Nylan Parthipan

BY JITU JANGIR

Paul Heyman has revealed more about the decision that transformed Roman Reigns from “The Big Dog” into “The Tribal Chief,” explaining why he believed Reigns could not simply return to the same character he had played for years. The change came in 2020, when Reigns returned to WWE after stepping away during the COVID-19 pandemic. He aligned himself with Heyman and soon began presenting himself in a completely different way. The character eventually became known as The Tribal Chief and went on to define one of the longest chapters of Reigns’ WWE career. During his appearance on Six Feet Under, Heyman explained that the change was not simply about turning Reigns heel. He believed the entire presentation had to evolve. Heyman recalled that when WWE was preparing to put him together with Reigns, Vince McMahon originally told him that Reigns was still “The Big Dog” and that Heyman would be his advocate. “In 2020, when COVID hit and the decision was made corporately, we are going to produce live television or live-to-tape television twice a week, Raw and SmackDown. And we're still going to do what was then called pay-per-views, now premium live events. And Brock's contract wrapped up just as the whole world shut down. And Vince made the business decision, we got to take a break for a while.” Heyman then explained how Reigns’ situation created an opportunity for something new. With Reigns having taken time away and WWE looking for a new direction, the two finally had the chance to work together. “And the opportunity arose at that time that Roman had taken so much time off. And the decision was made for us to finally work together. And when I asked Vince his vision for it, he just said, ‘He's the big dog and you're his advocate.’” Reigns had already spent years being presented as The Big Dog. He had been positioned as one of WWE's leading stars, but Heyman felt that simply attaching himself to the same version of Reigns would not create anything fresh. “The first thing I said was, he can't be the big dog anymore. We've run with the big dog since 2012. He needs to evolve into something completely different, and I can't be his advocate. I was Brock Lesnar's advocate. I must be something different to this character.” Heyman did not want to take the role he had previously played alongside Brock Lesnar and simply place it beside Reigns. He believed both sides of the presentation needed to change. His inspiration came from another famous WWE character transformation: The Undertaker going from the Deadman to the American Badass. Heyman explained that the transformation worked because WWE did not erase everything that came before. Instead, the company took an established character and allowed him to evolve as the wrestling audience changed. “And the examples that I continuously gave were, and this is what sold Vince on it, was the Deadman, the American Badass. It has to be that shocking of a metamorphosis. And it has to make sense. The Deadman grew into the American Badass because times had changed around him. The '90s had evolved and the audience wanted more.” The goal was not to pretend that The Big Dog had never existed. Instead, the new character would build on Reigns’ previous history while taking him somewhere completely different. “Even though that's a seismic shift in character, you never alienated the Deadman, you incorporated him into an evolved character. It's the same thing. It's a progression, it's a metamorphosis. It's, here's what I have on my resume. And here's where I've been, and now here's where I'd like to take you next.” Heyman revealed that he came up with the nickname, although McMahon initially questioned the idea. Recent comments from Heyman have also confirmed that McMahon initially wanted Reigns to remain The Big Dog rather than adopt the new nickname.

