Sunit Jangir

Sunit Jangir

4103 Articles

As a Senior Editor at Sacnilk, Sunit Jangir leads our coverage on Indian cinema, box office analytics, and global entertainment trends. Passionate about Cricket, Sunit Jangir is an avid sports lover. He finds inspiration in other people's life stories and try to absorb them. Though introvert by nature, he doesn't feel shy when the topic is cinema and sports, particularly cricket.

Articles Written By Sunit Jangir

Hrithik Roshan To Headline Chhaava Director Laxman Utekar's Next?
32 days ago
Bollywood

Hrithik Roshan To Headline Chhaava Director Laxman Utekar's Next?

Mumbai, July 9 - After the massive success of Chhaava and a potential big success of the upcoming film Eetha, director Laxman Utekar is reportedly setting the wheels in motion for his next directorial venture. According to the latest industry reports, the director has approached Hrithik Roshan to headline an ambitious new film, although the project is still in its early stages and no agreement has been finalised yet. As per a Variety India report, Laxman Utekar recently narrated the script to Hrithik Roshan, who is said to have responded positively to the concept. However, the superstar is yet to make a final decision, as he is currently occupied with multiple commitments. If everything falls into place, the project will mark the first-ever collaboration between the actor and the acclaimed filmmaker. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Laxman Utekar has emerged as one of Bollywood's most successful directors in recent years with films such as Luka Chuppi, Mimi, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, and the blockbuster historical drama Chhaava. He is currently awaiting the release of Eetha, a biographical drama starring Shraddha Kapoor, before moving on to his next feature. Meanwhile, Hrithik Roshan has an exciting slate ahead. The actor is currently focused on the pre-production of his directorial debut, Krrish 4. He will be next seen in Rajinikanth's Jailer 2 as he has already shot his cameo on June 22 and June 23 in Chennai. While reports of his collaboration with Laxman Utekar have generated considerable buzz, the project may take some time to start as Hrithik also has a movie with Hombale Films.

India Box Office First Half 2026: How the H1 of 2026 Performed Across Industries
32 days ago
Bollywood

