BY SACNILK

Mumbai, July 10 - Alia Bhatt and Sharvari-starrer Alpha has completed its first week at the Indian box office with a modest 47.50 crore net. The film did decently considering the immense negativity, but it failed to live up to the high expectations YRF Spy Universe has set over the years with blockbuster starts. The Yash Raj Films spy thriller witnessed a decent opening weekend. Still, it could not maintain the momentum during the weekdays, resulting in the lowest first-week total (not surprisingly) among all films in the YRF Spy Universe. Directed by Shiv Rawail, Alpha opened with 9.25 crore net on its first day and showed growth over the weekend. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) However, collections dropped considerably from Monday onwards, with the discounted ticket offer providing only a limited boost. It is going to be tough for Alpha to score going forward due to the new releases and strong holdovers occupying maximum screens, leaving little room for actioner to cover the lost ground. As said, among all seven released films in the YRF Spy Universe, Alpha has registered the lowest first-week collection by a considerable margin. Shah Rukh Khan-led Pathaan continues to hold the record with a phenomenal 350+ crore net in its opening week, while the rest of the films also opened huge. The failure of Alpha could be the final nail in the coffin for the YRF Spy Universe, which has been losing its mojo for the last couple of films. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) YRF Spy Universe First Week India Net Box Office (Hindi) S. No. Movie Year 1st Week India Net 1 Pathaan 2023 ₹351.00 Cr 2 War 2019 ₹228.50 Cr 3 Tiger Zinda Hai 2017 ₹206.00 Cr 4 Tiger 3 2023 ₹183.00 Cr 5 Ek Tha Tiger 2012 ₹154.20 Cr 6 War 2 2025 ₹150.40 Cr 7 Alpha 2026 ₹47.50 Cr Note: Including extended week (Tiger 3 - 5 days)

BY SACNILK

The Yash Raj Films Spy Universe has come a long way since its inception in 2012 with Ek Tha Tiger. Over the last decade, we have seen this franchise evolve from standalone actioners into a massive interconnected cinematic world featuring some of the biggest stars in Indian cinema. While the universe has largely been dominated by male leads like Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, and Shah Rukh Khan, Alpha marks a significant pivot as the first female-led installment. Starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, this film carries the weight of expanding the lore while maintaining the high-octane momentum established by predecessors like Pathaan and Tiger 3. On its sixth day, which was a Wednesday, Alpha earned a net collection of 2.85 crore across India. When we look at this in comparison to the previous day, it represents a 32.9 percent drop from Tuesday's net of 4.25 crore. However, it is important to note that Tuesday's numbers were slightly inflated due to it being a discounted ticket day, which is a common trend in the current exhibition landscape. The film maintained its presence across 7,321 shows on Wednesday, which indicates that exhibitors are still giving it a fair amount of breathing room despite the usual mid-week slump. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Taking a closer look at the cumulative totals, Alpha has reached a total India net collection of 44.95 crore, with the total India gross standing at 53.59 crore. While these figures represent the current standing after six days, they reflect a clear underperformance when considering the massive scale and franchise value of the Spy Universe. For a brand that usually commands much higher footfalls, these numbers indicate that the film is finding it difficult to live up to the high commercial benchmarks set by its predecessors. The audience engagement remains visible on digital platforms as well. On BookMyShow, the film saw 37,390 tickets booked on Wednesday, following a high of 82,920 tickets on Tuesday. This brings the total tickets sold on the platform to approximately 8,02,360 so far. If we break down the performance in national cinema chains like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, the numbers give us a clearer picture of urban audience interest. For the selected day, PVR led the way with roughly 5,000 tickets sold, amounting to a gross of 15 lakh. INOX followed closely with approximately 4,400 tickets and a gross of 10.5 lakh, while Cinepolis contributed about 1,850 tickets with a gross of 4 lakh. In total, these major chains accounted for roughly 11,250 tickets and a combined gross of over 29 lakh. The overall occupancy for the Hindi 2D version stood at 9.79 percent, starting with a lower morning opening of 6 percent and peaking during the night shows at about 12.5 percent. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Regionally, the National Capital Region and Mumbai continue to be the primary drivers for the film. NCR recorded an occupancy of 10.3 percent across 743 shows, while Mumbai followed with 9.5 percent across 549 shows. Other cities like Pune and Ahmedabad also hovered around the 9 percent mark, showing a fairly uniform interest across major metropolitan hubs. This consistency is vital for the film as it heads into its second weekend, where it will need to see a jump in footfalls to sustain its long-term theatrical run. On the global front, the early estimates for the overseas collection stand at 1.50 crore for Day 6, taking the total overseas gross to 21.30 crore. According to data tracked by Venky Box Office, the film earned 119,000 dollars (approx. 1 crore) in North America on Tuesday, bringing its total in that region to 750,000 dollars (approx. 6.25 crore). When we combine the domestic gross of 53.59 crore with the overseas estimates, the total worldwide gross collection for Alpha is approximately 74.89 crore so far. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) To give you some context on these numbers, Alpha has already managed to surpass the lifetime worldwide collection of Alia Bhatt's previous solo-led film, Jigra, within its first six days. For comparison, Jigra ended its run with a worldwide gross of 56.93 crore and an India net of 31.98 crore. By crossing these milestones in less than a week, Alpha has demonstrated the added pull of the Spy Universe brand. The logical next step for the film will be to target the 100 crore worldwide mark as it enters its second week of release.

BY SACNILK

Shah Rukh Khan is known for pushing the boundaries of Indian cinema, and it looks like his upcoming project, King, is set to take that ambition to a whole new level. As the superstar prepares for a major theatrical return, the scale of this collaboration with director Siddharth Anand has become the talk of the town. According to an exclusive report by Bollywood Hungama, King has officially become the most expensive film of Shah Rukh Khan's career, with a staggering budget of approximately ₹450 crore. To put this figure into perspective, it surpasses the production costs of his previous blockbusters. Jawan was produced on a budget of around ₹400 crore, while Pathaan cost roughly ₹350 crore. This massive investment of ₹450 crore for King is solely dedicated to production, excluding print, publicity, and the acting fees for Shah Rukh Khan himself. This shows a clear intent from the makers to deliver a high-octane cinematic experience that rivals global standards. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Shah Rukh Khan was last seen in the social drama Dunki, which released on December 21, 2023. This film marked a historic, first-time collaboration between SRK and ace director Rajkumar Hirani, effectively closing out Khan's monumental comeback year following the record-shattering runs of Pathaan and Jawan. Despite facing an explosive theatrical showdown against Prabhas's action epic Salaar, Dunki held its ground strongly, finishing with an India net collection of ₹227 Cr and a worldwide gross of ₹454 Cr. The contrast between that lighthearted social drama and his upcoming project, King, is staggering. While Dunki featured minimal action, King—slated for a grand December 24, 2026 release—is tracking to be an ultra-violent, stylish thriller directed by Siddharth Anand. Having recently broken records as SRK's most expensive film ever with a ₹450 crore production budget, King will feature the superstar in a gritty gangster avatar alongside his daughter, Suhana Khan, and Abhishek Bachchan. The production timeline reflects the sheer magnitude of the project. The shoot began in May 2025 and is expected to wrap up by August 2026. Over the course of nearly fifteen months, the team has shot for more than 150 days across various international locations. What started as a focused action thriller has reportedly evolved into a massive tentpole spectacle. To ensure the action sequences are groundbreaking, the production has employed some of the most renowned stunt teams in the world, aiming to provide something entirely new for the Indian audience. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) VFX is expected to play a central role in the film's visual language. Shah Rukh Khan's own company, Red Chillies Entertainment, is handling the state-of-the-art visual effects. The goal is to ensure that every penny of the budget is visible on the screen through seamless integration of practical stunts and advanced digital work. With about six months left until its scheduled release, the post-production phase is already in full swing to meet the high expectations surrounding this venture. The partnership between Shah Rukh Khan and Siddharth Anand has already proven to be a goldmine at the box office with Pathaan. However, with King, the duo seems intent on raising the bar even further. By focusing on an uncompromised product and world-class action design, the film is positioning itself as one of the most anticipated releases of the coming year. As the industry watches closely, the massive budget and extensive production schedule suggest that Shah Rukh Khan is ready to redefine the standards of the action genre once again.

