Sunit Jangir

Sunit Jangir

9488 Articles

As a Senior Editor at Sacnilk, Sunit Jangir leads our coverage on Indian cinema, box office analytics, and global entertainment trends. Passionate about Cricket, Sunit Jangir is an avid sports lover. He finds inspiration in other people's life stories and try to absorb them. Though introvert by nature, he doesn't feel shy when the topic is cinema and sports, particularly cricket.

Articles Written By Sunit Jangir

Vaazha 2 Box Office: Hashir Starrer Becomes Highest-Grossing Film In Kerala, Beats Lokah Chapter 1
52 days ago
Mollywood

Vaazha 2 Box Office: Hashir Starrer Becomes Highest-Grossing Film In Kerala, Beats Lokah Chapter 1

Kochi, April 25 - The Malayalam coming-of-age comedy drama Vaazha 2: Biopic of a Billion Bros has turned into a historic blockbuster, rewriting box office records in Kerala. Led by Hashir and backed by strong word-of-mouth, Vaazha 2 has now emerged as the highest-grossing film in Kerala, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra. Vaazha 2 Becomes Biggest Grosser In Kerala The sequel to 2024's film has grossed 119.65 crores in 23 days, which puts it ahead of Thudarum, which minted 118.90 crores. Interestingly, the Mohanlal starrer was released on this day (April 25) last year and became the first movie ever to top 100 crores gross in Kerala, before Kalyani Priyadarshan's Lokah Chapter 1 dethroned it. At the time of writing this piece (24th day), Vaazha 2 has effectively outgrossed the number 1 grosser, Lokah Chapter 1 (120.85 crores) to become the biggest grosser ever in the state. The film's phenomenal run began right from its opening, where it registered one of the biggest starts for a newcomer-led Malayalam film, earning over 5 crore on day one in Kerala alone, and the momentum since then has been unstoppable. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Top Grossers In Kerala S. No. Movie Kerala Gross 1 Vaazha 2 ₹ 121+ Cr (24 days expected) 2 Lokah Chapter 1 ₹ 120.85 Cr 3 Thudarum ₹ 118.90 Cr As of April 25, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A Big Worldwide Blockbuster Vaazha 2 has shown exceptional consistency, and on the worldwide front, it has delivered an equally phenomenal performance. The film crossed the 100 crore mark globally within just two weeks and continued its upward trend, eventually surpassing the 200 crore gross milestone. Overseas markets, particularly the Gulf region, played a crucial role in boosting its numbers. Unlike traditional star-driven hits, Vaazha 2 capitalised on digital fandom and youth appeal, turning it into a cultural phenomenon across Kerala and beyond. Made on a budget of around 10 crores, the film has so far grossed around 220+ crores (including 24th day estimates), and is heading towards finishing around 250 crores worldwide. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Top 5 Biggest Malayalam Grossers Worldwide S. No. Movie Worldwide Gross 1 Lokah Chapter 1 ₹ 303.85 Cr 2 Empuraan ₹ 266.80 Cr 3 Manjummel Boys ₹ 241 Cr 4 Thudarum ₹ 235.40 Cr 5 Vaazha 2 ₹ 220+ Cr As of April 25, 2026

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From Sky Force To Bhooth Bangla: Akshay Kumar Staging A Comeback After A Lean Box Office Phase
53 days ago
Bollywood

From Sky Force To Bhooth Bangla: Akshay Kumar Staging A Comeback After A Lean Box Office Phase

