BY SACNILK

Rishab Shetty recently shared some key updates regarding his upcoming films, and the biggest news for fans is the official confirmation of Kantara Chapter 2. While the franchise has already seen massive success with its first two installments, Shetty clarified that he is already in the writing stage for this third film. This update comes just as his birthday celebrations concluded, providing a clear roadmap for where the Kantara universe is headed next while he balances a very demanding acting schedule. The progression of this franchise has been nothing short of legendary. To put things into perspective, the original Kantara released in 2022 was an unexpected phenomenon, earning a total India net of ₹309.64 Cr and a worldwide gross of ₹407.82 Cr. However, the 2025 prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1, took things to a completely different level. That film shattered records with an India net of ₹622.48 Cr and a worldwide gross of ₹852.36 Cr, effectively doubling the reach of the franchise and cementing its status as an all-time blockbuster. With such high stakes, Shetty has revealed that he is already working with a dedicated team of writers to ensure the next chapter meets these massive expectations. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Beyond the world of Kantara, Rishab Shetty has a very demanding acting schedule that requires him to be extremely disciplined with his time. He clarified that he will not be multitasking or overlapping his projects because of the drastic physical transformations required for each role. His immediate focus will be on Jai Hanuman, the high-profile superhero film directed by Prashanth Varma. Once that is completed, he will move on to the historical epic, The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Each of these roles requires a distinct look that he needs to maintain, which explains why he is taking a one-film-at-a-time approach. One of the most inspiring parts of his recent statements revolves around his commitment to his roots. While there is often a discussion about building a central film city in Bengaluru, Shetty has taken a different route by creating a cinema village in his hometown, Keradi. This location served as the primary backdrop for the first Kantara and was expanded significantly during the production of Chapter 1. By developing this local infrastructure, he is not just making films but also creating a sustainable ecosystem for storytelling within his own community. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Rishab Shetty admitted that direction provides him with a sense of peace and happiness that he cannot stay away from for long. Even as he prepares for massive acting assignments in 2027 and 2028, his mind remains focused on the creative development of Kantara Chapter 2. Given the franchise's track record of turning local stories into global sensations, the industry is watching closely. With Chapter 1 having already crossed the ₹850 Cr mark worldwide, the next installment will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated Indian films in the coming years.

BY SACNILK

Rishab Shetty is currently at a peak in his career, especially after his National Award win for Kantara. If you have been following his upcoming line-up, it is clear that he is moving toward massive, high-budget epics. According to a report by Variety India, his highly anticipated historical project, The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has now seen a major change in its production strategy. Originally planned as a single film, the makers have decided to expand the story into a two-part theatrical saga. This expansion is not just about the length of the story but also the sheer scale of the production. Variety India has revealed that the film is being mounted on a massive budget of over ₹500 crore. This puts it among the most expensive historical dramas ever produced in Indian cinema. The vision behind splitting the film into two chapters is to capture the vast legacy and defining moments of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with the detail they deserve. The current plan is to release the first chapter in 2028, with the second chapter following closely in 2029. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Director Sandeep Singh is aiming for a high level of authenticity, with a significant portion of the filming expected to take place across Maharashtra. This is where the Maratha kingdom was established, and the team wants to bring those historical sites to life on the big screen. However, fans will have to wait a bit longer for cameras to start rolling. Rishab Shetty is first expected to complete his work on Jai Hanuman, directed by Prashanth Varma, which is slated for a 2027 release. Once his commitments for that film are over, he will fully transition into the role of the legendary Maratha ruler. The scale of this project marks a significant moment for Hindi-language cinema as well, as it is being positioned as one of the most ambitious interpretations of Shivaji Maharaj's life. While the Maratha ruler has been the subject of many films over the years, the ₹500 crore budget and the two-part structure suggest that this version will be on a different level entirely. The first look of Rishab Shetty in this role has already created a lot of conversation online, and the official confirmation of this revised release strategy has only added to the anticipation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Beyond the budget and the scale, there has also been a lot of discussion regarding a potential box office clash that has now been averted. Earlier reports suggested that the film might go head-to-head with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly anticipated Love and War. However, by moving the release of the first chapter to 2028, the makers have effectively avoided a massive confrontation. This shift is being seen as a calculated strategic move to ensure that both projects have enough breathing room at the box office. By choosing a solo window, the production team aims to maximize screen counts and audience reach, preventing two of Indian cinema’s biggest titles from eating into each other’s revenue. As of now, the technical crew and the rest of the supporting cast are yet to be officially announced. With Jai Hanuman in 2027 and the two parts of the Shivaji saga in 2028 and 2029, Rishab Shetty's schedule for the next few years is officially packed with some of the biggest films in the country.

