Bollywood

36 min ago

77 views

Drishyam 3 Update: Ajay Devgn Starrer Wraps Shooting As Post-Production Begins Ahead Of October Release

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 2 - Bollywood star Ajay Devgn's upcoming crime suspense thriller Drishyam 3 has wrapped up its filming. The highly anticipated sequel has now moved into post-production and is gearing up for its theatrical release on October 2, 2026. Director Abhishek Pathak recently confirmed the completion of the film's final shooting schedule, marking a major milestone for one of Bollywood's most awaited releases. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The filmmaker shared an emotional note with the cast and crew, expressing gratitude for their efforts throughout the production journey. The film's production was carried out across multiple locations, including Mumbai and Goa. Reports suggest that the makers filmed several crucial sequences during an extended Goa schedule, which played a significant role in bringing the story to life. Star-Studded Cast Returns Ajay Devgn reprises his iconic role as Vijay Salgaonkar, the ordinary man who repeatedly outsmarts the police and protects his family. Returning alongside him are Tabu as Meera Deshmukh and Shriya Saran as Nandini Salgaonkar. The third instalment also features acclaimed actor Jaideep Ahlawat in a pivotal role, adding further intrigue to the mystery thriller. Veteran actor Prakash Raj recently completed his portions for the film and expressed confidence that audiences would enjoy the final product. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) One Of Bollywood's Most Anticipated Sequels The Drishyam franchise has emerged as one of the most successful thriller series in Indian cinema. Both previous instalments were major box office successes, with audiences praising their gripping storytelling, suspenseful twists, and strong performances. As a result, expectations for Drishyam 3 are exceptionally high. While plot details remain under wraps, industry reports indicate that the Hindi adaptation may incorporate fresh narrative elements, ensuring surprises even for viewers familiar with the original Malayalam version. With filming now complete, the countdown to release has officially begun. The makers are expected to unveil the film's first teaser, posters, and promotional material in the coming months. Scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 2, 2026, Drishyam 3 is poised to be one of the biggest Bollywood releases of the year. Fans will once again witness Vijay Salgaonkar's battle of wits as the franchise returns with another chapter of suspense, mystery, and high-stakes drama.

Mollywood

40 min ago

32 views

Drishyam 3 Day 12 Box Office: Mohanlal starrer earns Rs. 2.56 Cr gross and is now set to enter the 100 Cr India net club