Mumbai, April 25 - In the post-pandemic era, Akshay Kumar has arguably been the most prolific among the top stars, consistently delivering multiple releases year after year and keeping the release flow going amid the shortage of top stars' films. However, despite this remarkable consistency, one key element was missing during this phase — sustained box office success. In 2021, his long-pending cop drama Sooryavanshi emerged as a major hit despite the clouds of COVID still hovering, and played a crucial role in reviving the theatrical business after the pandemic. Directed by Rohit Shetty, the film emerged as the biggest Bollywood grosser of the year with the worldwide collection of around 300 crore, still the highest for Akshay Kumar in the post-COVID era. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Extended Lean Phase (2022 – Mid 2023) Following Sooryavanshi, when the trade was expecting the momentum of Sooryavanshi to expand, the actor went through a prolonged dry spell. During this period, Akshay had five releases which underperformed, either ending up as a flop or below average. Despite experimenting with different genres, the lack of strong box office returns made this one of the most challenging phases of his career. This dry phase ended with social comedy drama Oh My God - OMG 2 (August 2023), which emerged as a box office hit. The release of OMG 2 brought much-needed relief for the actor as the film performed well and ended Akshay's losing streak by grossing over 200 crores worldwide. However, this success turned out to be short-lived, as consistency still remained elusive. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) After OMG 2, Akshay Kumar faced another phase of box office struggles. While not as prolonged as the earlier slump, it indicated that a full-fledged comeback was still some distance away, as four films were released during this phase that failed to deliver box office results the actor was hoping for. Comeback Phase Begins – Sky Force (January 2025) After a string of underwhelming box office results, the turning point for Akshay came with Sky Force, which marked the beginning of a steady recovery. Though not a clean hit, the film's performance signalled improving audience acceptance and hinted at a shift in Akshay's choices towards more grounded films with mass appeal. Sky Force, despite being in the news for various reasons, grossed around 150 crores and escaped a flop verdict. After this film, the Khiladi Kumar released Kesari Chapter 2, Housefull 5, and Jolly LLB 3, all crossing the 100 crore mark, with HF5 finishing near Sooryavanshi numbers. This is the longest hundred crore streak for Akshay since the health crisis, hinting at the comeback the actor was looking for. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Akshay Kumar's Last Five Films S. No. Movie Total WW GBOC 1 Bhooth Bangla ₹ 144.70 Cr (8D)* 2 Jolly LLB 3 ₹ 171.65 Cr 3 Housefull 5 ₹ 288.65 Cr 4 Kesari Chapter 2 ₹ 145 Cr 5 Sky Force ₹ 150 Cr As of April 24, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Momentum Builds with Bhooth Bangla (April 2026) The comeback trajectory of Indian cinema's one of the most prolific stars is now gaining strength with director Priyadarshan's Bhooth Bangla. The horror-comedy has emerged as a box office hit, and earlier it topped 100 crores in just 4 days, driven by positive word of mouth. This phase suggests that Akshay Kumar is gradually reclaiming his position as a reliable box-office draw, a role he was known for before the pandemic. What Is Next For Akshay Kumar? Akshay is expected to carry this winning momentum into the next phase of his career. With franchise films like Welcome to the Jungle, Golmaal 5, and Bhagam Bhag 2 in the making, along with Priyadarshan's thriller Haiwaan, the actor is probably in the best phase ever since he came out of the lean period.

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Michael Becomes Highest-Rated Musical Biopic On Rotten Tomatoes As It Sets Global Box Office Preview Record
53 days ago
Hollywood

Michael Becomes Highest-Rated Musical Biopic On Rotten Tomatoes As It Sets Global Box Office Preview Record

Mumbai, April 25 - Michael Jackson is once again set to prove why he was a cultural phenomenon. Even after 16 years since his passing, the Pop King continues to rule the hearts of people all around the world, as his biopic Michael is about to blow up at the global box office. Michael Creates Rotten Tomatoes Record (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Michael has emerged as one of the highest-rated films on Rotten Tomatoes in terms of audience reception, and when it comes to musical biopics, it is easily the top-rated title, boasting an impressive 97% audience score. This, despite critics disliking it for whitewashing the controversial life of the King of Pop. The film holds a critics' score in the mid-30% range on the Tomatometer, with many reviewers pointing out issues related to storytelling choices and its handling of sensitive aspects of Michael Jackson's life. Despite this divide, the overwhelmingly positive audience score has fueled curiosity and strong word-of-mouth. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Record Box Office Previews Worldwide On the box office front, Michael has started its journey on a solid note. The film recorded a strong global preview opening of $40 million, the best preview for any movie in 2026, signalling high audience interest across markets. In India, Michael earned approximately 2 crore gross ($210K) from paid previews, while North America reported $12.5+ million previews. The initial response suggests that the film is benefiting from strong fan turnout and global curiosity surrounding the King of Pop's life story.

