Akshay Kumar Reacts On Rumours of Him Starring In Sajid Nadiadwala's Next

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Mumbai, June 27 - The excitement around Awarapan 2 continues to grow as a new update about the film's teaser launch has surfaced online. Starring Emraan Hashmi in the lead role with Disha Patani, the sequel to the 2007 cult classic has quickly become one of the most anticipated Bollywood films among fans of intense action dramas and emotional storytelling. Awarapan 2 Teaser Out On June 29 On Friday (June 26), the makers officially confirmed that the teaser of Awarapan 2 will arrive on June 29. This will be the first major asset of the movie since it was announced last year. The sequel officially went on floors in Bangkok in 2025, with director Nitin Kakkar taking charge of the project. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Unveiling the Soul of Awarapan 2A Melody, A Memory,A New Journey Begins.Teaser out on June 29th!#Awarapan2 #TeaserOn29thJune pic.twitter.com/pAEDsrzBtu— Sony Music India (@sonymusicindia) June 26, 2026 Earlier interviews with Emraan Hashmi revealed that the makers spent nearly two years refining the script to ensure the sequel lives up to the emotional depth and cult legacy of the original film. The actor had also confirmed that the project was not being made purely for nostalgia, but with a strong continuation story in mind. Awarapan 2 is currently scheduled to hit theatres on August 14, 2026. Musical Horror Rooh Shoot Begins In October 2026 Meanwhile, Emraan Hashmi is also preparing for another ambitious project titled Rooh. Unlike Awarapan 2, Rooh is a musical horror film and will begin shooting in October this year. The film will be directed by Mayank Sharma and is expected to feature two leading actresses alongside Emraan Hashmi. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Rooh was recently announced with the chilling first look glimpse. The movie is written by Vishal Kapoor and Mayank Sharma, and is produced by Sunny Khanna and Vikram Khakhar under Vicked Films Productions. Reports say that Mithoon and Vishal Mishra are being eyed to score music for the film, promising another chartbuster album for Hashmi.

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Mumbai, June 27 - The much-awaited thriller Haiwaan, starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, has officially locked its theatrical release date. The film is slated to hit cinemas worldwide on September 11, 2026, marking one of the biggest Bollywood releases of the year. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan, Haiwaan has already created significant buzz among moviegoers due to its intriguing premise and the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after nearly two decades. The duo, known for their memorable on-screen chemistry in films like Main Khiladi Tu Anari and Tashan, are expected to bring an intense dynamic to this psychological thriller. According to industry reports, Haiwaan is inspired by the critically acclaimed Malayalam thriller Oppam, starring superstar Mohanlal. While Saif Ali Khan is expected to play the protagonist, Akshay Kumar will reportedly be seen in a dark, negative role — something fans are eagerly looking forward to. Meanwhile, Mohanlal will be seen in a cameo role. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) One obsession. One relentless pursuit.One date you’ll want to remember.#Haiwaan - A Priyadarshan Film starring Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar ✨In cinemas 11th September 2026.Mark your calendars 🗓️ #SaifAliKhan @akshaykumar@priyadarshandir @ipritamofficial… pic.twitter.com/cAuIDV7sTR— KVN Productions (@KvnProductions) June 27, 2026 Apart from the theatrical release update, the makers have also finalised the film's post-theatrical streaming partner. Sony Pictures Networks India has acquired the digital rights, and the film will stream on SonyLIV after completing its run in cinemas. The deal also includes satellite and music rights as well, making it one of the notable pre-release acquisitions in recent months. With Priyadarshan at the helm and a powerful star cast leading the project, along with Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Haiwaan is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated thrillers of 2026. Fans are now eagerly waiting for the teaser and official trailer announcement. The movie is produced by KVN Production in its Bollywood debut with Thespian Films.

