🏆 Bollywood Box Office Records

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 23 - The makers of Welcome To The Jungle have officially opened advance bookings for the much-awaited comedy entertainer starring Akshay Kumar. Adding to the excitement, the film will also have special paid preview shows beginning on June 25 at 7:30 PM, one day ahead of its theatrical release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A brand-new promotional poster shared by the team confirms that audiences will be able to watch the film early through paid previews across selected cinemas nationwide. The announcement has already created massive buzz among fans of the popular Welcome franchise. The Ahmed Khan directorial features one of the biggest ensemble casts seen in a Bollywood comedy film. Alongside Akshay Kumar, the movie stars Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Arshad Warsi, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Lara Dutta, Raveena Tandon, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Krishna Abhishek and several others. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The newly released poster showcases the cast in an action-packed jungle setup, hinting at a comedy adventure loaded with chaos, confusion and larger-than-life entertainment — elements that made the original Welcome films hugely popular among audiences. With booking now live on major ticketing platforms, the film is expected to put strong occupancy for the paid preview shows, especially in multiplex chains and metro cities. The early screening strategy has become increasingly popular in Bollywood, helping films build strong word-of-mouth before the official opening day.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 23 - Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar-led Welcome To The Jungle is reportedly gearing up for one of the widest releases seen for a Bollywood comedy entertainer in recent years. It is said that distributors are pressuring exhibitors to stage massive showcases across both single-screen theatres and multiplexes ahead of the film's release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to a Bollywood Hungama report, distributors are demanding all shows in several single-screen cinemas, while multiplex chains with six screens are being asked to allocate at least three shows per screen to the film. The aggressive release strategy underscores the growing importance of opening-weekend collections in today's theatrical market. The makers are banking heavily on the franchise value of the Welcome series along with the film's massive ensemble cast and large-scale comic setup. With strong distribution backing already in place, the film is expected to secure extensive penetration across key mass and urban circuits nationwide. However, the move has also triggered discussions within exhibition circles. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While some trade experts see it as a sign of confidence, others believe excessive showcasing can become risky if audience demand fails to match expectations. In recent years, several big-budget Bollywood films have failed to perform to the level of high expectations. Plus, there are holdover films which are doing well at the box office, and will be forcing the exhibitors to allocate enough shows in the coming week. Despite the debate, Welcome To The Jungle is clearly being positioned as a major theatrical event. Whether the ambitious release strategy converts into strong box office numbers will ultimately depend on audience response once the film arrives in cinemas. The film is scheduled to release on June 26.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 22 - Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar's much-awaited comedy entertainer Welcome To The Jungle has completed its censor formalities ahead of release. The Ahmed Khan directorial has reportedly been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with a U/A certificate after several modifications and cuts suggested by the board. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to reports, the CBFC asked the makers to implement a total of 18 changes before approving. Among the notable modifications were the removal of a Kashmir-related dialogue reference, toning down of certain suggestive bikini scenes featuring Disha Patani and Jacqueline Fernandez, and edits to abusive language, double-meaning dialogues, and a few violent visuals. The comedy entertainer was originally applied with 165 minutes runtime, and following the approved edits, the film's official theatrical runtime has been locked at approximately 2 hours, 44 minutes, and 50 seconds, making it one of the lengthier comedy entertainers in recent times, and one of the longest for Akshay Kumar. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Welcome To The Jungle serves as the latest instalment in the popular Welcome franchise and boasts a massive ensemble cast led by Akshay Kumar. The film also stars Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, and several other actors in key roles. Directed by Ahmed Khan and backed by Firoz Nadiadwala, the film promises a blend of action, slapstick comedy, and franchise-style chaos on a grand scale. The movie is currently scheduled for a theatrical release on June 26, 2026. The trailer and promotional material have already generated strong buzz among audiences, particularly due to the return of the franchise's signature comic tone combined with an unusually large star cast.