BY SACNILK

Raj B. Shetty has officially stepped into the Tamil film industry with a high-profile project. On July 5, 2026, marking the actor-director's birthday, Raaj Kamal Films International announced that the multi-talented performer has joined the cast of Sivakarthikeyan's upcoming rural action drama, Seyon. This collaboration marks a significant expansion for Raj, who has recently been making successful inroads into various South Indian film industries. The makers welcomed him with a striking character poster that features his silhouette against an intense, fiery backdrop. While the details of his character are being kept under wraps, industry speculation indicates that Raj will play the principal antagonist. This sets the stage for a mighty on-screen face-off with Sivakarthikeyan in what is the actor's 26th film. Directed by Sivakumar Murugesan and produced by Kamal Haasan, the project features a musical score by Santhosh Narayanan and a cast that includes Bhagyashri Borse as the female lead alongside Bala Saravanan, Singampuli, and Aruldoss. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This casting choice is a major win for the production, as Raj B. Shetty is widely regarded as a powerhouse of the modern Mangaluru Wave in Kannada cinema. He first gained national attention with his brilliant writing and directorial debut in Ondu Motteya Kathe, followed by his career-defining underworld masterpiece, Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana. His versatility was further evident in his recent 2025 blockbuster horror-comedy, Su From So, which stands for Sulo Chana from Someshwara, a project he both co-produced and headlined. Beyond his Kannada roots, Raj has already established himself as a formidable villain in Malayalam cinema, having debuted opposite Mammootty in Turbo. His entry into the Tamil market with Seyon is part of a larger plan, as he is also slated to appear in Thiagarajan Kumararaja's upcoming OTT project, Pocket Novel, alongside Vijay Sethupathi. With a background that includes co-writing the massive hit Kantara and delivering intense performances in films like Toby, Raj brings a level of grounded realism and intensity that is expected to elevate the rural action narrative of Seyon. With a technical team led by Raaj Kamal Films International and a star like Sivakarthikeyan at the center, Seyon is being positioned as a major theatrical event for 2026. The addition of Raj B. Shetty adds a layer of creative depth to the ensemble, making the project one of the most interesting cross-industry collaborations to watch out for in the coming year.

BY SACNILK

Chennai, June 25 - The makers of superstar Rajinikanth's much-awaited upcoming film with director Ashwath Marimuthu have officially unveiled the film's first look title on June 24, sending fans into a frenzy across social media. Backed by Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International, the film is titled Dharman, and is already shaping up to be one of the biggest upcoming Tamil releases. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The first-look poster presents Rajinikanth in a completely intense and rugged avatar. Dressed in a doctor's outfit with blood stains and a fierce expression, the superstar appears ready for a high-octane action thriller. The visuals hint at a dark and stylish storyline, with fans praising the vintage mass Rajini energy showcased in the poster. Dharman is directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, best known for the hit fantasy-romantic drama Oh My Kadavule. This collaboration with Rajinikanth marks the director's biggest project to date and has generated major curiosity among cinema lovers. The film is produced by Kamal Haasan under the banner of Raaj Kamal Films International, making this collaboration between two legendary icons of Tamil cinema even more special. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) THE OG SWAG 🕶️#DharmanThe Making of the First Look#KettaPaiyanSir#SuperstarRajinikanth #KamalHaasan@rajinikanth @ikamalhaasan #Mahendran @Dir_Ashwath @anirudhofficial @anbariv @iYogiBabu @SimranbaggaOffc #RaashiKhanna @nikethbommi #KarthikRajkumar @PradeepERagav… pic.twitter.com/VtJbo7ggTg— Raaj Kamal Films International (@RKFI) June 25, 2026 Apart from Rajinikanth, the film also features Raashi Khanna, Simran, and Yogi Babu. The music for the film is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, whose previous collaborations with Rajinikanth have delivered chartbuster albums and powerful background scores. The action sequences are choreographed by popular stunt duo Anbariv. While the makers have not officially announced the release date yet, industry reports suggest that Dharman is targeting a grand Pongal 2027 theatrical release. Production is expected to begin soon, with shooting schedules likely to commence in the coming weeks. Given the scale of the project and the star power involved, expectations are already sky-high. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The combination of Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Anirudh, and Ashwath Marimuthu has created enormous excitement among fans and trade analysts alike. The first-look poster has only intensified anticipation, with many expecting Dharman to become one of the biggest Tamil blockbusters of 2027.

