BY CHRISTA LINCY

Zee Studios and producer Prerna Arora have officially announced their new project titled Indraputra. This mythological action-fantasy film is being developed for a worldwide theatrical release in 2027. According to production schedules, principal photography is set to begin in October 2026. The project is being designed as a large-scale cinematic experience, with the makers focusing on a theatrical rollout to showcase the visual effects and mythological storytelling involved. At the helm of this ambitious venture is filmmaker Srikanth Puppala, who is making his feature directorial debut with a massive canvas. While this is his first time in the director’s chair for a feature film, Puppala brings an extensive industry background to the table. He notably honed his craft working as the first assistant director to Rishab Shetty on the highly anticipated historical epic Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1. This Kantara connection has already piqued the interest of trade circles, as the director is expected to bring a similar level of visual authenticity and technical precision to this new mythological universe. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Leading the film is Telugu star Kiran Abbavaram, who is currently undergoing a significant physical transformation for this rough-cut mythological avatar. He enters this project following a successful and versatile career run, most recently riding high on the theatrical release of Chennai Love Story. Abbavaram's filmography, including hits like SR Kalyanamandapam and the highly praised 2024 period thriller KA. By shifting from suspense thrillers and mass entertainers to this mythology-rooted world, the actor is set to further expand his pan-Indian reach with this grand cinematic presentation. This film serves as a highly anticipated reunion between Zee Studios and prominent producer Prerna Arora. The two entities previously collaborated on the 2016 National Award-winning hit Rustom starring Akshay Kumar, and Indraputra marks their first joint foray into a sprawling South-centric mythological saga. Zee Studios has been aggressively expanding its regional footprint lately, balancing massive theatrical crowd-pleasers like Jaat and Dhadak 2 with selective direct-to-digital releases like the crime drama Satluj. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The vision for Indraputra extends far beyond a single film, as it is designed to kickstart an interconnected mythological saga—a strategy that positions Zee Studios alongside other major modern fantasy lineups like the Sanatan Universe and Hombale Films' Mahavatar Cinematic Universe. Interestingly, producer Prerna Arora has a multi-project relationship locked with the studio, having already partnered with them for the project Jatadhara.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, August 10 - Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt's much-awaited international action thriller 7 Dogs is finally set to release in India. Salman Khan has announced that the film will hit Indian theatres on August 21, 2026, allowing Indian audiences to watch the high-octane action spectacle on the big screen. The announcement was made by Salman through his Instagram Story, where he shared a new promo and wrote, "The countdown to the biggest mission begins!" Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the duo behind Bad Boys for Life and Bad Boys: Ride or Die, 7 Dogs is an Arabic action thriller mounted on an international scale. The film stars Egyptian actors Karim Abdel Aziz and Ahmed Ezz in the lead, alongside Hollywood stars Monica Bellucci and Giancarlo Esposito. Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt feature in special appearances, with their presence becoming one of the biggest talking points around the film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The story follows Interpol agent Khalid Al-Azzazi, who is forced to join hands with Ghali Abu Dawood, a member of the notorious 7 Dogs crime syndicate, to take down a powerful drug-trafficking network. The film combines an international cast with large-scale action and was produced on a reported $40 million budget. It has already had its theatrical run across the Middle East, where it was released in May. The India release is particularly significant for fans of Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt, as 7 Dogs marks another reunion for the two stars following their previous collaborations. While their roles have been kept relatively under wraps, the trailer has already showcased the duo in a stylish action avatar. With 7 Dogs now arriving in Indian theatres on August 21, the film will give audiences a chance to see the Bollywood superstars in a different, international action setting. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) LATEST : The internationally acclaimed Egyptian film #7Dogs featuring our legend #SalmanKhan and star #SanjayDutt—will be released in Indian cinemas on August 21st.💥❤️ pic.twitter.com/xOIr8WAciY— Salman Khan Egypt FC (@SalmanEgyptFC) August 8, 2026