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

Bengaluru, March 28 - All is not seem to be well between the Kantara: Chapter 1 team and actor Rishab Shetty, whose recent Instagram activities have ignited a wave of speculations among fans. Released last year, the film was a huge hit, grossing over 800 crores worldwide, and became one of the highest-grossing films of 2025. Over the last few weeks, there have been rumours that things are not good between the makers. According to reports, Rishab Shetty recently unfollowed the Kantara production house, Hombale Films, on Instagram, even though he continues to follow the studio head, Vijay Kiragandur. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Now, the actor has also allegedly unfollowed Kantara: Chapter 1 actress Rukmini Vasanth on the platform. While there is no official confirmation out yet, the recent social media activities hint that all is now well between them. However, it is worth mentioning that there are no such reports of misconduct on the film's set and outside it. About Kantara: Chapter 1 Film Directed and headlined by Rishab Shetty, Kantara Chapter 1 is the prequel to the 2022 film Kantara. The story delves deeper into the origins of the tradition and ancestral conflict introduced in the first film. Despite the release of the predecessor, this film is considered to be the first chapter of the franchise. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film stars Rishab Shetty in four roles as Berme, Mayakara, Annappa and Kaadubettu Shiva, along with Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth, and Gulshan Devaiah. It is the second-highest-grossing Kannada movie of all-time, with the worldwide gross collection of 852 crores, which is more than 2x of the first film, which itself is a massive blockbuster. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Following the massive global success of the 2024 mythological superhero hit HanuMan, director Prasanth Varma is moving forward with the next chapter of his cinematic universe. While fans have been waiting for official confirmation, recent reports suggest that the much-anticipated sequel, Jai Hanuman, is preparing for a grand launch event. According to industry buzz, the film is reportedly set to be launched on February 22, 2026, in the historic town of Hampi, a location that perfectly aligns with the film's spiritual and mythological themes. The sequel has generated immense curiosity, especially regarding its casting. It is reported that Kantara star Rishab Shetty will be essaying the central role of Lord Hanuman, a move that has already excited the audience. Furthermore, filmmaker Prasanth Varma is said to have completed the scripting and extensive pre-production work for the project. While the makers are yet to release an official statement, the filming for this big-budget spectacle is likely to begin in April 2026, once the grand launch formalities are concluded. The massive anticipation for Rishab Shetty's portrayal is fueled by his historic performance in the 2025 epic Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1.Released on October 2, 2025, the prequel emerged as a global sensation, grossing over ₹850 Crore worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing South Indian film of 2025.Shetty's dual role as a filmmaker and actor—specifically his intense portrayal of a Naga Sadhu—was hailed by critics as a masterclass in mythological storytelling. Having already delivered the second-highest-grossing Kannada film of all time, fans believe Shetty is the perfect choice to bring the divine power of Lord Hanuman to the big screen. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   In addition to Rishab Shetty, the film is rumored to feature Rana Daggubati in a significant role. To maintain the connection with the first installment, reports also indicate that Teja Sajja might make a special appearance, reprising his role from the original HanuMan. By shifting the focus from a human receiving divine powers to the deity himself, Jai Hanuman is expected to be mounted on a much grander scale than the 2024 hit. Given that HanuMan was a massive success across India, expectations for this sequel are exceptionally high. The reported Hampi event and the upcoming April shooting schedule reflect the grand scale at which the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU) is now expanding. As the project moves into its production phase, Jai Hanuman is poised to become a significant pillar in the burgeoning mythological superhero genre, further solidifying the massive interest surrounding this cinematic franchise.

