BY SACNILK

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

BY SACNILK

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

BY SACNILK

The landscape of Indian cinema is preparing for what could be its most monumental theatrical event yet. Nitesh Tiwari's mythological epic, Ramayana, has remained a constant subject of fascination since its announcement. In a significant development for the film's domestic prospects, Variety India has exclusively reported that Karan Johar's Dharma Productions has officially secured the Indian distribution rights for this ambitious project. The deal comes after a rigorous selection process by producer Namit Malhotra, the CEO of DNEG and Founder of Prime Focus. To find the right partner for a project of this scale, Malhotra reportedly showcased an edited 30-minute footage of the film to several major studios. The visual spectacle and craftsmanship shown in this sneak peek reportedly left Dharma Productions impressed, leading to deep negotiations. While initial discussions for the distribution rights were said to have started at a staggering ₹500 crore, the deal was eventually finalized at ₹250 crore. This partnership ensures that the film will benefit from Dharma’s extensive reach and marketing expertise across the Indian market. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While Dharma Productions handles the domestic front, the film's global footprint is equally impressive. Warner Bros. Pictures has been brought on board to distribute the first installment overseas, marking a rare collaboration between a major Hollywood studio and an Indian mythological epic for a Diwali release. This dual distribution strategy highlights the producer's vision to position Ramayana not just as a national event, but as a global cinematic milestone. The project boasts one of the most high-profile pan-India ensembles ever assembled. Ranbir Kapoor leads the cast as Lord Rama, with Sai Pallavi portraying Goddess Sita and Yash taking on the role of the formidable Ravana. The supporting cast is equally star-studded, featuring Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The wider cast includes industry veterans and popular stars like Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, and Arun Govil—who famously played Rama in the original television series—now appearing as King Dashrath. The scale of the production is further elevated by its musical score, which is a historic collaboration between Hollywood maestro Hans Zimmer and the legendary AR Rahman. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, known for his work on Dangal and Chhichhore, the film is set to be released in two parts. By focusing on a character-driven narrative supported by world-class visual effects from DNEG, the production aims to bring a fresh yet faithful perspective to the timeless epic. With the distribution partners now locked in both locally and internationally, the path is clear for Ramayana to dominate the theatrical space when it arrives this Diwali.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 30 - The anticipation surrounding Ramayana: Part 1 has reached a new high as the Ranbir Kapoor-led magnum opus has become IMDb's most anticipated Indian movie of the remainder of 2026. The ambitious epic has topped IMDb's popularity charts, underlining the massive excitement among audiences worldwide ahead of its release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana features an ensemble cast including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, Yash as Lankesh, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey and Laxman. The film is envisioned as a large-scale cinematic adaptation of the ancient Indian epic and is being mounted as a two-part saga with world-class visual effects and production scale. According to Variety India, the 20 most anticipated Indian films ranking was compiled from page views logged by IMDb's more than 250 million monthly visitors between January 1 and June 28, covering Indian films with confirmed theatrical or streaming releases in the second half of the year. The list also includes YRF's Alpha (number 2), Yash's Toxic (number 3), Shah Rukh Khan's King (at 4), and Dhamaal 4 (at 5). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The buzz around Ramayana Part 1 intensified after the makers unveiled the first glimpse earlier this year, with audiences praising the grandeur, visuals, and Ranbir Kapoor's striking transformation as Lord Rama. Since then, fans have been eagerly waiting for a full-fledged trailer announcement. Adding to the excitement, reports revealed that the makers are planning to unveil the official first trailer of the epic at a massive event in Los Angeles on July 14. The film has already garnered significant international attention, especially due to the collaboration between Oscar-winning composers Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman, who are jointly working on the film's music and background score. The combination of Indian epic with global cinematic storytelling has made the project one of the most talked-about Indian films in recent years. The film is scheduled to release this Diwali, with the second part coming on Diwali 2027. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) IMDb’s Most Anticipated Indian Movies of 2026 Rank Movie Language Release Date 1 Ramayana: Part 1 Hindi Diwali 2026 2 Alpha Hindi July 3 3 Toxic Kannada/English August 26 4 King Hindi Dec. 24, 2026 5 Dhamaal 4 Hindi July 10 6 Drishyam 3 Hindi October 2 7 Vishwanath & Sons Tamil August 14 8 Mirzapur: The Movie Hindi September 4 9 Haiwaan Hindi September 11 10 Eetha Hindi August 28