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Akshay Kumar's Welcome To The Jungle Reportedly Locks Major Distribution Deals
54 days ago
Bollywood

Akshay Kumar's Welcome To The Jungle Reportedly Locks Major Distribution Deals

Mumbai, April 24 - Akshay Kumar-fronted Welcome To The Jungle is gearing up for a grand release this June after multiple delays, and ahead of it, the film is making strong noise in the trade circuit, not just for its ensemble cast but for its impressive pre-release business. The third instalment in the popular Welcome franchise has reportedly secured major distribution deals well ahead of its release. According to the report by Bollywood Hungama, JioStar has acquired the film's domestic theatrical rights, along with satellite and OTT rights. This means the film will release nationwide under JioStar's distribution, followed by its television premiere and digital streaming on JioHotstar, giving the company complete control over its India lifecycle. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On the international front, Pen Marudhar is said to be in advanced talks to acquire the overseas theatrical rights. The deal is said to be in its final stages, with strong interest driven by the Welcome franchise's popularity among overseas audiences, particularly in key diaspora-driven markets like the Middle East, the UK, and North America. This deal structure highlights a smart and modern revenue model, where a bulk domestic deal ensures substantial cost recovery before release, while overseas rights are monetised separately to maximise value. Such an approach significantly reduces the financial risk for the makers, allowing the film to enter theatres in a comfortable position. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Ahmed Khan and headlined by Akshay Kumar along with Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Krushna Abhishek, and Kiku Sharda, among others, in key roles. Welcome 3 is slated to release on June 26, 2026.

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Salman Khan's Film With Vamshi Paidipally Locks Eid 2027 Release Date
54 days ago
Bollywood

Salman Khan's Film With Vamshi Paidipally Locks Eid 2027 Release Date

Mumbai, April 24 - Superstar Salman Khan has officially locked Eid 2027 as the release window for his upcoming big-budget entertainer directed by Vamshi Paidipally. The yet-untitled film is being positioned as an action spectacle, marking a significant collaboration between Bollywood and the South film industry. A Big-Ticket Collaboration (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film brings together Salman Khan and Telugu filmmaker Vamshi Paidipally for the first time. Known for delivering large-scale commercial family entertainers like Maharshi and Varisu, Paidipally is expected to present Salman in a mass-heavy, stylised action avatar, tailored for a wide audience across multiple languages. Backing the project is noted producer Dil Raju, who has a strong track record in mounting high-budget ventures. With this combination of star power and production scale, the film is already being seen as one of the biggest releases of 2027. Nayanthara has been locked to play the female lead. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Shooting Underway, Massive Scale Planned The film has reportedly gone on floors recently, with initial shooting schedules taking place in Mumbai. The makers are planning an extensive shoot spanning multiple locations, with a focus on high-octane action sequences, grand visuals, and a strong emotional core, a formula that aligns with both Salman Khan's star image and Paidipally's storytelling style. Salman Khan Returns To His Favourite Slot Eid has long been synonymous with Salman Khan's biggest box office successes. Films like Wanted, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and Sultan turned the festive period into a guaranteed blockbuster window for the superstar. By locking Eid 2027, the makers are clearly aiming to recreate that box office magic, especially after a phase where Salman's recent releases have seen mixed responses. The festive timing, combined with a mass entertainer format, positions the film as a potential comeback vehicle for the actor. This project comes at an important juncture in Salman Khan's career. With evolving audience tastes and increasing competition from pan-India films, the actor is looking to reinvent his box office dominance. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Thoda durr ki sochna chahiye, That’s why announced Eid….. Don’t worry iss wali ka bhi bataenge, when the time is right…… Patience, thoda sa sabar…… Mere Jitna he intezar karna padega,Baherhaal jo apka haal hai wo hi mera bhi haal hai…. haha 🙏#Nayanthara… pic.twitter.com/nMGrfOj3DF— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) April 24, 2026

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Bhooth Bangla Box Office: Akshay Kumar Starrer Clocks A Good First Week; Will Enter 100 Crore Club In Second Weekend
54 days ago
Bollywood

Bhooth Bangla Box Office: Akshay Kumar Starrer Clocks A Good First Week; Will Enter 100 Crore Club In Second Weekend