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Mumbai, June 27 - Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has dominated the comedy-horror and ensemble entertainer space in 2026 with two major releases — Bhooth Bangla and Welcome To The Jungle. While both films generated decent buzz before release, the real battle began at the box office, with advance booking numbers and opening day collections becoming the biggest talking points. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The comedy genre has fared well over the years if made well, and both the films this year featuring Khiladi Kumar have proved that once again by taking a good start at the domestic box office, continuing Akshay's winning streak. However, the interesting thing is that both films have put almost identical numbers, from booking to day 1 collection. Opening Day Advance Booking Analysis Bhooth Bangla maintained a slight lead in advance booking numbers. The horror-comedy benefited from Akshay Kumar's return to the genre and strong trailer response. Meanwhile, Welcome To The Jungle also recorded impressive pre-sales due to franchise nostalgia, ensemble cast appeal, and strong family audience interest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Welcome To The Jungle vs Bhooth Bangla Advance Booking Comparison Film Without Block Seats With Block Seats Bhooth Bangla ₹ 3.30 Cr ₹ 6.80 Cr Welcome To The Jungle ₹ 3.10 Cr ₹ 6.25 Cr Opening Day India Net Collection Analysis Although Bhooth Bangla maintained a slight edge in booking, Welcome To The Jungle successfully converted audience excitement into higher footfalls on release day, after scoring identical numbers in paid previews. The comedy entertainer clearly dominated the Day 1 box office race by posting a bigger opening collection, proving the strength of franchise-driven cinema in Bollywood. Both Bhooth Bangla delivered a good start and went on to become one of the most successful Bollywood films of 2026. Welcome To The Jungle has also opened well and showcased Akshay Kumar's continued pull among audiences. The advances for the weekend are good, and if the momentum continues beyond the weekend, Welcome 3 can emerge as another successful film for the actor. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Welcome To The Jungle vs Bhooth Bangla Day 1 Collection Comparison Film Paid Previews Total Day 1 India Net Bhooth Bangla ₹ 3.75 Cr ₹ 16 Cr Welcome To The Jungle ₹ 3.75 Cr ₹ 19 Cr

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Live Now Akshay Kumar's much-awaited comedy entertainer Welcome To The Jungle has registered a good opening on Friday. The film, which brings back the madness and chaos associated with the popular Welcome franchise, witnessed good occupancy across multiplexes and mass circuits. The movie is likely to see further growth over the weekend, especially with family audiences showing interest in the comedy-drama. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Ahmed Khan, the film boasts a massive ensemble cast featuring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, and several other popular faces. Fans have particularly praised Akshay Kumar's comic timing and the nostalgic entertainment factor that reminds audiences of the earlier films in the franchise. While critics have given mixed reviews, the film's light-hearted humour and star power appear to be working in its favour at the ticket windows. Welcome To The Jungle scored around 19 crore net on its opening day, including paid previews, and is expected to post a solid jump in collections over Saturday and Sunday shows. If the momentum continues, the film could end its opening weekend on a strong note. The makers are also banking on positive word-of-mouth and the franchise's loyal fan base to maintain steady collections in the coming days. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) LIVE BLOG 08:00 PM (IST) 27 JUN 2026 Welcome To The Jungle Live Update: Clocked 15.25+ Crore Gross Welcome 3 is showing a good jump of around +15% on its second day. As of 8 PM, the film has already grossed 15.25+ crores on Saturday, and is heading towards 22-24+ crores gross day, which clearly shows the acceptance for the movie among audiences. 03:00 PM (IST) 27 JUN 2026 Welcome To The Jungle Live Update: Clocked 6+ Crore Gross Welcome 3 is showing 10% jump over the opening day's collection, as of 3 PM. With strong evening and night shows coming up, the film is heading towards 17-18 crores net collection on its second day. The opening weekend should be 55+ crores net. 03:00 PM (IST) 27 JUN 2026 Welcome To The Jungle Overseas Collection The third instalment of the iconic Welcome franchise took a decent opening on its opening day at the overseas box office, scoring around 4.75 crores gross. The overseas opening weekend could be around 17+ crores gross. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 12:00 PM (IST) 27 JUN 2026 Welcome To The Jungle BMS Ticket Sales Surge 35% Welcome To The Jungle is showing a good surge in terms of BookMyShow ticket sales. The film has sold around 64K tickets as of 12 PM, which is nearly 35% higher than opening day at this time. 08:00 AM (IST) 27 JUN 2026 Welcome To The Jungle Scored 22.80 Crore Gross On Day 1 According to early estimates, Welcome To The Jungle has scored around 15.25 crore net (18.30 crore gross) on its opening day. Including paid previews, the opening of the film is 19 crores net (22.80 crore gross), which is a good start. Worldwide, the movie has grossed around 27.50 crores. @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." } ] }

