BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 24 – Superstar Shah Rukh Khan's much-anticipated action thriller King, directed by Siddharth Anand, has officially locked its release date. The film will hit theatres worldwide on December 24, 2026, perfectly timed for the Christmas holiday season. The announcement was made on the evening of the third anniversary of Pathaan. King marks a major collaboration between Shah Rukh Khan and Siddharth Anand after the massive success of Pathaan. Positioned as a high-octane action thriller, the film is being mounted on a grand scale, with expectations of slick action set pieces, a strong emotional core, and a global cinematic appeal aimed at both domestic and overseas audiences. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The December 24 release date gives King a clear holiday window, traditionally considered one of the most lucrative periods at the Indian box office. With schools and offices shutting for Christmas and New Year, the film is expected to benefit from extended weekend footfalls and sustained holiday collections. With Shah Rukh Khan returning to the big screen in another tentpole project and Siddharth Anand once again at the helm, King is already being touted as one of the biggest Hindi releases of 2026. Trade expectations are sky-high, and the Christmas 2026 launch firmly positions the film as a marquee event for moviegoers. #KING is Ready to ROAR on 24.12.2026 in Cinemas#ItsKingTime#KingDateAnnouncement pic.twitter.com/a60zM0pc1s— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) January 24, 2026 Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 24 - It has been three years since superstar Shah Rukh Khan's spy action thriller Pathaan hit the big screens on January 25. Released at a time when the Hindi film industry was struggling and in recovery phase post-pandemic, Pathaan emerged as a game-changer, reviving audience confidence, and reigniting box office momentum. The film's success also marked a turning point in Shah Rukh Khan's career. After the failure of Zero (2018), the superstar took a back seat to reassess his choices and rethink his strategy before returning to the silver screen. His comeback was further delayed by the unprecedented global health crisis, COVID-19, which extended his absence and growing anticipation around his return. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) When cinemas reopened and normalcy returned, SRK mania swept the nation with Pathaan. The Siddharth Anand-directed action spectacle proved to be the resurgence of an icon of Indian cinema, presenting the actor in a larger-than-life avatar that connected strongly with mass audiences. The film grossed over 1000 crore at the worldwide box office, becoming the first Bollywood movie ever (without China) to cross the historic four-figure mark. More than just a blockbuster, Pathaan proved to be the beginning of Shah Rukh Khan 2.0, which aligned the superstar with the evolving tastes of the audience. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Following on the historic success of YRF's production, Shah Rukh Khan delivered an even bigger blockbuster with Atlee's Jawan, underlining his unmatched star power. He then rounded off an extraordinary 2023 with Rajkumar Hirani's Dunki, a comedy-drama that did good business and showcased a different shade of his stardom. Three years on, Pathaan remains one of the most defining moments in recent Bollywood history. It stands tall not only as a milestone in King Khan's career but as the film that changed the fortunes of Bollywood, firmly re-establishing the Hindi film industry as the driving force of Indian cinema. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The long-awaited sequel to India's most iconic war saga has finally arrived, and its box office performance is nothing short of historic. Border 2 made a thunderous debut on its opening Friday, tapping into a massive wave of nostalgia and patriotic fervor across the country. On its first day, the Sunny Deol-starrer recorded a sensational ₹30.00 crore net collection in India, instantly becoming one of the biggest openers of the year. The film witnessed extraordinary occupancy in mass circuits and single screens, proving that the legacy of the 1997 classic remains as powerful as ever. The film's domestic dominance was further highlighted by its gross figures, as it raked in an impressive ₹36.00 crore India gross within just 24 hours. This massive surge was not limited to the domestic market; the global Indian diaspora also turned up in huge numbers, resulting in an overseas collection of ₹7.50 crore. When aggregated, the total worldwide opening day collection stands at a staggering ₹43.50 crore. As the first major big-budget release of the year, these numbers set an incredibly high bar for all upcoming 2026 films, establishing Border 2 as the definitive theatrical event of the season. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   For historical perspective, the 1997 original was produced on a budget of ₹10 crore and debuted with an opening day collection of ₹1.10 crore. The film eventually earned a lifetime India net of ₹39.30 crore and a worldwide gross of ₹64.98 crore, including ₹2.38 crore from overseas markets. Declared an ALL-Time Blockbuster,its performance established the foundation for this franchise, with its India gross of ₹62.60 crore remaining a notable milestone in the genre for the 29 years leading up to this sequel. The impact of this massive opening is being felt nationwide, as the film's significant screen count has revitalized the theatrical circuit for the new year. Early reports from cinema halls indicate a strong turnout from both family audiences, driven by the nostalgia of the original 1997 classic, and younger viewers attracted to the high-octane modern action sequences. With Republic Day falling on Monday, Border 2 is perfectly positioned to capitalize on a lucrative four-day long weekend. Given the strong advance booking trends, the film is poised for substantial growth through Saturday and Sunday, with a massive collection peak expected on the Monday national holiday. For the unversed Border 2 Directed by Anurag Singh, features Sunny Deol returning to the franchise in a central role, joined by an ensemble cast that includes Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. The film is a joint production between Bhushan Kumar's T-Series and J.P. Dutta's JP Films, ensuring a blend of modern scale with the legacy of the original. Set once again against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the plot is reported to provide a broader perspective of the conflict than its predecessor. While the 1997 film focused primarily on the ground battle at Longewala, the sequel aims to showcase the coordinated efforts across different wings of the Indian Armed Forces, focusing on the tactical heroism and personal sacrifices that defined the historical events of 1971.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

After a historic fifty-day run at the box office, the relentless momentum of Dhurandhar has faced its first significant cooling period. On its eighth Friday, marking its 50th day in theaters, the film earned an estimated ₹0.55 crore net in India across all languages. This figure is particularly noteworthy as it marks the very first time since its grand opening that the daily collection has slipped below the ₹1 crore threshold. While such a dip is expected for a film entering its eighth week, the drop highlights a shift in the theatrical landscape as new competition takes center stage. The primary catalyst for this downward trend is the high-profile arrival of Border 2, which made its theatrical debut yesterday. The massive scale of the Sunny Deol-starrer has resulted in a significant reduction of screen counts and showtimes for existing films. Dhurandhar, which had enjoyed a nearly uncontested run in several circuits for seven weeks, saw its premium show slots largely reassigned to accommodate the surge in demand for the war-drama sequel. This loss of visibility in multiplexes and major single-screen hubs directly impacted the film's ability to maintain its crore-plus daily streak. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Despite the current dip, the film's fifty-day journey remains a legendary feat in modern Indian box office history. By staying above the ₹1 crore mark for 49 consecutive days, Dhurandhar has established a record for consistency that few contemporary blockbusters can match. This extraordinary durability allowed it to withstand several smaller releases over the past two months, cementing its status as a long-run hit,that thrived on genuine viewer interest rather than just opening-day hype. The cumulative financial performance of Dhurandhar showcases its status as a historic global success. To date, the film has amassed a staggering ₹1291 Cr in worldwide gross, driven largely by its dominant performance in the domestic market, where it recorded an India Net of ₹831.05 Cr and an India Gross of ₹997 Cr. This massive domestic run was bolstered by a significant international contribution of ₹294 Cr from overseas territories. With these unparalleled figures, the film has officially been declared an All-Time Blockbuster, solidifying its place in the elite tier of Indian cinema. Dhurandhar Weekly Box Office Collection - India Net WEEK / DAY COLLECTION (INDIA NET) Week 1 Collection ₹ 207.25 Cr Week 2 Collection ₹ 253.25 Cr Week 3 Collection ₹ 172 Cr Week 4 Collection ₹ 106.5 Cr Week 5 Collection ₹ 51.25 Cr Week 6 Collection ₹ 26.35 Cr Week 7 Collection ₹ 13.9 Cr Day 50 [8th Friday] ₹ 0.55 Cr Looking ahead, while Border 2 now dominates the national box office conversation, Dhurandhar is expected to maintain a steady, albeit smaller, presence through its eighth weekend. History suggests that films with such strong legs often see a marginal recovery on Saturdays and Sundays as family audiences continue to catch up with the title. As the film nears the end of its theatrical lifecycle, it does so having already secured its place among the all-time highest-grossing films, with its current numbers merely adding the finishing touches to a monumental commercial success.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, February 4 - The release plans are undergoing a major reshuffle in Telugu cinema, with Pawan Kalyan's much-awaited action drama Ustaad Bhagat Singh is set to be the next big Telugu release amid the growing uncertainty over a couple of films' release dates. On Wednesday (February 4), the makers officially confirmed that superstar Ram Charan's Peddi, which was scheduled for a March 27, 2026, release, has been postponed to April 30. Similarly, Nani's The Paradise, initially planned for March 26, is also expected to shift due to extensive post-production work. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With two major films stepping aside, the makers of Pawan Kalyan's starrer officially locked the March 26, 2026, release date. There has been a buzz for the last few months that the makers were looking to lock the film for a March release, and now, with the postponement of two biggies, Ustaad Bhagat Singh is completed the formalities of coming during the same slot. Directed by Harish Shankar, Ustaad Bhagat Singh carries massive expectations, especially given Pawan Kalyan's strong box office pull and the film's commercial mass appeal. While an official release date announcement is still awaited, all signs point towards Ustaad Bhagat Singh becoming one of the biggest March 2026 releases, reshaping the release calendar and setting the stage for a powerful box office run. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Over a decade after its original release, Ajith Kumar's 50th film, Mankatha, has once again stormed the box office, proving that its cult status remains untouched. Re-released on January 23rd in a digitally remastered format, the film set a staggering new record for the highest opening day pre-sales in Tamil Nadu. The movie had recorded pre-sales of around ₹2.25 crore for the opening day. This feat allowed it to surpass the previous record held by the re-release of Ghilli (₹2+ crore), as well as other major titles like Padayappa, Sachein, and Kushi. The success of the Mankatha Rage was not limited to Tamil Nadu, as the film also made a significant impact in the neighbouring state of Karnataka. It secured the third-largest opening for a Kollywood re-release in the state, collecting ₹20 lakhs. It trailed only behind the re-releases of Padayappa and Ghilli. This strong performance in Karnataka highlights the pan-South Indian appeal of the heist thriller and Ajith Kumar's massive stardom beyond state borders. Overall, the film grossed 4+ crore in India on day 1 as per estimates. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The atmosphere inside theatres was electric, as fans celebrated the return of the iconic anti-hero, Vinayak Mahadev. Reports from various cities described scenes of Milk Abhishekam on posters, heavy confetti showers, and fans dancing to Yuvan Shankar Raja's legendary background score. The re-release also saw active participation from the film's industry admirers; director Adhik Ravichandran and Ajith's manager, Suresh Chandra, were seen celebrating with the crowd at Kamala Cinemas in Chennai. Meanwhile, actor Premji Amaren, who played a key role in the film, interacted with fans on social media, further fueling the nostalgia and excitement surrounding the event. Industry analysts suggest that this re-release is more than just a nostalgic trip; it is a testament to the film's enduring legacy and its ability to compete with modern-day releases. With over 100,000 tickets sold on BookMyShow within the first 24 hours of booking, Mankatha is now on track to challenge the lifetime gross records of other major re-releases. As the film continues its run, it reinforces the unique bond between the fans and this Venkat Prabhu directorial, cementing its place as one of the most successful and profitable re-releases in the history of Tamil cinema.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 24 – The much-awaited war drama Border 2 has taken a strong start at the domestic box office, collecting approximately 30 crore net on its opening day. This marks the second-biggest opening of Sunny Deol’s career, after Gadar 2, which had registered 40 crore net in 2023. Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 has delivered the biggest opening for a Bollywood film since Chhaava, which had opened at 31 crore net last year. At one point, the sequel looked set to surpass the Vicky Kaushal starrer, but a slightly weaker performance in multiplexes compared to mass belts prevented it from doing so. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Nevertheless, the opening remains solid considering it was a non-holiday working day. With positive word of mouth coming in, the film is well placed for a strong extended Republic Day weekend. Steady growth over the next two days, followed by a big national holiday boost, is expected to push the opening weekend collections close to 150 crore net. Meanwhile, Border 2 has also delivered the biggest opening of Varun Dhawan's career, comfortably surpassing his previous releases by a wide margin. The film has additionally recorded career-best openings for Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty, along with the leading female cast, making it a significant milestone for the entire ensemble. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

