King: Shah Rukh Khan's Actioner Set to be His Most Expensive Project Yet at Rs. 450 Crore

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 8 - The excitement surrounding Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Part 1 continues to build as the makers gear up to begin the film's full-scale promotional campaign. After creating immense buzz with its introduction glimpse, the epic is now preparing for its biggest marketing milestone ahead of its highly anticipated Diwali 2026 theatrical release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to a report by Variety India, the official trailer of Ramayana: Part 1 will be unveiled on July 18, 2026, at a grand launch event at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event is expected to be attended by director Nitesh Tiwari, producer Namit Malhotra, and several members of the star-studded cast. Reports suggest that Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Ravi Dubey, Rakul Preet Singh, and Kunal Kapoor are likely to be present, while the attendance of Yash and Sunny Deol is yet to be confirmed. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. Backed by Prime Focus Studios and Monster Mind Creations, the ambitious two-part adaptation has been mounted on a massive scale with cutting-edge visual effects and is being positioned as one of the most expensive and visually spectacular films ever produced in Indian cinema. The upcoming trailer is expected to provide audiences with their first detailed look at the film's storytelling, action sequences, and visual grandeur. With anticipation already soaring among moviegoers, the July 18 launch is likely to become one of the biggest promotional events of the year. Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled to arrive in cinemas worldwide during Diwali 2026, while its second instalment is slated for Diwali 2027.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 8 - The first half of 2026 has delivered a few blockbuster successes across the Indian film industry, with Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil cinema all contributing major hits at the global box office. While a handful of films crossed significant milestones worldwide, one title stood far above the rest in the form of Dhurandhar: The Revenge The Ranveer Singh-fronted spy actioner emerged as the undisputed box office champion, becoming the biggest Indian blockbuster of the year so far and one of the biggest of all-time with a phenomenal worldwide gross of over 1800 crore. The film continued to dominate the box office week after week and shattered several records for an Indian film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Sunny Deol's Border 2 lit up the box office earlier this year, justifying the hype around the film with its superb trending. The war drama secured the second position on the list with an impressive 450 crore worldwide gross, reaffirming the enduring popularity of the border franchise and patriotic action dramas. Tamil superstar Suriya found his lost box office mojo with the Tamil blockbuster Karuppu emerging as one of the biggest Indian blockbusters of the year so far. The action drama continued its remarkable theatrical run for weeks to finish with 310 crore globally, becoming the actor's highest-grossing film by more than 2x margin. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Megastar Chiranjeevi also muscled his star power with the Telugu family entertainer Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, and proved that he can still challange biggest of the stars of Telugu cinema with his unmatched aura and fan following even at the age of 70. The Anil Ravipudi directorial collected over 300 crores worldwide and is among the top 5 highest-grossing Indian films of the year so far. Meanwhile, the Indian box office also delivered rich results, thanks to blockbuster runs of the top 5 movies and beyond. With over 6500+ crores gross so far, it is turning out to be one of the biggest years for Indian cinema. With several big-ticket releases still scheduled for the second half of 2026, the race for the year's highest-grossing Indian film is far from over. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Top 5 Highest-Grossing Indian Films of the First Half of 2026 S. No. Movie Industry Worldwide Gross 1 Dhurandhar: The Revenge Bollywood (Hindi) ₹ 1813.00 Cr 2 Border 2 Bollywood (Hindi) ₹ 450.00 Cr 3 Peddi Tollywood (Telugu) ₹ 340+ Cr 4 Karuppu Kollywood (Tamil) ₹ 310.00 Cr 5 Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu Tollywood (Telugu) ₹ 301.50 Cr