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Mumbai, June 26 - In an era where theatrical success is increasingly unpredictable, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge arrived like a storm and refused to slow down even after weeks. The Aditya Dhar-directed spy actioner has completed a sensational 100-day run at the box office, proving that powerful storytelling and grand cinematic spectacle still rule the big screen. A Rare Box Office Phenomenon (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Led by Ranveer Singh, The Revenge began as one of the most anticipated releases of the year, but it quickly transformed into a worldwide phenomenon, with audiences turning up in massive numbers, be it in the home market or international territories. The film delivered a gripping mix of action, emotion, revenge, and political drama. Director Aditya Dhar expanded the scale with emotionally charged moments and a darker narrative that kept viewers invested from start to finish. The sequel not only met expectations but surpassed them in every possible way. Dhurandhar 2's extraordinary box office journey became one of the biggest talking points in the industry. From record-breaking opening numbers to packed theatres weeks after release, the actioner maintained a level of audience excitement rarely seen in recent years. Fans celebrated the film through social media trends, viral dialogues, fan edits, and repeated theatre visits, helping it evolve into much more than just another blockbuster release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What It Means For Indian Cinema Beyond its commercial success, the film also represents a major moment for Indian cinema. Dhurandhar 2 proved that audiences are still willing to invest in large-scale theatrical experiences when backed by strong storytelling, emotional depth, and cinematic ambition. At a time when the industry is constantly debating the impact of streaming platforms and changing viewing habits, the film's success has restored confidence in the power of theatrical filmmaking and event cinema. Apart from its box office numbers of 1800+ crores gross worldwide, the film earned praise for its performances and technical brilliance. Ranveer Singh's intense portrayal struck a chord with audiences, while the supporting cast added depth and impact to the story. The background score, action choreography, and large-scale cinematic presentation elevated the overall experience, making it one of the most talked-about films of the year. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What makes this 100-day milestone even more remarkable is the changing nature of modern movie consumption. In the era of instant streaming and short attention spans, sustaining theatrical momentum for over three months is a rare achievement. Yet Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge managed to unite audiences across regions and generations, reminding the industry of the unmatched magic of the theatrical experience.