Mumbai, April 23 - Akshay Kumar-fronted horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla has registered a good and steady first week at the Indian box office. The film has managed to maintain consistency after a good opening weekend, keeping itself firmly on track to emerge as a big success story. Bhooth Bangla Clocked 84 Crore Net In First Week Directed by Priyadarshan, Bhooth Bangla collected 79 crore net in its first six days. The film is tracking to earn another 5.50 crore net on Thursday, to close the opening week in the range of 84+ crores net. This is one of the best first-week collections for an Akshay Kumar-starrer in the post-pandemic era. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film opened at 12.25 crore and saw significant growth over the weekend, reaching over 50 crore within its first three days. Post the weekend, Bhooth Bangla saw the expected weekday drop, but the decline remained controlled. It collected 6.75 crore on Monday, followed by a jump to 8 crore on Tuesday, and then 6.15 crore on Wednesday, showcasing a stable weekday trend rather than a sharp fall. This kind of hold indicates that the film has found acceptance among audiences, particularly in mass and family circuits. By the end of its first week, the film's total is expected to land in the 84+ crore net range, putting it in a comfortable position heading into the second weekend. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Top 5 Biggest First Week Grossers of Akshay Kumar (Post Pandemic) S. No. Movie First Week Net Collection 1 Housefull 5 ₹ 127.25 Cr 2 Sooryavanshi ₹ 120.66 Cr 3 OMG 2 ₹ 85.05 Cr 4 Bhooth Bangla ₹ 84.40 Cr 5 Jolly LLB 3 ₹ 74.00 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Bhooth Bangla To Enter 100 Crore Club In Second Weekend With this trajectory, Bhooth Bangla is now poised to enter the 100 crore club during its second weekend, most likely on Sunday. The film's performance is noteworthy considering the competition in the market and external factors like the ongoing Indian Premier League season, which often impacts theatre occupancy. Despite the odds, the combination of comedy and horror, along with the popular reunion of Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan, has worked in its favour. Overall, Bhooth Bangla has delivered a good first week with stable trends, and its box office journey now depends on how strongly it grows over the second weekend.

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Samay Raina's Comeback, Still Alive, Becomes World's Most-Watched Stand-Up Special On YouTube
55 days ago
Youtube

Samay Raina's Comeback, Still Alive, Becomes World's Most-Watched Stand-Up Special On YouTube

Mumbai, April 23 - In a remarkable turnaround story, Indian comedian Samay Raina has made a thunderous comeback with his latest stand-up special Still Alive, which has now emerged as the most-watched full-length comedy special on YouTube globally. A Record-Breaking Digital Phenomenon (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Released directly on YouTube, Still Alive quickly turned into a viral sensation. Within a short span, the special amassed tens of millions of views, with an explosive opening that saw it garner millions within the first 24 hours. The viewership surge has since propelled it past every other stand-up special available on the platform. As of now, the video has 54 million views. What sets Still Alive apart is its deeply personal and unfiltered narrative. Instead of relying solely on punchlines, Samay Raina uses the stage to chronicle one of the most challenging phases of his life, while also reflecting on the struggle of his parents' roots for a brief moment. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Controversy and Conversation In 2025, Samay found himself trapped in controversy after YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia's remarks on his show, India's Got Latent, sparked nationwide backlash. Following the controversy, Samay removed all episodes of India's Got Latent from YouTube. In the special, Samay spoke about India's Got Latent controversy, where he claimed that Ranveer had cracked the controversial joke eight times during the episode, but only one instance was retained, which eventually sparked the outrage. One of the lines or segments in the Still Alive video which deeply connected with the audience was when Raina reflected on his legal battle, giving the example of the Kashmiri Pandits. Overall, the comedy special deeply resonated with audiences who praised the YouTuber for his unfiltered take on the challenges he faced during the Got Latent controversy.