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Mumbai, June 20 - Romantic comedies may not dominate Bollywood like they once did, but the genre continues to produce impressive box office openings whenever the combination of star power, music, and youthful storytelling clicks with audiences. From coming-of-age love stories to modern relationship dramas, rom-coms have consistently delivered strong theatrical starts over the years. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Cocktail 2, starring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna, is the latest entrant in the biggest Bollywood rom-com openers at the Indian box office after a good start upon its June 19 release. The sequel opened to an impressive 13.50 crore nett in India, marking one of the strongest starts for the genre in recent years. Here's a look at the top 5 Bollywood rom-com openers in India. 1. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) — 19.45 Crore Nett Ayan Mukerji's Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani remains the benchmark for Bollywood romantic comedies at the box office. Starring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, the coming-of-age entertainer opened to a massive 19.45 crore nett in India back in 2013. The film benefited from exceptional pre-release buzz, hit music, and the hugely popular pairing of Ranbir and Deepika. It eventually went on to become one of Bollywood's biggest blockbusters in the genre and continues to enjoy cult status among audiences. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 2. Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023) — 15.73 Crore Nett Directed by Luv Ranjan, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar delivered a strong opening during the Holi festive period in 2023. Featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, the film mixed relationship drama, comedy, and family emotions with chartbuster songs. TJMM collected 15.73 crore nett on Day 1 and emerged as one of the biggest post-pandemic successes for the rom-com genre. 3. Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017) — 15.25 Crore Nett Despite receiving mixed reviews, Imtiaz Ali's Jab Harry Met Sejal opened well at the Indian box office thanks to the star power of Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma. The urban romantic drama collected 15.25 crore nett on its opening day in 2017. While the film couldn't sustain momentum over the long run, its initial numbers highlighted Shah Rukh Khan's pull in the romantic genre. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 4. Cocktail 2 (2026) — 13.50 Crore Nett Fourteen years after the original Cocktail became a cult favourite, Cocktail 2 has revived the franchise with a fresh cast and contemporary relationship drama. Starring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna, the film opened to an estimated 13.50 crore nett in India. The sequel's stylish visuals, strong music album, and urban multiplex appeal contributed significantly to its opening numbers. It is believed that the nostalgia attached to the original film, along with popular fresh casting, played a major role in driving audience interest. With this opening, Cocktail 2 has officially secured its place among Bollywood’s biggest rom-com openers. The film is expected to put up a good weekend domestically. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 5. 2 States (2014) — 12.40 Crore Nett Based on Chetan Bhagat's bestselling novel, 2 States starred Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in a cross-cultural love story that connected strongly with audiences across India. Released in 2014, the film opened at 12.40 crore nett and later emerged as one of the year's biggest commercial successes. Its relatable family conflicts and emotional storytelling made it especially popular among younger audiences and families alike. Rom-Coms Continue To Hold Box Office Value The strong opening of Cocktail 2 proves that Bollywood romantic comedies still have theatrical potential despite the industry's growing dependence on action spectacles and franchise films. While the genre has evolved over the years, audiences continue to respond to entertaining love stories backed by memorable music, glamorous visuals, and strong lead chemistry. If Cocktail 2 manages to sustain momentum over the weekend, it could emerge as one of the biggest rom-com successes of the post-pandemic era.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 16 - Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor has achieved another major milestone in his career by securing a place in TIME magazine's prestigious 100 Most Influential People list for 2026. The actor emerged as the only Indian film star featured on this year's global list, marking a significant moment for Indian cinema on the international stage. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) TIME magazine recognised Ranbir Kapoor for his growing influence in global entertainment, his powerful performances, and his contribution to redefining contemporary Indian cinema. The recognition comes after the massive success of films like Animal and the worldwide anticipation surrounding his upcoming epic Ramayana. Actor Ayushmann Khurrana penned a heartfelt tribute for Kapoor in the magazine, describing him as "a symbol of the evolving India — rooted in emotion, yet fearless in ambition." He praised Ranbir's ability to balance commercial success with meaningful storytelling, calling him one of the most versatile actors of his generation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Over the years, Ranbir Kapoor has built a reputation for delivering critically acclaimed performances in films such as Rockstar, Barfi!, Sanju, and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. His ability to portray emotionally layered characters has earned him both audience admiration and industry respect. Ranbir Kapoor's inclusion in the TIME 100 list reflects the growing global recognition of Indian cinema and its artists. As Bollywood continues to expand its international reach, Kapoor's achievement stands as a proud moment for the Indian entertainment industry. With several ambitious projects lined up for the future, Ranbir Kapoor's influence appears set to grow even further, solidifying his position as one of India's most impactful cinematic voices.

