BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 25 - In the post-pandemic era, Akshay Kumar has arguably been the most prolific among the top stars, consistently delivering multiple releases year after year and keeping the release flow going amid the shortage of top stars' films. However, despite this remarkable consistency, one key element was missing during this phase — sustained box office success. In 2021, his long-pending cop drama Sooryavanshi emerged as a major hit despite the clouds of COVID still hovering, and played a crucial role in reviving the theatrical business after the pandemic. Directed by Rohit Shetty, the film emerged as the biggest Bollywood grosser of the year with the worldwide collection of around 300 crore, still the highest for Akshay Kumar in the post-COVID era. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Extended Lean Phase (2022 – Mid 2023) Following Sooryavanshi, when the trade was expecting the momentum of Sooryavanshi to expand, the actor went through a prolonged dry spell. During this period, Akshay had five releases which underperformed, either ending up as a flop or below average. Despite experimenting with different genres, the lack of strong box office returns made this one of the most challenging phases of his career. This dry phase ended with social comedy drama Oh My God - OMG 2 (August 2023), which emerged as a box office hit. The release of OMG 2 brought much-needed relief for the actor as the film performed well and ended Akshay's losing streak by grossing over 200 crores worldwide. However, this success turned out to be short-lived, as consistency still remained elusive. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) After OMG 2, Akshay Kumar faced another phase of box office struggles. While not as prolonged as the earlier slump, it indicated that a full-fledged comeback was still some distance away, as four films were released during this phase that failed to deliver box office results the actor was hoping for. Comeback Phase Begins – Sky Force (January 2025) After a string of underwhelming box office results, the turning point for Akshay came with Sky Force, which marked the beginning of a steady recovery. Though not a clean hit, the film's performance signalled improving audience acceptance and hinted at a shift in Akshay's choices towards more grounded films with mass appeal. Sky Force, despite being in the news for various reasons, grossed around 150 crores and escaped a flop verdict. After this film, the Khiladi Kumar released Kesari Chapter 2, Housefull 5, and Jolly LLB 3, all crossing the 100 crore mark, with HF5 finishing near Sooryavanshi numbers. This is the longest hundred crore streak for Akshay since the health crisis, hinting at the comeback the actor was looking for. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Akshay Kumar's Last Five Films S. No. Movie Total WW GBOC 1 Bhooth Bangla ₹ 144.70 Cr (8D)* 2 Jolly LLB 3 ₹ 171.65 Cr 3 Housefull 5 ₹ 288.65 Cr 4 Kesari Chapter 2 ₹ 145 Cr 5 Sky Force ₹ 150 Cr As of April 24, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Momentum Builds with Bhooth Bangla (April 2026) The comeback trajectory of Indian cinema's one of the most prolific stars is now gaining strength with director Priyadarshan's Bhooth Bangla. The horror-comedy has emerged as a box office hit, and earlier it topped 100 crores in just 4 days, driven by positive word of mouth. This phase suggests that Akshay Kumar is gradually reclaiming his position as a reliable box-office draw, a role he was known for before the pandemic. What Is Next For Akshay Kumar? Akshay is expected to carry this winning momentum into the next phase of his career. With franchise films like Welcome to the Jungle, Golmaal 5, and Bhagam Bhag 2 in the making, along with Priyadarshan's thriller Haiwaan, the actor is probably in the best phase ever since he came out of the lean period.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The King of Pop has officially taken the lead over the stars at the Indian box office. On Day 1, the musical biopic Michael delivered a superior performance compared to the sci-fi epic Project Hail Mary, out-earning it in both national cinema chains and total domestic net collections. This decisive start highlights the massive draw of Michael Jackson's legacy, allowing the film to set a significant new benchmark for the musical biopic genre in the country. Michael opened its account with a solid Day 1 net collection of ₹3.80 crore, supported by a wide release across 3,029 shows. When combined with its Day 0 preview earnings of ₹1.70 crore, the film's total India net collection currently stands at ₹5.50 crore. This compares very favorably to its competitor, Project Hail Mary, which managed to collect a net of ₹2.25 crore on its opening day from 1,324 shows. While the sci-fi film had a respectable start, it was clearly outscaled by the massive reach and show-count of the biopic, which had already established a historic lead through its record-breaking advance