BY SACNILK

Chennai, June 24 - Tamil cinema fans are in for a double treat as two major Kollywood projects have grabbed headlines with fresh updates. While excitement continues to build around superstar Rajinikanth's upcoming films, actor Karthi's highly anticipated spy thriller sequel Sardar 2 has officially locked its theatrical release date. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to the latest official update, the makers of Sardar 2 have locked September 10, 2026, as the release date for the highly-awaited actioner. The action-packed sequel, directed by P. S. Mithran, is expected to be one of the biggest Tamil releases of 2026. The sequel stars Karthi reprising his dual roles from the 2022 blockbuster Sardar, while S. J. Suryah joins the franchise in a powerful antagonist role. The cast also includes Malavika Mohanan, Ashika Ranganath, and Rajisha Vijayan. The sequel is expected to expand the universe established in the original film and deliver a more ambitious cinematic experience. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) #Sardar2 ARRIVES…Worldwide in theatres on September 10! @Psmithran @iam_SJSuryah @lakku76 @venkatavmedia @B4UMotionPics @ivyofficial2023 @MalavikaM_ @AshikaRanganath @rajishavijayan @iYogiBabu @SamCSmusic @george_dop @editorvijay @dhilipaction @PoornimaRamasw1… pic.twitter.com/Ld5uWJFXNw— Karthi (@Karthi_Offl) June 24, 2026 Meanwhile, Rajinikanth's next project after Jailer 2 — tentatively referred to as Thalaivar 173 — has officially entered the spotlight after the makers locked its official title. Titled Dharman, the film features superstar Rajinikanth as a deadly doctor. The movie is directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, best known for Dragon and Oh My Kadavule. The superstar is already gearing up for multiple high-profile releases, including Jailer 2, which is slated to hit theatres later this year. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the sequel marks another major collaboration with Rajinikanth after the blockbuster success of Jailer. The actor also has a multistarrer with Kamal Haasan, which is expected to start rolling soon. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) தர்மமே வெல்லும்!#Dharman #Thalaivar173 #SuperstarRajinikanth #KamalHaasan @rajinikanth @ikamalhaasan #Mahendran @Dir_Ashwath @anirudhofficial @anbariv @iYogiBabu @SimranbaggaOffc #RaashiKhanna @nikethbommi #KarthikRajkumar @PradeepERagav @kabilanchelliah @ShruthiManjari… pic.twitter.com/UWjXErKdIE— Raaj Kamal Films International (@RKFI) June 24, 2026

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 16 - Bollywood star Alia Bhatt has reportedly joined the cast of the highly anticipated sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. According to recent reports, the actress has not only been roped in for a crucial role but has also completed shooting some of her scenes for the film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Nag Ashwin, Kalki 2 is to continue the epic sci-fi saga that captivated audiences worldwide with its grand visuals, futuristic storytelling, and mythological elements. The sequel will once again feature Prabhas in the lead role, alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, while Sai Pallavi replaces Deepika Padukone from the first film. Industry buzz suggests that Alia Bhatt's character will play an important part in shaping the narrative of the sequel. Earlier, there were rumours that Alia would replace Deepika Padukone to play Sum-80 aka Sumathi, a pregnant lab subject of Project K and the prophesied mother of Kalki. However, later it was reported that Sai Pallavi would play that role. While the makers have yet to confirm the development officially, reports of her involvement have already generated massive excitement among fans on social media. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The first film, Kalki 2898 AD, emerged as one of the biggest cinematic successes of 2024, featuring a star-studded ensemble including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani. With the sequel now in production, expectations are significantly high. Alia Bhatt's reported addition to the franchise further strengthens the film's star power. The actress, known for delivering acclaimed performances across multiple genres, is currently one of the most sought-after names in Indian cinema. As anticipation around Kalki 2 continues to build, fans are now eagerly waiting for an official announcement from the makers regarding Alia Bhatt's role and the film's release timeline.