BY SACNILK

The Indian film industry was bracing itself for one of the biggest box office face-offs in recent memory, but it looks like a major collision has been averted. We are talking about the upcoming historical epic, The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, starring Kantara fame Rishab Shetty. Reports are now circulating that the makers have decided to push back their release to avoid a direct confrontation with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's star-studded Love and War. This move is being viewed as a strategic decision to ensure both high-profile projects get the breathing room they deserve at the box office. The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is being mounted on a massive scale, marking the directorial debut of producer Sandeep Singh. To bring the 17th-century battle sequences to life, the production is reportedly utilizing international technical talent and heavy visual effects. The musical side of the project is equally ambitious, with Pritam composing the score and Prasoon Joshi handling the lyrics. With a supporting cast that includes Shefali Shah and Zanai Bhosle, the film is clearly aiming for a grand pan-Indian impact across multiple languages including Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and Malayalam. While an official announcement is still awaited, the decision to postpone makes a lot of sense when you look at the calendars of the stars involved. Rishab Shetty is currently tied up with the highly anticipated Prasanth Varma's Jai Hanuman in the pipeline. Filming for the Shivaji biopic is expected to start in earnest only after he completes his prior commitments. By moving the date, the makers can ensure that Rishab is fully available for the demanding physical role of the legendary Maratha ruler. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On the other side of the potential clash, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War is already eyeing the lucrative four-day Republic Day weekend in early 2027. That film carries immense weight with a lead cast featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. The industry is also mindful of the other major projects these actors have lined up. Ranbir Kapoor will be seen in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Part One in late 2026, while Vicky Kaushal is committed to Mahavatar. Spacing out these tentpole releases is a smart move for everyone involved, especially for a project as significant as a biopic on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. By reportedly opting out of the early 2027 slot, the makers of the Shivaji biopic are avoiding what could have been a catastrophic split in the pan-Indian audience. A historical epic of this magnitude requires a clear window to maximize its box office potential across all regions. While we wait for the new official release date, it is clear that the production team is prioritizing the quality of the film and a clean theatrical window over a rushed release.