BY SACNILK

The divine roar of the forest has reached the global stage. Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1, the monumental prequel to the 2022 cult hit, has officially entered the Best Picture contending race at the 2026 Oscars (Academy Awards). Produced by Hombale Films and led by the visionary Rishab Shetty, the film continues its journey of Rooted in culture, driven by divinity, bridging the gap between ancient folklore and international prestige. Moving away from the timeline of the first film, Chapter-1 serves as a prequel that explores the historical and mythological genesis of the legend. It delves deeper into the Daiva culture and the sacred relationship between man and nature in coastal Karnataka. By setting the story in an earlier era, the film provides a grander scale and a more intense look at the spiritual heritage that captivated audiences worldwide. Rooted in our culture, driven by divinity.Proud and privileged as #KantaraChapter1 enters the Best Picture contending race at the #Oscars Academy Awards 2026.#KantaraForOscars#Kantara @hombalefilms @KantaraFilm @shetty_rishab @VKiragandur @ChaluveG @rukminitweets… pic.twitter.com/xSCsH28Qjr— Hombale Films (@hombalefilms) January 9, 2026 Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1 has officially rewritten the record books for Kannada cinema, cementing its place as a global phenomenon. Proving once again that deeply rooted, culturally authentic stories possess a universal appeal, the film's financial trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary. Produced on a substantial budget of approximately ₹125 crore, the prequel has far exceeded all commercial expectations, demonstrating the immense power of the Kantara franchise and the vision of Rishab Shetty. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   On the global stage, the film has achieved a monumental milestone, crossing the ₹852.36 crore mark in worldwide gross collections. This massive international footprint is supported by a dominant performance at the domestic box office, where the film amassed a staggering ₹622.48 crore net in India. With a total Return on Investment (ROI) of approximately 400%, the film has officially been declared an All Time Blockbuster, yielding significant profits for Hombale Films and its distributors. One of the most remarkable aspects of its theatrical run is its unprecedented pan-India success.In a rare feat for regional cinema, the Hindi-dubbed version of the film outperformed the original Kannada version, collecting ₹223.79 crore net compared to the ₹200.02 crore earned in its home state. This highlights the film's massive pull in the North Indian markets and its ability to resonate with diverse audiences across the country, transcending language barriers to become a true national tent-pole. This marks a significant moment for Indian regional cinema. Following its strong opening (collecting ₹75 crore in its first weekend) and an exceptionally long theatrical run, the film's transition from a box office titan to an Academy Award contender highlights its artistic depth.The film's sustained momentum and critical acclaim have now propelled it onto the global awards circuit. Combining high-octane storytelling with spiritual depth, the film stands as a benchmark for how regional Indian stories can dominate both the commercial box office and the international stage.