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 21 - After the back-to-back box office successes, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar is gearing up for his next potential big hit, Welcome To The Jungle. The comedy entertainer is generating strong excitement ahead of its theatrical release, with the makers now planning a special paid preview strategy to boost early momentum at the box office. According to the Pinkvilla report, the film will have paid preview shows on June 25, one day before its official release on June 26, 2026. The strategy, though not a regular practice, has become increasingly popular in Bollywood, as it helps films create early word-of-mouth and build strong opening-day collections. Considering the popularity of the Welcome franchise, the paid previews could work in the film's favour. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Paid Previews Strategy, But No Confirmation While there is nothing official from the makers yet, it is said that they are targeting family audiences and fans of mass entertainers through these preview shows. Positive audience reactions from the early screenings could significantly improve the film's opening weekend performance. The film marks the third instalment in the successful Welcome franchise and promises a complete package of comedy, action, confusion, and entertainment. Akshay Kumar's last release, Bhooth Bangla, also had previews, and it did very well in those by grossing over 4 crores and setting the stage for a successful theatrical run. The makers of Welcome 3 aim to replicate a similar trajectory, and if it manages to get a positive reception from paid shows, the movie has enough star power and franchise potential to make it a huge box office success. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Advance Booking Update Meanwhile, the makers have officially confirmed that the full-fledged advance booking for Welcome To The Jungle is set to begin on Tuesday (June 23), 3 days ahead of the full-fledged theatrical release across major ticket-booking platforms. Even before the official bookings open, the film has witnessed impressive online interest, indicating strong anticipation among audiences. As per the latest trade projections, Welcome 3 is expected to take a very good start at the domestic box office. With paid previews, strong pre-release buzz, and a star-studded cast, the movie is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Bollywood releases of 2026. All eyes are now on the booking response and whether the film can translate its online hype into massive box office numbers. Akshay headlines the film alongside a massive ensemble cast that includes Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Arshad Warsi, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, and several other actors. The trailer and promotional content have already created strong social media buzz, with fans particularly excited to see Akshay Kumar returning to the comedy genre on a large scale.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 19 - The teaser of Eetha, starring Shraddha Kapoor in the role of legendary Marathi Lavani artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar, has taken theatres by storm after being attached to the prints of Cocktail 2. Moviegoers who witnessed the teaser on the big screen have been pouring praise on social media, calling Shraddha's performance one of the finest of her career. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The teaser offers a powerful glimpse into the life of Vithabai Narayangaonkar, one of Maharashtra’s most celebrated Tamasha and Lavani performers. Shraddha Kapoor appears completely transformed in the role, effortlessly capturing the grace, intensity, and commanding aura of the iconic folk artist. Audiences have particularly applauded her expressions, dialogue delivery, and electrifying dance sequences, which reportedly received loud cheers inside cinema halls. Several viewers described the teaser as goosebump-inducing and award-worthy, with many appreciating the emotional depth showcased within just a short runtime. One particular scene, featuring Shraddha seemingly performing in extreme physical pain due to pregnancy, has become a major talking point among fans online. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Apart from Shraddha's performance, the music by celebrated composer duo Ajay-Atul has emerged as another highlight of the teaser. Their grand orchestral score blended with authentic Lavani folk elements has struck a strong chord with audiences. Fans have hailed the background music as a masterpiece, praising how it elevates the emotional and theatrical impact of the visuals. Directed by Laxman Utekar, Eetha promises to be an ambitious cinematic tribute to Maharashtra's rich folk culture and performing arts tradition. The teaser's vibrant production design, traditional costumes, and immersive stage sequences have already created immense anticipation for the film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With overwhelmingly positive reactions pouring in from theatre audiences, Eetha is quickly shaping up to be one of the most awaited films of 2026. If the teaser response is anything to go by, Shraddha Kapoor may be headed toward one of the most critically acclaimed performances of her career. The film is scheduled to release on August 28, as one of the major theatrical releases.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

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

BY CHRISTA LINCY

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