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 29 - Over the years, Indian cinema has explored only a handful of sports biopics, especially based on cricketers. Films like MS Dhoni: The Untold Story and 83 managed to leave a strong impact on audiences, making fans curious about which sporting icon could get the next big-screen adaptation. Amid such discussions, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh had once revealed which Bollywood actor he would want to portray him in a biopic. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Interestingly, while fans often suggested names like Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh because of their versatility and screen presence, Harbhajan had a completely different choice in mind. Back in 2024, the former cricketer revealed that Vicky Kaushal would be the ideal actor to play him if his life story was ever adapted for the big screen. He also stated that Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh could also fit in for her role. Speaking during an interaction, Harbhajan explained that Vicky Kaushal understands the Punjabi spirit and personality very well, making him a natural fit for the role. The former spinner also mentioned that both of them belong to the same region and speak the same language, which would help the actor connect with the character more authentically. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Harbhajan Singh's journey certainly has all the ingredients of a compelling sports drama. From becoming the first Indian bowler to take a Test hat-trick to playing crucial roles in India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs, the off-spinner enjoyed a remarkable cricketing career filled with unforgettable moments. The former cricketer had also stated that he was working on his biography, which could eventually pave the way for a film adaptation. According to Harbhajan, stories of sportspersons inspire youngsters by showing how dedication, hard work, and determination can help someone rise from humble beginnings to achieve greatness. Vicky Kaushal has already impressed audiences with his performances in films based on real-life personalities, including Sam Bahadur and Sardar Udham. His ability to portray emotionally intense and layered characters is one of the major reasons why many fans agreed with Harbhajan's casting choice. Meanwhile, the biopic of legandary cricketer Sourav Ganguly is already in the works with Rajkumar Rao in the lead.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, May 23 - Producer Namit Malhotra is reportedly planning a major release strategy for the highly-awaited epic Ramayana: Part 1, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash. The makers are said to be contemplating preponing the film's release to maximise its box office potential during the festive season. According to the report by Bollywood Hungama, the Nitesh Tiwari-directed magnum opus is now eyeing an October 30, 2026, theatrical release, which is a week before the Diwali festivities. The strategy is said to be aimed at allowing the film to build strong word-of-mouth before the extended holiday period kicks in, potentially resulting in a massive second-week surge at the box office. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Initially planned for a Diwali 2026 release, the makers reportedly believe that arriving a week earlier could give the film a longer uninterrupted run during the festive season, given that no other major release will be released during this time. The report further states that internal discussions regarding the revised date are currently underway, and a final decision will be taken once the distribution negotiations are locked. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, and Yash as Ravana. The film also features Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Laxman, along with others. Mounted on a gigantic scale by Prime Focus Studios and Monster Mind Creations, the project is being positioned as one of the most ambitious Indian films ever made. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Recently, it was also reported that the makers are in talks for a massive theatrical distribution deal worth around 450 crore, highlighting the enormous expectations surrounding the film. Given the scale, visual ambition, and star cast, trade experts expect the film to emerge as one of the biggest box office events in Indian cinema history. The buzz around the film has been consistently growing ever since the first official glimpses and casting confirmations surfaced online. While the October 30 release date is yet to be officially announced by the makers, the latest developments indicate that the team is actively exploring the possibility of arriving earlier than originally planned to fully capitalise on the festive window.