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Akshay Kumar’s comedy entertainer Welcome To The Jungle has begun its box office journey with an estimated 3.75 crore net, around 4.50 crore gross from paid preview shows across India. Early trade reports suggest the film performed well in limited evening/night screenings ahead of its official release. Directed by Ahmed Khan, the film features a huge ensemble led by Akshay Kumar along with Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade and Rajpal Yadav, among others. Trade analysts are closely watching whether positive word-of-mouth can help the film sustain through the weekend, especially after Akshay Kumar’s recent comedy success with Bhooth Bangla. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) LIVE BLOG 10:00 PM (IST) 26 JUN 2026 Welcome To The Jungle Live Update: Clocked 18+ Crore Gross According to early estimates, Welcome To The Jungle has scored around 15+ crore net (18+ crore gross) on its opening day. Including paid previews, the opening of the film is 18.75 crores net (22.50 crore gross), which is a good start. Worldwide, the movie has grossed around 30 crores (estimated). 08:00 PM (IST) 26 JUN 2026 Welcome To The Jungle Live Update: Clocked 13.75+ Crore Gross The comedy entertainer has improved with each passing show, overall showing good momentum on its opening day. The film has grossed 13.75+ crores as of 8 PM in real-time collection, and is heading towards 18-20+ crores gross on its opening day, excluding paid previews. 03:00 PM (IST) 26 JUN 2026 Welcome To The Jungle Live Update: Clocked 5.50+ Crore Gross The Ahmed Khan-directed film is showing good momentum going into the evening and night shows. The film has grossed 5.50+ crores as of 3 PM in real-time collection, and if the momentum continues, the movie can score 14-15 crores net on its opening day, excluding paid previews. 12:00 PM (IST) 26 JUN 2026 Welcome To The Jungle Live Update: Clocked 2+ Crore Gross As of 12 PM, the comedy entertainer grossed over 2 crore (1.75 crore net). The word of mouth is coming into play as occupancy for evening and night shows is much better, comfortably putting it on course for around 15 crores net opening day. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 09:10 AM (IST) 26 JUN 2026 Taran Adarsh Gave 3.5 Stars To Welcome 3, Calls It Entertaining #OneWordReview...#WelcomeToTheJungle: ENTERTAINING.Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½Get ready for a 1980s-style masala entertainer... The focus is on fun, laughter, nostalgia, and larger-than-life entertainment – not logic or reasoning... Several jokes land effectively, though the post-interval… pic.twitter.com/ImE9Dccrnp— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) June 25, 2026 . 09:00 PM (IST) 26 June 2026 Welcome To The Jungle Paid Previews: Scores Decent 3.75 Cr Net Just like Akshay Kumar's last movie, Bhooth Bangla, Welcome To The Jungle also scored around 3.75 crores net collection in its Thursday paid previews, which is one of the biggest for a Bollywood film. The movie is expected to take around 15 crore net opening (including previews). @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." } ] }

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 25 - Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar's Welcome To The Jungle has opened to a decent response at the Indian box office, with the film showing trends quite similar to the actor's previous release Bhooth Bangla. Pre-sales pattern of the comedy entertainer is nearly identical to Bhooth Bangla, especially when block seats are excluded, hinting towards a similar opening day performance as well. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to estimates, Welcome To The Jungle has scored around 3.75 crore net from its limited paid previews, translating to approximately 4.50 crore gross. Interestingly, these numbers are on par with the paid preview collections of Bhooth Bangla, further strengthening comparisons between the two Akshay Kumar releases. Despite carrying the popular Welcome franchise brand and a massive ensemble cast, the film's initial response has remained steady rather than extraordinary. Trade experts believe that spot bookings and audience word-of-mouth will now decide whether the film can register strong growth over the weekend. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Ahmed Khan, Welcome 3 carries decent advances heading into the first full-fledged day. Bhooth Bangla opened to 12.25 crores net (16 crores net with paid previews), and the latest entertainer is also heading to score a similar opening. While the effect of the word of mouth will be known over the weekend, initial response seems to be positive, which is good news. Directed by Ahmed Khan, the third instalment of the iconic franchise features an ensemble lineup including Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade and Rajpal Yadav, among others. The film aims to revive the chaos and comic madness associated with the iconic Welcome franchise.