BY SACNILK

Karuppu has wrapped up its fourth week at the box office, hitting the 300 crore worldwide milestone just as it arrives on OTT platforms today, June 12. With this achievement, Suriya joins an exclusive group of Tamil stars, including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Joseph Vijay, and Sivakarthikeyan, who have scaled this collection height. Analyzing the fourth-week performance, Karuppu showed remarkable resilience for a film that has already been playing for nearly a month. The week began on a steady note on Day 22 and saw a massive surge during the weekend, with Day 23 and Day 24 recording growth of 77.1 percent and 19 percent respectively. Even as it hit the weekdays, the drops were well-managed, finishing the week with a cumulative India gross of 6.68 crore. Globally, the film has now reached a staggering worldwide gross of 306.47 crore, supported by an impressive overseas contribution of 80.90 crore. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) One of the most impressive data points comes from the Month 1 Tamil Net rankings. Karuppu has officially moved up the ladder, collecting a net of 166 crore in its first month within the Tamil version. In doing so, it has surpassed the 164 crore record set by Amaran at the same time. This placement puts it among the most successful Tamil films of recent years, trailing only behind heavyweights like Leo, Jailer, and The Greatest of All Time. This level of sustained interest across four weeks is a clear indicator of the strong word-of-mouth the film enjoyed. Karuppu - Week 4 India Gross Collection Report DAY INDIA GROSS COLLECTION Day 22 (Fri) ₹ 0.96 Cr Day 23 (Sat) ₹ 1.69 Cr Day 24 (Sun) ₹ 2.01 Cr Day 25 (Mon) ₹ 0.60 Cr Day 26 (Tue) ₹ 0.51 Cr Day 27 (Wed) ₹ 0.49 Cr Day 28 (Thu) ₹ 0.42 Cr Total Week 4 India Gross ₹ 6.68 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In terms of international performance, the overseas markets added a steady 0.90 crore to the total during the fourth week, bringing the cumulative international gross to 80.90 crore. This consistent contribution from the global audience has been vital in pushing the movie comfortably past the 300 crore worldwide mark. Domestically, the theater occupancy remained quite healthy for a film in its fourth week of running. While the weekend saw peaks of over 35 percent, the average occupancy for the entire week settled at a respectable 22.4 percent. These numbers indicate that even after nearly a month in theaters and the shift toward digital streaming, there is still a dedicated audience opting for the theatrical experience. Karuppu Week 4 State-wise Gross Breakdown: Day 22: APTG 0.07 Cr | TN 0.85 Cr | KA 0.03 Cr | KL 0.01 Cr | Total 0.96 Cr Day 23: APTG 0.10 Cr | TN 1.50 Cr | KA 0.07 Cr | KL 0.02 Cr | Total 1.69 Cr Day 24: APTG 0.12 Cr | TN 1.75 Cr | KA 0.10 Cr | KL 0.04 Cr | Total 2.01 Cr Day 25: APTG 0.07 Cr | TN 0.50 Cr | KA 0.02 Cr | KL 0.01 Cr | Total 0.60 Cr Day 26: APTG 0.07 Cr | TN 0.41 Cr | KA 0.02 Cr | KL 0.01 Cr | Total 0.51 Cr Day 27: APTG 0.06 Cr | TN 0.40 Cr | KA 0.02 Cr | KL 0.01 Cr | Total 0.49 Cr Day 28: APTG 0.10 Cr | TN 0.30 Cr | KA 0.01 Cr | KL 0.01 Cr | Total 0.42 Cr Week 4 Total: APTG 0.59 Cr | TN 5.71 Cr | KA 0.27 Cr | KL 0.11 Cr | Total 6.68 Cr Grand Total India Gross: ₹ 225.57 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The footfalls on digital ticketing platforms further solidify its blockbuster status. Karuppu has recorded 4.48 million tickets sold on BookMyShow, securing the 6th spot on the all-time list of Tamil films with the highest ticket sales. It sits just behind The GOAT and Amaran, showcasing the massive volume of viewers it attracted over its month-long theatrical journey. Additionally, national chains reported sales of over 32,600 tickets in the final week, a commendable figure for a movie entering its 28th day. As the curtains fall on its theatrical run with a worldwide gross of 306.47 crore and a total India net of 195.18 crore, the film enters the digital space with its head held high. For Suriya fans, this is more than just a box office success; it is a long-awaited milestone that places their favorite star alongside the biggest names in South Indian cinema. With the movie now available for streaming, its reach is set to expand even further, capping off what has been a truly phenomenal journey at the ticket windows.