BY SACNILK

Welcome To The Jungle, the third installment of the beloved comedy franchise, has successfully navigated its second weekend at the box office, hitting a significant milestone in the process. After a steady first week that brought in ₹93.15 Cr, the film has now officially crossed the ₹100 Crore net mark in India. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it marks Akshay Kumar’s 21st film to enter the prestigious 100 Crore club, further solidifying his position as one of the most consistent stars in the industry. The second weekend began on a slightly quieter note on Friday with a net collection of ₹4.50 Cr, showing an 18.2% drop from the previous day. However, the film witnessed a strong resurgence as the weekend progressed. On Saturday, collections jumped by 66.7% to reach ₹7.50 Cr, and the growth continued into Sunday with a final net collection of ₹9.75 Cr, representing a 30.0% rise. By the end of its 10th day, the domestic net total stands at ₹114.90 Cr, while the India gross has reached ₹136.80 Cr across a massive 95,403 shows since its release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Welcome To The Jungle - 2nd Weekend India Net CollectionDAYINDIA NET COLLECTIONSHOWSDay 8 (2nd Friday)₹ 4.50 Cr7,557Day 9 (2nd Saturday)₹ 7.50 Cr5,792Day 10 (2nd Sunday)₹ 9.75 Cr6,099Total 2nd Weekend₹ 21.75 Cr19,448 The audience engagement is also reflected in the ticket sales data from BookMyShow. Over the second weekend, the platform recorded 77.19K tickets on Friday, 133.67K on Saturday, and 139.57K on Sunday. Cumulative sales on BMS have now reached 2.06 million, ranking the film at the 9th spot among the top ticket-sellers for the 2025-26 season. This puts it in a competitive position alongside other major hits like Dhurandhar2‌ and Chhaava. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In the national chains including PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, Sunday emerged as the strongest day of the second weekend. On Day 10, these major multiplexes sold approximately 39,000 tickets, resulting in a gross collection of ₹1.30 Cr. Breaking it down by chain, PVR contributed the most during this weekend period with 18,500 tickets and a gross of ₹0.68 Cr at 12% occupancy. INOX followed with 13,500 tickets and a gross of ₹0.41 Cr at 9% occupancy, while Cinepolis added another 7,000 tickets with a gross of ₹0.21 Cr and 7% occupancy. The overall occupancy across these chains reached nearly 10% on Sunday, showing that the movie continues to draw in family audiences during its second week. Regional occupancy data for Day 10 highlights a strong performance in major circuits. Ahmedabad was a standout performer with 38.8% occupancy across 380 shows, even reaching as high as 62% for evening screenings. The National Capital Region (NCR) saw 32.0% occupancy from 639 shows, while Mumbai and Pune maintained steady levels at 31.0% and 33.3%, respectively. This consistent interest across urban centers helped the film push past the 100 Crore barrier during the weekend. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On the global front, Welcome To The Jungle has now successfully crossed the ₹150 Crore mark in worldwide gross collections. While the domestic gross has reached a final figure of ₹136.80 Cr, the international numbers for the second Sunday are currently based on early estimates. The film is estimated to have added ₹1.00 Cr from overseas markets on Day 10, bringing the total international gross to ₹29.95 Cr. This pushes the overall worldwide gross to approximately ₹166.75 Cr. In the North American circuit, data shared by Venky Box Office indicates that the film collected $73K on Saturday, taking its total in that region to a cumulative $1.04M. In addition to his domestic success, Akshay Kumar has reached a significant international milestone with this release. Following the performance of Bhooth Bangla earlier this year, Welcome To The Jungle has become his 31st film to gross over $1 million in the North American market. This achievement further narrows the gap in the list of highest $1M+ grossers by Bollywood actors in North America, where he now trails only Shah Rukh Khan, who currently holds the top spot with 32 films. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This performance has allowed Welcome To The Jungle to secure a spot among Akshay Kumar's most successful films in the post-pandemic era. It now ranks as his 5th highest-grossing movie in this period. Here is how his top 5 post-COVID releases currently stand based on Worldwide collections: Sooryavanshi (2021): ₹ 293.00 Cr Housefull 5: ₹ 288.00 Cr OMG 2: ₹ 221.00 Cr Jolly LLB 3: ₹ 171.00 Cr Welcome To The Jungle: ₹ 166.75 Cr (Ongoing) With no major competition in the immediate future, the film will look to maintain its momentum during the second week. While the second weekend numbers are decent, the trade will be looking at how well it holds on the weekdays to see if it can challenge the lifetime collections of Jolly LLB 3 or even OMG 2 in the coming weeks.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, July 2 - The buzz surrounding Alpha has been steadily growing as Alia Bhatt and Sharvari gear up for the release of their upcoming spy action thriller. Backed by YRF and set within the popular Spy Universe, the film has attracted attention primarily because of its female-led espionage storyline and stylish action-packed presentation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The trailer and promotional material have received mostly positive reactions online, with audiences praising the visuals and action sequences, though some remain cautious about the film's mass appeal compared to previous entries in the Spy Universe. It was important for the movie to show some movement in advance sales, which opened just two days before release. Advance bookings in multiplex chains have shown fair momentum so far, particularly in urban centres, with over opening day sales reaching 2+ crore gross (with block seats) as of 3 PM, with a few hours still left before the film hits the big screen on July 3rd. While the advances are not that strong, they are not too poor either. The trade has been projecting 7-8 crore net opening, and the pre-sales trend does suggest the same. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Opening Day Net Collection in the YRF Spy Universe (Hindi Only) S. No. Movie Lead Actor(s) Opening Day Collection 1 Ek Tha Tiger (2012) Salman Khan ₹ 32.93 Cr 2 Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) Salman Khan ₹ 34.10 Cr 3 War (2019) Hrithik Roshan / Tiger Shroff ₹ 51.60 Cr 4 Pathaan (2023) Shah Rukh Khan ₹ 55.00 Cr 5 Tiger 3 (2024) Salman Khan ₹ 43.00 Cr 6 War 2 (2025) Hrithik Roshan / Jr. NTR ₹ 29.00 Cr Though the makers would have liked a double-digit start, the movement in advance sales doesn't seem to be that strong. Positive word-of-mouth could still push the film closer to a double-digit opening, but that's the thing for the future. If the film manages to score on the projected lines, it can be considered modest to decent, given that it is a female-led film in the Spy Universe. Alpha carries considerable expectations because of its association with the YRF Spy Universe, which has previously delivered multiple blockbuster titles led by Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Hrithik Roshan. However, Alpha is attempting to carve its own identity by focusing on a fresh narrative and female protagonists rather than relying solely on established franchise formulas. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, July 2 - The Indian box office in the second half of 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive theatrical periods in recent memory. With pan-India spectacles, franchise sequels, Hollywood tentpoles, and superstar-driven entertainers arriving within the same release windows, audiences are set to witness several massive clashes across languages and genres. From Shah Rukh Khan to Yash, from Marvel to Tamil horror franchise, the upcoming release calendar is packed with high-stakes battles that could redefine box-office records in India. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Here are five of the biggest upcoming clashes to watch out for (with confirmed current release dates). 1. Awarapan 2 vs Batwara 1947 — August 14 The Independence Day weekend will bring an interesting face-off between nostalgia and patriotism at the Hindi box office. Awarapan 2 marks the return of Emraan Hashmi to one of his most loved cult characters. The original Awarapan earned a loyal fan following over the years because of its music, emotional storytelling, and dark action-drama tone. The sequel already carries strong nostalgia value among millennials and longtime Bollywood fans. On the other side is Batwara 1947, a patriotic period drama featuring Sunny Deol, reuniting with the legendary director Rajkumar Santoshi. With historical themes and mass-market appeal in North India, the film is expected to target family audiences during the holiday corridor. While both films cater to different audience segments, the clash could significantly impact screen allocation and opening-day collections. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 2. Toxic vs Eetha vs Vvan — August 26/28 This is shaping up to be one of the biggest extended clashes of the year. Yash's Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups will officially release on August 26, 2026. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the gangster-action thriller is among the most anticipated pan-India films. The film is expected to dominate premium formats, especially large multiplex chains. Just two days later, Eetha and Vvan arrive on August 28. Eetha, starring Shraddha Kapoor, is a culturally rooted dramatic film, while Vvan is a supernatural thriller featuring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia. Despite releasing later, both films are expected to benefit from the festive holiday corridor and strong youth appeal. Because Toxic gets a two-day head start along with the Onam holiday advantage, the weekend could turn into a massive multi-film battle across India. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 3. Sardar 2 vs Demonte Colony 3 — September 10/11 Tamil cinema is preparing for a major holiday box-office showdown. Karthi's Sardar 2 arrives as the sequel to the successful spy-action thriller Sardar. Directed by P.S. Mithran, the sequel is expected to scale up the espionage action and franchise storytelling significantly. At the same time, Demonte Colony 3 continues one of Tamil cinema's strongest horror franchises. Horror films have consistently performed well in Tamil Nadu, especially among younger audiences and urban centres. With both films targeting the Vinayagar Chaturthi holiday frame, competition for screens and audience attention is expected to be intense. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 4. Avengers: Doomsday vs Dune: Part Three — December 18 The Christmas corridor begins with a giant Hollywood-versus-Hollywood battle. Marvel Studios' Avengers: Doomsday is expected to become one of the biggest global releases of the decade. Despite fluctuations in MCU box-office performance in recent years, the Avengers brand remains extremely powerful in India, not just in multiplex chains and IMAX screens, but also in smaller centres. Sharing the same release window is Dune: Part Three, the continuation of Denis Villeneuve's acclaimed sci-fi saga. While Dune primarily targets premium urban audiences, the franchise has built a strong fanbase among Indian cinephiles. The biggest battle here will likely revolve around IMAX and premium large-format screens, where both films are expected to compete aggressively. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 5. King vs Shakti Shalini — December 24 If the release dates remain unchanged, this could become the interesting clash of the year. King marks Shah Rukh Khan's return to the big screen in a large-scale action entertainer directed by Siddharth Anand after Rajkumar Hirani's Dunki in December 2023. Following the blockbuster success of his previous films earlier in the decade, expectations surrounding King are already enormous. Facing it is Shakti Shalini, a major film connected to the expanding Maddock horror-comedy universe. While King is expected to dominate single screens and mass-market territories, Shakti Shalini could attract younger multiplex audiences if the horror-comedy genre continues its successful run. There is, however, a strong possibility that the Aneet Padda-led film will be postponed to next year to avoid a clash with a giant like King. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The 2026 release calendar highlights how competitive Indian cinema has become in the era of pan-India filmmaking and cinematic universes. Major stars, franchises, and studios are now fighting not only for audiences but also for screens, show timings, and premium theatrical formats. Whether it is Yash taking over the festive corridor with Toxic, Shah Rukh Khan leading the Christmas race with King, or Marvel battling Dune for IMAX dominance, moviegoers are set for a thrilling year at the cinemas.