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Shah Rukh Khan is known for pushing the boundaries of Indian cinema, and it looks like his upcoming project, King, is set to take that ambition to a whole new level. As the superstar prepares for a major theatrical return, the scale of this collaboration with director Siddharth Anand has become the talk of the town. According to an exclusive report by Bollywood Hungama, King has officially become the most expensive film of Shah Rukh Khan's career, with a staggering budget of approximately ₹450 crore. To put this figure into perspective, it surpasses the production costs of his previous blockbusters. Jawan was produced on a budget of around ₹400 crore, while Pathaan cost roughly ₹350 crore. This massive investment of ₹450 crore for King is solely dedicated to production, excluding print, publicity, and the acting fees for Shah Rukh Khan himself. This shows a clear intent from the makers to deliver a high-octane cinematic experience that rivals global standards. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Shah Rukh Khan was last seen in the social drama Dunki, which released on December 21, 2023. This film marked a historic, first-time collaboration between SRK and ace director Rajkumar Hirani, effectively closing out Khan's monumental comeback year following the record-shattering runs of Pathaan and Jawan. Despite facing an explosive theatrical showdown against Prabhas's action epic Salaar, Dunki held its ground strongly, finishing with an India net collection of ₹227 Cr and a worldwide gross of ₹454 Cr. The contrast between that lighthearted social drama and his upcoming project, King, is staggering. While Dunki featured minimal action, King—slated for a grand December 24, 2026 release—is tracking to be an ultra-violent, stylish thriller directed by Siddharth Anand. Having recently broken records as SRK's most expensive film ever with a ₹450 crore production budget, King will feature the superstar in a gritty gangster avatar alongside his daughter, Suhana Khan, and Abhishek Bachchan. The production timeline reflects the sheer magnitude of the project. The shoot began in May 2025 and is expected to wrap up by August 2026. Over the course of nearly fifteen months, the team has shot for more than 150 days across various international locations. What started as a focused action thriller has reportedly evolved into a massive tentpole spectacle. To ensure the action sequences are groundbreaking, the production has employed some of the most renowned stunt teams in the world, aiming to provide something entirely new for the Indian audience. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) VFX is expected to play a central role in the film's visual language. Shah Rukh Khan's own company, Red Chillies Entertainment, is handling the state-of-the-art visual effects. The goal is to ensure that every penny of the budget is visible on the screen through seamless integration of practical stunts and advanced digital work. With about six months left until its scheduled release, the post-production phase is already in full swing to meet the high expectations surrounding this venture. The partnership between Shah Rukh Khan and Siddharth Anand has already proven to be a goldmine at the box office with Pathaan. However, with King, the duo seems intent on raising the bar even further. By focusing on an uncompromised product and world-class action design, the film is positioning itself as one of the most anticipated releases of the coming year. As the industry watches closely, the massive budget and extensive production schedule suggest that Shah Rukh Khan is ready to redefine the standards of the action genre once again.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The release of Jana Nayagan, reportedly scheduled for July 23, 2026, is shaping up to be one of the most unique events in the history of Tamil cinema. Directed by H. Vinoth, the film marks the final on-screen appearance of Thalapathy Vijay. However, the context has changed significantly since the project began, as Vijay now serves as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu following his party TVK's victory in the May Assembly elections. This transition has placed the film under intense political and administrative scrutiny, leading to some unprecedented directives from the government. According to reports from industry sources like Valai Pechu, CM Vijay has issued a strict order to ensure that ticket prices remain within the government-mandated cap. Distributors and theatre owners have been instructed not to charge a single rupee above the permitted price, even for high-demand fan shows or early morning screenings. This move is seen as a strategic effort to protect his political reputation and maintain a clean image of governance. With opposition parties reportedly waiting for any signs of price gouging or illegal ticket hoarding to use as political ammunition, the state government has authorized surprise raids. Any theatre found violating these pricing rules could face the immediate cancellation of its operating license. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The Chief Minister is also making a clear effort to separate his cinematic legacy from his current political office. Reports suggest that he specifically requested the production house, KVN Productions, to avoid using any Chief Minister title cards during his introductory scenes. Instead, the film will stick to his long-standing Thalapathy billing. While ticket prices in neighboring regions like Bengaluru have reportedly soared between ₹1,000 and ₹2,000 for early shows, the enforcement in Tamil Nadu is expected to be much more rigid to prevent allegations of corporate favoritism or exploitation. The road to this release has been exceptionally long and difficult. Originally slated for a January 2026 Pongal release, the film was stuck in a legal and censorship deadlock for months. Private complaints regarding the portrayal of the armed forces and religious sentiments led to a dispute that traveled from the Madras High Court all the way to the Supreme Court. The situation was further complicated in April when an unfinished cut of the film leaked online, resulting in an estimated revenue loss of ₹50 crore. However, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has finally cleared the hurdles, granting the film an A (Adults Only) certificate after several required revisions were met. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Suprith Mohan primary spokesperson , also recently addressed some of the misinformation circulating online. A viral image of a censor certificate listing 13 specific cuts was clarified to be a fake document based on the actor's previous film, Leo. As the team finalizes the last bits of paperwork and prepares for the July 23 global release, the focus remains on delivering a smooth theatrical experience. Given the high stakes involving both the box office and the political landscape of the state, the industry is watching closely to see how this final chapter of Vijay's acting career unfolds under such a heavy spotlight.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Rishab Shetty recently shared some key updates regarding his upcoming films, and the biggest news for fans is the official confirmation of Kantara Chapter 2. While the franchise has already seen massive success with its first two installments, Shetty clarified that he is already in the writing stage for this third film. This update comes just as his birthday celebrations concluded, providing a clear roadmap for where the Kantara universe is headed next while he balances a very demanding acting schedule. The progression of this franchise has been nothing short of legendary. To put things into perspective, the original Kantara released in 2022 was an unexpected phenomenon, earning a total India net of ₹309.64 Cr and a worldwide gross of ₹407.82 Cr. However, the 2025 prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1, took things to a completely different level. That film shattered records with an India net of ₹622.48 Cr and a worldwide gross of ₹852.36 Cr, effectively doubling the reach of the franchise and cementing its status as an all-time blockbuster. With such high stakes, Shetty has revealed that he is already working with a dedicated team of writers to ensure the next chapter meets these massive expectations. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Beyond the world of Kantara, Rishab Shetty has a very demanding acting schedule that requires him to be extremely disciplined with his time. He clarified that he will not be multitasking or overlapping his projects because of the drastic physical transformations required for each role. His immediate focus will be on Jai Hanuman, the high-profile superhero film directed by Prashanth Varma. Once that is completed, he will move on to the historical epic, The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Each of these roles requires a distinct look that he needs to maintain, which explains why he is taking a one-film-at-a-time approach. One of the most inspiring parts of his recent statements revolves around his commitment to his roots. While there is often a discussion about building a central film city in Bengaluru, Shetty has taken a different route by creating a cinema village in his hometown, Keradi. This location served as the primary backdrop for the first Kantara and was expanded significantly during the production of Chapter 1. By developing this local infrastructure, he is not just making films but also creating a sustainable ecosystem for storytelling within his own community. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Rishab Shetty admitted that direction provides him with a sense of peace and happiness that he cannot stay away from for long. Even as he prepares for massive acting assignments in 2027 and 2028, his mind remains focused on the creative development of Kantara Chapter 2. Given the franchise's track record of turning local stories into global sensations, the industry is watching closely. With Chapter 1 having already crossed the ₹850 Cr mark worldwide, the next installment will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated Indian films in the coming years.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The streaming numbers for the first half of 2026 are officially in. This year has seen some massive records being shattered, specifically by franchise hits that have managed to translate their big-screen hype into record-breaking viewership velocity on platforms like Netflix and JioHotstar. The standout performer of the year is undoubtedly Dhurandhar on Netflix. Within a 10-week sprint, the film racked up 31.1 million views, setting a new benchmark for Indian cinema in the digital space. This viewership velocity has officially surpassed the numbers generated by RRR (Hindi) within the same 10-week opening window. The franchise's strength is further highlighted by its sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which secured the second spot with 18.9 million views on JioHotstar. Together, the two films have accumulated a combined 50 million views, showcasing the incredible pull of the franchise across different streaming platforms. Another interesting case study in the 2026 OTT charts is Prabhas's The Raja Saab. The film unfortunately underperformed during its January theatrical release, but its transition to the digital space on February 6 told a completely different story. Upon its premiere on JioHotstar, the movie immediately climbed to the #1 trending position and has since gathered 10.3 million views. This highlights a growing trend where films that struggle to find a massive footing in theaters are being rediscovered and embraced by home audiences, effectively recovering their reach through streaming platforms. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Looking at the overall distribution of the top 10 most-watched films, Netflix continues to be the dominant player, hosting eight out of the top ten titles. Films like the investigative thriller Accused and the cross-cultural drama Made In Korea have performed exceptionally well, securing 16.6 million and 13.5 million views respectively. Other notable entries include Rani Mukerji's Mardaani 3 and the Akshay Kumar starrer Bhooth Bangla, both of which maintained steady viewership figures above the 10 million mark. The list is rounded off by Tere Ishk Mein, which remains a popular choice for romantic drama enthusiasts with 9.7 million views. Most Watched Indian OTT Films in 2026RANKMOVIE TITLEPLATFORMVIEWERSHIP (MILLIONS)1DhurandharNetflix31.1M2Dhurandhar: The RevengeJioHotstar18.9M3AccusedNetflix16.6M4Made In KoreaNetflix13.5M5Bhooth BanglaNetflix11.9M6HaqNetflix11.3M7Mardaani 3Netflix10.7M8KartavyaNetflix10.3M9The Raja SaabJioHotstar10.3M10Tere Ishk MeinNetflix9.7M

BY CHRISTA LINCY

As we get closer to the big release of Love Oh Love on July 10, the lead actor Pavish Narayan has managed to spark a major conversation across social media. While the film was already being tracked for its quirky urban premise, Pavish has now added a layer of emotional connect with the audience by talking about his personal inspirations. Being the nephew of the National Award-winning star Dhanush, Pavish is naturally under the spotlight, but it is his recent tribute to Thalapathy Vijay that has really gone viral among Kollywood fan circles. In a recent promotional interaction, Pavish opened up about the work ethic he hopes to emulate as he starts his journey in cinema. He specifically pointed toward the legendary simplicity of Thalapathy Vijay as a guiding light. Pavish mentioned that despite being one of the biggest box-office icons in India, Vijay remains incredibly grounded on a film set. He shared a specific observation that even today, a star of Vijay’s stature is often seen carrying his own umbrella on sets. For a debutant actor, this level of humility is a massive inspiration, and these statements have clearly struck a chord with the massive Thalapathy fandom, giving the film a significant promotional boost just days before it hits the screens. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) For those of you catching up on the project, Love Oh Love is a romantic comedy directed by debutant Magesh Rajendran. It centers on the life of Raghuvaran, a corporate employee played by Pavish, who finds himself in a financial and legal mess. The story highlights the pitfalls of modern dating, where the pressure to maintain a lavish lifestyle for a materialistic partner leads to maxed-out credit cards and a lost job. Most of the narrative unfolds inside a police station as the protagonist recounts his disastrous four-month dating history, a setup that promises plenty of situational comedy. The film also features an interesting blend of fresh and veteran talent. While Naga Durga makes her Tamil debut after a successful stint as a YouTube star in the Telugu market, the supporting cast is filled with heavyweights. Having legendary directors like K.S. Ravikumar and Selvaraghavan acting in pivotal roles gives the film a lot of weight. Selvaraghavan’s portrayal of a police officer is especially being looked forward to, given his intense screen presence. The presence of Vanitha Vijayakumar and Adithya Kathir further ensures that the comedic elements are well-supported. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The Central Board of Film Certification has cleared the film with a U/A certificate, making it an accessible entertainer for the 13-plus age group and family audiences alike. The production team, led by G. Dhananjheyan and Dinesh Raj, is currently in the middle of an aggressive multi-city mall tour across regions like Coimbatore, Madurai, and Trichy. Between the relatable credit-card crisis storyline and the viral goodwill generated by Pavish's comments on Thalapathy Vijay, Love Oh Love is heading into its July 10 release with a very healthy level of curiosity and buzz.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Gatta Kusthi 2 has officially etched its name in the history of Tamil cinema as a major success for Vishnu Vishal. The sports-comedy sequel has achieved a massive milestone by becoming the highest-grossing film of the actor's career. By reaching a worldwide gross of ₹25.64, it has surpassed the lifetime collections of his previous best, the psychological thriller Raatchasan, which had collected approximately 20 Cr. This is a significant feat, proving that the actor has found a solid footing with his character-driven sports dramas. Analyzing the Day 5 gross performance, Gatta Kusthi 2 pulled in ₹2.51 Cr across the country. This indicates a steady hold with a roughly 7 percent dip from Monday gross of ₹2.70 Cr. While we saw several Hindi titles benefiting from Discount Tuesday to register growth, this sports-comedy followed a standard weekday trajectory while maintaining a very respectable grip. After its first five days, the total India gross has now reached ₹21.14 Cr, while the net collection sits at ₹18.40 Cr. The film continues to run on a wide scale with 2,201 shows and an overall occupancy of 22.0 percent. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The state-wise breakdown provides a clearer picture of where the film is drawing its strength. Tamil Nadu remains the primary engine, contributing a gross of 2.25 Cr on Tuesday compared to 2.40 Cr on Monday. In Karnataka, the gross collection stood at 14 Lakhs on Day 5, a marginal dip from the 15 Lakhs recorded on Day 4. Similarly, Kerala saw a collection of 10 Lakhs on Tuesday against 12 Lakhs on Monday. In the Telugu states (AP/TG), the film held steady at 1 Lakh, while the rest of India contributed another 1 Lakh. In total, the Day 5 India gross reached 2.51 Cr compared to Monday gross of 2.70 Cr. Regional occupancy reports highlight a very healthy trend in urban centers, especially in Chennai where the film recorded a 28.3 percent occupancy from 401 shows. Coimbatore followed with 18.5 percent occupancy across 163 shows, while Bengaluru saw 15.5 percent occupancy from 184 shows. Interestingly, the performance in national chains was quite impressive. PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis collectively sold roughly over 8,400 tickets on Tuesday, resulting in a gross of approximately over 10 Lakhs. The average occupancy in these chains was nearly 9.5 percent, which is significantly higher than many other concurrent releases, showing that the movie is attracting premium theater audiences. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The digital footprint of the film is equally robust. On the booking platform BookMyShow, Gatta Kusthi 2 sold 31.05K tickets in the last 24 hours alone. This brings the total tickets sold on the platform to approximately 434.53K since its release. This level of sustained interest on a weekday indicates that the positive word of mouth is successfully translating into footfalls, allowing the film to hold its ground even as new competition prepares to enter the market. On the international front, based on early estimates, the film added 50 Lakhs on its fifth day. This pushes the total overseas gross to 4.50 Cr. When combined with the domestic performance, the worldwide gross collection is estimated to be around ₹25.64, at this stage. With the Raatchasan record now in the rearview mirror, Vishnu Vishal has set a new benchmark for his future projects. If the film continues this steady trend through the second weekend, it could very well aim for even higher lifetime targets before the theatrical window starts to narrow.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 8 - Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Part 1 continues to dominate headlines even months ahead of its theatrical release. Starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, the epic has easily been the most anticipated Indian movie in the making, not just among fans but also in the trade, for its enormous box-office potential. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) As the release date gets nearer, the film distribution race is heating up. Yesterday, Variety India reported that Karan Johar's Dharma Productions has acquired the all-India distribution rights to Ramayana Part 1 in a massive 250-crore deal. While the deal is huge, it started a conversation on social media about whether the rights were really sold for 250 crores, a significant but half of what the makers reportedly quoted, as earlier reports stated a staggering 500 crore demand. Now, according to the latest report by Bollywood Hungama, Dharma Productions has reportedly secured the theatrical distribution rights for 350 crore, making it the biggest distribution deal in Bollywood history. While the official announcement hasn't been made yet, the 350 crore deal looks more believable given the massive box office potential and the distribution demand of the makers. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dharma Productions is reportedly preparing an extensive nationwide release strategy for the epic. The project, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and backed by Namit Malhotra, stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravie Dubey as Laxman, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman, among many others in prominent roles. Mounted on a massive budget and envisioned as a two-part cinematic saga, Ramayana is among the most anticipated Indian films in recent years. Produced by Prime Focus Studios and Monster Mind Creations, the first instalment is scheduled for a grand worldwide theatrical release during the 2026 Diwali festive season, while Ramayana Part 2 will release on Diwali 2027.