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

Hyderabad, June 22 - In a major update, powerstar Pawan Kalyan's much-awaited sequel They Call Him OG 2 has been confirmed and is likely to go on floors sooner than expected. The sequel was confirmed after the almost 300 crore worldwide success of the first film; however, the uncertainty over the second instalment was looming large due to PK's busy political schedules. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to the latest Telugu media reports, OG might start rolling by this year itself if all goes well; however, not before major production changes. Despite the impressive box office numbers, the film failed to meet the massive targets the makers had hoped for due to its high production and distribution costs. Now, reports indicate that OG 2 will be produced by Pawan Kalyan in association with People Media Factory, replacing the original production setup led by DVV Entertainments. The development is said to come after alleged disagreements between director Sujeeth and producer DVV Danayya over budget overruns during the making of OG. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Reports claim that director Sujeeth had initially planned to begin work on OG 2 after completing Nani's Bloody Romeo. However, with delays surrounding the actor's The Paradise, the director is now reportedly expected to prioritise the sequel first. Interestingly, Pawan Kalyan is also said to be actively participating in script discussions for OG 2. The makers had earlier hinted at expanding the OG Universe with future sequels and prequels, and the actor's direct involvement could play a crucial role in shaping the franchise moving forward. With Pawan Kalyan potentially taking charge as producer, industry insiders believe the sequel could benefit from tighter creative control and smoother production planning. An official announcement regarding the complete cast, crew, and shooting schedule is expected soon.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 21 - Kannada superstar Yash has officially announced the new release date of his much-awaited pan-India film Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups. Directed by Geethu Mohandas, the action drama is now slated to hit theatres worldwide on August 26, 2026, during the extended festive period. The announcement has created massive excitement among fans, especially after months of speculation surrounding the film's release schedule. Along with the date reveal, the makers also unveiled a striking new poster featuring Yash in an intense avatar, further increasing anticipation for the project. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) However, Toxic will not have a solo run at the box office. The film is locked to clash with Shraddha Kapoor's much-anticipated movie Eetha, which will arrive a couple of days later on August 28. The face-off between the two highly anticipated films is already generating buzz across social media and trade circles. Produced by KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, Toxic will release on Wednesday, which gives it a chance to maximise the long holiday period due to Raksha Bandhan, Varamahalakshmi, Onam, and Eid. The film marks Yash's return to the big screen after the blockbuster success of the KGF franchise. It is being mounted on a grand scale and is expected to feature high-octane action along with an emotionally driven narrative. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Meanwhile, Eetha has also been gaining attention ever since its teaser surfaced online, after being attached to Cocktail 2 in theatres. Shraddha Kapoor's transformation for the role has particularly impressed audiences, making the upcoming box office battle even more interesting. With two major films arriving almost simultaneously, the August release window is shaping up to be one of the biggest cinematic clashes of the year.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 20 - Superstar Yash's upcoming film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups continues to generate massive buzz among fans and trade circles alike. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the gangster action drama has been one of the most anticipated pan-India projects ever since it was announced. The movie has been in the media headlines due to various reasons, and one of them is its release date. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film was scheduled to release in April this year before makers postponed it to June; however, even that wasn't final, as it was pushed again due to distribution deals. Now, as per the latest reports, the makers are eyeing an August 2026 release for Toxic, with the film expected to hit theatres during the last week of the month. An official announcement regarding the same is reportedly expected to be made on June 21. The film has already created strong curiosity due to its unique premise, stylish promotional material, and Yash's transformation for the role. Titled Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, the movie is said to blend intense action with emotional storytelling set against the backdrop of the underworld. Apart from Yash, the film reportedly features a star-studded cast including Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, and Tara Sutaria in pivotal roles. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The project is being mounted on a massive scale and is expected to cater to audiences across multiple languages. Earlier reports had suggested that the film's release plans underwent changes due to extensive production work and global distribution strategies. However, the team has reportedly now zeroed in on the August window for a grand pan-India release.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, June 20 - Global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas has sparked excitement among fans after revealing that she is preparing to collaborate with Hollywood superstar Angelina Jolie on an upcoming project. The announcement has quickly become one of the most talked-about developments in international entertainment circles, with audiences eager to see two influential actresses unite on screen for the first time. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) During a recent interaction with the media, Priyanka hinted at the collaboration while speaking about her evolving journey in global cinema. Although she refrained from sharing detailed information about the project, the actress confirmed that discussions and preparations are already underway. Her revelation instantly generated buzz across social media platforms, where fans expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of witnessing the powerhouse duo together. Priyanka Chopra, who successfully transitioned from Bollywood to Hollywood over the past decade, has steadily built a strong international portfolio. From leading roles in global series and films to representing major luxury brands and humanitarian initiatives, she has become one of India's most recognised faces worldwide. Collaborating with Angelina Jolie marks yet another major milestone in her international career. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Angelina Jolie, an Academy Award-winning actress and filmmaker, is widely respected for both her cinematic achievements and humanitarian work. Known for acclaimed performances in films such as Maleficent, Girl, Interrupted, and Mr. & Mrs Smith, Jolie continues to remain one of Hollywood's most influential figures. The prospect of her joining forces with Priyanka has naturally heightened anticipation among movie enthusiasts. While the project's title, storyline, production studio, and release timeline remain undisclosed, industry observers believe the collaboration could potentially be a high-profile international production aimed at global audiences. Given the stature of both actors, expectations are already soaring regarding the scale and impact of the venture. Meanwhile, on the Indian cinema front, Priyanka will next be seen in director SS Rajamouli's ambitious adventure film, Varanasi, featuring Mahesh Babu in the leading role. The film is currently in production and is scheduled to release in April next year globally in multiple languages.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Every once in a while, a regional film comes along that proves storytelling and audience connection can overcome even the biggest financial hurdles. The journey of the Marathi film Deool Band 2 is a perfect example of this. Made on a modest budget of approximately 8 to 10 Crore, the makers faced a major crisis regarding the Digital Cinema Package just before the release. This is the standard format required for theatrical screenings, and for a film of this scale, the costs involved were significant. Director Pravin Tarde recently shared that they had initially budgeted around 12 lakh for this digital processing. However, when the final estimate arrived, the bill had jumped to nearly 42 lakh. Being a regional film with limited resources, arranging an additional 30 lakh at the last minute was a nearly impossible task. Tarde mentioned that they had no immediate source to arrange such a sum. They eventually approached the team at Shah Rukh Khan's production house, Red Chillies Entertainment, to explain their situation. They highlighted that as a Marathi film with a tight budget, they needed support to ensure the movie could release on a large scale. In a generous move that prioritized art over commerce, the fee was waived, ensuring the film reached the audience on time. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What makes this story truly special is Shah Rukh Khan’s personal perspective on the situation. When he learned about the struggle of the Deool Band 2 team, his reaction was rooted in his respect for the craft. He reportedly expressed that the film itself is far more important than the money involved, and that art should always take priority over commercial fees. By deciding to waive the entire 42 lakh bill, he sent a clear message that a good story deserves its place in the spotlight, regardless of the budget. This gesture ensured that the movie reached the audience exactly as planned, without any compromise. Today, as we look at the box office numbers 30 days after its release, that helping hand has resulted in one of the biggest success stories in Marathi cinema. Deool Band 2 has recorded a total India gross collection of 82.19 Cr. In terms of net collections, the film has earned a massive 70.22 Cr so far. What is quite interesting is that the entire collection has been generated solely from the domestic market, with overseas collections standing at zero. Playing across 40,884 shows in its first month, the film has maintained steady footfalls that have completely recovered its small budget many times over. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film is now standing on the doorstep of a historic milestone. It currently needs less than 1 Crore to surpass the India net collection of Raja Shivaji. If it manages to bridge this small gap, it will officially become one of the top three highest-grossing Marathi films of all time in terms of net earnings. This is an incredible achievement when you consider the scale of the two projects. Raja Shivaji was a massive historical epic with a high budget and the significant star power of Riteish Deshmukh. For a comparatively smaller production like Deool Band 2 to achieve similar numbers shows how deeply the content has resonated with the public. Reaching this level of success is a huge win for Pravin Tarde and the entire team. It proves that while big budgets and star names provide a great starting point, a film's long-term survival at the box office depends on its connection with the audience. With the momentum it still carries, the film is expected to cross the Top 3 mark very soon, cementing its place as a legendary blockbuster in the history of regional cinema.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 19 - The hype around Spider-Man: Brand New Day is already translating into massive box office momentum in India. The upcoming superhero film has reportedly sold more than 45,000 tickets within the first 24 hours of advance bookings opening across select premium formats in the country. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Advance sales were opened for Premium Large Format (PLF) screens and 4DX shows, and fans rushed to secure early seats almost immediately. The strong response underlines the enduring popularity of Spider-Man among Indian audiences and the excitement surrounding Tom Holland's return as Peter Parker after a four-year gap. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film is set after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home and follows Peter Parker navigating life in a world that no longer remembers him. Alongside Tom Holland as Spider-Man, the film also stars Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo and Sadie Sink in key roles. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The last Spider-Man movie opened to a huge 40 crore gross in India in 2021, scoring one of the biggest openings for a Hollywood title in the country. Brand New Day is expected to open in a similar range, considering the initial response in the pre-sales. The film is scheduled to release in India on July 30, 2026. It will be available in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada across multiple premium and regular formats.