The Malayalam cinematic sensation Sarvam Maya, which dominated the box office during its recent theatrical run, is officially set for its digital debut. Fans can stream the film starting January 30th on the JioHotstar platform. In a move to reach a pan-India audience, the streaming giant has confirmed that the movie will be available in multiple languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. The film's transition to OTT comes on the heels of its historic performance at the box office, where it earned a Blockbuster verdict. Domestically, Sarvam Maya demonstrated incredible staying power, concluding its theatrical journey with a Malayalam Net collection of ₹74.53 crore and an India Gross of ₹87.8 crore. Even in its fourth week, the film continued to draw audiences, recording steady daily collections right up to its 28th day in theaters. Sarvam Maya:Box Office BreakdownPERIODCOLLECTION (INDIA NET)Week 1 Collection₹ 35.1 CrWeek 2 Collection₹ 22.6 CrWeek 3 Collection₹ 11.5 CrDay 23 [4th Friday]₹ 0.95 CrDay 24 [4th Saturday]₹ 1.45 CrDay 25 [4th Sunday]₹ 1.6 CrDay 26 [4th Monday]₹ 0.52 CrDay 27 [4th Tuesday]₹ 0.43 CrDay 28 [4th Wednesday]₹ 0.38 CrTotal Net Box Office₹ 74.53 Cr Beyond the domestic market, the film proved to be a massive draw for international audiences, particularly in the Middle East and other major overseas territories. It amassed a significant ₹57.5 crore from overseas markets, bringing its total worldwide gross to approximately ₹145.3 crore. This commercial success has made Sarvam Maya one of the most profitable Malayalam ventures of the year, further highlighting the global appeal of contemporary Malayalam storytelling. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The film's record-breaking run is fueled by the powerful performances of its lead cast, featuring Nivin Pauly in a significant role alongside Priya Prakash Varrier and Anaswara Rajan. The plot of Sarvam Maya is a gripping emotional thriller that explores the complexities of human relationships set against a mystery that unfolds with delulu psychological elements. With its global gross reaching approximately ₹145.3 crore, the film has achieved a historic milestone by surpassing the lifetime collections of the Mohanlal-starrer Pulimurugan (₹140 crore), officially becoming the 8th highest-grossing Malayalam film globally. The massive success of Sarvam Maya has further heightened the buzz around Nivin Pauly's upcoming projects. Fans are particularly looking forward to his next venture, titled Baby Girl, which is supposed to be a medical thriller drama releasing today(Jan 23rd). Following his blockbuster comeback with the current film, expectations for Baby Girl have garnered significant attention, to see if Nivin can maintain this streak of high-concept, commercially viable hits. With its upcoming digital premiere, the film is expected to garner high viewership across its various dubbed versions. Given the critical acclaim and the massive theatrical footfalls it achieved, the JioHotstar release is one of the most anticipated OTT events for the end of January, offering home viewers a chance to experience this high-performing blockbuster.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 23 - Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar has completed 50 days in its theatrical run today, firmly establishing itself as one of the most iconic blockbusters in Indian cinema. From the doubtful pre-release days to finishing at the top, the spy action thriller has come a long way in those 50 days to prove that there is nothing like big screen cinema. Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar has dominated the box office across circuits, from a solid opening to its extraordinary long run. The budget was massive, and there were doubts whether the film had star power to pull big numbers to justify the scale, but it made everyone fall in love once it hit the silver screens and became the highest single-language grosser in India. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Apart from being the biggest single-language grosser in the domestic market, Dhurandhar has rewritten history by becoming the highest-grossing film worldwide in Hindi, showcasing its appeal not just domestically but also in overseas markets. In India, the film displayed unprecedented consistency, setting all-time weekly records in Hindi from the second week onwards, something almost unheard of for an A-rated mainstream entertainer. The film's theatrical reach has been equally historic in terms of footfalls. Dhurandhar is now the most-watched original Bollywood film in Hindi since the COVID-19 pandemic, recording 3.65+ crore admissions. This remarkable audience turnout reflects the film's universal appeal, mass connect, and repeat value. With 50 days completed, Dhurandhar stands tall as a true all-time blockbuster. Ranveer Singh and the rest of the cast's powerhouse performances, combined with scale-driven action and the growing excitement for Dhurandhar Part 2, have turned the film into a cultural and box office phenomenon, setting benchmarks for the upcoming films to achieve. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 23 - Sunny Deol-fronted war drama Border 2 has taken a good opening at the domestic box office, and is headed to finish the day 1 on the expected lines. The movie showed solid momentum in the advances on the last day, and finished above the recent mega blockbuster Dhurandhar. According to the early trends, the sequel is looking to cross 30 crores net opening, which may go towards 35 crores, if the momentum continues in the evening and night shows. In 2025, only Chhava managed to cross 30 crores on the opening day, and Border 2 is expected to top with a decent margin. The initial word of mouth looks positive, which is clearly reflected in the advances for the evening and night shows, especially in the Hindi heartland states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Haryana. The movie is also seeing a good response in Delhi with fast-selling shows for the latter half of the day. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Border is the iconic franchise with strong recall value, especially in the mass centres where Sunny Deol's mass appeal remains unmatched. Notably, many single-screen theatres are recording very good footfalls with houseful shows, highlighting the film's strong ground-level pull among core audiences. With positive word of mouth trickling in and a wide release ensuring maximum reach, Border 2 is well placed to post an impressive opening day number. Overall, with a good opening locked, the stage is set for a powerful extended Republic Day weekend run at the box office. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 23 - Sunny Deol starrer Border 2 has begun its box office juggernaut as it is heading towards a solid opening domestically. Due to the growing demand, the exhibitors have allotted midnight shows across several key centres in India. It is said that theatre chains are expecting big numbers over the weekend, and are accordingly increasing the number of shows. According to Bollywood Hungama, the popular cinema chain MovieMax has taken the initiative and has already scheduled post-midnight shows of the war drama in their key properties for Saturday, January 24. In Pune's MovieMax Amanora, 6 shows will be held between 12:00 am and 8:00 am, at 1:15 am, 1:45 am, 2:15 am, 3:00 am, 7:00 am and 7:30 am. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) As the demand for the film continues to grow, more and more theatre chains are expected to join the bandwagon and schedule round-the-clock shows nationwide. There is practically no competition for the Border 2 at the moment, which allows the exhibitors to fulfil the demand. Early trends indicate that Border 2 is heading towards a good opening in the range of 30+ crore net, which would make it one of the biggest Hindi openings in recent times. The U/A (13+) certification is also expected to help footfalls, allowing family audiences to turn up in large numbers over the weekend. With patriotic fervour, a popular franchise tag, and Sunny Deol's strong connect with the masses, Border 2 has begun its box office journey on a promising note. If the momentum from the midnight shows continues through the day, the film could set the tone for a powerful opening weekend at the domestic box office. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The third installment of the gritty crime-thriller franchise, Mardaani 3, has cleared the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) ahead of its theatrical debut. The film has been granted a UA 16+ certificate, indicating content suited for audiences aged 16 and above due to its intense themes. According to official certification details, the film has a total runtime of 130.37 minutes, which translates to 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 37 seconds. Rani Mukerji reprises her acclaimed role as Shivani Shivaji Roy, a fierce and dedicated police officer. The Mardaani franchise, produced by Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Films banner, established itself as a significant series in the crime-action genre with the release of the first film in 2014, followed by a successful sequel in 2019. While the first film tackled human trafficking and the second focused on a juvenile serial rapist, the third part is expected to follow Roy as she confronts a new, high-stakes criminal investigation. The Mardaani franchise has maintained a consistent commercial track record across its previous installments. The original Mardaani, produced on a budget of ₹20.00 crore, concluded its theatrical run as a Hit with an India net collection of ₹35.65 crore and a worldwide gross of ₹59.30 crore. This included a domestic gross of ₹48.11 crore and an overseas contribution of ₹11.19 crore. The 2019 sequel, Mardaani 2, saw a growth in earnings against a budget of ₹30 crore, recording an India net collection of ₹47.35 crore. The second installment achieved a worldwide total of ₹67 crore, supported by an India gross of ₹57 crore and an international collection of ₹10 crore. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The film is helmed by director Abhiraj Minawala, who takes over the reins of the franchise following his work as an associate director on various major YRF blockbusters.The script and dialogues have been penned by Aayush Gupta, known for his work on The Railway Men, ensuring that the film stays true to its reputation for socially relevant and impactful storytelling. Though specific plot details have been kept confidential by the production house, buzz surrounding the project indicates a focus on complex organized crime or a contemporary socio-legal issue. The franchise is known for its strong antagonists, and while the identity of the villain in this installment has been guarded, it remains a central point of interest for the audience. Mardaani 3 is scheduled to hit cinemas on January 30, 2026. The film is positioned as a major solo release for Rani Mukerji, continuing her streak of performance-driven roles in the YRF spy and thriller universes. With the certification process complete, the production is expected to move into its final promotional phase leading up to the end-of-month release.