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Drishyam 3 OTT Rights Put On Hold? Legal Dispute Clouds Digital Deal
55 days ago
Mollywood

Drishyam 3 OTT Rights Put On Hold? Legal Dispute Clouds Digital Deal

New Delhi, April 23 - Superstar Mohanlal's highly anticipated Drishyam 3 has run into a major hurdle even before its release. The film's OTT rights, expected to be one of the most lucrative deals in Malayalam cinema, are currently on hold due to a legal dispute, creating uncertainty around its digital premiere. A Clash Over Digital Rights (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The controversy centres on streaming giant Amazon Prime Video and the film's producer, Aashirvad Cinemas. Amazon has asserted that it holds exclusive streaming rights to Drishyam 3, citing an earlier agreement signed with the production banner. According to the platform, the deal includes clauses that either grant it first preference or outright exclusivity for future instalments in the Drishyam franchise. This claim has effectively prevented the producers from exploring fresh OTT offers in the open market. Delhi High Court Grants Interim Relief (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The dispute reached the Delhi High Court, which has granted interim relief in favour of Amazon Prime Video. The court's order temporarily restrains the makers from negotiating or finalising any OTT deal with third parties until the matter is resolved. This development has put the digital rights deal in limbo, halting what could have been (still possible) a record-breaking streaming acquisition. In today's market, where post-theatrical streaming deals are crucial to a film's overall revenue model, this uncertainty can influence both valuation and release timing. Impact on Theatrical Release? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While the legal battle does not directly affect the film's theatrical release plans, it has significantly delayed clarity on its OTT debut. The Drishyam franchise, helmed by Jeethu Joseph, has historically performed exceptionally well on OTT platforms, making its third instalment a highly sought-after property among streaming services. Drishyam 3 is scheduled to release on May 21, after being postponed from April 2nd. It is the third instalment in the blockbuster crime suspense thriller franchise, which kicked off in 2013. The second film in the series, Drishyam 2, was a direct digital release via Prime Video in 2021. Meanwhile, the Hindi remake of Drishyam 3, starring Ajay Devgn, is slated for October 2, 2026, release.

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Dhurandhar 2 Tops 18 Million Tickets On BookMyShow As Bhooth Bangla Becomes Third Biggest Bollywood Grosser of 2026
55 days ago
Bollywood

Dhurandhar 2 Tops 18 Million Tickets On BookMyShow As Bhooth Bangla Becomes Third Biggest Bollywood Grosser of 2026

Mumbai, April 22 - The Bollywood box office is in good shape at the moment with two back to back sucesses in the form of Dhurandhar 2 and Bhooth Bangla. While the Ranveer Singh-fronted spy actioner is in the league of its own, Akshay Kumar's horror-comedy too has managed to draw footfalls with a good ongoing opening week. Dhurandhar 2's Unstoppable Ticket Sales Run (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar 2 has showcased extraordinary staying power and even in its 5th week, the film is getting a solid response at the ticket window. The Ranveer Singh-led sequel has now crossed 18 million ticket sales on BookMyShow, becoming only the second film ever to cross this mark, underlining its massive theatrical pull. Despite losing a significant number of screens after the arrival of Bhooth Bangla, the film continues to draw audiences in large numbers. In fact, the film has maintained strong occupancy levels even after a 50% drop in show count, indicating sustained demand well into its extended run. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Highest Number of Tickets Sold on BookMyShow Rank Movie Industry Tickets Sold (BMS) 1 Pushpa 2: The Rule Telugu 20.40+M 2 Dhurandhar 2 Hindi 18M+ 3 KGF Chapter 2 Kannada 17.1M 4 Baahubali 2: The Conclusion Telugu 16M 5 Dhurandhar Hindi 14.20M At the domestic box office, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge is nearing 1350 crore gross mark in all versions, with the Hindi version alone contributing around 1250 crores gross, cementing its status as one of the biggest Indian blockbusters of all time. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Bhooth Bangla Emerges As 2026's Horror-Comedy Success On the other hand, Bhooth Bangla has turned out to be a major success story of 2026. The Akshay Kumar–Priyadarshan reunion film has not only opened to good numbers but has continued to perform steadily at the box office. Within just a few days of release, the film crossed 100 crore worldwide, showing good momentum among family audiences. In just 6 days of theatrical run, Bhooth Bangla has become the third highest-grossing Bollywood and sixth biggest Indian grosser at the worldwide box office with 118 crores gross. It has beaten the lifetime total of Shahid Kapoor's O Romeo, which minted around 110 crores globally. Highest-Grossing Bollywood Films of 2026 S. No. Movie Worldwide Gross 1 Dhurandhar 2 ₹ 1762 Cr 2 Border 2 ₹ 450.20 Cr 3 Bhooth Bangla ₹ 118+ Cr 4 O Romeo ₹ 110.80 Cr As of April 21

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