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 SUNIT JANGIR

Los Angeles, June 19 - At a time when Hollywood continues debating the existence of superhero fatigue, Sony and Marvel's Spider-Man: Brand New Day has delivered a massive response even before its release. The Tom Holland starrer has reportedly recorded the biggest first-day U.S. presales in five years, instantly becoming one of the most anticipated films of 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Director Destin Daniel Cretton's film has posted the best first-day presales in five years and the fourth-biggest of all time, though the numbers are not revealed. The strong booking numbers are particularly significant because the superhero genre has struggled in recent years. Several comic-book films have underperformed both critically and commercially, leading many to believe audiences were beginning to lose interest in superhero stories. However, Spider-Man continues to stand apart from the rest of the genre. One major reason is the character's universal appeal. Unlike larger-than-life superheroes, Peter Parker has always felt relatable to audiences. Across generations, Spider-Man films have balanced emotional storytelling, humour, and spectacle in a way that keeps viewers emotionally invested. Tom Holland's version of the character especially resonated with younger audiences through his grounded, vulnerable portrayal. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The excitement surrounding Brand New Day has also been fueled by the emotional ending of Spider-Man: No Way Home. Fans are eager to see what happens next after Peter Parker sacrificed his identity and personal relationships to save the multiverse. Early footage from the film hints at a darker and more isolated Spider-Man, which has only increased anticipation online. The overwhelming presales response proves that the superhero fatigue might be real, but Spidey is unaffected by it. Spider-Man remains one of the few superhero brands capable of turning a comic-book film into a genuine cinematic event, and Brand New Day is already shaping up to be another major box-office success. It is scheduled to release on July 30 in India and July 31 in the US.

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 SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 18 - Sony and Marvel's Spider-Man: Brand New Day is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated Hollywood films of 2026. Ever since Spider-Man: No Way Home became a global blockbuster, fans have been eagerly waiting to see Tom Holland return as Peter Parker in the next chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The excitement around the film is especially massive in India, where Spider-Man continues to be one of Marvel's most popular superheroes. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Recently, social media was flooded with rumours claiming that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had cut nearly five minutes from the Indian version of the film. The speculation started after some Indian cinema booking platforms reportedly showed a runtime shorter than several international listings, leading fans to believe that scenes had been removed for the India release. However, Sony Pictures India has now dismissed these claims. Responding to discussions on X (formerly Twitter), the studio clarified that Spider-Man: Brand New Day has yet to receive certification in India. This means reports about the CBFC already imposing cuts on the film are inaccurate and premature. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) At present, there is no official CBFC certification record confirming any edits or scene removals from the movie. The runtime difference could simply be due to placeholder listings or variations in how theatres display film durations, including credits and intermission timings. Until the film officially completes the certification process, rumours about five-minute cuts remain unverified speculation. The film is scheduled to release on July 30, and bookings in PLF formats have already begun.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The 2022 sports-comedy Gatta Kusthi was a significant success for Vishnu Vishal, earning a Hit status at the box office. Made on a modest budget of around ₹5 crore, the film managed to collect over ₹14 crore worldwide, proving that a strong story about gender dynamics can resonate deeply with the audience. Now, the team is back with Gatta Kusthi 2, which is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 3, 2026. The project has already started on a high note, with Red Giant Movies recently bagging the Tamil Nadu theatrical rights, adding a major boost to its distribution. This film is a milestone for Vishnu Vishal as it marks the very first sequel in his career. Interestingly, it wasn't a pre-planned franchise. After the first film's success, director Chella Ayyavu pitched a different story to Vishnu, but the actor specifically requested a sequel to Veera and Keerthi's journey instead. Vishnu has been quite open about his past disappointments with sequels for hits like Ratsasan and Indru Netru Naalai falling through. He believes that if Gatta Kusthi 2 succeeds, it could finally break the sequel curse and open doors for his other popular franchises to return. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While the first film focused on the wife breaking societal boundaries and the husband learning to accept her strength, the sequel shifts the gaze to the man's perspective. It aims to explore modern household power dynamics, specifically looking at a relationship where the wife is the primary financial earner or the more successful public figure. Vishnu Vishal clarified that it isn't a simple comedy at the expense of men, but a narrative promoting true partnership and equality in a modern setup. Aishwarya Lekshmi returns to play Keerthi, and their chemistry is expected to be the core of this second chapter. The scale of the sequel is much larger than its predecessor. The cast has seen massive new additions, including veteran actress Ramya Krishnan as Raja Rajeshwari and comedy superstar Yogi Babu as Balbir Singh. Familiar faces like Karunas, Kali Venkat, and Munishkanth are also reprising their roles to maintain the comedic flavor of the original. On the technical side, the film features a fresh team with Sean Roldan handling the music and KM Bhaskaran behind the lens. The hype is already visible online, as the official teaser crossed 3 million views within just 24 hours of its release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Watch the Teaser here: Financially, the film has already secured a very strong position. Vishnu Vishal revealed that this project has achieved the highest pre-release business of his entire career. A major part of this is due to a premium OTT deal with Netflix, which secured the digital rights even before the physical shooting had begun. This was an outright purchase model rather than a revenue-sharing one, covering a significant chunk of the production costs early on. With Vels Film International and Vishnu Vishal Studioz producing, Gatta Kusthi 2 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated family entertainers of the summer.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, June 18 - Tollywood star Venkatesh Daggubati is gearing up for an exciting lineup over the next year, with his upcoming collaborations with director Trivikram Srinivas and hitmaker Anil Ravipudi now reportedly locking their release dates. Venkatesh’s much-anticipated family entertainer with Trivikram Srinivas, tentatively titled Aadarsha Kutumbam House No. 47, is reportedly hitting theatres on October 2, 2026, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. The film has already generated strong buzz among fans, especially after reports suggested that the makers recently wrapped up the climax shoot. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The project marks the first full-fledged collaboration between Venkatesh and Trivikram Srinivas, a combination Telugu audiences have wanted to see for years. Industry circles expect the film to blend Trivikram's trademark emotional storytelling with Venkatesh's strong family-entertainer appeal. Meanwhile, Venkatesh's next collaboration with Anil Ravipudi, tentatively titled #VenkyAnil5 or #NKRAR2, has officially been luanched with shoot is expected to begin soon. The makers have also locked its theatrical release window. The untitled multi-starrer, which also features Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, Keerthy Suresh and Krithi Shetty, is slated to release on January 12, 2027, during the Sankranthi festive week. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film is especially significant because it marks the fifth collaboration between Venkatesh and Anil Ravipudi. Their earlier projects delivered impressive commercial success and established a strong rapport with family audiences. Music composer G. V. Prakash Kumar has joined the project, further raising expectations around the entertainer. Producer Naga Vamsi had earlier confirmed that Trivikram Srinivas had lined up projects with both Venkatesh and Jr NTR, ending months of speculation surrounding the director's future films. With one film slated for Gandhi Jayanti and another arriving during the lucrative Sankranthi festival, Venkatesh appears set for a packed and promising theatrical run.

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.