India Box Office First Half 2026: How the H1 of 2026 Performed Across Industries

Mumbai, July 9 - The first six months of 2026 have painted an interesting picture for the Indian film industry. While a handful of blockbuster releases dominated the box office and broke multiple records, some high-profile films struggled to justify their massive budgets. Overall, the period from January 1 to June 30 witnessed a healthy theatrical market led by Hindi cinema, while Malayalam films continued to punch above their weight with remarkable overseas performances. The biggest story of the year was undoubtedly the phenomenal success of Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, which emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film of the year by a massive margin. The Ranveer Singh-led action spectacle crossed 1800 crore worldwide, making it one of the biggest Indian successes in history. It was followed by Border 2, while Telugu cinema contributed one major success in the form of Mana ShankaraVaraprasad Garu. Tamil cinema's biggest performer was Karuppu, which comfortably crossed the 300 crore mark worldwide. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Top 5 Movies Overall – All-India (First Half of 2026) Rank Movie Language India Gross Worldwide Gross Footfalls (India) 1 Dhurandhar 2 Hindi ₹ 1375.00 Cr ₹ 1813.00 Cr 4.50+ Cr 2 Border 2 Hindi ₹ 393.00 Cr ₹ 450.00 Cr 1.58 Cr 3 Peddi Telugu ₹ 288.00 Cr ₹ 340+ Cr N/A 4 MSVPG Telugu ₹ 258.50 Cr ₹ 301.50 Cr 1.27 Cr 5 Karuppu Tamil ₹ 229.00 Cr ₹ 310.00 Cr N/A Hindi cinema enjoyed the strongest headline performance thanks to Dhurandhar 2 and Border 2, but the overall success was largely concentrated among a few event films. Telugu cinema delivered mixed results, with the only major success being Mana Shankara. The box office collections alone did not always translate into commercial success, as some expensive productions failed to recover their investments despite respectable worldwide numbers. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Malayalam cinema once again proved why it continues to be one of India's most consistent film industries. Films like Vaazha 2 and Drishyam 3 not only performed exceptionally well in Kerala but also generated huge revenues overseas. The industry continued to benefit from its strong presence in international markets, especially across the Gulf region, allowing several medium-budget films to achieve impressive worldwide totals. Tamil cinema also experienced a mixed first half. While Karuppu emerged as a blockbuster and became one of the biggest Tamil hits of the year, mid-budget films such as Thaai Kizhavi and Blast also delivered solid numbers, indicating that audiences were willing to support well-made commercial entertainers beyond star-driven spectacles. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Top 5 Hollywood Movies Rank Movie India Gross Worldwide Gross 1 Obsession ₹ 100.15 Cr ₹ 3850+ Cr 2 Project Hail Mary ₹ 89.50 Cr ₹ 6436+ Cr 3 Michael ₹ 83.65 Cr ₹ 9050+ Cr 4 The Devil Wears Prada 2 ₹ 35.90 Cr ₹ 6400+ Cr 5 Lee Cronin's The Mummy ₹ 30.00 Cr ₹ 30.00 Cr Hollywood releases maintained a steady presence in India, with films such as Obsession, Project Hail Mary, and Michael attracting strong urban audiences. However, their worldwide collections were naturally driven by international markets rather than India, making domestic box office comparisons with Indian films less meaningful. Kannada cinema endured a relatively quiet first half compared to other industries. No Sandalwood release managed to create a nationwide impact, and the industry's highest-grossing films remained significantly behind their counterparts from Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema. The second half of the year will be crucial for Kannada cinema to regain momentum. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Surprise Indian Successes S. No. Movie Industry India Gross Worldwide Gross 1 Thaai Kizhavi Kollywood ₹ 71.65 Cr ₹ 82.00 Cr 2 Vaazha 2 Mollywood ₹ 149.50 Cr ₹ 235.25 Cr 3 Aadu 3 Mollywood ₹ 59.10 Cr ₹ 120.10 Cr 4 Blast Kollywood ₹ 61.00 Cr ₹ 75.40 Cr One of the most encouraging trends of the first half was the continued success of content-driven cinema. Films like Thaai Kizhavi, Blast, and Aadu 3 exceeded trade expectations despite not carrying the scale or hype of pan-India spectacles. Their performances reinforced the fact that audiences continue to reward strong storytelling and positive word of mouth. At the same time, a few expensive productions struggled to meet expectations. Despite collecting well worldwide, some big-budget releases were unable to secure profitable theatrical runs due to their enormous production costs. This once again highlighted that worldwide collections alone are no longer sufficient to determine a film's commercial success. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Hyped but Failed/Underwhelmed Movies S. No. Movie Industry India Gross Worldwide Gross 1 The Raja Saab Tollywood ₹ 174.15 Cr ₹ 208.40 Cr 2 Peddi Tollywood ₹ 288.00 Cr ₹ 340+ Cr 3 Patriot Mollywood ₹ 36.75 Cr ₹ 80.00 Cr Overall, the first half of 2026 can be described as top-heavy but healthy. Films across industries have grossed around 6500 crores at the Indian box office in the first 6 months, which is better than the first halves of the previous post-pandemic years. Bollywood produced the year's biggest blockbuster, Telugu cinema delivered mixed results, Malayalam cinema continued its remarkable consistency, and Tamil cinema found success through both star vehicles and mid-budget entertainers. As the industry heads into the second half of the year with several highly anticipated releases on the horizon, the box office appears well-positioned to build on an encouraging start to 2026.

Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana Part 1 Trailer To Be Launched On July 18 At Bharat Mandapam
33 days ago
Bollywood

Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana Part 1 Trailer To Be Launched On July 18 At Bharat Mandapam

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

Ramayana India Distribution Rights Sold For 250 Crore or 350 Crore? Here Is What We Know
33 days ago
Bollywood

Ramayana India Distribution Rights Sold For 250 Crore or 350 Crore? Here Is What We Know

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

Rajkummar Rao's Sourav Ganguly Biopic Officially Titled Dada; Set for Worldwide Release on May 14, 2027
33 days ago
Bollywood

Rajkummar Rao's Sourav Ganguly Biopic Officially Titled Dada; Set for Worldwide Release on May 14, 2027

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

Alpha Day 5 Live Update: Alia Bhatt, Sharvari's Actioner Eyes Growth On Discounted Day
34 days ago
Bollywood

Alpha Day 5 Live Update: Alia Bhatt, Sharvari's Actioner Eyes Growth On Discounted Day