sales. The gap between the two releases is equally evident in the performance within national cinema chains (PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis). Michael sold approximately 45,000 tickets for its opening day in these chains, resulting in a gross of roughly ₹2.00 crore. In contrast, Project Hail Mary, which had shifted its release date to avoid a clash with the domestic giant Dhurandhar 2, sold around 30,000 tickets in the national chains for a gross of ₹1.15 crore. Michael's ability to pull ahead by nearly 40 percent in the premium urban centers highlights its massive popularity as a global event film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Michael Vs Project Hail Mary - Day 1 India Net ComparisonMOVIE NAMESHOW COUNTDAY 1 NET COLLECTIONTOTAL INDIA NETMichael3,029₹ 3.80 Cr₹ 5.50 Cr(With Preview)Project Hail Mary1,324₹ 2.25 Cr₹ 2.25 Cr Looking at the trajectory, Michael is currently trending at an elite level for Hollywood releases in India. Having secured over 1.10 lakh ticket sales for its opening weekend through advance bookings alone, it has comfortably shattered the records of genre predecessors like Bohemian Rhapsody and Elvis. The film now ranks as the fourth-highest Hollywood film in terms of all-time advance sales in the country, trailing only the massive trio of Avengers: Endgame, Oppenheimer, and Barbie. This momentum suggests that the film is headed for a lucrative full run, provided the weekend holds remain steady. Looking back at the journey of Project Hail Mary, the sci-fi epic has now completed a full month at the box office following its release on March 26. While Michael has taken the lead on a day-to-day basis this week, Project Hail Mary has already cemented its status as a massive global phenomenon. In the Indian market, the film has managed to rake in a total net collection of approximately ₹66.89 crore, with the English version dominating the charts by contributing over ₹63 crore. The dubbed versions saw a more limited response, with the Hindi version bringing in nearly ₹2.50 crore, while the Tamil and Telugu markets combined for just under ₹1 crore. Despite entering its fifth week, the film continues to show respectable resilience in premium urban centers. For its performance today on April 25, the film has secured nearly 11,000(As of 3 pm) ticket sales across the national chains of PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, resulting in a gross of approximately ₹38.00 lakh . On a global scale, the film has reached stratospheric heights, with the total worldwide gross standing at a staggering ₹5,400.84 crore. While the King of Pop biopic Michael is now the primary driver for current theatrical footfalls

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Riteish Deshmukh's ambitious historical epic, Raja Shivaji, has officially joined the elite club of Indian films crossing the three-hour mark. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that the film completed its censor process on April 24, with the Marathi version locking a massive runtime of 195.05 minutes (3 hours, 15 minutes, and 5 seconds). The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has passed the film with a U/A 16+ certificate, signaling a raw and impactful portrayal of the legendary Maratha warrior's life. This marathon duration places the film among the longest modern-day cinematic experiences, proving that the makers are committed to a grand, detailed narrative for this global release. The cinematic journey of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the silver screen is a legacy that spans over a century, beginning with the landmark silent film Sinhagad in 1923. Over the last hundred years, the stories of the great Maratha ruler and his brave associates have been adapted more than 60 times across Indian film and television. Riteish Deshmukh's Raja Shivaji is the most anticipated modern addition to this timeline, arriving shortly after the massive success of Chhaava, which featured Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji. The buzz for this epic reached a fever pitch following its trailer release on April 20, 2026, which set the stage for its global premiere. While long-form storytelling was once considered a risk, the trend has shifted with several massive grossers proving that audiences are willing to stay glued to their seats if the content is engaging. Raja Shivaji now finds itself in the company of legendary classics and modern-day juggernauts that have dared to push the boundaries of runtime. Here is a look at some of the most prominent Indian films that have clocked over three hours: LOC: Kargil (2003) – 4 hours 15 minutes Mera Naam Joker (1970) – 4 hours 4 minutes Sangam (1964) – 3 hours 58 minutes Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge (2026) – 3 hours 55 minutes Lagaan (2001) – 3 hours 44 minutes Khatarnaak (1990) – 3 hours 43 minutes Mohabbatein (2000) – 3 hours 36 minutes Dhurandhar (2025) – 3 hours 34 minutes Jodhaa Akbar (2008) – 3 hours 33 