BY SACNILK

The anticipation for Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana is building up as we head toward the Diwali 2026 release. Since it is being called the most expensive Indian film ever made, it is already a massive topic in the trade circles. Variety India has exclusively reported that the discussions for the domestic distribution rights are heating up, with the country's top distribution houses now competing to secure a deal for this epic project. Variety India has revealed that major players like Dharma Productions, AA Films, and Pen Studios are currently in talks with producer Namit Malhotra. However, what has truly sent shockwaves through the industry is the staggering asking price. Reports suggest that the producers are seeking a record-breaking 450 crore rupees for the Hindi theatrical distribution rights alone. To put this into perspective, the current record for a Hindi film distribution deal belongs to Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming film King, which was recently acquired for approximately 250 crore. If Namit Malhotra secures even 300 or 400 crore, it would set a massive new benchmark that the industry has never seen before. While distributors like Anil Thadani and Jayantilal Gada are reportedly urging for a more commercially viable price, the producers seem firm on their valuation. Their confidence stems from the film's unprecedented scale and a star-studded cast featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Yash as Ravana, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. Trade experts are already projecting a historic box office run, with some estimating a domestic net collection between 1,000 and 1,500 crore, and a potential worldwide gross exceeding 2,500 crore rupees. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Aside from the theatrical side, there are several reports about how the makers plan to handle the digital and satellite rights for this epic. It is being reported that producer Namit Malhotra has already turned down a 700 crore offer from Netflix for the combined rights of both parts. Instead, the goal is said to be a landmark deal touching 1,000 crore for the digital rights alone. There is also talk of following a phased strategy, much like the team behind the recent blockbuster Dhurandhar. This would mean selling the rights for Part 1 first to see how it performs before closing a deal for the second part. The logic here seems to be that digital sales should recover about 25 percent of the massive investment, with the remaining budget being covered through theatrical, satellite, and music rights. The global ambitions for Ramayana are equally massive. Rumors suggest that in a first for an Indian production, Warner Bros. might handle the distribution in the USA and Canada, while the China Film Group could oversee the promotion in China. Allegedly, the makers are targeting a global footprint of over 42,000 screens with dubs in more than 45 languages. With a total production budget for the two-part saga estimated at a mind-boggling 4,000 crore rupees, the scale of this project is unlike anything Indian cinema has ever attempted. As the industry waits for the next promotional asset to be unveiled, the negotiations are expected to resume with even more intensity. Whether the distributors agree to the 450 crore tag remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Ramayana is being positioned as a global event that aims to rewrite every record in the book. If these reported numbers hold true, we are looking at a high-stakes gamble that could change the economics of Indian filmmaking forever.

BY SACNILK

Vicky Kaushal is currently navigating one of the most significant phases of his career, lining up back-to-back large-scale spectacles. Following the immense anticipation surrounding Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War, the actor is now gearing up for another ambitious project in the form of Maddock Films' upcoming mythological epic, Mahavatar. Directed by Amar Kaushik, the film is set to see Vicky in a role that demands an unprecedented level of commitment and physical transformation. According to an exclusive report by Pinkvilla, the actor has blocked a total of 18 months exclusively for this project, signaling the massive scale and depth of the upcoming production. The timeline for Mahavatar begins immediately after Vicky concludes his work on Bhansali's Love and War. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, is preparing for a crucial 50-day schedule starting in May 2026. Bhansali aims to wrap the film by the end of June 2026, targeting a high-profile theatrical release on January 21, 2027. Once the cameras stop rolling for Love and War, Vicky is slated to dive straight into an intensive six-month preparatory module for Mahavatar starting in June 2026. This preparatory phase is designed to be a comprehensive training program. It includes a rigorous physical transformation aimed at bulking up the actor's physique to match the mythological scale of the character, alongside a series of acting workshops. Amar Kaushik has reportedly designed a detailed module that focuses not only on the physical aspects but also on the psychological and emotional journey of the character. This deep-dive preparation is essential as Vicky is set to portray Chiranjeevi Parashurama, a figure known for immense strength and spiritual depth in Indian history. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The actual filming of Mahavatar is slated to commence in January 2027. The production is looking at an extensive one-year shooting schedule that is expected to wrap up by December 2027. During this entire period, Vicky Kaushal has consciously decided not to take up any other professional assignments. By dedicating his full attention to Mahavatar, the actor aims to maintain consistency in his performance and look, treating the film as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. While there is a slight possibility of a small project being squeezed in before January 2027, it remains contingent on his prep timeline and physical state. The buzz around Mahavatar has been exceptionally high since the release of its first-look poster, which showcased a fierce and unrecognizable Vicky Kaushal as Parashurama. Coming from the stable of Maddock Films, which has recently found immense success with its supernatural and horror-comedy universe through films like Stree and Munjya, this foray into the mythological space represents a bold new direction for the studio and director Amar Kaushik. With Vicky’s total immersion into the role and the backing of a proven director-producer duo, Mahavatar is being positioned as one of the most significant cinematic events of 2027.