Mumbai, July 7 - After witnessing a noticeable drop in collections on Monday, Alpha is looking to bounce back on its fifth day at the Indian box office with the help of discounted ticket prices. The YRF Spy Universe action thriller, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, is expected to record better occupancy throughout Tuesday as several cinema chains continue to offer attractive ticket deals. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film opened with decent numbers but couldn't match the blockbuster standards set by previous YRF Spy Universe titles. While it showed healthy growth over its first weekend despite mixed word-of-mouth, Monday witnessed the expected decline. Now, the Tuesday discount offer is likely to bring back family audiences and young moviegoers, giving the film a chance to post a day-on-day jump. The evening and night shows will play a crucial role in determining the extent of the growth. If walk-in bookings improve as expected, Alpha could register a solid increase over Monday's business, keeping its first-week total on a respectable trajectory. However, the film will still need strong holdover collections over the coming days to maintain momentum before new releases arrive. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) LIVE BLOG 09:00 PM (IST) 07 JUL 2026 Live Update: Heads For 4.25+ Crore Net Day Alpha has minted 3.25 crores net as of 9 PM and is heading towards 4.25+ crores net. The occupancy is obviously much better than yesterday due to discounted prices, which keeps it on course for 10-15% growth. 04:00 PM (IST) 07 JUL 2026 Live Update: Heads For 4+ Crore Net Day Alpha has minted 1.25+ crores net as of 4 PM and is heading towards 4+ crores net. The occupancy is obviously much better than yesterday due to discounted prices, which keeps it on course for 10-15% growth. 11:00 AM (IST) 07 JUL 2026 Live Update: Discounted Tuesday Expected To Give A Boost The film is expected to witness a growth on Tuesday due to the discounted prices. It will be interesting to see if it can touch the 5 crore net mark which will keep it on course for a 50 crore net weekend. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 10:00 AM (IST) 07 JUL 2026 Alpha Collected 3.85+ Crore Net On Monday The spy action thriller witnessed a 70% drop on Monday from its Sunday collection. The film collected around 3.85+ crores net, which is somewhat respectable given the negative reception, keeping the film on track for a decent week. @keyframes pulse { 0% { opacity: 1; } 50% { opacity: 0.2; } 100% { opacity: 1; } } .blinking-dot { height: 7px; width: 7px; background-color: white; border-radius: 50%; display: inline-block; animation: pulse 1.2s infinite ease-in-out; } { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "LiveBlogPosting", "headline": "Peddi Box Office Collection Day 5 Live Update", "description": "Analytical report and live updates for Peddi box office performance.", "liveBlogUpdate": [ { "@type": "BlogPosting", "headline": "Peddi hits 150 cr mark", "datePublished": "2026-06-08T09:50:00+05:30", "articleBody": "Peddi has officially crossed the 150 crore net mark in India, according to early estimates." } ] }

Main Vaapas Aaunga Box Office Resurgence Continues As Period Drama Eyes 100 Crore Worldwide Finish
34 days ago
Bollywood

Main Vaapas Aaunga Box Office Resurgence Continues As Period Drama Eyes 100 Crore Worldwide Finish

Mumbai, July 7 - Director Imtiaz Ali's Main Vaapas Aaunga continues to script one of the biggest comeback stories of the year at the box office. After a slow start, the period romantic drama has witnessed extraordinary growth on the back of exceptional word-of-mouth, turning into a genuine sleeper hit. The period romantic drama is now inching closer to the 100 crore worldwide gross milestone. Starring Diljit Dosanjh, Nasserudin Shah, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari, the film has collected an estimated 58.25 crore net (69.30 crore gross) at the Indian box office in 25 days. The fourth weekend once again delivered impressive gains, with the film continuing to attract audiences despite fresh competition. Its remarkable trend has ensured that it remains one of the strongest-performing Hindi releases in recent weeks. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The worldwide total is also moving steadily upward, with estimates indicating that the film now has a chance to reach the 100 crore gross mark. In 25 days, the film has grossed around 90 crores, with overseas collection around 20 crores gross. What makes the run even more impressive is that Main Vaapas Aaunga has consistently outperformed its opening week in subsequent weeks, a rare achievement in today's theatrical market. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the Partition-era drama has earned widespread appreciation for its emotional storytelling, music, and performances, particularly those of Nasserudin Shah, Diljit Dosanjh, and Sharvari. If the current trend continues over the coming days, Main Vaapas Aaunga is expected to comfortably finish its theatrical run with over 100 crore in worldwide gross collections, completing an outstanding turnaround at the box office.

