Cal Brunker

BY JITU JANGIR

WWE Monday Night Raw will take place on Monday, August 24, 2026, from the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. However, fans will need to take note of a different start time this week, as Raw will begin at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT on Netflix, two hours earlier than its usual time. The earlier start is connected to WWE's plans to tape the following week's Friday Night SmackDown after Raw, with that episode scheduled to air on August 28. WWE has previously used double-taping arrangements around holiday periods to give its talent time off. The August 24 episode will continue several stories coming out of Raw on August 17. The World Heavyweight Championship No. 1 Contender's Tournament is moving into its semifinal stage, Stephanie Vaquer is set to return to singles action against Roxanne Perez after being attacked by The Judgment Day, and Oba Femi and Bron Breakker will put pen to paper ahead of their Sunday Night's Main Event match. WWE Raw 8/24/26 Confirmed Match Card World Heavyweight Championship Contender Tournament: Penta vs. LA Parka The World Heavyweight Championship No. 1 Contender's Tournament will continue with Penta taking on LA Parka in one of the semifinal matches. The winner will advance to the tournament final and move one step closer to earning a World Heavyweight Championship match against Roman Reigns. Penta advanced to the semifinals after defeating JD McDonagh on the August 10 episode of Raw. LA Parka, meanwhile, earned his place in the tournament after winning his opening-round match. The two will now meet with a place in the final at stake. World Heavyweight Championship Contender Tournament: Rey Fenix vs. Dragon Lee The other semifinal will see Rey Fenix face Dragon Lee. Both men advanced on the August 17 episode of Raw, with Fenix defeating El Fiscal and Dragon Lee defeating El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. The winner will advance to the tournament final and remain in contention to challenge Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship when Raw heads to Mexico City on September 14. That gives the semifinal another layer, particularly with both competitors coming off first-round victories. Stephanie Vaquer vs. Roxanne Perez Stephanie Vaquer is set to return to the ring against Roxanne Perez. Vaquer's return comes after The Judgment Day attacked her during the August 17 episode of Raw. The situation involving Vaquer, Liv Morgan and Becky Lynch has continued to develop over the past several weeks. On the previous Raw, Becky attempted to help Vaquer when The Judgment Day went after her, but the situation ended with Morgan's group gaining control. WWE has now booked Vaquer for singles competition, giving her a chance to respond inside the ring. Oba Femi and Bron Breakker contract signing Raw will also feature a contract signing between Oba Femi and Bron Breakker ahead of their match at Sunday Night's Main Event. Their rivalry has been building since Femi confronted Breakker after stopping a beatdown on Raw earlier this month. Paul Heyman later announced that the two will meet at Sunday Night's Main Event, and the August 24 contract signing gives WWE an opportunity to add another chapter before their match. Predicted Match Card Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa and LA Knight The Bloodline story could receive another segment following the events of last week's Raw. Solo Sikoa refused to fall back in line with Roman Reigns, and the situation ended with Solo Sikoa and LA Knight attacking Reigns and The Usos. A likely prediction is that Roman Reigns will address Solo and LA Knight, possibly leading to another confrontation. WWE could also use the segment to further establish what Solo wants after rejecting Roman's offer. Je'Von Evans vs. Big Cass Another possible match is Je'Von Evans vs. Big Cass. Big Cass has continued targeting Evans, and the issue escalated after Evans defeated JD McDonagh on the August 17 episode before being attacked afterward. A singles match would give WWE a way to continue their story while also giving Evans an opportunity to respond to Cass' attacks. Liv Morgan and The Judgment Day With Stephanie Vaquer now booked against Roxanne Perez, Liv Morgan and The Judgment Day could remain involved in the women's division. A backstage confrontation or ringside appearance during Vaquer's match would fit the story that WWE established on August 17. Where and When to Watch WWE Raw WWE Raw airs live in the United States on Netflix at 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT on Monday, August 24, rather than its usual 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT start time. The earlier broadcast is tied to WWE's double-taping plans for the following week's SmackDown. United States: 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT on Monday on Netflix United Kingdom & Ireland: 11:00 PM BST on Monday on Netflix India: 3:30 AM IST on Tuesday, August 25, on Netflix Australia: 8:00 AM AEST on Tuesday, August 25, on Netflix Mexico: 4:00 PM CST on Monday on Netflix