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Dhamaal franchise has built a legendary reputation for delivering high-octane laughter, and the upcoming fourth installment is currently one of the most anticipated releases of 2026. After several shifts in the release schedule to find the perfect window, the makers have finally settled on a release date of July 10. The anticipation is visible on platforms like BookMyShow, where over 125K people have already marked their interest in the film, making it one of the most tracked Indian movies of the year on IMDb. Looking at the initial advance booking reports, the film is starting to gain momentum across the country. For the first day, Dhamaal 4 has recorded an all-India gross of 33.79 Lac. When we include block seats, this figure jumps to a much more substantial 1.61 Cr. So far, the film has sold roughly 13,475 tickets for its opening day across 3,698 shows. While the real occupancy currently sits at 1 percent, these are early numbers and the pace is expected to pick up significantly as the release day approaches. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Maharashtra is currently leading the charts among states, with a gross of 8.48 Lac and a total including block seats of 36.12 Lac from 912 shows. Delhi follows closely with a gross of 6.72 Lac, reaching 36.46 Lac with block seats. In terms of major regions, the National Capital Region (NCR) and Mumbai are the primary drivers, contributing 6.72 Lac and 6.57 Lac respectively to the opening day tally. Other markets like Gujarat and Rajasthan are also contributing, with Gujarat showing a gross with block seats of 19.59 Lac from 700 shows and Rajasthan recording 11.1 Lac with block seats. The pressure on this fourth installment is high because the franchise has a perfect track record at the box office. The original Dhamaal was a Hit with an India net collection of 33.06 Cr and a worldwide gross of 51.30 Cr. Double Dhamaal followed that success with 44.10 Cr net and 71.00 Cr worldwide gross, also earning a Hit verdict. The stakes were raised significantly with Total Dhamaal, which collected a massive 155.67 Cr net in India and a worldwide gross of 232.18 Cr, making it a Superhit. With all three previous films being successful, the industry is watching closely to see if Dhamaal 4 can maintain this 100 percent success rate. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The plot this time around follows the classic boys on a wild quest for the Treasure of Life, but with a few supernatural twists involving pirates and ghosts. Ajay Devgn returns as a quirky IRS officer, leading the veteran ensemble of Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Jaaved Jaaferi, and Sanjay Mishra. Interestingly, the film is moving away from the franchise tradition of having no female leads. After Madhuri Dixit joined the third part, Dhamaal 4 features a larger female cast including Sanjeeda Shaikh, Esha Gupta, and Anjali Anand. Ravi Kishan also joins the chaos as a quirky pirate. The technical aspects of the film are also set for a smooth release. The Censor Board has granted a U/A 13+ certificate with a runtime of 2 hours and 23 minutes. While no scenes were cut, minor modifications were made to certain hand gestures and vocabulary to keep it family-friendly. On the music front, the soundtrack is already generating buzz. Songs like Chatni, which is a recreation of the popular track originally by Mamta Sharma, and Guru Randhawa's energetic track Qeher are trending heavily, adding to the overall excitement for the film's theatrical debut on July 10.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 8 - The makers of Rajkummar Rao-fronted highly anticipated biopic on former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly have officially unveiled the film's title, first-look poster, and release date. Titled Dada - The Sourav Ganguly Story, the sports drama is set for a worldwide theatrical release on May 14, 2027. The announcement was made on July 8, coinciding with Ganguly's birthday, giving fans their first glimpse of Rajkummar Rao's transformation into one of Indian cricket's greatest icons. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The first-look poster recreates one of the most unforgettable moments in Indian cricket history—Sourav Ganguly waving his jersey from the iconic Lord's balcony after India's dramatic NatWest Trophy triumph in 2002. Rajkummar Rao is seen sporting Ganguly's signature hairstyle and physique, while the tagline, "He Didn't Just Play The Game, He Changed It," highlights the legendary captain's impact on Indian cricket. The poster has already received an overwhelmingly positive response across social media. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane, Dada will chronicle Ganguly's inspiring journey from a young cricketer in Kolkata to becoming one of India's most influential captains. The film is expected to delve into his leadership during a transformative phase in Indian cricket, his fearless approach on the field, and the legacy he built for future generations. Rajkummar Rao reportedly underwent extensive cricket training and spent considerable time studying Ganguly's batting style, mannerisms, and personality to portray the role authentically. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Happy Birthday Dada!