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 17 - Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is reportedly in talks with filmmaker Farhan Akhtar for an ambitious two-part period action drama. The project is said to be envisioned on a grand scale and could potentially become one of the biggest collaborations in Hindi cinema in recent years. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to the report by Pinkvilla, the film is being designed as a large-scale period spectacle packed with action and high production value. Due to the expansive nature of the story, the makers are reportedly considering a two-part format to fully explore the narrative and its characters. It is said that the project is still in an early stage with no paperwork in place. Salman Khan and Farhan Akhtar have reportedly been meeting frequently over the last few weeks, and the actor has shown keen interest in the subject. Both sides are excited about the possibility of coming together for the first time. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Farhan Akhtar, known for directing stylish films and backing major projects through Excel Entertainment, is reportedly involved in shaping the vision of the film. However, details regarding the title, supporting cast, shooting schedule, and release timeline are still under wraps. Meanwhile, Salman is currently shooting for Vamsi Paidipally's family action drama film. He also has Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace, which is expected to release sometime later this year. By October/November, the Sultan star will start Raj&Dk's superhero movie, and after wrapping it up, he is expected to dive into Farhan's period actioner.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 17 - The much-awaited trailer of Alpha is finally here, and it promises a gripping mix of high-octane action and espionage drama. Headlined by Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, the upcoming film marks a significant expansion of the YRF Spy Universe by introducing its first female-led action spectacle. From the very first frame, Alpha establishes a darker and more intense tone. Alia Bhatt appears in a never-before-seen avatar as a ruthless and highly skilled operative, while Sharvari complements her with equally fierce screen presence and combat-heavy sequences. Together, the duo takes centre stage in what appears to be a deadly origin story packed with betrayal, revenge, and covert missions. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The trailer is loaded with slick visuals and explosive action choreography. Several sequences showcase hand-to-hand combat, large-scale explosions, and stylish chase scenes, positioning Alpha as one of the most ambitious entries in the spy franchise so far. The trailer also confirms that Bobby Deol is playing the antagonist, who trains Alia and Sharvari's characters to seemingly use against India. The movie also features Anil Kapoor as R&AW chief Colonel Vikrant Kaul. However, one of the major highlights of the trailer is the confirmation of Hrithik Roshan's cameo as Major Kabir Dhaliwal. While the makers didn't reveal his complete look, eagle-eyed viewers spotted what seems to be a brief glimpse of the actor reprising his role from War. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Social media erupted soon after the trailer launch, with fans praising Alia Bhatt's transformation into a full-fledged action hero and celebrating Sharvari's powerful presence. Directed by Shiv Rawail, Alpha appears to blend emotional storytelling with stylised action, aiming to carve out a unique identity within the blockbuster franchise. With its intense narrative setup and star-studded connections, the film has already emerged as one of the most anticipated releases from the YRF banner. If the trailer is anything to go by, Alpha is set to deliver a thrilling new chapter in the spy universe — one led by two women ready to redefine the rules of the game. It is scheduled to release on July 3. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) girls just want to have fun…with guns 🧨 ALPHA in cinemas from 3rd July! pic.twitter.com/q9S9ZiFdbI— Yash Raj Films (@yrf) June 17, 2026

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 16 - Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor has achieved another major milestone in his career by securing a place in TIME magazine's prestigious 100 Most Influential People list for 2026. The actor emerged as the only Indian film star featured on this year's global list, marking a significant moment for Indian cinema on the international stage. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) TIME magazine recognised Ranbir Kapoor for his growing influence in global entertainment, his powerful performances, and his contribution to redefining contemporary Indian cinema. The recognition comes after the massive success of films like Animal and the worldwide anticipation surrounding his upcoming epic Ramayana. Actor Ayushmann Khurrana penned a heartfelt tribute for Kapoor in the magazine, describing him as "a symbol of the evolving India — rooted in emotion, yet fearless in ambition." He praised Ranbir's ability to balance commercial success with meaningful storytelling, calling him one of the most versatile actors of his generation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Over the years, Ranbir Kapoor has built a reputation for delivering critically acclaimed performances in films such as Rockstar, Barfi!, Sanju, and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. His ability to portray emotionally layered characters has earned him both audience admiration and industry respect. Ranbir Kapoor's inclusion in the TIME 100 list reflects the growing global recognition of Indian cinema and its artists. As Bollywood continues to expand its international reach, Kapoor's achievement stands as a proud moment for the Indian entertainment industry. With several ambitious projects lined up for the future, Ranbir Kapoor's influence appears set to grow even further, solidifying his position as one of India's most impactful cinematic voices.