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

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 30 - Ajay Devgn's upcoming film Chauhaan has landed in controversy shortly after the release of its announcement teaser, with several groups objecting to the film's title and dialogues. The action drama, directed by Neeraj Yadav and produced by Jio Studios and Colour Yellow Productions, was announced with a high-intensity teaser that quickly grabbed attention across social media platforms. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The controversy began after the Kshatriya Parishad, a Rajput socio-cultural organisation, raised objections to the use of the "Chauhan" clan name in the film's title. The group accused the makers of exploiting Rajput identity and history for commercial and political storytelling. In a statement, members of the organisation said that the legacy of the Chauhan community should not be used in a manner that could hurt sentiments or create social divisions. Adding fuel to the debate was a dialogue from the teaser that says, Pathaanon se kehna… Chauhaan aa raha hai. The line instantly went viral online and sparked mixed reactions from viewers. While some fans viewed it as a typical mass-action punchline designed to build hype around Ajay Devgn's character, others criticised it for allegedly carrying communal undertones. A section of social media users also speculated whether the line was an indirect reference to Shah Rukh Khan’s blockbuster film Pathaan. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) We strongly condemn the attempt by Neeraj Yadav and Ajay Devgn's upcoming film Chauhaan to appropriate the Chauhan clan name for contemporary communal politics.Rajput history is not a political prop. The legacy of the Chauhans belongs to Rajput history , not to electoral… pic.twitter.com/nDRRKoikv4— Kshatriya Parishad (@kshatriya_org) June 29, 2026 The Kshatriya Parishad further argued that historical conflicts and Rajput history are often oversimplified in mainstream cinema to suit modern narratives. The organisation urged filmmakers to portray historical identities responsibly and avoid using caste or community names in a controversial context. However, supporters of the film believe the criticism may be premature, noting that only a teaser has been released and the film's full story is yet to be revealed. Despite the backlash, Chauhaan has succeeded in generating significant buzz online and has already become one of the most talked-about Bollywood announcements in recent days. The film marks Ajay Devgn's first collaboration with Aanand L Rai and is currently scheduled for a theatrical release on October 1, 2027.

BY SACNILK

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

Every once in a while, a regional film comes along that proves storytelling and audience connection can overcome even the biggest financial hurdles. The journey of the Marathi film Deool Band 2 is a perfect example of this. Made on a modest budget of approximately 8 to 10 Crore, the makers faced a major crisis regarding the Digital Cinema Package just before the release. This is the standard format required for theatrical screenings, and for a film of this scale, the costs involved were significant. Director Pravin Tarde recently shared that they had initially budgeted around 12 lakh for this digital processing. However, when the final estimate arrived, the bill had jumped to nearly 42 lakh. Being a regional film with limited resources, arranging an additional 30 lakh at the last minute was a nearly impossible task. Tarde mentioned that they had no immediate source to arrange such a sum. They eventually approached the team at Shah Rukh Khan's production house, Red Chillies Entertainment, to explain their situation. They highlighted that as a Marathi film with a tight budget, they needed support to ensure the movie could release on a large scale. In a generous move that prioritized art over commerce, the fee was waived, ensuring the film reached the audience on time. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What makes this story truly special is Shah Rukh Khan’s personal perspective on the situation. When he learned about the struggle of the Deool Band 2 team, his reaction was rooted in his respect for the craft. He reportedly expressed that the film itself is far more important than the money involved, and that art should always take priority over commercial fees. By deciding to waive the entire 42 lakh bill, he sent a clear message that a good story deserves its place in the spotlight, regardless of the budget. This gesture ensured that the movie reached the audience exactly as planned, without any compromise. Today, as we look at the box office numbers 30 days after its release, that helping hand has resulted in one of the biggest success stories in Marathi cinema. Deool Band 2 has recorded a total India gross collection of 82.19 Cr. In terms of net collections, the film has earned a massive 70.22 Cr so far. What is quite interesting is that the entire collection has been generated solely from the domestic market, with overseas collections standing at zero. Playing across 40,884 shows in its first month, the film has maintained steady footfalls that have completely recovered its small budget many times over. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film is now standing on the doorstep of a historic milestone. It currently needs less than 1 Crore to surpass the India net collection of Raja Shivaji. If it manages to bridge this small gap, it will officially become one of the top three highest-grossing Marathi films of all time in terms of net earnings. This is an incredible achievement when you consider the scale of the two projects. Raja Shivaji was a massive historical epic with a high budget and the significant star power of Riteish Deshmukh. For a comparatively smaller production like Deool Band 2 to achieve similar numbers shows how deeply the content has resonated with the public. Reaching this level of success is a huge win for Pravin Tarde and the entire team. It proves that while big budgets and star names provide a great starting point, a film's long-term survival at the box office depends on its connection with the audience. With the momentum it still carries, the film is expected to cross the Top 3 mark very soon, cementing its place as a legendary blockbuster in the history of regional cinema.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 11 - Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh's Alpha teaser has emerged as one of the biggest digital launches of the year. Released on June 10, the teaser clocked over 75 million views across social media platforms in the first 24 hours, underlining the immense anticipation surrounding the first female-led film in the YRF Spy Universe. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The teaser introduces audiences to the origin story of a deadly assassin played by Alia Bhatt. Backed by Yash Raj Films and directed by Shiv Rawail, Alpha is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on July 3, 2026. The high-octane glimpse showcases intense action, powerful visuals, and a darker tone that sets it apart from previous entries in the spy franchise. It also stars Bobby Deol and Anil Kapoor in key roles. The strong viewership of the teaser has translated into widespread online discussion. While a section of social media praised Alia's action-packed transformation and the film's scale, the teaser also sparked debates and comparisons with other recent action releases, ensuring that Alpha remained one of the most talked-about entertainment topics throughout the day. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) THE αLPHA GANG! pic.twitter.com/ZeWBxiPf4U— Yash Raj Films (@yrf) June 11, 2026 Adding further momentum to the campaign, several celebrities, including SS Rajamouli, Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Jr. NTR, and Vicky Kaushal, publicly appreciated the teaser after its launch. Their endorsements amplified the conversation around the film and helped push the teaser further into the mainstream spotlight. With over 75 million views in just 24 hours and nearly a month still left before release, Alpha has delivered a strong opening statement for Yash Raj Films. The coming weeks will reveal whether the film can convert its massive online interest into box office success, but the teaser launch has already demonstrated that audience curiosity for this new chapter of the Spy Universe is exceptionally high. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 11 - One of the biggest crossover moments in Indian cinema is reportedly set to become a reality. According to the latest reports, the much-discussed cameo in Rajinikanth's highly anticipated action entertainer Jailer 2 has now been finalised, and it is not Shah Rukh Khan's or Aamir Khan's, but of Hrithik Roshan, with the actor reportedly agreeing to come on board. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to Variety India, the development comes after weeks of speculation regarding a major Bollywood superstar making a special appearance in Nelson Dilipkumar's sequel. It is said that Hrithik has agreed to play a powerful character in the film, and the makers have already locked the shooting dates for his portions. The War actor will shoot for his sequence on June 22 and June 23 in Chennai. Unlike a brief guest appearance, the role is said to be a substantial cameo designed to have a significant impact on the narrative. The team is reportedly planning a grand introduction sequence for the Bollywood superstar, making it one of the film's biggest highlights. Reports earlier indicated that Shah Rukh Khan was being considered for the same role. However, scheduling conflicts and commitments to his upcoming projects reportedly prevented the collaboration from materialising. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The makers then turned their attention to Hrithik Roshan, whose presence is expected to add further pan-India appeal to the already star-studded sequel. Jailer 2 has generated massive buzz ever since production began, with Rajinikanth returning as the iconic Muthuvel Pandian. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and backed by Sun Pictures, the sequel is expected to feature several surprise appearances and large-scale action sequences. Reports also suggest that additional shooting schedules are being planned to accommodate key cameo portions and elevate the film's scale even further. While the cameo is yet to be confirmed officially, Jailer 2 will mark the first on-screen collaboration between Rajinikanth and Hrithik Roshan in their adult careers. Produced by Sun Pictures, the film is expected to release this September.