net collection has reached 1,139.10 crore, while the domestic gross stands at 1,363.37 crore. The film also added another 0.15 crore from international markets on Monday, taking the total overseas gross to 426.15 crore. This pushes the overall worldwide gross collection to 1,789.52 crore so far, bringing it closer to yet another global milestone. The primary reason for this dip is the sudden change in screen allocation following the arrival of several new releases on May 1st. While the film was consistently playing on over 1,000 shows across the country during its previous weeks, that number has seen a sharp decline over the seventh weekend. On Friday, the show count stood at 851, which then shifted to 747 on Saturday and 719 on Sunday. By Monday, it was operating on 753 shows. This reduction happened because the multiplex inventory is now shared with fresh titles like the Marathi epic Raja Shivaji, the Hollywood sequel The Devil Wears Prada 2, and others like Patriot and Kara. These new movies have captured a significant portion of the screens, leaving fewer slots for holdover movies and directly affecting the daily net. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A closer look at the national chains shows how the film is performing in the premium segments. Across PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, it managed to sell roughly 4,420 tickets on Monday, contributing around 12 lakh to the daily gross. This was achieved across a combined 479 shows. Breaking it down further, PVR accounted for approximately 2,450 tickets from 231 shows, while INOX added about 1,430 tickets across 165 shows. Cinepolis rounded off the tally with nearly 540 tickets from its 83 shows. Despite the heavy competition from new releases, maintaining these 479 shows after seven weeks in the national chains is a clear indicator of the movie's sustained demand. When looking at ticket sales on BookMyShow, the impact of these new releases becomes even more evident. The seventh weekend was still relatively healthy, with 27.09K tickets sold on Friday and 21.22K on Sunday. But with fewer shows and the typical Monday drop, the sales fell to 12.84K tickets. When you combine this with the competition from existing holdovers like Bhooth Bangla and Michael, it is clear that the screening space is now shared among many players, leaving less room for Dhurandhar 2 to maintain its previous high-volume momentum. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Despite the daily drop, the overall journey of the film remains one of the most successful in history. From a massive first week to its current standing, the film has managed to cross the 1,100 crore mark comfortably. To see how the film has progressed over the last seven weeks, we can look at the weekly net collection breakdown in India: Week 1 Collection: ₹674.17 Cr Week 2 Collection: ₹263.65 Cr Week 3 Collection: ₹110.60 Cr Week 4 Collection: ₹54.70 Cr Week 5 Collection: ₹19.52 Cr Week 6 Collection: ₹12.45 Cr 7th Friday (Day 44): ₹1.05 Cr 7th Saturday (Day 45): ₹1.15 Cr 7th Sunday (Day 46): ₹1.31 Cr 7th Monday (Day 47): ₹0.50 Cr Looking ahead, the Hindi version remains the primary contributor, bringing in 0.49 crore of the total 0.50 crore Monday collection. The Telugu version contributed about 0.01 crore from a very limited 24 shows. While daily numbers might stay below the 1 crore mark from here on, the movie has already achieved a monumental status in Indian cinema history. It has set a standard for sequels that few films can match, maintaining interest across seven long weeks. With a worldwide gross of 1,789.52 crore, Dhurandhar 2 has officially become the second highest-grossing Indian film of all time. It has managed to surpass the massive lifetime global collection of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, leaving it only behind Aamir Khan starrer Dangal on the all-time charts. Having secured a total India net of 1,139.10 crore, the focus now remains on how much further it can push its global tally before its historic theatrical run finally comes to an end.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Raja Shivaji has just completed its first Monday, and the results are quite extraordinary for the Marathi film industry. It has officially recorded the biggest Monday ever for any Marathi film, collecting 5.60 crore net on its fourth day. This performance solidifies its position as a major powerhouse at the box office, continuing the momentum it built over a record-breaking weekend. While the numbers show a 53.3 percent drop compared to the massive 12.00 crore haul on Sunday, this is actually a very steady hold for a working day. To put this in perspective, collecting over 5 crore on a Monday across 5,145 shows is a feat rarely seen in regional cinema. This successful Monday push brings the total India net collection to 39.50 crore, while the total India gross has reached 46.95 crore within just four days of its release. Comparing these figures with past records shows a clear gap between this release and previous hits. Raja Shivaji has recorded the highest first Monday for a Marathi film, nearly doubling the numbers of the previous record holder. Below is the list of the top 5 Marathi films based on their first Monday net collections in India. Raja Shivaji: ₹5.60 Cr Ved: ₹3.02 Cr Dharmaveer: ₹1.65 Cr Pawankhind: ₹1.43 Cr Navra Maza Navsacha 2: ₹1.20 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The ticket sales data further highlights the films dominance in the market. On BookMyShow alone, the movie has crossed the milestone of 1.1 