BY SACNILK

Chennai, June 5 - Suriya's latest action drama Karuppu has achieved a major milestone at the global box office by crossing the 300 crore gross mark worldwide. With this feat, the film has become only the 10th Tamil film in history to enter the prestigious club, further cementing Suriya's position among the biggest stars in Tamil cinema. Directed by RJ Balaji, the film has enjoyed a strong theatrical run across domestic and overseas markets since its release. Backed by positive word-of-mouth and solid occupancy in key territories, Karuppu continued to attract audiences well beyond its opening week, helping it surpass the significant 300 crore worldwide benchmark on its 22nd day. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A Landmark Achievement For Suriya The success of Karuppu marks another major box office milestone in Suriya's career. The actor has delivered several critically acclaimed films over the years, but Karuppu now stands as his first 300-crore grosser, beating his previous record holder by more than 2x margin. This has also become the first Tamil film of the year to hit the triple century. The film's performance has been driven by strong collections in Tamil Nadu, where it has topped 150 crores gross collection, while also getting healthy contributions from the rest of India and a blockbuster overseas run. It is the ninth film ever to reach the 150 crore mark in Tamil Nadu, and the first for Suriya to do so. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Joins An Elite Tamil Box Office Club Crossing 300 crore worldwide is a rare achievement for Tamil films. Only a handful of titles have managed to reach the mark, with blockbuster franchises and star-driven spectacles dominating the list. By entering this club, Karuppu joins an elite group of Tamil blockbusters that have set new standards for the industry's global box office potential. With the film still running in theatres, it is interesting to see how much further Karuppu can climb. While the day-wise trend is slowing down, the film still seems to have some gas left before wrapping up its theatrical run with around 310-315 crores worldwide. For now, the film's entry into the ₹300 crore worldwide club stands as a remarkable achievement and another major victory for Tamil cinema on the global stage. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Highest-Grossing Tamil Films Worldwide S. No. Movie Lead Actor(s) Worldwide Gross 1 2 Point 0 Rajinikanth / Akshay Kumar ₹ 691.00 Cr 2 Leo Vijay ₹ 605.90 Cr 3 Jailer Rajinikanth ₹ 604.50 Cr 4 Coolie Rajinikanth ₹ 518.00 Cr 5 Ponniyin Selvan 1 Multistarrer ₹ 488.35 Cr 6 The GOAT Vijay ₹ 457.10 Cr 7 Vikram Kamal Haasan ₹ 414.40 Cr 8 Ponniyin Selvan 2 Multistarrer ₹ 344.65 Cr 9 Amaran Sivakarthikeyan ₹ 333.65 Cr 10 Karuppu Suriya ₹ 300+ Cr As of June 5, 2026.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 2 - Bollywood star Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has set a benchmark that seemed unimaginable when the film was announced. The spy-action blockbuster shattered numerous domestic and worldwide box office records, emerging as one of the biggest Indian films of all time with over 1800 crores worldwide. Dhurandhar 2 is the highest-grossing Indian film worldwide (without China), and it took almost 10 years for a film to break Baahubali 2's record. However, with several mega-budget spectacles lined up over the next couple of years, it is believed that the reign of Dhurandhar 2 could eventually be challenged. Here are five films that have the potential to surpass Dhurandhar 2's historic box office achievements. 1. Ramayana Part 1 (Diwali 2026) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) There is perhaps no Indian film carrying more anticipation than Ramayana Part 1. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and featuring an ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, the film aims to bring one of India's most revered epics to the big screen on an unprecedented scale. The story of Lord Ram has a universal appeal across generations and regions. Combined with cutting-edge visual effects and a massive production budget, Ramayana Part 1 has all the ingredients needed to become a global phenomenon. 2. Varanasi (April 2027) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Among all upcoming films, Varanasi may be the biggest wildcard. Directed by S. S. Rajamouli and starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, the film is reportedly being mounted on a scale rarely seen in Indian cinema. The Rajamouli factor alone makes Varanasi a serious contender. The filmmaker has consistently expanded the box office ceiling with films like Baahubali and RRR. Combined with the cast's worldwide appeal and an ambitious, globe-trotting adventure narrative rooted in Indian mythology, Varanasi is being positioned as a global cinematic event rather than a regular commercial release. 3. Raaka (TBA 2027) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Among the newer contenders, sci-fi actioner Raaka has quickly established itself as one of the biggest upcoming projects. Directed by Atlee and headlined by Allu Arjun, the film is being mounted as a large-scale sci-fi action entertainer with futuristic world-building and extensive visual effects. The film benefits from a dream combination of Atlee's commercial filmmaking expertise and Allu Arjun's massive popularity following the success of the Pushpa franchise. Unlike most Indian blockbusters, Raaka is exploring the relatively untapped sci-fi genre, which gives it a fresh identity in the marketplace. 