BY SACNILK

The Telugu supernatural thriller Shambhala, starring Aadi Saikumar, is poised for a pan-Indian reach with its upcoming Hindi dubbed release on January 9, 2026. The announcement came as Kantara star Rishab Shetty unveiled the Hindi trailer for the film, adding significant buzz to its North Indian market entry. This move follows the movie's successful theatrical run in its original Telugu version, which hit screens on December 25, 2025. After a grand successful Telugu release. #Shambala releasing in Hindi on 9th Jan’26Unveiling the Hindi trailer - https://t.co/S1IUlDRVJzAll the best to @iamaadisaikumar and the entire team😊@tweets_archana @ugandharmuni #RajasekharAnnabhimoju @ShiningPictures… pic.twitter.com/itnt68GNa2— Rishab Shetty (@shetty_rishab) January 4, 2026 Directed by Ugandhar Muni, Shambhala has been a solid performer at the box office since its Christmas release. The film, produced by Mahidhar Reddy and Rajasekhar Annabhimoju under the Shining Pictures banner, has garnered positive word-of-mouth for its unique blend of science, superstition, and horror. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Shambhala got off to a decent start, collecting ₹1.50 crore net in India on its opening day.The film maintained steady collections through its first week and into the second. After 11 days in theaters, the supernatural thriller had amassed an estimated ₹13.44 crore in India net collections. The movie collected around ₹1.31 crore India net on its eleventh day. Early reports indicated that the film grossed an impressive ₹5.4 crore within its first two days, marking it as the biggest opener of Aadi Saikumar's career. Set in a remote village in the 1980s, the film's plot is triggered by a meteor crash that unleashes a series of inexplicable and terrifying events. Aadi Saikumar plays Vikram, a geoscientist and an atheist, who arrives to investigate the phenomenon. He finds himself in a conflict between scientific reasoning and the deep-rooted superstitions of the villagers, who believe the meteor is an evil omen. The film has been praised for its engaging storyline, atmospheric tension, and Aadi Saikumar's intense performance.The cast also includes Archana Iyer, Swasika Vijay, Ravi Varma, and Madhunandan in pivotal roles.Following its favorable reception in the Telugu states, the producers are optimistic about the film's prospects in the Hindi-speaking market. The Hindi version is set for a theatrical release on January 9, 2026. Initially, there were reports of a January 1st release, but the date has been officially confirmed as the 9th. The involvement of a celebrated actor-director like Rishab Shetty in launching the Hindi trailer is expected to provide a significant boost to the film's visibility and appeal to a wider audience.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, January 2 - Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar has become the highest Bollywood ticket seller on BookMyShow, after beating Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava. The spy actioner continues to rewrite history at the box office and is breaking records with each passing day. Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar has sold 13+ million tickets so far on BMS, beating Chhaava, which sold 12.50+ million tickets on the platform, followed by Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan (12.40+ million) and Maddock's horror comedy Stree 2 (11.15+ million). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The biggest movie on BookMyShow is Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2: The Rule, with nearly 20 million tickets, followed by Kantara Chapter and Dhurandhar. The Ranveer Singh-starrer has still enough legs left to outnumber the Rishab Shetty-starrer to emerge as the number 2 film on the platform. Dhurandhar is racing towards beating Pushpa 2's 810+ crores net collection to become the highest-grossing movie ever in the Hindi language at the domestic box office. The film has so far scored 740 crores (885+ crores gross) in 28 days, as the second biggest grosser. Worldwide, the spy actioner is nearing 1150 crores and is likely to beat Jawan's 1160 crores gross to become the biggest Bollywood blockbuster (without China) by today or tomorrow. Interestingly, it is the only single-language film to enter the 1000 crores club, which speaks a lot about its legendary box office run. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, December 26 - Director Aditya Dhar's spy action thriller Dhurandhar is set to conclude 2025 as the highest-grossing Indian film of the year. Headlined by Ranveer Singh, the film has emerged as one of the biggest Indian blockbusters in recent times, with its rock-solid daily collections continuing to leave both trade and the industry stunned. Dhurandhar is marching towards the coveted 1000-crore milestone at the worldwide box office and shows no signs of slowing down. The film is expected to breach the landmark by its fourth Friday, making it the first Indian film of 2025 and the ninth of all time to enter the elite club. Given the current trends, the spy thriller is likely to end its theatrical run with a staggering lifetime total of over 1200 crores globally. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The second-biggest grosser of the year is Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1, the much-anticipated prequel to his 2022 blockbuster Kantara. The period folk action drama enjoyed a phenomenal run at the box office earlier this year, grossing over 850 crores worldwide. Notably, the prequel earned more than double the lifetime collection of the original film, which had amassed 408 crores during its release. Vicky Kaushal's historical action drama Chhaava, which released in February, secures the third position among the biggest Indian grossers of 2025 with a worldwide collection exceeding 800 crores. The film turned out to be one of the year's most significant blockbusters, comfortably surpassing trade expectations and gaining strong word of mouth across markets. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) At a time when big scale action spectacles are dominating the box office, Yash Raj Films' romantic drama Saiyaara emerged as a surprising standout performer. Featuring two newcomers, Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda, in lead roles, the film grossed close to 600 crores worldwide. It also created history by becoming the highest-grossing Indian romantic drama film of all time. Superstar Rajinikanth's highly awaited gangster action drama Coolie finished the year as the fifth-biggest grosser. However, expectations were significantly higher for the film, which was widely seen as Tamil cinema's strongest contender for a 1000-crore finish. Mixed word of mouth impacted its momentum, resulting in a worldwide gross slightly above the 500-crore mark. S. No. Movie Language Worldwide Gross 1 Dhurandhar Hindi ₹1000+ crore 2 Kantara Chapter 1 Kannada ₹852 crore 3 Chhaava Hindi ₹808 crore 4 Saiyaara Hindi ₹570 crore 5 Coolie Tamil ₹518 crore 6 War 2 Hindi ₹364 crore 7 Mahavatar Narsimha Hindi ₹327 crore 8 Lokah: Chapter 1 - Chandra Malayalam ₹304 crore 9 They Call Him OG Telugu ₹295 crore 10 Housefull 5 Hindi ₹289 crore Data as of December 26