@SGanguly99 #RajkummarRao #VikramadityaMotwane#Dada #DadaTheSouravGangulyStory #DadaFirstLook pic.twitter.com/5eCWDvkKFA— Luv Films (@LuvFilmsLLP) July 8, 2026 Backed by Luv Films, the biopic has been mounted on a grand scale, with filming taking place at several iconic cricket venues, including Eden Gardens. The project has been one of the most eagerly awaited sports dramas in Hindi cinema ever since Ganguly confirmed Rajkummar Rao would play him on screen. With its title now officially revealed and the release date locked, Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story has become one of the biggest Bollywood releases to look forward to in 2027. Cricket fans and moviegoers alike will be eager to see Rajkummar Rao bring the remarkable story of one of India's most celebrated captains to life when the film arrives in cinemas on May 14, 2027.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Welcome To The Jungle, the third chapter in a franchise known for its mass appeal, is currently highlighting the fact that big-budget comedies still hold a special place for the family audience. The film has clearly managed to find its stride as it enters the second week of its theatrical run. It is impressive to see how the movie is holding its own in the middle of a very busy 2026 season, proving that there is still plenty of room for lighthearted entertainment. This steady performance points to a healthy level of interest from viewers who are looking for a shared cinematic experience. The film saw a positive shift on its second Tuesday, collecting a net of 3.00 Cr. This represents a 13.2 percent growth from Monday net of 2.65 Cr. Much like other films currently in theaters, the Discount Tuesday offers played a pivotal role in boosting footfalls. After twelve days of its theatrical run, the total India net collection stands at 120.55 Cr, while the India gross has reached 143.35 Cr. This performance has been supported by a consistent show count, with 6,138 shows running across the country on Tuesday. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A closer look at regional occupancy reveals that the film remains a favorite in major urban centers. The National Capital Region (NCR) led the way with 24.3 percent occupancy, while Pune and Mumbai followed closely with 21.0 percent and 20.8 percent respectively. Other key markets like Lucknow and Bengaluru also showed steady engagement with 15.0 percent and 17.3 percent occupancy. The real story, however, lies in the impact of the Discount Tuesday offers within national chains like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis. While Monday saw a modest of over 8,000 tickets sold with a gross of 21 Lakhs and 2 percent occupancy, Tuesday witnessed a massive surge. The film sold roughly 25,000 tickets on Tuesday, nearly tripling its Monday footfalls in these chains, resulting in a gross of about 43 Lakhs and an average occupancy of 6.4 percent. This clear spike demonstrates how much the reduced pricing helped pull audiences back into theaters after the typical Monday dip. On the digital booking front, BookMyShow recorded 54.12K tickets sold on Tuesday, an improvement over Monday 46.01K tickets. However, in the list of top 2nd Tuesday ticket sales for recent blockbusters, Welcome 3 missed the top 10 spot by a margin of about 10,000 tickets, trailing behind Sitaare Zameen Par which held the tenth position with 64K tickets. Regardless, the total tickets sold on the platform for this film have now crossed the massive 21.62 Lakh mark. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Looking at the international performance, early estimates suggest the film added 0.50 Cr on Day 12, taking its total overseas gross to 30.95 Cr. It has officially crossed the 3 Million Dollar mark and is now trending toward a 4 Million Dollar finish. According to data from Venky BoxOffice, the North America totals reached 1.11 Million Dollars, following a 17K Dollar Monday. This overseas stability pushes the estimated worldwide gross collection to 174.30 Cr. The film has shown a steady performance after its initial slow start. Having already crossed the 3 Million Dollar mark, current trends suggest it is heading toward a lifetime finish of approximately 4 Million Dollars overseas. When we analyze this against Akshay's last five releases, a 4 Million Dollar finish would put Welcome 3 on par with the international run of Kesari 2. It has already comfortably moved ahead of Jolly LLB 3's 3.2 Million Dollar total, though it still trails the stronger overseas numbers of BhoothBangla at 5.5 Million Dollars and the 7 Million Dollar benchmark set by Housefull 5. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) By reaching 174.30 Cr, Welcome 3 has officially surpassed the lifetime collections of Jolly LLB 3, which stood at 171 Cr. This move elevates the film to the 4th spot among the actor's highest-grossing releases in the post-pandemic era. It now sits behind the top three performers: Sooryavanshi at 293 Cr, Housefull 5 at 288 Cr, and OMG 2 at 221 Cr. While the next target is technically OMG 2, the gap of nearly 47 Cr is substantial, and reaching it will depend entirely on how the film survives the upcoming screen crunch. The real challenge for Welcome 3 starts now. While it has its own dedicated audience, the arrival of Alpha and the upcoming release of Dhamaal 4 on July 10 will create a severe screen crunch. This looming threat means that exhibitors will have to make tough choices regarding show timings. For a movie that is already twelve days into its run, maintaining momentum during such a transition is difficult. However, its ability to grow on a weekday suggests that if it can hold onto its core screens.