4. Ramayana Part 2 (Diwali 2027) If Ramayana Part 1 becomes a blockbuster as expected, the second part could operate on an entirely different level. Historically, successful films often witness massive growth with their follow-up instalments. The climactic portions of the Ramayana, including the battle between Lord Ram and Ravana, are among the most celebrated stories in Indian epic. This gives Ramayana Part 2 the potential to become one of the biggest cinematic events in Indian history and possibly surpass every existing box office benchmark. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 5. Kalki Part 2 (TBA 2027/2028) Following the 1000+ crores success, the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD has been one of the most-awaited films with the first film leaving fans on the edge. With Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan set to return, with Sai Pallavi replacing Deepika Padukone, Kalki Part 2 could benefit from both franchise goodwill and heightened audience curiosity. If the sequel successfully expands the scale and emotional stakes, it has the potential to become a worldwide box office juggernaut. Can These Films Really Surpass Dhurandhar 2? Breaking the records of Dhurandhar 2 will not be easy. The film benefited from exceptional word-of-mouth, repeat viewership, strong overseas performance, and massive pan-India appeal. However, Ramayana Part 1, Ramayana Part 2, Kalki Part 2, Varanasi, and Raaka represent a new generation of event cinema designed specifically for the theatrical experience. Each of these films possesses the scale, star power, and anticipation required to generate historic numbers. If exucation is right, then sky is the limit for these titles at the box office.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, May 26 - Director Aditya Dhar's spy action thriller Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge have changed the game for Indian cinema in this genre. Grounded espionage and raw action are the core of the blockbuster franchise. Ranveer Singh's gritty performance as deep-cover agent Jaskirat Singh Rangi set a new gold standard for realistic Indian spy thrillers. If you love complex, chapter-based plots, tense standoffs, and nation-first narratives, these five Indian spy masterpieces will keep you on the edge of your seat. While Dhurandhar has definitely set the bar super high, these five films have been the gold standard in this genre. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Baby (2015) Where to Watch - JioHotstar, YouTube (rent) Directed by Neeraj Pandey, Baby is about an elite, unnamed Indian counter-intelligence team that sets out on a ticking-clock mission to track down a terrorist group and eliminate dangerous sleeper cells. Starring Akshay Kumar as lead agent Ajay Singh Rajput, alongside Rana Daggubati and Taapsee Pannu, the film opts for hyper-realistic action, gritty international locations, and a raw, professional look at the gruelling reality of spy work. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Madras Cafe (2013) Where to Watch - Prime Video, YouTube (rent), Apple TV This political thriller is directed by Shoojit Sircar and features John Abraham as the lead agent and Nargis Fakhri as an international journalist. In the movie, an Indian army special forces officer is recruited by the intelligence wing to infiltrate a war-torn island and break up a powerful rebel force. It feels almost like a documentary, exploring the dark, heavy realities of real-world spy craft. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) D-Day (2013) Where to Watch - Prime Video, MX Player, YouTube Directed by Nikkhil Advani, the film focuses on a highly secret, four-member R&AW team that infiltrates Pakistan to capture and bring back "Goldman," India's most wanted criminal mastermind. The film boasts a powerhouse cast including Arjun Rampal (who also stars in Dhurandhar), Rishi Kapoor, Irfan Khan, and Huma Qureshi. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Vishwaroopam (2013) Where to Watch - JioHotstar A seemingly effeminate Kathak dance teacher in New York is hunted by the FBI, only to reveal he is a highly lethal, top-tier Indian intelligence agent tracking a global terror network. Written, directed, and led by cinema legend Kamal Haasan, the movie also stars Rahul Bose and Pooja Kumar. It mirrors Dhurandhar's massive global scope, explosive hand-to-hand combat choreography, and clever use of shifting secret identities to outsmart dangerous adversaries. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Raazi (2018) Where to Watch - Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV On the eve of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, a young, untrained Kashmiri girl is married into a high-ranking Pakistani military family to serve as a deep-cover spy. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, this critically acclaimed film stars Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal in lead roles. The film explores the heavy emotional weight of patriotism and the terrifying fear of operating behind enemy lines.