million tickets sold. Even on Monday, it managed to sell 137.78K tickets on the platform, indicating that the interest level remains high among the general audience. This consistent demand suggests that the movie is benefiting from strong word-of-mouth and is not just a weekend wonder. Pre Sales: 217.33K Friday (Day 1): 274.79K Saturday (Day 2): 283.01K Sunday (Day 3): 223.16K Monday (Day 4): 137.78K TOTAL: 11,36,070 (1.13 Million) A look at the national chains shows that Raja Shivaji is currently leading the charts by a significant margin. It is the top movie by tickets sold across PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, outperforming all other major releases. On Monday alone, the film managed to sell 22,215 tickets across these three major multiplex chains, resulting in a gross collection of 61.48 lakh. This performance placed it at the very top of the list, even while competing with various other titles across a combined 1,786 shows and 488 venues. To give you a clearer picture of its dominance, the film easily outpaced several other notable releases in the national chains. It sold significantly more tickets than Michael, which stood at 14,258 tickets, and the Hollywood sequel The Devil Wears Prada 2, which followed with 12,500 tickets. Other films like Kara, Bhooth Bangla, and Patriot were far behind in the daily sales ranking. Even with a high volume of shows, Raja Shivaji maintained its lead, proving that the audience's preference is heavily tilted towards this Marathi epic right now. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The breakdown across the individual chains is also quite impressive. In PVR, it recorded 9,900 ticket sales with a gross of 26.50 lakh, while INOX contributed 7,600 tickets worth 21.20 lakh. Cinepolis added another 4,800 tickets to the total. This strong footprint in the premium multiplex segment across nearly 500 venues shows that the movie is successfully attracting audiences beyond traditional single-screen theaters, which is a great sign for its long-term box office health. By the end of its first weekend itself, the film had already surpassed the records of previous Marathi blockbusters. With a massive 23 crore opening weekend net, it moved past successful titles like Ved, which held a 10 crore opening, and Dharmaveer, which stood at 9 crore. This effectively makes it the number one Marathi movie of all time when looking at opening weekend metrics. The sheer scale of this opening is unprecedented for the Marathi industry, as it has more than doubled the previous weekend records, establishing a new benchmark for the regional box office. Top Marathi Movies - Opening Weekend Net CollectionMOVIE NAME1ST WEEKEND NETRaja Shivaji (2026)₹ 23 CrVed (2022)₹ 10 CrDharmaveer (2022)₹ 9 CrNavra Maza Navsacha 2 (2024)₹ 8 CrDharmaveer 2 (2024)₹ 7 Cr The films success is fairly distributed across languages as well, though the Marathi version remains the primary driver. On Monday, the Marathi version contributed 4.25 crore with an impressive 42 percent occupancy, while the Hindi version added 1.35 crore. Given the current trend, Raja Shivaji is on a historic trajectory and is expected to set a new benchmark for the highest lifetime collection in Marathi cinema history.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, May 4 - The much-awaited sequel to 3 Idiots is gaining serious momentum, and the latest update has only heightened excitement among fans. If reports are to be believed, Vicky Kaushal has emerged as the front-runner to play the fourth idiot in the upcoming film. The sequel is expected to reunite the original trio - Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi - continuing the legacy of one of Bollywood's most iconic films. According to Pinkvilla, Vicky Kaushal is in advanced discussions and has shown a strong interest in the script. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The actor is said to be excited about collaborating once again with Rajkumar Hirani after working with him on films like Sanju and Dunki. If finalised, Kaushal's character will mark a significant addition to the franchise, expanding the story beyond the original trio. As said, the 3 Idiots sequel will bring back the beloved characters that made the original film a cultural phenomenon. Aamir Khan has already confirmed that the film is in the works and hinted that the story will be set 10 years after the first film, retaining the original's humour while exploring a new and unusual direction. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Released in 2009, 3 Idiots was not just a box office blockbuster but also a socially impactful film that resonated deeply with audiences for its take on India's education system with a lot of heart and humour. The sequel aims to build on that legacy while introducing new elements and characters. While the film is still in the scripting stage, reports suggest that the makers are carefully crafting a story that justifies the addition of a fourth lead rather than simply extending the original narrative. The team is taking its time to write the screenplay that lives up to the legacy of 3 Idiots, with the second instalment expected to go on floors in the second half of 2027.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, May 4 - Bollywood actress Kiara Advani recently found herself at the centre of viral speculation surrounding her upcoming film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. Reports began circulating that she was uncomfortable with certain bold and intimate scenes in the film, which features Yash in the lead role. The rumours further claimed that the actress had asked the makers to tone down or remove some of these sequences. In some versions of the story, it was even suggested that she had concerns after watching parts of the film and wanted changes before release. With the film already generating strong buzz, these claims quickly spread across social media. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Kiara Advani Reacts Putting an end to the speculation, Kiara Advani responded strongly and dismissed all such reports. The actress termed the claims "absolute nonsense," making it clear that there is no truth to the rumours. Her clarification confirms that she has not requested any cuts or modifications in the film and that the reports doing the rounds are entirely baseless. Despite the noise online, there is essentially no issue between the actress and the makers of Toxic. The entire situation appears to have been driven by unverified gossip that escalated without any official confirmation. Given the scale and anticipation surrounding Toxic, such rumours gained traction quickly, but Kiara's response has now brought clarity to the situation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What's Next For Toxic? Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film is one of the most awaited projects and stars Yash in a lead role. It is expected to explore darker themes and present a unique cinematic experience. The film was scheduled to release on June 4, but the makers have pushed the film further after feedback from the international media. With the rumours now firmly addressed, the focus is likely to shift back to the film’s progress and eventual release rather than off-screen speculation.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

After defying the standard theatrical decline with a rare second-week box office surge, the Malayalam dark comedy-thriller Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam is now transitioning to its global digital premiere. Known for its sharp situational humor and suspenseful narrative, the sequel proved to be a major commercial success, maintaining strong momentum even against heavy competition during its theatrical run. Where and when to stream Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam on OTT? Netflix has officially secured the digital streaming rights for this dark comedy sequel. The makers have confirmed that Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam will be available for streaming starting May 8. Given the global reach of the platform, the film is expected to premiere in its original Malayalam version with subtitles, and potentially dubbed versions in other South Indian languages. This May 8 release marks a standard theatrical-to-digital window, allowing global audiences to witness the chaotic world of the characters on their home screens. What is the story of Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam? The sequel continues the story of Sasi (Saiju Kurup) and his extended family, who now find themselves facing a precarious situation. The plot centers on blackmail from Govindaraja (Suraj Venjaramoodu), an associate of their late patriarch who threatens to expose that their family temple is founded on a fraud. The narrative takes a dark turn when Sasi’s mother accidentally kills the blackmailer during a confrontation. This shifts the film into a chaotic cover-up mission involving a local butcher and a rapper to dispose of the body while staying ahead of a suspicious police officer. The story masterfully blends suspense with the franchise's signature situational humor, culminating in a heist of the very temple that caused their crisis. On the commercial front, Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam exhibited an extraordinary box office trajectory. Unlike most films that peak in their first week, this movie saw a significant jump in its second week due to strong word-of-mouth. By the end of its 21-day run, the film secured a worldwide gross of 38.73 crore. Domestic performance was particularly strong with an India gross of 28.23 crore, while the overseas market contributed a healthy 10.50 crore. The audience engagement was further reflected on BookMyShow, where the film recorded a total of 883.05K tickets sold throughout its theatrical run. The film showed exceptional legs at the box office, with its second-week earnings surpassing the opening week, a rare feat that highlights its blockbuster status: Week 1 Collection: ₹6.75 Cr Week 2 Collection: ₹9.26 Cr Week 3 Collection: ₹7.16 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam: Total Box Office Collection (As of Day 24) CATEGORY COLLECTION (INR) India Net Collection ₹ 24.38 Cr India Gross Collection ₹ 28.23 Cr Overseas Collection ₹ 10.50 Cr Worldwide Total Gross ₹ 38.73 Cr Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam a hit or a flop? Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam is a Super Hit. The film showed a rare upward trend in its second week and has grossed nearly ₹39 Cr worldwide on a controlled budget. Where to stream Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam on OTT? The film will be available for streaming exclusively on Netflix from May 8. Who are the lead actors in the film? The film features Saiju Kurup and Suraj Venjaramoodu in pivotal roles, continuing the comedic and thrilling legacy of the first part. What is the OTT release date for Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam? The film is scheduled to premiere on OTT on May 8, exactly four weeks after its theatrical debut.