BY JITU JANGIR

Paul Heyman has opened up about a private moment involving Brock Lesnar and The Undertaker following Lesnar’s latest WWE appearance, revealing why a phone call between the two meant so much to the legendary wrestler. Brock Lesnar’s latest WWE chapter came to an end at SummerSlam 2026, where he faced Oba Femi inside Hell in a Cell in what became his final match. After the bout, Lesnar raised Femi’s hand and called him the future, adding another memorable moment to the closing chapter of his WWE career. The loss came after Lesnar and Femi had already met twice, making their SummerSlam encounter the deciding match in their rivalry. Femi ultimately defeated Lesnar by pinfall inside Hell in a Cell, with the victory being presented as a passing-of-the-torch moment for the younger WWE star. During an appearance on Six Feet Under, Heyman joined The Undertaker and discussed Lesnar’s WWE journey, his relationship with the former WWE Champion, and what he believes makes Lesnar’s connection to the wrestling business different from how many fans perceive it. The conversation eventually turned to a phone call Lesnar made to The Undertaker shortly after SummerSlam. Heyman then explained why he felt the phone call was necessary. “There is a code of honor in this industry that if you are in there with someone that you can't even stand on a personal level, but you stand on the chair and you fall backwards, you know that person is going to catch you.” Heyman said that, in his view, the wrestling business has an unwritten code of trust between performers. Even when wrestlers may not have a close personal relationship, they still understand the responsibility that comes with sharing the ring and putting their safety in each other’s hands. “That phone call was a must,” Heyman said. “And I couldn't imagine the day going by without that phone call being placed.” The Undertaker appeared to agree with Heyman’s assessment, saying the gesture meant a great deal to him as an “old timer.” He also suggested that the moment showed another side of Lesnar that fans do not always get to see. The discussion came while Heyman and The Undertaker were reflecting on Lesnar’s career and his recent chapter in WWE. Heyman noted that Lesnar has often been portrayed as someone motivated primarily by money, contracts or his own schedule, but he believes that view overlooks Lesnar’s genuine respect for professional wrestling. Heyman pointed specifically to the phone call as evidence that Lesnar understands the traditions of the business. “I think he genuinely had to love this business,” The Undertaker said during the conversation, explaining how the call reinforced his view of Lesnar’s passion. Heyman also connected Lesnar’s relationship with current WWE star Oba Femi to the way he once worked with Lesnar himself. According to Heyman, Lesnar has now reached a point in his career where he understands the responsibility of passing knowledge and guidance to the next generation. The conversation also revisited Lesnar’s most famous WrestleMania accomplishment: ending The Undertaker’s undefeated WrestleMania streak at WrestleMania 30. Heyman argued that, regardless of everything else Lesnar achieved in wrestling and combat sports, that victory will always remain one of the defining moments of his career. He pointed out that Lesnar was an NCAA Division I heavyweight champion, became a WWE Champion, won the UFC Heavyweight Championship and competed in multiple WrestleMania main events. Yet, according to Heyman, none of those accomplishments compare with defeating The Undertaker at WrestleMania 30. “It’s the greatest claim to fame,” Heyman said. “And it always will be when it comes to Brock Lesnar.”

BY JITU JANGIR

Nia Jax is ready for WWE to stop viewing her as the woman who can be counted on to help others and start treating her as a star who deserves her own spotlight. During her appearance on Busted Open, Jax opened up about her frustration with being overlooked in the women’s division and made it clear that she believes her time to step into a bigger role has arrived. Jax has spent much of her WWE career as one of the division’s most recognizable performers, while also taking on roles that have helped elevate other talent. However, she admitted that she has grown tired of being the wrestler people rely on whenever someone else needs to look good. Speaking about her current mindset, Jax explained that she has changed almost every part of her game over the years, from her character and body to her work inside the ring and on the microphone. “I'm actually like I'm kind of getting sick and tired of always being the reliable big girl. I'm like why the heck can I not be—why don't you make me that girl? I've been working my ass off for over a decade. I've changed my character, I've changed my body, I changed the way I move in the ring. You know, I can get on the mic and cut you a promo. Why can't it be me?” Jax went on to describe the frustration of repeatedly being overlooked whenever she feels she has earned an opportunity. She said that she has no problem helping other wrestlers, but wants WWE to give her the chance to be the person at the center of the story. “I keep getting disrespected and, you know, every time I turn around, I freaking have somebody trying to screw me over. And then I just get looked over and then it's like, ‘Oh hey, let me just put her in and help—she'll help out somebody else.’ Yeah, I have no problem, but why can't I be the girl?” Jax said. The former WWE Women's Champion also received support during the conversation, with the Busted Open hosts discussing how she has become someone younger wrestlers can turn to for advice and mentorship. Jax's position as a veteran has often seen her help others, but she now wants that experience to translate into a bigger role for herself. Jax also addressed her recent physical transformation and explained that her decision to change her body was not simply about appearance. She revealed that after her WWE release, she found a new direction in her personal life and began focusing more on her health. “When I got released and I had like a full, you know, shot to my life, I found my walk with God. I gave my life over to Jesus and my life completely changed from there,” Jax said. She explained that being a larger wrestler had taken a toll on her body, particularly her joints, and that she wanted to make changes that would allow her to move more comfortably in the ring. At the same time, Jax stressed that she does not want to lose the qualities that have made her stand out as a powerhouse performer. The conversation then turned toward her place in the current WWE women's division and the possibility of Jax getting another chance to move toward the top of the card. Jax admitted that waiting for another opportunity can be difficult, especially as she gets older and knows that opportunities in wrestling can become harder to come by. “You know, it is difficult because I know that like that it—it’s hard to talk about it, but like you know, you get aged out. And so like I know that at one point they're going to be like, all right, we're not looking at you anymore,” Jax said. “But I think right now at where I am and what I'm doing is my moment. It's my time.”

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.