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Tamil Nadu's theatrical landscape just witnessed a major policy shift that is being hailed as a life-saving move for the film industry. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, known to his fans as Thalapathy, has officially issued a government order (GO) permitting all cinema halls across the state to screen five shows daily. This landmark decision marks a significant departure from the decades-old regulations that limited daily screenings to four shows. What has changed with the new order? The directive, issued on May 25, 2026, officially amends the Tamil Nadu Cinema Theatres (Regulation) Rules, 1957. Under the previous rules, specifically Condition 14-A, theaters were restricted to four shows a day. A fifth special show was only allowed on specific festive occasions and required separate approval from District Collectors or, in the case of Chennai, the Commissioner of Police. With this new amendment, all newly released films are now permitted to have five daily shows for the first seven days of their release. Most importantly, the government has removed the requirement for theater owners to obtain separate special permission or wait for a specific G.O. to be issued for these shows. This flexibility also extends to all weekends, public holidays, and local festival days throughout the year. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A Direct Result of Industry Outreach This pro-cinema move follows a key meeting on May 16, 2026, where industry representatives met CM Vijay to present a charter of demands aimed at reviving the theatrical business. Just days later, industry veteran Kamal Haasan also met the Chief Minister, presenting a memorandum that highlighted the need for more daily screenings and a government-backed anti-piracy wing. By fast-tracking this specific demand, the CM has sent a clear signal that his administration is committed to the growth of Kollywood. Industry stakeholders have been quick to welcome the news. Exhibitors have noted that this change will help curb the demand that often leads to unauthorized early morning shows and will significantly boost the opening-week collections of big-ticket films. For theater owners, who have been battling the rapid shift toward OTT platforms, the ability to run an extra show without administrative hurdles provides much-needed operational relief. Analytical trends suggest that for a standard multiplex or single screen, adding a fifth show can increase daily revenue capacity by nearly 20 to 25 percent during peak demand periods. This move is expected to have a cascading effect on the box office records of upcoming releases, as the increased show count naturally expands the ceiling for Day 1 and opening weekend numbers. As Tamil cinema enters this more flexible era of exhibition, the focus now shifts to how the industry will utilize this extra capacity to battle piracy and bring audiences back to the big screen.