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Mumbai, December 24 - Records keep coming in for Ranveer Singh-fronted Dhurandhar, which has now shattered a major milestone at the global box office. The spy action thriller has become the highest-grossing Indian A-rated film, overtaking Ranbir Kapoor's Animal (2023) on its 20th day. Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar has grossed nearly 950 crores worldwide through the third Wednesday, outgrossing Animal's entire worldwide gross of 915 crores to become the biggest adult-rated Indian title at the global box office. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) It has been a run of a lifetime for Dhurandhar, which continues to defy expectations. Released amid doubts over its box office prospects, the film answered with better than expected opening before turning into a cultural phenomenon. Earlier, it became the biggest Indian grosser of 2025 by beating Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1. Dhurandhar's performance, both domestically and overseas, has been nothing short of remarkable. Its overseas theatrical run has been hugely impressive, as it has become the first Indian movie of the year to top 200 crores worldwide, a milestone only a handful of Indian titles have achieved before. Based on the incredible true events, the film is unlikely to stop anytime soon, despite the increasing competition. It is likely to remain the number 1 film for the fourth consecutive weekend at the Indian box office, a very rare instance which shows the impact of the film over nationwide audience. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, December 22 - Director Aditya Dhar's spy action thriller Dhurandhar has shattered a major record by becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of the year at the overseas box office, beating superstar Rajinikanth's gangster action drama, Coolie. The Ranveer Singh-starrer has been a word-of-mouth sensation, not just in India but also internationally. The film has grossed approximately 186 crores overseas through the third Sunday (17 days), outgrossing Coolie's entire overseas run of 180.50 crores and becoming the number 1 Indian blockbuster. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The trade was bullish on the film, but it didn't expect it to become this big internationally. Dhurandhar started on a decent note, but became a beast after word of mouth spread like wildfire. The film is now heading towards the 200 crore mark and will be the first 200 crore overseas grosser for Ranveer Singh. Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, Dhurandhar is also set to become the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025 at the worldwide box office by today. It has minted 845+ crores gross in 17 days, just behind Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1, which minted around 852 crores gross globally earlier this year. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, December — Director Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar, headlined by Ranveer Singh, has scripted history at the worldwide box office. The high-octane spy action thriller has become the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025 worldwide, outperforming Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 (852 crores gross). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dhurandhar's extraordinary theatrical run has pushed its worldwide gross beyond 850 crore in 17 days, cementing its position at the top of the 2025 box office charts. With robust footfalls in India and a phenomenal response in overseas markets, the film has shown rare consistency, registering strong weekday numbers even after record-breaking weekends. In India, the Aditya Dhar directorial has benefited from repeat audience turnout, backed by extremely positive word of mouth. It has performed exceptionally well in both mass and multiplex centres, and the trend suggests it is unlikely to stop anytime soon. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Overseas, Dhurandhar has delivered one of the strongest performances ever for a Hindi-language action thriller. Markets such as North America, the UK, and Australia have played a crucial role in pushing the film past every other film. It is the highest-grossing Indian title of the year at the overseas box office. The milestone marks a defining moment for actor Ranveer Singh as well as for director Aditya Dhar, whose vision and scale have translated into both critical appreciation and box office dominance. With its sustained run and minimal drop-offs, Dhurandhar is now eyeing the next major benchmark, which is 1000 crores global haul. As 2025 draws to a close, Dhurandhar stands tall as the undisputed box office king of the year, redefining the commercial potential of Indian action cinema on the global stage. With upcoming films unlikely to make this much, Dhurandhar will finish the year as the biggest Indian grosser of the year. Stay tuned...