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, August 10 - The highly anticipated third season of Asur is finally moving into production. The crime thriller has been one of the most successful Indian web series, and now the third season is set to go on the floor in September 2026, with Arshad Warsi and Barun Sobti returning to reprise their respective characters, Dhananjay Rajpoot and Nikhil Nair. According to the latest report by Pinkvilla, the upcoming season will also see Shweta Basu Prasad joining the cast. While details about her character are currently being kept under wraps, her addition brings another prominent name to the psychological thriller. The script for Asur Season 3 has reportedly been locked, while the makers are continuing to finalise the remaining cast. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Interestingly, Gaurav Shukla, who created and wrote the first two seasons, will reportedly take over as the director for the third instalment. This will mark Shukla's directorial debut. He will also serve as a producer on the series. Oni Sen directed the first two seasons. Asur's first season was released in 2020, followed by Season 2 in 2023 after the massive success. It has developed a strong following for its dark narrative combining crime, mythology and psychological elements. With Warsi and Sobti returning, Season 3 is expected to continue the story while introducing new characters and conflicts. The series will stream on JioHotstar, with the release date expected to be announced at a later stage.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The South Indian digital space is seeing a significant development as acclaimed filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj has reportedly signed a major deal with Netflix. This project is expected to be the most expensive South Indian original production for the streaming giant to date. While the director has worked with Netflix previously on projects like Jagame Thandhiram and the anthology Navarasa this upcoming venture is being planned on a much larger scale for a 2027 release. The casting for this original has already become a talking point among fans. The project will feature Atharvaa in a lead role. Joining him is Kannada superstar Upendra who is reportedly playing a pivotal character possibly as the primary antagonist. This marks another significant move for Upendra in the pan-Indian space following his presence in other high profile films. Adding more weight to the ensemble is the legendary Prabhu Deva who is expected to play a character closely linked to the lead bringing a unique dynamic to the screen. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This news comes at a time when Karthik Subbaraj is maintaining strong momentum with his production house Stone Bench Films. Projects like Dorothy starring Keerthy Suresh have been gaining international attention at film festivals including a world premiere at Toronto. The transition from producing grounded independent films to directing a high budget digital original for Netflix shows the versatility of the director and his ability to handle diverse scales of production. His signature filmmaking style which often blends grit with stylized visuals is expected to be a major highlight of this new project. Industry reports suggest that Netflix is positioning this project as a flagship South Indian original for 2027. By bringing together prominent talent from the Tamil and Kannada film industries the platform aims to capture a wide audience across various regions. This project also marks a reunion for the director and Prabhu Deva who previously collaborated on the silent thriller Mercury. As production planning follows high standards this collaboration is expected to set new benchmarks for digital content in the Indian market.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The anticipation for Rocking Star Yash's next project after the global phenomenon of K.G.F Chapter 2 has finally culminated in a record-breaking digital storm. Since the announcement of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups, the buzz has been unprecedented, primarily because this marks Yash’s return to the screen after a significant hiatus. The trailer release has now confirmed that his star power remains a massive draw, as the numbers generated within the first day are among the highest ever recorded for an Indian film trailer. The digital response was electric right from the first hour of the release. In just sixty minutes, the Hindi version crossed 1.2 million views, while the Kannada version recorded over 774,000 views, signaling an immediate surge in interest. The Telugu version crossed 378,000, Tamil reached 268,000, and Malayalam stood at around 90,000 views within that initial hour. This momentum grew rapidly into a staggering 29 million combined views across all languages by the 9-hour mark. Hindi led the charge during this period with 14 million views, followed by Kannada with 5 million, Telugu with 4.5 million, Tamil with 4 million, and Malayalam with 1.9 million views. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This intense pacing eventually culminated in a historic 24-hour record where the multilingual trailer collectively crossed 50 million views and secured 1 million likes across all platforms. This achievement makes Toxic the second trailer for Yash to hit such an explosive benchmark, following his previous record-setter, K.G.F: Chapter 2. The fact that the film has managed these numbers across Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam versions highlights the true pan-India appeal the actor currently commands. When we analyze these numbers in the context of recent big-ticket releases, the performance of the Toxic trailer is exceptionally strong. For comparison, while films like Salaar recorded 83 million views and 1.6 million likes, and Leo saw 47 million views with 1.9 million likes in their first 24 hours, Toxic has managed to hold a high engagement rate with its 50 million views and 1 million likes. Crossing the 1 million likes mark within a single day is a clear indicator of the positive word-of-mouth and the visual impact the trailer has had on viewers. The collaboration between Yash and director Geetu Mohandas was initially seen as an experimental choice by many industry insiders, but the reception proves that the audience is eager for this unique combination of high-octane action and a gritty fairy tale narrative. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The buzz surrounding the film is not just limited to the trailer views. Reports from verified sources suggest that Toxic is being mounted on a massive scale, with KVN Productions and Monster Mind Philms ensuring a global-standard experience. The film is reportedly set against the backdrop of a drug cartel in Goa, and the trailer hints at a very stylish, high-stakes thriller. This shift in genre from the period-drama setting of K.G.F to a more contemporary world seems to have piqued the interest of the global audience.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Director Anurag Kashyap recently shared his thoughts on Karthik Subbaraj’s upcoming film Dorothy, describing it as the director's boldest work to date. His review, which mentioned that the narrative is both surprising and pleasantly shocking, has generated significant curiosity among audiences who are now eager to see the unpredictable turns Subbaraj has crafted for this project. Beyond the local interest, the film has secured international recognition by being selected for a world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival. It will be showcased in the prestigious Centrepiece section, following in the footsteps of notable Tamil films like Azhagarsamyin Kuthirai and Kannathil Muthamittal that have previously screened at TIFF. Categorized as a psychological drama set in rural India during the early 1990s, the story explores themes of social prejudice and violence, providing a grounded yet intense backdrop for the narrative. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While specific plot details remain under wraps in typical Karthik Subbaraj fashion, the recently released teaser has offered a glimpse into the film's atmosphere. The footage sets an eerie and suspenseful tone, focusing on three distinct individuals whose lives seem fated to collide. The narrative appears to center around a mysterious figure, and the period setting of the 1990s adds a distinct visual and cultural layer to the tension shown in the teaser. The project features a strong lineup of talent, with National Award winner Keerthy Suresh taking on the titular role. This performance-driven character is expected to be one of her most complex roles yet, and she is supported by prominent young actors Sananth and Rishikanth. Another major highlight of the film is its music, composed by the legendary Maestro Ilaiyaraaja. This project marks a massive milestone in his career as his 1,540th film as a music composer, bringing a unique weight to the overall background score and soundtrack. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The technical team behind Dorothy includes veteran cinematographer S. Thirunavukkarasu, known for his work on films like Petta, and editor Ganesh Siva. The film is a collaborative production involving major studios like Jio Studios, Guneet Monga's Sikhya Entertainment, and Karthik Subbaraj's own Dhammam Films. This partnership between high-profile studios and independent creators suggests a balance between polished production values and a distinct artistic vision.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Yash Raj Films is making a move that has caught the attention of many in the industry as the studio prepares to enter the horror genre for the first time. According to an exclusive report by Lets Cinema, Aditya Chopra has chosen Abhay Pannu to direct this upcoming project. Pannu is widely recognized for his work on the series Rocket Boys, which was praised for its technical finesse and strong storytelling. This collaboration marks a significant moment for YRF, a production house that has spent decades defining the standards of mainstream Indian cinema through entirely different genres. To understand the weight of this decision, one has to look at the massive legacy YRF has established since its foundation. Starting with Daag in 1973, the studio spent decades defining the romantic aesthetic of Indian cinema with classics like Kabhi Kabhie, Silsila, and Chandni. It was during this era that the studio also experimented with psychological tension in Darr, a film that redefined the romantic antagonist and became a landmark thriller. By the mid-90s and early 2000s, YRF became synonymous with the definitive Indian romance through blockbusters like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Dil To Pagal Hai, and Veer-Zaara, which remain cultural touchstones to this day. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) As of 2026, YRF has cemented its position as one of the most commercially successful studios in the country. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the production house has earned a total of 4,925 crore from just 76 films. This represents an incredible level of efficiency when compared to other industry giants like T-Series, which has earned 5,697 crore but required 117 films to reach that figure. YRF's high average earnings per film highlight a strategy focused on premium theatrical experiences and massive star vehicles, a trend that was further solidified by the recent success of the romantic hit Saiyaara. A massive part of this financial dominance in the modern era comes from the creation of the YRF Spy Universe. This interconnected franchise, starting with the Tiger series and expanding into War and Pathaan, has fundamentally changed box office expectations in India. Pathaan alone grossed over 1,050 crore worldwide, playing a critical role in reviving the theatrical market post-pandemic. The studio has also shown a willingness to back rooted, content-driven narratives such as the National Award-winning Dum Laga Ke Haisha, the sports drama Sultan, and the social drama Hichki, proving that their brand can adapt to realistic storytelling just as easily as it handles glamour. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The choice of Abhay Pannu for this horror project suggests that YRF is aiming for a grounded and sophisticated take on the genre rather than relying on traditional tropes. Pannu’s work on Rocket Boys demonstrated a penchant for meticulous detail and technical finesse, qualities that align perfectly with the YRF philosophy of delivering polished, large-scale cinema. By bringing in a new-age directorial voice for their first-ever horror feature, the studio is looking to capture a segment of the audience that has shown a growing appetite for atmospheric and narrative-heavy thrillers. Ultimately, this pivot into horror is a bold but calculated step for Aditya Chopra. The studio has already mastered the art of the romantic drama and the blockbuster action film, and entering a new creative space is a way to test their boundaries. With pre-production already underway and a massive theatrical release planned for 2027, the industry will be watching closely to see how the first horror chapter in the YRF legacy begins to take shape. Given their history of redefining genres, there is a strong expectation that this venture will set a new benchmark for horror in mainstream Indian cinema.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The film industry is currently buzzing with anticipation as the release of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups draws near. Following the trailer launch on August 8, the reception has been nothing short of electric. Fans and critics alike are praising the vision of director Geetu Mohandas, noting that the film looks like pure Hollywood material with its slick visuals and dark, gritty atmosphere. Yash, appearing in a dual role, has sent social media into a frenzy with his unhinged look, featuring a heavy beard and a dominant screen presence that many are calling next-level lethal. The viral dialogue asking if he looks civilized has already become a staple in online conversations, further cementing the movie as a massive cultural event. Trade analysts are looking at the Hindi belt with high expectations, predicting that Toxic is eyeing a massive opening between 25 and 30 crore net. With a wide release planned across more than 4,000 screens in North India, the film is positioned to capitalize on the immense stardom Yash earned after the KGF franchise. If the content lives up to the high-octane promise shown in the trailer, experts believe the Hindi version alone could comfortably target a 100 crore net collection over its opening weekend. This would place it among the top Hindi openings for any film originating from the South, proving that the pan-India appeal of the Rocking Star remains stronger than ever. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to data shared by Venky Box Office, the international market is also gearing up for a record-breaking start. USA bookings have officially opened, with premieres scheduled for Tuesday, August 25. The pricing for these early shows is set at 23 dollars for XD and PLF formats, while standard screenings are priced at 20 dollars. The fact that bookings have started this early in the overseas market reflects the global demand for the film. With the premiere starting at 6 PM EST, the early reports from the US are expected to set a positive tone for the domestic release the following day. Despite the overwhelming excitement for the theatrical release, there is an interesting development regarding the non-theatrical market. News has surfaced that the digital and satellite rights for Toxic remain unsold just 15 days before the film hits theaters. Major players in the streaming and television space are reportedly refusing to meet the high valuation demanded by Yash and KVN Productions. This is a rare situation for a film of this stature and raises questions about the current state of the non-theatrical market. While the producers are holding out for a premium deal, there is a possibility of a short-sell at the last moment if an agreement is not reached soon. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The ensemble cast, featuring Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, and Huma Qureshi, has also added to the intrigue surrounding the film. Early reactions to the trailer have highlighted the menacing screen presence of the lead actors and the overall massive scale of the project.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, August 9 - Director SS Rajamouli has given fans another glimpse into his much-awaited collaboration with Mahesh Babu, Varanasi. On the occasion of the superstar's birthday, the filmmaker unveiled two new stills featuring Babu as Rudhra, offering a closer look at the character from the ambitious adventure drama. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Alongside the new images, Rajamouli described Rudhra as "witty, vulnerable and fierce," giving audiences a sense of the contrasting shades that Mahesh Babu's character will bring to the film. The latest stills have further intensified curiosity around Rudhra, who was previously introduced in a much more intense avatar during the film’s grand reveal. Speaking about Rudhra, SSR recently said in an interview that, "Rudhra was born to fulfil a purpose much larger than himself. He carries a destiny he did not ask for. He is witty, he is vulnerable, and he is fierce. That is what Mahesh brought to him. Anyone can play fierce. Very few can play fierce and fragile in the same breath". (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Fierce isn’t his only shade…RUDHRA in #Varanasi. @urstrulyMahesh pic.twitter.com/j6SdSKBrEJ— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) August 9, 2026 Varanasi also stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in pivotal roles. The film is being mounted as a globe-trotting adventure, with the story travelling across locations including Varanasi, Antarctica and ancient Rome. Rajamouli has also confirmed that a major portion of the film has already been completed and that it is being shot in IMAX format. The film is shaping up to be one of the biggest Indian theatrical spectacles, with Rajamouli once again combining large-scale action, mythology and adventure. Mahesh Babu’s Rudhra is expected to be at the centre of this globe-spanning narrative, with Varanasi currently scheduled for an April 7, 2027 theatrical release.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Bengaluru, August 8 - The trailer of Yash-starrer Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is finally out, offering a glimpse into Geetu Mohandas’ dark and violent world. The 4-minute-38-second trailer is soaked in blood and tears, with Yash playing a powerful gangster surrounded by crime, violence and betrayal. The trailer also hints at a more complicated story involving family and revenge, making Toxic look far more layered than a straightforward gangster drama. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The biggest talking point is the apparent Yash vs Yash conflict. The trailer suggests that Yash plays both a father and his son, with the two characters seemingly connected to Kiara Advani's Nadia. The trailer hints at Nadia returning with a score to settle, while Yash's two characters appear to be on opposing sides of a violent conflict. Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth also feature in the trailer. Yash has previously indicated that Toxic is not simply a conventional gangster film, with the story exploring deeper psychological and human elements. The trailer certainly reflects that ambition, combining brutal action with an emotional family conflict. Kiara Advani has also spoken highly of Nadia, describing the character as one of the most creatively fulfilling roles of her career. Following the enormous success of the KGF franchise, Toxic marks Yash's much-awaited return to the big screen. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film is gearing up for a worldwide theatrical release on August 26, 2026. If the trailer is an indication, Toxic is set to deliver a dark, violent and unconventional fairy tale for grown-ups. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Bengaluru, August 8 - Rocking Star Yash's highly-anticipated Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is set to enter its next major promotional phase with the launch of its theatrical trailer. After months of anticipation and multiple changes to its release schedule, the makers are finally ready to showcase the film's full-fledged trailer to audiences, following teasers and songs that have generated massive curiosity and online debates. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Toxic Trailer Release Date and Timing The Toxic trailer will be unveiled on Saturday, August 8, 2026. It will be launched at 7:01 PM in the evening after an exclusive screening for the media and trade people. The trailer launch is being organised as a major event in Bengaluru, with the film's team and media expected to attend. Where Will Toxic Trailer Launch Take Place? The trailer will be launched at a grand event in Bengaluru, keeping Yash's strong connection with the Kannada film industry and the scale of Toxic's promotional campaign in mind. The event is expected to bring together Yash, director Geetu Mohandas and other members of the cast and crew. The Bengaluru launch is particularly significant as Toxic is being positioned as a pan-Indian and global theatrical event, shot in Kannada and English. The film is being released in Kannada, Hindi, English, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam, with the makers aiming for a wide worldwide rollout. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Toxic Release Date Following multiple postponements, Toxic is now scheduled to release worldwide in cinemas on August 26, 2026. The film was earlier slated for March 19 and subsequently June 4 before the makers pushed it to a later date while working on its global distribution strategy. The August 26 date is now the officially announced theatrical release date. Directed by Geetu Mohandas and headlined by Yash, Toxic also stars Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth. The gangster action drama is one of the most anticipated Indian releases of 2026 and marks Yash's first major theatrical release after the blockbuster KGF: Chapter 2. With the trailer arriving on August 8 and the film reaching cinemas on August 26, the makers have less than three weeks to build the final wave of hype. The trailer will therefore be crucial in establishing the film's world, characters, action scale and overall tone before Toxic begins its theatrical journey.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Here is the Hollywood movie Spider-Man: Brand New Day's box office collection in all countries. This film is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and produced by Columbia Pictures, Marvel Studios, and Pascal Pictures, and distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing. Spider-Man: Brand New Day stars Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, and Jon Bernthal in key roles. Spider-Man: Brand New Day Box Office Collection Country Wise CountryGBOC USA $511M China $157M France $41M Germany $22.50 South Korea $28M The UK $72M Australia $23.40M India $42+M Mexico $53M Spain $15.60M Italy $26.20M Brazil $34M Rest Of The World $300+M Total $1.32+B** (August 6, 2026) ** All are approx collection. Data will be added from time to time. Spider-Man: Brand New Day Day Wise Box Office Collection | North America DayDateGBOC Day 0 [Previews] July 30 $72M Day 1 July 31 $97.80M Day 2 August 1 $101.50M Day 3 August 2 $88.75M Day 4 August 3 $47.10M Day 5 August 4 $42M Day 6 August 5 $33M Day 7 August 6 $29M Worldwide Collection - $1.32B (₹12565Cr) Overseas Collection - 809M (₹7700 Cr) Domestic Collection (USA) - $511M (₹4865 Cr) Release Date in India - July 30, 2026. For more and the latest news about Hollywood Box Office Collection, Stay tuned to us.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Salman Khan is currently working on his upcoming action entertainer directed by Vamshi Paidipally, which features him alongside Nayanthara for the first time. As the production progresses, a new casting update has surfaced regarding the film ensemble. According to an exclusive report by Bollywood Hungama, Jackie Shroff has joined the cast to play a significant role in this high-budget project. The veteran actor is reportedly starting his portions of the film today in Mumbai, sharing the screen with Salman Khan. While there was initial speculation about his character, sources indicate that Shroff is not playing a negative role. Instead, his character is described as a pivotal and high-impact part of the narrative designed to resonate with a mass audience. While Jackie Shroff is on the positive side of the story, the film is set to feature a strong lineup of antagonists. The report further suggests that the negative roles will be handled by a group of actors including Rahul Dev and Abhimanyu Singh, alongside the previously reported Arvind Swami. This multiple-villain approach suggests an intense conflict at the center of the story. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The team is currently on track to wrap up the Indian leg of the shoot by the end of August. Following the completion of the Mumbai schedule, the production will move to Europe for a brief international schedule before entering the post-production phase. The project is being backed by producers Dil Raju and Shirish, with a technical crew aiming for a global theatrical release. Tentatively referred to as SVC63 or The Messengers, this film is being positioned as a major festive release for the Eid 2027 weekend. With the addition of Jackie Shroff, the film further strengthens its pan-India appeal, bringing together iconic stars from both the Hindi and South Indian film industries.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, August 7 - The global box office has witnessed several iconic film franchises entertaining audiences for decades, but only a handful have managed to generate tens of billions of dollars at the worldwide box office. From superhero epics and space operas to fantasy adventures and spy thrillers, these franchises have shaped modern cinema while consistently delivering blockbuster numbers at the box office. Here are the top 5 highest-grossing film franchises in the world. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 1. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) – $33.40+ Billion The Marvel Cinematic Universe stands alone at the top, boasting a cumulative box office total that nearly triples its closest competitor across 39 films so far. Initiated by Marvel Studios in 2008 with Iron Man, the MCU revolutionised Hollywood by pioneering the serialised, interconnected "shared universe" model on a massive scale. Spanning dozens of films across multiple storytelling "Phases," the franchise relies on cross-character momentum. Solo films build the cruiocity, which is then cashed in during massive crossover spectacles. The pinnacle of this strategy, 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, pulled in a staggering $2.79 billion, briefly becoming the highest-grossing film of all time. 2. Spider-Man – $12.20+ Billion While Spider-Man is a Marvel character, his film rights history makes this a distinct and phenomenally lucrative standalone franchise. This multi-generation tally includes the foundational 2000s Tobey Maguire trilogy, Andrew Garfield’s Amazing Spider-Man duology, Tom Holland's trilogy (co-produced by Sony and Marvel Studios), and the Oscar-winning animated Spider-Verse series. The web-slinger's enduring popularity was put on full display with 2021's Spider-Man: No Way Home, which generated $1.92 billion globally as the highest-grossing Spider-Man movie (so far), anchoring the web-slinger firmly in the number two spot. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 3. Star Wars – $10.70+ Billion When George Lucas launched a space-fantasy epic in 1977, few could have predicted it would evolve into a cultural phenomenon. The Star Wars franchise is unique because its revenue is spread across generations, encompassing the Original Trilogy, the Prequels, the Disney-produced Sequel Trilogy, and standalone anthology pieces like Rogue One. The franchise's highest financial peak arrived in 2015 with Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which grossed $2.07 billion worldwide, proving the timeless, cross-generational pull of the Skywalker legacy. 4. The Wizarding World (Harry Potter) – $9.65+ Billion J.K. Rowling's literary phenomenon smoothly transitioned into a box office juggernaut starting in 2001. The core eight-film Harry Potter series captured the hearts of an entire generation, growing in tone, complexity, and financial power as its young actors grew up on screen. The franchise concluded its main arc flawlessly with 2011's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, which hauled in $1.34 billion. The universe has since expanded via the Fantastic Beasts prequel spin-offs, maintaining its rank as the premier fantasy franchise in film history. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 5. James Bond – $7.80+ Billion The legendary British MI6 secret agent holds the ultimate crown for franchise endurance. Spanning over six decades and 25 official films produced by Eon Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 007 has continually reinvented himself to stay relevant across generations. From Sean Connery's suave beginnings in the 1960s to Roger Moore's playful 1970s blockbusters, James Bond laid the structural foundation for modern action cinema. The modern Daniel Craig era supercharged the franchise's financial footprint. This grittier, serialised reboot produced the franchise's biggest financial peak with 2012's Skyfall, which remains the only Bond film to breach the billion-dollar mark at $1.11 billion globally. (Data via Culture Crave/X)

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, August 7 - In a major expansion of its filmmaking slate, Yash Raj Films (YRF) is reportedly set to enter the horror genre for the very first time. The prestigious banner behind iconic romantic and family films has reportedly locked Varun Dhawan to headline its maiden horror feature, marking yet another collaboration between the actor and the studio after Sui Dhaaga. The ambitious project is expected to go on floors later this year and is currently eyeing a theatrical release in 2027. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to Bollywood Hungama, the film will reportedly be directed by Abhay Pannu, who earned widespread acclaim for the critically acclaimed series Rocket Boys. Interestingly, this will also mark Pannu's theatrical directorial debut. While YRF has built successful franchises across action, romance, comedy and spy thrillers over the years, the studio has never produced a full-fledged horror film. This project signals Aditya Chopra's intent to diversify the banner's content beyond its established genres. For Varun Dhawan, the project represents another exciting addition to his evolving filmography. The actor has previously explored supernatural territory with Bhediya, which emerged as one of Bollywood's creature-comedy films. However, this upcoming YRF production is expected to be a straight horror film rather than a horror-comedy, offering Varun a chance to headline a different kind of genre entertainer. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) If the reports materialise as expected, YRF's horror debut could potentially open the door for the studio to develop an entirely new franchise alongside its blockbuster Spy Universe. With Abhay Pannu behind the camera and Varun Dhawan leading the cast, the project has already generated significant curiosity among moviegoers. More details regarding the supporting cast, title, and storyline are expected to be announced once the film officially enters production.