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Mumbai, June 25 - Director Imtiaz Ali's period romantic drama Main Vaapas Aaunga has crossed the 50 crore mark worldwide, continuing its impressive upward trajectory at the box office after a slow opening week. The film, starring Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari, Vedang Raina, and Naseeruddin Shah, has emerged as one of the biggest word-of-mouth success stories of the year. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to estimates, Main Vaapas Aaunga collected approximately 52 crore globally within 13 days of release. The film's India net collection currently stands at around 32.50 crore (38.65 crore gross), while overseas markets have contributed an estimated 13.25 crores to its growing total. The period love story, set against the backdrop of Partition, witnessed remarkable growth during its second weekend. After earning almost 2 crore net on its second Friday, the film jumped to 4.35 crore on Saturday and 5.75 crore on Sunday, indicating strong audience acceptance and positive word-of-mouth. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Despite opening to modest numbers, Main Vaapas Aaunga steadily built momentum through glowing audience reactions and strong appreciation for its emotional storytelling, music, and performances. Social media chatter around the film has also played a key role in boosting occupancy, especially in metro circuits like Delhi-NCR. Fans and critics alike have praised the film's emotional depth, with many calling it one of Imtiaz Ali's most heartfelt works in recent years. The film's soundtrack has also received widespread acclaim, with audiences particularly appreciating the music composed by A. R. Rahman.

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Mumbai, June 25 - In a major announcement, Bollywood star Ajay Devgn has teamed up with Jio Studios and Anand L Rai's Colour Yellow Productions to headline an action thriller film Chauhaan, based in Kashmir. The film will be directed by Neeraj Yadav, who previously wrote films like Tere Ishk Mein and An Action Hero. The first-look title teaser of Chauhaan was unveiled on the birth anniversary of Ajay Devgn's father, legendary action director Veeru Devgan. The teaser is set in Pulwama, Kashmir, in 2018 and depicts a tense conflict scenario involving armed rioters and the Indian Army. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Ajay Devgn plays the titular role of Chauhaan, a character seemingly tasked with restoring order amid escalating violence in the valley. One of the standout moments in the teaser is his dramatic entry accompanied by the iconic song Jumma Chumma De De. The film marks Ajay Devgn’s return to a full-fledged action avatar, something many fans have been anticipating. The makers have officially scheduled the release for 1 October 2027, coinciding with the Gandhi Jayanti holiday weekend. The rest of the cast and other details are expected to be announced soon. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Meanwhile, Ajay Devgn will next be seen in the comedy entertainer Dhamaal 4, which is scheduled to release on July 10. The Singham star also has Drishyam 3, slated for October 1, 2026, release, followed by director Jagan Shakti's Ranger, and Rohit Shetty's Golmaal 5. The shoot for Chauhaan is expected to begin filming soon.

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Mumbai, June 25 - The world of Mirzapur is officially heading to the big screen, and the first teaser for Mirzapur: The Movie has already reignited fan frenzy across social media. What has surprised audiences the most, however, is the dramatic return of Divyenndu's iconic character Munna Bhaiya — despite his apparent death in the web series. The teaser reunites the franchise's most loved faces, including Pankaj Tripathi as Kaleen Bhaiya, Ali Fazal as Guddu Pandit, and Divyenndu as Munna Bhaiya. While the footage keeps the larger plot under wraps, it strongly suggests that the film could explore the untold beginnings of the brutal rivalry that defined the original series. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) For longtime fans of Mirzapur, Munna Bhaiya's comeback is the biggest talking point. The character became one of the most memorable anti-heroes in Indian streaming history thanks to Divyenndu's unpredictable performance and sharp delivery of dialogue. Although Munna was killed in the second season finale, the teaser appears to subvert expectations by positioning the film as either a prequel or an alternate narrative that delves deeper into his rise within Mirzapur's criminal empire. The makers seem to be expanding Mirzapur beyond the streaming format and into a full-fledged cinematic universe. The film promises a larger scale, more stylised action, and heightened drama tailored for theatrical audiences. Ali Fazal's Guddu Pandit is shown in a darker and more intense avatar, hinting at another bloody showdown for control over Mirzapur. Meanwhile, Pankaj Tripathi's Kaleen Bhaiya once again commands the screen with his calm yet menacing presence. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Social media reactions following the teaser launch have largely centred around nostalgia. Many viewers felt that Mirzapur lost some of its spark after Munna Bhaiya's exit, and his return has instantly renewed excitement around the franchise. The teaser also hints that the film will retain the raw, violent energy that turned Mirzapur into one of India’s most successful streaming franchises. Directed by Gurmeet Singh, Mirzapur: The Movie is set to release in theatres on September 4, 2026. While the makers are yet to reveal detailed plot information, the teaser has successfully built anticipation for what could become one of the biggest franchise transitions from OTT to cinema in India.