Government Responds To The Removal of Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj From ZEE5; Sets Up High-Level Committee To Review The Controversial Film
34 days ago
Bollywood

Government Responds To The Removal of Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj From ZEE5; Sets Up High-Level Committee To Review The Controversial Film

Mumbai, July 7 - The Central Government has responded to the controversy surrounding the removal of Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj from ZEE5, stating that the decision was taken in view of national security concerns and issues related to the film's certification process (as per ANI). The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has also constituted a high-level Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) to conduct a detailed review of the film's content. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to Information and Broadcasting Ministry sources, the IDC was set up on Monday, a day after ZEE5 took down Satluj from its platform. The committee has been tasked with examining the film, which is inspired by the disappearance of Punjab-based human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, and will assess whether any further action is required under the existing legal and regulatory framework. Explaining the takedown, ANI reported, citing government sources, that the film was released on the OTT platform without completing the mandatory certification process. Officials claimed that the project, which was earlier developed under the title Punjab 95, had faced objections during certification and was released as Satluj without resolving those issues. The Centre maintained that the removal directive was issued in accordance with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Honey Trehan and starring Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role, Satluj is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and depicts events linked to Punjab during the militancy era. The film premiered on ZEE5 before being removed from the platform following the government's direction, triggering widespread debate over censorship, freedom of expression, and regulatory oversight of OTT content. With the formation of the Inter-Departmental Committee, the government has now initiated a formal review of the film. The committee's findings are expected to play a key role in determining the Centre's next course of action and could influence whether Satluj returns to streaming in the future or faces additional regulatory measures.

Aditya Dhar Pens Emotional Birthday Note For Ranveer Singh, Calls His Dhurandhar Performance 'A Force of Nature'
35 days ago
Bollywood

Aditya Dhar Pens Emotional Birthday Note For Ranveer Singh, Calls His Dhurandhar Performance 'A Force of Nature'

Mumbai, July 6 - Filmmaker Aditya Dhar penned an emotional birthday note for Ranveer Singh as the actor turned 41, showering him with praise for his work in Dhurandhar films. Sharing his thoughts on social media, Dhar called Ranveer an "extraordinary actor" and described working with him as one of the most memorable experiences of his career. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In his heartfelt message, Dhar revealed that Dhurandhar would always remain special to him, not only because of the story they told but because he witnessed something incredibly rare while directing Ranveer. He specifically mentioned several intense sequences from the film, including the 26/11 sequence, the Pathankot massacre, and the final tea shop scene, praising the actor’s consistency and emotional depth in every take. "Every emotion landed exactly where it needed to. Every silence had meaning. Every glance had intent, "Dhar wrote, adding that Ranveer’s performance felt "touched by divine grace." The director went on to call the actor's work in Dhurandhar "one of the finest performances Indian cinema has ever seen," describing it as "a force of nature" that completely disappeared into the soul of the character. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Beyond the professional admiration, Dhar also reflected on the personal bond they developed during the making of the film. "Somewhere along the way, you stopped being just my actor. You became my brother," he wrote, thanking Ranveer for trusting him with "your heart, your craft and your madness." The Dhurandhar duology has been a monstrous blockbuster at the box office. The first Dhurandhar, released in December last year, grossed over 1300 crores worldwide, while the sequel, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, went on to gross over 1800 crores after its release in March this year. Interestingly, reports say that Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh are planning another film together next year. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Happy Birthday, Ranveer Singh. ❤️Some films stay with you forever. Dhurandhar will always be one of those films for me. Not just because of the story we told but because I got to witness something very few directors ever get to witness.I’ve always known you’re an extraordinary… pic.twitter.com/Nuj5RTielg— Aditya Dhar (@AdityaDharFilms) July 6, 2026

Top 5 Weekend Winners (July 3–5): Alpha Leads The Pack With A Decent Weekend As Welcome To The Jungle Scores A Good Second Weekend Hold
35 days ago
Bollywood

Top 5 Weekend Winners (July 3–5): Alpha Leads The Pack With A Decent Weekend As Welcome To The Jungle Scores A Good Second Weekend Hold