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Indian film industry was bracing itself for one of the biggest box office face-offs in recent memory, but it looks like a major collision has been averted. We are talking about the upcoming historical epic, The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, starring Kantara fame Rishab Shetty. Reports are now circulating that the makers have decided to push back their release to avoid a direct confrontation with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's star-studded Love and War. This move is being viewed as a strategic decision to ensure both high-profile projects get the breathing room they deserve at the box office. The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is being mounted on a massive scale, marking the directorial debut of producer Sandeep Singh. To bring the 17th-century battle sequences to life, the production is reportedly utilizing international technical talent and heavy visual effects. The musical side of the project is equally ambitious, with Pritam composing the score and Prasoon Joshi handling the lyrics. With a supporting cast that includes Shefali Shah and Zanai Bhosle, the film is clearly aiming for a grand pan-Indian impact across multiple languages including Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and Malayalam. While an official announcement is still awaited, the decision to postpone makes a lot of sense when you look at the calendars of the stars involved. Rishab Shetty is currently tied up with the highly anticipated Prasanth Varma's Jai Hanuman in the pipeline. Filming for the Shivaji biopic is expected to start in earnest only after he completes his prior commitments. By moving the date, the makers can ensure that Rishab is fully available for the demanding physical role of the legendary Maratha ruler. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On the other side of the potential clash, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War is already eyeing the lucrative four-day Republic Day weekend in early 2027. That film carries immense weight with a lead cast featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. The industry is also mindful of the other major projects these actors have lined up. Ranbir Kapoor will be seen in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Part One in late 2026, while Vicky Kaushal is committed to Mahavatar. Spacing out these tentpole releases is a smart move for everyone involved, especially for a project as significant as a biopic on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. By reportedly opting out of the early 2027 slot, the makers of the Shivaji biopic are avoiding what could have been a catastrophic split in the pan-Indian audience. A historical epic of this magnitude requires a clear window to maximize its box office potential across all regions. While we wait for the new official release date, it is clear that the production team is prioritizing the quality of the film and a clean theatrical window over a rushed release.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 16 - Bollywood star Alia Bhatt has reportedly joined the cast of the highly anticipated sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. According to recent reports, the actress has not only been roped in for a crucial role but has also completed shooting some of her scenes for the film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Nag Ashwin, Kalki 2 is to continue the epic sci-fi saga that captivated audiences worldwide with its grand visuals, futuristic storytelling, and mythological elements. The sequel will once again feature Prabhas in the lead role, alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, while Sai Pallavi replaces Deepika Padukone from the first film. Industry buzz suggests that Alia Bhatt's character will play an important part in shaping the narrative of the sequel. Earlier, there were rumours that Alia would replace Deepika Padukone to play Sum-80 aka Sumathi, a pregnant lab subject of Project K and the prophesied mother of Kalki. However, later it was reported that Sai Pallavi would play that role. While the makers have yet to confirm the development officially, reports of her involvement have already generated massive excitement among fans on social media. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The first film, Kalki 2898 AD, emerged as one of the biggest cinematic successes of 2024, featuring a star-studded ensemble including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani. With the sequel now in production, expectations are significantly high. Alia Bhatt's reported addition to the franchise further strengthens the film's star power. The actress, known for delivering acclaimed performances across multiple genres, is currently one of the most sought-after names in Indian cinema. As anticipation around Kalki 2 continues to build, fans are now eagerly waiting for an official announcement from the makers regarding Alia Bhatt's role and the film's release timeline.