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Mumbai, June 25 - Maddock and Luv Films' romantic comedy-drama Cocktail 2 has crossed the 100 crore mark at the worldwide box office within its first week, emerging as one of Bollywood's strongest performers of 2026 so far. Starring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna, the film has maintained good momentum during the weekdays, which was important. As per estimates, the film crossed the 100 crore worldwide milestone by Day 6 of its theatrical run. In India, the sequel to 2012's movie has grossed approximately 79 crore (66.25 crore net) while overseas gross is 24 crore (estimated) so far, for the worldwide total of 103.25+ crores gross. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Released on June 19, the film opened strongly with around 13.5 crore net in India on Day 1, making it one of Shahid Kapoor's biggest openings after Kabir Singh. The movie also benefited from strong advance bookings and urban multiplex audiences, particularly over its opening weekend. By the end of the opening weekend, Cocktail 2 had already grossed over 76 crore worldwide, signalling audience interest in the romantic entertainer. It was, however, important for the movie to hold well during the weekdays to have the chance to emerge as a box office success, and it did well by keeping the momentum with regular drops. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) But things will now get tough for Cocktail 2 to continue the momentum with the arrival of Akshay Kumar's Welcome To The Jungle on June 26. The comedy entertainer is expected to have one of the widest releases, which will make it tough for Homi Adjania's directed flick to retain more screens. However, Cocktail 2 is still expected to perform well over the second weekend as appreciation is there for the film. Cocktail 2 serves as a spiritual sequel to the 2012 hit Cocktail and marks another collaboration between director Homi Adajania and producer Dinesh Vijan. The original film, starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Diana Penty, developed a cult following over the years.

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Mumbai, June 24 - Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar returns to the iconic Welcome franchise with Welcome To The Jungle after headlining the original film back in 2007. Carrying the legacy of the popular comedy franchise, the film has already created good buzz among audiences thanks to its ensemble cast, large-scale production, and nostalgic appeal. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Ahmed Khan, the film brings together a massive lineup featuring Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Rajpal Yadav, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, and several other familiar faces. The combination of comedy veterans and franchise value has become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the film ahead of its release. For Akshay Kumar, Welcome To The Jungle marks another film in his most successful space — commercial comedy entertainers. Over the years, the actor has delivered several successful comedy films, and fans are excited to see him revisit the genre that established him as one of Bollywood's most bankable stars. The trailer and promotional content have further increased audience curiosity, especially among family viewers. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While the excitement in the trade is palpable, the advance booking suggests a decent start, rather than a big opening. The trade is projecting the film to take the opening of 20+ crores net, but the initial response in the pre-sales doesn't give the impression of being a front-loaded opener. Instead, the movie is looking to open in the 15 crore net range. There are paid previews, so things can change pretty quickly if the reception is positive, just like it happened with Akshay Kumar's last film, Bhooth Bangal. The Priyadarshan's directoial scored 3.75 crores net in previews and 12.25 crore net on its pure opening day. Welcome 3 is heading towards a similar opening, since the genre has a mass appeal, which often reflects in strong spot bookings. The big advantage for the movie is that the franchise has strong value, plus the star cast is also huge. So, if the word of mouth is positive, even a 20 crore opening can't be ruled out, but it will still need decent pre-sales to achieve the target. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While the nostalgia factor is working in its favour, viewers will expect the film to recreate the charm of the earlier instalments, particularly the first film, which went on to become a cult classic due to its fresh humour and the iconic cast. If the content connects with audiences, Welcome To The Jungle could emerge as one of Akshay Kumar's biggest comedy successes in recent years and continue his success streak.