Mumbai, July 6 - The first weekend of July delivered a decent boost to the Indian box office, with new releases and strong holdover titles combining to generate impressive numbers across languages and territories. Leading the charts was Alpha, which opened at the top spot with better-than-expected weekend numbers, while Welcome to the Jungle continued its good run with a superb second-weekend hold. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 1. Alpha Leads The Pack With 40+ Cr Gross Alpha topped the weekend charts with a 40.80 crore gross opening weekend at the domestic box office. While expectations were significantly higher considering the scale and its connection to the YRF Spy Universe, the overall start can still be termed decent. The film performed best in multiplexes and urban markets, with Sunday collections showing noticeable growth. 2. Welcome To The Jungle Stood Firm In The Second Weekend Welcome 3 continued its successful theatrical run with a strong 25+ crore gross in its second weekend. The comedy entertainer showed a very good hold despite the arrival of new competition and continued to attract family audiences across mass circuits and single screens. The franchise value and entertainment factor are clearly working in the film's favour. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 3. Gatta Kusthi 2 Took An Excellent Opening Gatta Kusthi, the sequel to Vishnu Vishal's 2022 movie Gatta Kusthi, was one of the biggest winners of the weekend. The film performed very well in Tamil Nadu while the rest of the markets put up a decent performance, where positive word-of-mouth translated into strong occupancies throughout the weekend. Its trend indicates solid audience acceptance. Meanwhile, the Telugu 100 crore budgeted film had an average opening weekend domestically. Despite being mounted on a massive budget, Nagabandham managed a moderate 11+ crore gross during the weekend. While the film saw decent traction in select Telugu centres, the overall performance remained average considering the expectations. Rounding off the top 5 list was Main Vaapas Aaunga, which, despite increasing competition, emerged as one of the most impressive performers of the weekend due to its superb hold. The film continued to attract audiences steadily and maintained stable collections despite facing competition from multiple releases. Its consistency suggests strong support in mass pockets and smaller centres. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Top 5 India Box Office Weekend Winners (July 3-5) S. No. Movie Weekend India GBOC Total India GBOC 1 Alpha ₹ 40.80 Cr ₹ 40.80 Cr 2 Welcome 3 ₹ 25.85 Cr ₹ 136.80 Cr 3 Gatta Kusthi 2 ₹ 16.00 Cr ₹ 16.00 Cr 4 Nagabandham ₹ 11.65 Cr ₹ 11.65 Cr 5 Main Vaapas Aaunga ₹ 6.20 Cr ₹ 68.50 Cr Note: Gross collection*

Why Was Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj Removed From ZEE5? Controversy Grows After Sudden Withdrawal
35 days ago
Bollywood

Why Was Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj Removed From ZEE5? Controversy Grows After Sudden Withdrawal

Mumbai, July 6 - Diljit Dosanjh-fronted Satluj has been removed from ZEE5 in India just two days after its release, surprising viewers and sparking fresh debate around censorship and political pressure in the entertainment industry. The streaming platform confirmed the removal through a short statement, saying the film is currently unavailable in India until further notice due to ongoing developments. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While ZEE5 has not revealed the exact reason behind the decision, the film had already been surrounded by controversy before its release. Satluj is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, a politically sensitive subject that has faced public and legal scrutiny over the years. The project was earlier linked to the title Punjab 95 and faced multiple delays during the certification process. According to several reports, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) demanded more than 120 cuts before approving the film, prompting criticism from supporters of artistic freedom. It is believed that the sudden removal may be connected to the release of an allegedly uncut version on OTT, which could have triggered fresh legal or regulatory concerns. However, no government authority or official source has publicly confirmed this claim so far. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Satluj may have paused. But the conversation it started hasn’t.Thank you for the incredible love.We hope to bring it back soon.#Satluj pic.twitter.com/Ox3MZIBvlT— ZEE5Official (@ZEE5India) July 5, 2026 The decision quickly sparked reactions on social media, with many users questioning the lack of transparency behind the removal. Diljit Dosanjh also reacted online, posting a message that many interpreted as criticism of attempts to silence important stories and historical narratives. Despite being removed in India, reports suggest that Satluj may still be available in international regions through ZEE5's overseas platform. The controversy has once again reignited discussions around censorship, creative freedom, and the challenges faced by films dealing with politically sensitive subjects in India.