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, August 19 - Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor is set to return to the Astraverse with Brahmastra Part Two: Dev, as director Ayan Mukerji gears up to take forward the ambitious franchise. The movie has been in development since Part 1's release in 2022, and now, it is set to roll next. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to a report by Pinkvilla, Ranbir Kapoor is set to begin shooting for the much-awaited sequel in April 2027, after completing work on Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana Part 2. The scripting and pre-production for Brahmastra 2 are reportedly already underway. Ranbir is expected to wrap Ramayana Part 2 by January 2027 and will then undergo a brief preparation period before commencing Brahmastra 2. The sequel will reportedly see him take on a challenging dual role as Shiva and Dev, expanding the conflict and mythology established in the first film. Alia Bhatt is also set to reprise her role as Isha, bringing back the central pairing from Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The report further states that Ayan Mukerji is in discussions with Deepika Padukone for the role of Amruta, with the filmmaker and his team believing that the character requires an actor with considerable screen presence and gravitas. Deepika's casting is not officially confirmed yet, with her availability and the overall shooting schedule still being worked out. Brahmastra 2 is expected to take the Astraverse on a significantly larger scale, continuing Ayan Mukerji's modern interpretation of Indian mythology. With Ranbir returning as both Shiva and Dev, Alia reprising Isha and Deepika potentially joining the franchise, the sequel could bring together one of the biggest casts in contemporary Hindi cinema.

BY JITU JANGIR

This Friday, WWE SmackDown will take place live from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on USA Network. For international viewers, WWE programming is available live on Netflix in most regions around the world. The biggest attraction on the card will be CM Punk defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens, while NXT Champion Oba Femi has also been advertised for the event. SmackDown Confirmed Match Card August 21, 2026 CM Punk (c) vs. Kevin Owens – Undisputed WWE Championship The only match officially announced for the August 21 episode of SmackDown is CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The match was set after Owens earned his title opportunity by winning a Fatal 4-Way No. 1 Contender's Match against Sami Zayn, Gunther and Finn Bálor at SummerSlam. Owens had also returned from a potentially career-ending injury at the event. The rivalry became more personal on the August 14 episode of SmackDown when Punk and Owens went face-to-face. Their confrontation touched on their past outside WWE and their time in the independent wrestling scene. Owens made it clear that he has wanted the opportunity to face Punk, while the champion questioned whether Owens had lived up to his potential. WWE has now moved the rivalry from the microphone to the ring, with the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line in Toronto. Oba Femi advertised for SmackDown Oba Femi has also been advertised for the Toronto show, although WWE has not announced what he will be doing on the episode. Scotiabank Arena itself promoted Femi's appearance, noting that “The Ruler” will be in Toronto fresh off his SummerSlam victory over Brock Lesnar. Because no match or opponent has been announced for Femi, his appearance should not be listed as an official match at this point. He could appear in a singles match, a confrontation or another segment. Predicted WWE SmackDown Card – August 21, 2026 Randy Orton could target Cody Rhodes Another possible development on Friday night involves Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. Orton has repeatedly targeted Rhodes in recent weeks, and their feud has continued to grow ahead of their scheduled singles match at Sunday Night’s Main Event on September 6. With the match around the corner, WWE could use the August 21 episode of SmackDown to show a little preview of what's coming later. One possible scenario is for Cody Rhodes to defeat Kevin Owens, only for Randy Orton to appear afterward and attack him. Rhodes could celebrate his victory or address the crowd following the match before Orton strikes. The attack would give Orton another opportunity to leave his mark on Rhodes before their September 6 showdown, while also allowing WWE to keep their feud separate from the Punk-Owens championship story. Giulia vs. Blake Monroe The two have an ongoing issue, making a match between them a possible addition to the Toronto show. This has been discussed in SmackDown previews, but it is not currently confirmed by WWE. Where and When to Watch WWE SmackDown The show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on USA Network and in most international markets on Netflix.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The scale of the upcoming cinematic retelling of the Ramayana is reaching new heights as the makers aim for a truly global theatrical experience. In an exclusive update reported by Bollywood Hungama, Prime Focus Studios founder Namit Malhotra has announced a major partnership with CJ 4DPLEX to bring Ramayana: Part 1 to life in premium immersive formats. This collaboration ensures that the film will be released in both ScreenX and 4DX, marking a significant first for Indian cinema on the world stage. Namit Malhotra has shared that from its very inception, the project was designed to be more than just a regular movie. He believes that the partnership allows the team to match the massive scope and vision of the story with innovative technology. ScreenX is a unique format that expands the movie onto the side walls of the theater, providing a 270-degree panoramic view, while 4DX adds a multisensory layer with motion seats and environmental effects like wind, water, and scents. Together, these formats are meant to invite the audience to step directly into the world of the epic. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to the executives at CJ 4DPLEX, Ramayana is the exact type of event-level spectacle that these formats were created for. The film is expected to release across more than 1,200 ScreenX and 4DX auditoriums globally. This move is particularly historic because Ramayana: Part 1 will be the first Indian film to debut in ScreenX worldwide. The industry is already seeing a growing appetite for such experiences in India, especially after the recent success of titles like Spider-Man: Brand New Day in similar premium formats. The distribution strategy also reflects the film's global ambitions. While Dharma Productions will handle the release across North India, Sony Pictures International is set to take the film to theaters across the globe. This ensures that the retelling of the ancient epic reaches a massive international audience simultaneously during its Diwali 2026 release window. The project is being seen as a milestone that could redefine how Indian stories are presented to the world. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film features a powerhouse cast including Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Yash as Ravana, and Sai Pallavi as Sita. The ensemble also includes Sunny Deol and Ravie Dubey in pivotal roles. With the first part scheduled for Diwali 2026 and the second installment already in production for a 2027 release, the team is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that Ramayana becomes one of the most visually stunning and technologically advanced projects in Indian history.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

After a successful run that lasted over a month, Dhamaal 4 is finally approaching the end of its theatrical journey. The film has been a significant contributor to the box office in 2026, but the latest numbers indicate that it is now reaching a point of exhaustion. With new releases like Awarapan 2 and Batwara 1947 taking over the majority of screens, the space for this comedy sequel has shrunk considerably. While it has performed admirably, the current pace suggests it will not be able to hit any further major milestones, likely settling just shy of the 170 crore net mark. The drop in show counts tells the story of its final phase. Just a few days ago, around Day 35, the film was still running across 1,670 shows. however, by its sixth week, that number has plummeted to double digits, with Day 40 recording only 84 shows across India. On its 40th day, a Tuesday, the film earned a meager 0.02 crore net, bringing the total India net collection to 167.62 crore. While the film saw a small jump over its sixth weekend, the weekday collections have now fallen to the level of a few lakhs, signifying that the movie has almost entirely completed its run in theaters. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Despite the current slow pace, the lifetime achievements of Dhamaal 4 are impressive. It has officially locked its place as the 4th highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2026, comfortably outperforming other major comedy rivals like Welcome To The Jungle. On the global stage, the film has achieved a worldwide gross collection of 229.88 crore. This is supported by an India gross of 199.03 crore and a respectable overseas contribution of 30.85 crore. For a franchise that relies on ensemble comedy, reaching these heights after 40 days is a clear win for the makers. The film has also been a personal success for Ajay Devgn. In terms of lifetime ticket sales on BookMyShow, Dhamaal 4 has recorded 2.89 million tickets sold, making it the 4th highest-selling film in the actor's career on the platform. It sits just behind his other major hits like Singham Again, which leads with 3.77 million tickets, followed by Shaitaan at 2.97 million and Raid 2 at 2.91 million. However, it significantly outperforms titles like De De Pyaar De 2, which recorded 1.11 million tickets. This high volume of ticket sales highlights the initial pull the film had across both multiplexes and single screens before the competitive wave of new big-budget releases took over. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While Dhamaal 4 is fading out of theaters with over 202,714 shows under its belt, it leaves the box office as one of the standout successes of the year. The transition to digital platforms is the next logical step as it reaches theatrical exhaustion, and industry insiders are already speculating that the film will arrive on OTT by September 4. This move will allow the comedy to reach a wider audience at home now that the theater space is dominated by newer releases.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, August 19 - Marvel is looking for another historic opening with Avengers: Doomsday already showing phenomenal demand months before its theatrical release. The upcoming Marvel event film has reportedly raced 65% ahead of Spider-Man: Brand New Day in advance bookings in the domestic (North America) market, based on the first two days of general presales. The early trend is significant considering Brand New Day recorded the biggest opening in North America box office history. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) However, the comparison comes with an important difference in the booking timelines. Avengers: Doomsday began its advance sales around four months before its December 18 release, while Spider-Man: Brand New Day opened bookings much closer to its theatrical debut. Therefore, the current 65% lead should not necessarily be interpreted as a direct indication that Doomsday will open 65% higher, but it does underline the extraordinary level of early interest surrounding the next Avengers film. The momentum comes after Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues to deliver a sensational worldwide run. The Tom Holland-led film has already crossed the $2 billion mark globally, becoming only the eighth film in history to reach the milestone. Its massive performance has once again demonstrated the strength of Marvel's biggest theatrical properties, with Avengers: Doomsday now looking to capitalise on that renewed enthusiasm for large-scale superhero events. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Adding to the anticipation is the film's enormous ensemble cast and the return of Robert Downey Jr., who will play the villainous Doctor Doom. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, Avengers: Doomsday brings together characters from different corners of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including the Avengers, Fantastic Four and X-Men. The combination of a major crossover storyline, the Russo Brothers and Downey Jr.'s return has made the film one of the most anticipated releases of 2026. With nearly months still remaining before its December 18 theatrical release, Avengers: Doomsday has plenty of time to build on its already impressive presales. If the current pace continues and expands as the release date approaches, Marvel could be heading toward another record-breaking opening. For now, the 65% lead over Spider-Man: Brand New Day provides an early indication that the next Avengers event could be on an entirely different level.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

There are very few actors who can maintain their position at the top for half a century, but Rajinikanth continues to prove that his superstardom is in a league of its own. As fans eagerly wait for the return of Tiger Muthuvel Pandian in the upcoming sequel Jailer 2, the film has already started rewriting the history books of Indian cinema. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the sequel carries the massive responsibility of following up on the 2023 cult classic, which famously collected over 604 crore at the worldwide box office. The momentum behind this second installment is now being felt in the business circles, where the film has just set an unprecedented record. According to an exclusive report by Bollywood Hungama, Jailer 2 has officially secured the biggest non-theatrical deal for any Tamil film to date. Sources close to the development have revealed that the streaming rights for the film have been sold to a major OTT partner for a staggering 160 crore. This figure is significant because it not only surpasses the previous record held by Vijay's Leo but also reportedly exceeds the digital deals for other upcoming big-budget films like Shah Rukh Khan's King. It appears that streaming platforms are willing to pay a heavy premium to secure the Rajinikanth-led saga, viewing it as the most high-profile acquisition of 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The marketing machinery for the film is also beginning to move at a rapid pace. Production house Sun Pictures is reportedly planning to release the first single from the movie on August 21, 2026. Given the massive impact Anirudh Ravichander’s music had on the first film, especially with the viral hit Hukum, there is immense pressure on the composer to deliver another chartbuster. There is also significant buzz regarding a grand audio launch tentatively scheduled for October 2. While Rajinikanth's landmark events are traditionally hosted at the Nehru Stadium in Chennai, the official venue for this sequel is yet to be confirmed. Regardless of the location, the launch is expected to be a massive celebration of the superstar's journey, with a planned television broadcast on Sun TV likely set for October 9. While industry chatter had suggested a potential push to the Diwali weekend due to post-production delays, Sun Pictures has confirmed that Jailer 2 will release on its original scheduled date, effectively ending speculation about a potential delay. This confirmation is seen as a strategic move by industry experts who were concerned about a box office clash with the pan-Indian film Ramayana during Diwali. By sticking to the October window, the film is expected to secure a better screen count and a solo run, providing the necessary space for its large ensemble cast to draw audiences across India without immediate competition. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The return of the character Tiger Muthuvel has created a level of anticipation that is rarely seen even for major sequels. With a record-breaking OTT deal already in the bag and a promotion schedule that looks to build a fever pitch over the next two months, Jailer 2 is positioned to be a commercial juggernaut. If the film manages to replicate the word of mouth of its predecessor, it could very well challenge the all-time records of the Tamil film industry.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, August 19 - Superstar Yash's much-awaited action drama Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups is gearing up for one of the biggest worldwide theatrical releases for an Indian film. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film is reportedly targeting a massive 12,000-screen release globally, underlining the enormous scale of the project and the expectations surrounding Yash's first major release after the blockbuster KGF: Chapter 2. The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on August 26, 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The latest development is that advance bookings for Toxic are set to open on August 21 in India, giving the film five full days of pre-sales ahead of its theatrical release. The movie will release across Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and English, allowing the makers to target a broad domestic and international audience. The final worldwide screen count is still subject to confirmation, but the reported 12,000-screen target reflects the ambitious global rollout planned for the film. Internationally, Lionsgate is handling the distribution of the English version, while the Indian release has been divided among several major distributors. AA Films is handling North India and Nepal, Sri Venkateswara Creations is associated with the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana release, and Panorama Films is handling Kerala. Tamil Nadu distribution involves Think Studios, S Picture and White Nights, through Trident Arts and Five Star Senthil. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Toxic boasts a major ensemble alongside Yash, including Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth. The film is written and directed by Geetu Mohandas and is backed by KVN Productions with Monster Mind Creations. The project has generated substantial buzz following its promotional campaign, with Yash presenting a darker and more intense action avatar than his previous outings. The reported 12,000-screen worldwide rollout could make Toxic one of the widest theatrical releases for an Indian film if the target is achieved. With bookings beginning on August 21, the next few days will be crucial in determining the film’s opening-day momentum across India and overseas markets. All eyes are now on whether Yash’s star power and the film’s large-scale release can translate into a record-breaking start when Toxic hits cinemas on August 26.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The cinematic journey of Vishwanath and Sons has been one of the most discussed topics in the industry lately, especially given the massive expectations riding on Suriya's shoulders. As a family drama with a high emotional core, the film was expected to dominate the Southern box office. While the movie is performing exceptionally well in several territories, a very unusual trend is emerging as it completes its first five days in theaters. Usually, a Suriya starrer sees its highest numbers coming from his home state of Tamil Nadu, but the data suggests that the film is finding even more love in the Telugu-speaking states. On its first Tuesday, Vishwanath and Sons achieved a strong India gross of 7.33 crore. This indicates a steady hold during the weekdays, showing resilience despite the natural drop from its Monday performance. A closer look at the regional contribution reveals a very interesting narrative; the film is seeing an incredible response in the Telugu market that is currently outpacing its home base. On Tuesday alone, the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions contributed a gross of 3.50 crore, while the territory of Tamil Nadu brought in 2.35 crore. This continued momentum across all southern states has pushed the total India gross collection to an impressive 83.60 crore in just five days. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In terms of ticket sales, the film is still holding a spot among the heavyweights. On Tuesday, BookMyShow recorded 118,800 tickets sold for the film. To put this into perspective, this performance places Vishwanath and Sons at the 8th spot on the all-time list for the highest first Tuesday ticket sales on the platform, sitting just behind films like The GOAT and ahead of Jana Nayagan. In national multiplex chains, the support remains firm. On Tuesday alone, PVR saw around 14,700 tickets sold, while INOX and Cinepolis contributed roughly 6,800 and 2,000 tickets respectively. The occupancy in these premium chains for the day averaged around 12 percent for PVR, showing that the urban audience is still turning up. The state-wise gross report highlights a fascinating shift in demographics. Currently, the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (APTG) region has surpassed Tamil Nadu in terms of total gross. APTG has contributed 33.75 crore to the total gross, while Tamil Nadu stands at 32.85 crore. Other Southern states are also chipping in significantly, with Karnataka contributing 9.68 crore and Kerala adding 6.00 crore. This has led to industry speculation that while the film might become a certified blockbuster in almost every other center, it may end up as an average performer in Suriya's home state of Tamil Nadu. There are even murmurs that the film will not be able to cross the massive benchmarks set by a hit like Karuppu, particularly in the Tamil market. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Internationally, the film continues to draw a global audience, adding 2.00 crore to its overseas gross on Day 5. This brings the total international gross to 45.00 crore. In the lucrative North America market, the film is doing remarkably well. According to data shared by Venky, the film earned 128,000 dollars on Monday alone, pushing its total North American gross to a solid 1.72 million dollars. The worldwide gross for Vishwanath and Sons now stands at 128.60 crore. While the domestic home-state performance remains a point of debate, there is no denying that the film has achieved a massive global footprint in less than a week.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