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Dhanush fans have been eagerly waiting for the next update on his gritty action thriller, Kara, and the news is finally here. Following its theatrical release earlier this year, the film is now set to reach a much wider audience through its digital debut. Directed by Vignesh Raja, who previously impressed everyone with the investigative thriller Por Thozhil, Kara brought together a powerhouse combination of Dhanush's intense performance and the high production values of Kamal Haasan's RKFI. The buzz surrounding the film was significant from the start, especially with Kamal Haasan producing it under a massive budget of 135 Crores. Where and when to stream Kara on OTT? After completing its theatrical window, the makers have locked in the digital premiere. Netflix has officially secured the digital streaming rights for the film in a deal reported to be around 50 Crores. Kara is scheduled to start streaming on Netflix from May 28, 2026. To cater to Dhanush's massive pan-India following, the platform will release the film in its original Tamil version along with dubbed versions in Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada. This move to Netflix on May 28 allows viewers across the country to experience this period heist thriller on their screens. What is the story of Kara? The film is a unique heist thriller set in 1991 against the realistic backdrop of the Gulf War fuel crisis. The narrative follows Karasaami, popularly known as Kara, a reformed thief who returns to his village in Ramanathapuram after years. His plan is simple: sell his ancestral land to fund his dream of opening a canteen with his wife. However, he quickly discovers that his village is being strangled by a corrupt rural bank manager and a ruthless police officer who exploit the farmers through predatory debt cycles. This discovery forces Kara to return to his criminal roots, leading to a high-stakes, realistic heist aimed at reclaiming the villagers’ mortgaged assets and delivering justice. If we look at the financial performance, Kara's run has been a mix of steady collections and heavy production costs. While the 135 Crore budget puts it in the flop category theatrically, the film has remarkably managed to become the 6th highest-grossing Tamil movie of all time so far this year(in terms of collection). As of day 26(4th Monday) it secured a worldwide gross of ₹53.68Cr(approx), showing consistent interest from the audience despite the high stakes. A significant portion of this success came from the international markets, where a strong overseas performance helped provide a much-needed cushion to the domestic totals. Kara: Total Box Office Collection (As of Day 26 Approx) CATEGORY COLLECTION (INR) India Net Collection ₹ 37.53 Cr India Gross Collection ₹ 43.18 Cr Overseas Collection ₹ 10.50 Cr Worldwide Total ₹ 53.68 Cr Kara: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is Kara a hit or a flop? Kara is technically a Box Office Flop when compared to its high budget of 135 Crores. However, it ranks as the 6th highest-grossing Tamil film of 2026 in terms of total gross volume, collecting over 53.68 Crores worldwide. Where to stream Kara on OTT? The film will be available for streaming exclusively on Netflix in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada versions. Who is the director of Kara? The film is directed by Vignesh Raja, the director known for the critically acclaimed 2023 thriller Por Thozhil. What is the OTT release date for Kara? The confirmed OTT release date for Kara is May 28, 2026, nearly four weeks after its theatrical debut.