minutes Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) – 3 hours 30 minutes Swades (2004) – 3 hours 30 minutes Sholay (1975) – 3 hours 24 minutes Animal (2023) – 3 hours 21 minutes Border 2 (2026) – 3 hours 20 minutes Salaam-E-Ishq (2007) – 3 hours 16 minutes M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) – 3 hours 10 minutes Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013) – 3 hours 9 minutes Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999) – 3 hours 8 minutes (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) To ensure historical accuracy, the CBFC Examining Committee suggested specific modifications for Raja Shivaji. The makers were asked to strengthen the disclaimer with a voiceover and provide a clear clarification for the film's title. Additionally, the production team submitted extensive documentation for historical references and a detailed script to align with the dialogues and songs. The board also instructed the team to insert specific dates and text slates for key historical events to help viewers follow the timeline. Visual modifications were minimal, involving the replacement of a shot showing a child's throat being slit and adding audio to certain muted visuals. These minor tweaks ensure that the core essence of the 10-year-long dream project remains preserved as it heads toward its May 1 release, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Maharashtra Day. The film boasts a powerhouse cast that spans across industries. Riteish Deshmukh plays the titular role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, while Sanjay Dutt portrays the antagonist Afzal Khan. The ensemble includes Abhishek Bachchan as Sambhaji Shahaji Bhosale, Vidya Balan as Tajul Mukkhidarat Badi Sahiba, Fardeen Khan as Shah Jahan, and Bhagyashree as Jijabai. In a move that has already created massive hype, Salman Khan is set to appear in a significant cameo. The film also marks the debut of Riteish's son, Rahyl, playing the younger version of Shivaji. The cinematic legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is over a century old, beginning with the silent film Sinhagad in 1923. Since then, the life of the Maratha warrior and his associates has been adapted over 60 times across Indian film and television. Riteish Deshmukhs Raja Shivaji is the most ambitious entry in this timeline, arriving shortly after the massive success of Chhaava (2025), which starred Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji. The trailer for this historical epic, released on April 20, 2026, has already set the stage for a grand theatrical experience. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Joining the lead stars is an powerhouse supporting cast including Genelia Deshmukh, Sachin Khedekar, Amole Gupte, and Jitendra Joshi. The production is a joint venture between Riteish and Genelia Deshmukhs Mumbai Film Company and Jyoti Deshpandes Jio Studios. By releasing the film in six languages, the makers are expanding the story of Shivaji Maharaj beyond the Marathi market to reach a global audience, ensuring that the dream project, 10 years in the making, gets the scale it deserves. A decade in the making, this dream project is produced by Mumbai Film Company and Jio Studios, featuring world-class technical talent like cinematographer Santosh Sivan and music composers Ajay-Atul. Despite debates surrounding specific historical depictions in the trailer, the anticipation remains sky-high. Raja Shivaji is scheduled for a grand release on May 1, 2026, coinciding with Maharashtra Day, and will arrive in Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam to reach a worldwide audience.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The wait for one of the most anticipated sequels in Hindi cinema history is finally over. The legendary anti-hero Ballu Balram is set to return to the silver screen as the official announcement for Khalnayak Returns has arrived. The first look teaser, released today(April 24, 2026), has sent nostalgia levels through the roof, proving that the aura of the original 1993 masterpiece remains as potent as ever. Sanjay Dutt reprises his most iconic role, looking more rugged and lethal than ever before. The announcement video provides a gritty glimpse into the world of Ballu Balram. Drenched in a dark, atmospheric setting, Sanjay Dutt is shown with a weathered and rugged look, complete with long hair and a menacing presence. The teaser features him lighting a cigarette with a flare of arrogance while threatening a man on the ground, immediately establishing that the character hasn't lost his edge over the decades. The high point of the video comes when Dutt recites his famous line from the original: Nayak nahin khalnayak hoon main (I am not a hero, I am a villain), accompanied by the hauntingly familiar background score. This new chapter is being positioned as a direct expansion of the legacy established by Subhash Ghai in the early 90s. The video hints at a storyline that picks up long after the original events, carrying the caption: Some stories don't end... they start again. The production is a massive collaboration involving Jio Studios, Aspect Entertainment, Three Dimension Motion Pictures, and Mukta Arts Ltd., ensuring that the sequel has the scale and technical finesse required for a modern-day blockbuster. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The return of Khalnayak is fueled by the massive success of the original 1993 film, which remains a benchmark for the crime-thriller genre. In its initial run, the film was a domestic juggernaut, collecting Rs. 12.00 crore net in India and reaching a worldwide gross of Rs. 21.00 crore. These numbers were extraordinary for the time, allowing the film to finish as the second-highest-grossing Hindi film of 1993, surpassed only by the comedy Aankhen. Its impact was so profound that it earned a Superhit verdict at the box office. Beyond just the numbers, the profitability of the 1993 film was a case study in itself. Produced on a modest budget ranging between Rs. 2.5 crore to Rs. 5 crore, the movie earned an estimated 400 percent profit for its makers. It became a cultural phenomenon, not just for its storytelling but for its chart-topping music and Sanjay Dutt's career-defining performance. With the sequel now officially in the works, the industry is eyeing a similar box office eruption, as the combination of nostalgia and a modern-day gritty narrative is often a winning formula for pan-Indian success. Khalnayak (1993) - Historical Box Office StatsCATEGORYCOLLECTIONIndia Net₹ 12.00 CrIndia Gross₹ 21.00 CrWorldwide Total₹ 21.00 Cr

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 25 - Michael Jackson is once again set to prove why he was a cultural phenomenon. Even after 16 years since his passing, the Pop King continues to rule the hearts of people all around the world, as his biopic Michael is about to blow up at the global box office. Michael Creates Rotten Tomatoes Record (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Michael has emerged as one of the highest-rated films on Rotten Tomatoes in terms of audience reception, and when it comes to musical biopics, it is easily the top-rated title, boasting an impressive 97% audience score. This, despite critics disliking it for whitewashing the controversial life of the King of Pop. The film holds a critics' score in the mid-30% range on the Tomatometer, with many reviewers pointing out issues related to storytelling choices and its handling of sensitive aspects of Michael Jackson's life. Despite this divide, the overwhelmingly positive audience score has fueled curiosity and strong word-of-mouth. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Record Box Office Previews Worldwide On the box office front, Michael has started its journey on a solid note. The film recorded a strong global preview opening of $40 million, the best preview for any movie in 2026, signalling high audience interest across markets. In India, Michael earned approximately 2 crore gross ($210K) from paid previews, while North America reported $12.5+ million previews. The initial response suggests that the film is benefiting from strong fan turnout and global curiosity surrounding the King of Pop's life story.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 24 - Akshay Kumar-fronted Welcome To The Jungle is gearing up for a grand release this June after multiple delays, and ahead of it, the film is making strong noise in the trade circuit, not just for its ensemble cast but for its impressive pre-release business. The third instalment in the popular Welcome franchise has reportedly secured major distribution deals well ahead of its release. According to the report by Bollywood Hungama, JioStar has acquired the film's domestic theatrical rights, along with satellite and OTT rights. This means the film will release nationwide under JioStar's distribution, followed by its television premiere and digital streaming on JioHotstar, giving the company complete control over its India lifecycle. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On the international front, Pen Marudhar is said to be in advanced talks to acquire the overseas theatrical rights. The deal is said to be in its final stages, with strong interest driven by the Welcome franchise's popularity among overseas audiences, particularly in key diaspora-driven markets like the Middle East, the UK, and North America. This deal structure highlights a smart and modern revenue model, where a bulk domestic deal ensures substantial cost recovery before release, while overseas rights are monetised separately to maximise value. Such an approach significantly reduces the financial risk for the makers, allowing the film to enter theatres in a comfortable position. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Ahmed Khan and headlined by Akshay Kumar along with Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Krushna Abhishek, and Kiku Sharda, among others, in key roles. Welcome 3 is slated to release on June 26, 2026.