When Batwara 1947 was first announced, it carried the weight of high expectations. A period drama centered around the partition of India usually attracts a massive audience due to its emotional and patriotic appeal. However, despite the grand scale, a reported high production budget, and a cast meant to draw in the crowds, the film is currently struggling to find its footing at the box office. The initial buzz has unfortunately not translated into the kind of numbers required for a film of this magnitude to be considered a success. As it stands, the movie is significantly underperforming, and the word of mouth appears to be quite mixed, primarily citing a slow narrative as a major hurdle. Looking at the fifth-day performance, there is a small silver lining. On Tuesday, the film earned 2.25 crore net in India, which is a 12.5 percent growth compared to Monday's 2.00 crore. This slight uptick is largely due to the discounted ticket prices typical of mid-week promotions, which often help struggling films see a minor surge. However, for a film that has only managed to collect a total India net of 30.75 crore after five days, this growth is likely too little, too late. The total India gross stands at 36.54 crore, which is a disappointing figure given the thousands of shows allocated to it across the country. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The harsh reality of the box office is currently playing out through a significant screen crunch for the film. Exhibitors have started redistributing shows based on demand, which has hit Batwara 1947 particularly hard. While the movie started its journey with over 8,700 shows on Friday, that number has steadily declined to just 6,608 shows by Tuesday. In sharp contrast, Awarapan 2, which is riding a massive wave of success, has seen its show count climb from an initial 9,033 to a whopping 11,060 in the same period. This trend of theater owners pulling screens from a high-budget period drama to accommodate a thriving sequel is a clear sign that the audience has made its choice, leaving Batwara 1947 with very little room to recover. The performance in national chains further highlights the uphill battle the film is facing. On Tuesday, PVR recorded approximately 8,700 tickets sold with a gross of around 13.7 lakh. INOX and Cinepolis followed with roughly 4,800 and 2,300 tickets respectively. Across these major players, the total ticket sales for the day hovered around the 16,000 mark. While these numbers contribute to the 480,000 total tickets booked on BookMyShow so far, they remain far below the benchmarks set by other big-budget releases this year. In total, the film ran across 6,608 shows on its fifth day, contributing to a cumulative total of over 37,410 shows since its release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Regional occupancy data provides a clearer picture of where the film is finding some resonance and where it is failing. Given the historical context of the partition, the National Capital Region (NCR) has emerged as the strongest market. With 673 shows, NCR saw an occupancy of 26 percent. This is expected as themes related to the 1947 era often have a deeper cultural connection in the North. In contrast, markets like Mumbai and Ahmedabad, which are usually strongholds for big Hindi releases, are underperforming. Mumbai recorded a 17.5 percent occupancy across 389 shows, while Ahmedabad sat at 15 percent with 358 shows. The numbers in the South and other parts of the West are even more concerning, with Bengaluru and Surat struggling to cross the 11 percent occupancy mark. On the international front, the story remains much the same. Batwara 1947 collected 0.50 crore overseas on Tuesday, taking its total international gross to 6.75 crore. When combined with the domestic earnings, the worldwide gross collection stands at 43.29 crore. For a film produced on a high scale with an aim for a global audience, these numbers point toward a commercial failure. Unless there is a miraculous turnaround in the coming weekend, the film is unlikely to recover its substantial investment, marking it as one of the more notable box office disappointments of the season.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

It is not every day that we see a sequel managed with such balance, but Awarapan 2 seems to have struck a chord with the audience that goes beyond just nostalgia. While the first film remains a cult classic for its soul-stirring music and Emraan Hashmi’s brooding performance, this second installment has successfully modernized the appeal. The buzz on social media, no major movies to compete and strong word of mouth suggest that the viewers are appreciating the gritty narrative and the emotional depth brought back to the screen. It is this organic interest that has helped the film maintain its momentum well past the opening weekend. The big story today is that Awarapan 2 has officially entered the 100 Crore Club on its day 5. By crossing this milestone in just five days, the film has placed itself alongside some of the biggest blockbusters in Indian cinema history. To give you some context, achieving this feat in five days puts the movie in the same league as hits like Kabir Singh, RRR (Hindi), and Sooryavanshi. It has also matched the pace of other massive entertainers like Simmba and Mission Mangal, which similarly crossed the century mark on their fifth day of release. Joining such a list is a clear indicator that the film is not just a weekend wonder but a genuine box office hit. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) If we look at the Tuesday performance, the numbers tell an interesting story of growth. Usually, films see a bit of a dip during the weekdays, but Awarapan 2 actually saw its collections rise. On Day 5, the film earned 9.75 crore net, which is a 5.4 percent increase from the previous day. Much of this can be attributed to the discounted ticket offers available on Tuesdays, which encouraged many viewers to head to the theaters. This brings the total India net collection to a solid 100.75 crore, while the India gross stands at 120.33 crore. When we break down the performance in national chains, the support from major multiplexes remains firm. On Tuesday alone, PVR saw around 34,000 tickets sold, while INOX and Cinepolis contributed roughly 18,000 and 9,000 tickets respectively. This brings the total ticket sales across these three major chains to approximately 61,000 for the day. This steady flow of audience in the premium chains is complemented by a massive response on booking platforms, with BookMyShow recording over 1.94 million tickets sold so far since the release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What is particularly fascinating is how the film is performing across different regions. Historically, Emraan Hashmi has enjoyed a very loyal fan base in the Mumbai circuit and mass-heavy regions like Maharashtra and Gujarat. While Mumbai is doing respectable business with 876 shows and an overall occupancy of 28 percent, it is actually the National Capital Region (NCR) that is leading the way. With a massive 1,149 shows, NCR recorded an impressive 44.3 percent occupancy. It is quite a shift to see the North performing even better than the actor's traditional stronghold in the West, indicating that the film's theme has found a much wider, pan-India acceptance. Even Tier 2 and Tier 3 centers are showing high night-show occupancies, often touching 43 percent, which is a sign of long-term stability. The success is not just limited to the domestic market either. Overseas, the film added another 2 crore on its fifth day, pushing the total international gross to 23.80 crore. When you combine the domestic and international numbers, the worldwide gross for Awarapan 2 now stands at 144.13 crore. With no major competition in sight for the coming days, the film looks set to continue its strong run at the box office, proving that a well-made sequel with the right emotional hook can still bring the masses back to the big screen.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Superstar Rajinikanth is currently filming for his upcoming project, Dharman, produced by Kamal Haasan under the Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI) banner. Directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, the movie has transitioned into its second shooting schedule in Chennai. The collaboration has generated interest due to the combination of a veteran lead and a relatively new director known for his work on Oh My Kadavule. As filming progresses, more details regarding the ensemble cast and the film's core premise have begun to emerge. The most significant development according to recent industry reports is the casting of Telugu star Ram Pothineni in a pivotal role. In a move that is being seen as a masterstroke for the film's pan-Indian appeal, Ram Pothineni is reportedly set to play the antagonist against Rajinikanth. The dynamic between the two is said to be a intense father-in-law versus son-in-law conflict. Ram, often referred to as the Energetic Star in the Telugu industry, will reportedly portray a character dubbed as the Deadly Doctor. This role marks a significant departure for the actor and suggests a medical thriller angle woven into what is otherwise described as a pakka family entertainer. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The supporting cast adds further weight to the production. Veteran actress Simran is rumored to be playing the mother-in-law, reuniting with Rajinikanth after their successful pairing in Petta. Additionally, Raashii Khanna has joined the ensemble, reportedly playing the role of the daughter in the film. This combination of established veterans and popular young stars indicates that the makers are aiming for a broad demographic. By casting a prominent face like Ram Pothineni, the production team is also ensuring that the film finds a massive footing in the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana markets, where Rajinikanth already enjoys a legendary status. Technically, Dharman is shaping up to be a high-profile venture. The film features music by Anirudh Ravichander, who has become a staple for Rajinikanth's recent blockbusters, providing high-energy background scores that define the superstar's modern screen presence. The action sequences are being handled by the renowned duo Anbariv, known for their gritty and impactful choreography in films like KGF and Vikram. The second schedule, which is currently underway in Chennai, is expected to involve major portions featuring the lead cast, as the director looks to balance the emotional family beats with the high-stakes thriller elements of the script. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While the project is still in its production phase, the level of detail regarding the character arcs has already set a high benchmark for expectations. The collaboration between Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan's production house is being treated as a historic event in the industry. As more official updates regarding the teaser and release date are awaited, the current focus remains on the intriguing face-off between the veteran superstar and the young Telugu powerhouse. Dharman is clearly positioning itself to be more than just a typical commercial film, aiming instead to be a well-crafted genre-blender that could dominate the box office across multiple languages.