BY SACNILK

Chennai, May 23 - Tamil superstar Suriya has scripted a historic box office milestone with Karuppu as the fantasy action drama has crossed the massive 100 crore gross mark in Tamil Nadu alone. Directed by RJ Balaji, the film is continuing its sensational theatrical run and has emerged as the biggest blockbuster of Suriya's career. Released on May 14, Karuppu opened to strong word-of-mouth among the mass audience and family viewers, which helped the film maintain extraordinary momentum through weekdays as well. On its second Saturday (9th day), the film topped 100 crores gross in the state, becoming the first film of Suriya to achieve the feat. It's 9 days Tamil Nadu gross stands at an estimated 102 crores. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Produced by Dream Warrior Pictures, the movie has also become the first Tamil film this year to cross the 100 crore mark in Tamil Nadu. Karuppu crossed the 200 crore gross milestone worldwide within just eight days of release, becoming the first Tamil film of 2026 to achieve the feat. After 9 days, the total worldwide gross of the movie stands at around 217+ crores. In India, Karuppu has minted around 155 crores gross, marching towards the 200 crores milestone. The overseas markets have also contributed heavily to the film's blockbuster total, with 9 days' estimated gross around 62+ crores. But today's story is all about the film topping 100 crores gross in the home state, putting him in the league of superstars. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In the history of Tamil cinema, only superstar Rajinikanth, along with Thalapathy Vijay, Ajith Kumar, Kamal Haasan, and Sivakarthikeyan, have managed to score 100 crores gross in Tamil Nadu. Chiyaan Vikram and Karthi also have 100 crore grossers in the form of legendary Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan 1 and Ponniyin Selvan 2. With Karuppu now joining the elite club, 24 films so far have managed to enter the 100 crores club in the Southern state, with Suriya starrer being the 24th title to do so. Thalapathy Vijay has the highest number of films in the club with 8 titles, followed by Rajiniakanth with five films, and Ajith Kumar has four films. Starring Suriya alongside Trisha Krishnan, the film blends mythology, fantasy, and mass action elements, which have resonated strongly with audiences across Tamil Nadu and other regions. Directed by RJ Balaji, the movie has received praise for its scale, emotional depth, and powerful theatrical moments. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Actors With 100 Crore Films In Tamil Nadu (Lead Role) S. No. Actor No. Of 100 Crore Films 1 Vijay 8 2 Rajinikanth 5 3 Ajith Kumar 4 4 Vikram / Karthi / Jayam Ravi 2 5 Kamal Haasan 1 6 Sivakarthikeyan 1 7 Prabhas 1 8 Yash 1 9 Suriya 1

BY SACNILK

Chennai, May 20 - Director RJ Balaji's Karuppu is marching on its way to the 100 crores club at the Tamil Nadu box office after extending the double-digit streak to its first Tuesday. The movie has been on a roll since its release in May 15, and after the excellent weekend, it continues its solid performance in the weekdays with minimal drops. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Starring superstar Suriya, Karuppu opened to 11.25 crores gross in Tamil Nadu, followed by massive growth over Saturday and Sunday to end the opening weekend at 48.50 crores gross in the state. Since the word of mouth has been super positive, the trade was anticipating a regular drop on Monday, but the film stunned by scoring bigger than the opening day collection in Tamil Nadu with around 11.30 crores. On Tuesday, the action drama managed to stay in the double-digit club with approximately 10 crores gross, helping its total Tamil Nadu gross to reach around 70 crores in 5 days. It is now certain to enter the 100 crores club in the state, and it is expected to achieve this feat in the second weekend itself, to become the first film of Suriya to do so. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Karuppu Day-Wise Gross Collection In Tamil Nadu Day 1 - 11.25 Cr Approx. Day 2 - 17.00 Cr Approx. Day 3 - 20.25 Cr Approx. Day 4 - 11.30 Cr Approx. Day 5 - 10.00 Cr Approx. In the history of Tamil cinema, only superstar Rajinikanth, along with Thalapathy Vijay, Ajith Kumar, Kamal Haasan, and Sivakarthikeyan, have managed to score 100 crores gross in Tamil Nadu. Chiyaan Vikram and Karthi also have 100 crore grossers in the form of legendary Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan 1 and Ponniyin Selvan 2. It has been a long wait for Suriya, who once dominated the box office in the 2010s, to have a film in the prestigious club. As of now, 23 films have managed to enter the 100 crores club in the Southern state, and Karuppu will be the 24th title to do so. Thalapathy Vijay has the highest number of films in the club with 8 titles, followed by Rajiniakanth with five films, and Ajith Kumar has four films. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Actors With 100 Crore Films In Tamil Nadu (Lead Role) S. No. Actor No. Of 100 Crore Films 1 Vijay 8 2 Rajinikanth 5 3 Ajith Kumar 4 4 Vikram / Karthi / Jayam Ravi 2 5 Kamal Haasan 1 6 Sivakarthikeyan 1 7 Prabhas 1 8 Yash 1