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Drishyam 3 has officially completed twelve days of its theatrical run, and the Mohanlal starrer is holding steady as it approaches a major domestic milestone. After a busy second weekend, the film transitioned into its second Monday with consistent interest across the southern circuits. On Day 12, the project brought in an India gross collection of ₹2.56 Cr. This pushes the total India gross to a significant ₹114.76 Cr. While the gross figures are climbing fast, the film is also effectively just a few lakhs away from entering the prestigious 100 crore net club in India, as it currently stands at ₹98.90 Cr net. If we analyze the current trend, the collections on Monday saw a 58.9 percent drop compared to the Sunday performance. This is a very standard pattern for a working day following a peak weekend. What is noteworthy is that the film still maintained a strong presence with 2,276 shows across the country yesterday. In terms of state-wise gross business, Kerala remains the primary driver, contributing ₹2.15 Cr to the daily gross, while the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions added ₹0.15 Cr. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Let us look at the language-specific performance for the Malayalam version. On its twelfth day, it collected a net of ₹2.00 Cr. While this keeps the momentum going, it places Drishyam 3 at the ninth spot on the all-time list for the highest second-monday collections in Mollywood history. It currently sits just behind the records set by Neru and Sarvam Maya. You can see how it compares to some of the biggest recent hits in the industry in the table below. Top 10 Mollywood Movies - Highest 2nd Monday Malayalam NetMOVIE NAME2ND MONDAY NET (MALAYALAM)Vaazha 2: Biopic of a Billion Bros₹ 5.20 CrLokah: Chapter 1 - Chandra₹ 4.85 CrThudarum₹ 4.80 CrManjummel Boys₹ 4.50 Cr2018₹ 3.65 CrAavesham₹ 3.10 CrNeru₹ 2.50 CrSarvam Maya₹ 2.15 CrDrishyam 3 (Malayalam)₹ 2.00 CrAadujeevitham - The Goat Life₹ 1.83 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Occupancy rates in its home territory remain quite encouraging for a Monday. Kochi stood out with an overall occupancy of 33.3 percent, with night shows even touching the 50 percent mark. Trivandrum recorded 17.0 percent occupancy, while the Bengaluru market saw about 6.0 percent for the Malayalam version. The ticketing data from BookMyShow further confirms this engagement, with approximately 48,870 tickets sold yesterday alone. To date, over 36.39 lakh tickets have been booked on the platform through the film's run. Internationally, the Drishyam brand continues to show massive pull. Based on early estimates, the film added ₹0.75 Cr from overseas markets on Day 12, taking its total overseas gross to approximately ₹110.00 Cr. This is a significant milestone because it means the international market is contributing almost as much as the domestic market to the total collections. When we combine the India gross of ₹114.76 Cr and the overseas early estimates, the worldwide gross collection stands at an estimated ₹224.76 Cr. Moving forward, the focus will be on how the film performs over the remaining weekdays. With the 100 crore net milestone in sight for today, the film is set to join an elite group of Malayalam cinema very soon. The consistent footfalls and the massive overseas performance suggest that Drishyam 3 is well on its way to cementing its legacy as another highly successful chapter in this popular franchise.

Tollywood

1 hr ago

153 views

Peddi North America Advance Sales: Just $130K Away From Joining the $1 Million Premiere Pre-Sales Club

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Ram Charan's Peddi is on the verge of achieving a significant milestone in North America. With two days still left for premiere shows, the film has already accumulated impressive advance booking numbers and is expected to comfortably cross the coveted $1 million mark in premiere pre-sales.According to Venky Box Office, the latest tracking data reveals that Peddi has grossed $784,611 in the USA from 533 locations, 1,647 shows, and 28,037 tickets sold. The detailed sales breakdown shared by Venky Box Office highlights the film's widespread appeal across premium formats and major theatre chains. Standard screens have contributed $505,045 from 19,279 tickets, while premium formats such as XD, RPX, D-Box and other PLF screens have collectively added nearly $280,000 to the total. Among theatre chains, Cinemark has emerged as the biggest contributor with $466,707 from 16,344 tickets sold, followed by Regal with $160,766. The data also shows healthy growth across premium screens, indicating strong audience interest in experiencing Peddi in enhanced formats, a trend usually associated with major event releases. Across North America, the film's premiere advance sales currently stand at $870,000 with 31,237 tickets sold. Given the strong momentum witnessed over the past few days, trade analysts expect a huge last-minute surge that could push the film past the seven-figure milestone before premieres commence.Crossing $1 million in North America premiere advance sales has traditionally been considered a prestigious benchmark for Telugu cinema. Only a handful of films have managed to enter this exclusive club over the years. Blockbusters such as Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, Agnyaathavaasi, Saaho, RRR, Adipurush, Salaar, Guntur Kaaram, Kalki 2898 AD, Devara, Pushpa 2: The Rule, Game Changer, They Call Him OG, and The Raja Saab have all achieved the feat. Peddi now looks set to become the latest addition to that elite list. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The strong overseas response reflects the anticipation surrounding the film. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi marks the filmmaker's first collaboration with Ram Charan. Ever since the project was announced, it has generated considerable buzz thanks to its rural sports-drama backdrop and the intriguing character transformation undertaken by the star.The film boasts an impressive cast led by Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor. Veteran Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar plays a crucial role, while Jagapathi Babu and Divyendu Sharma add further depth to the ensemble. The project has also attracted attention for its technical team, particularly with Academy Award-winning composer A.R. Rahman handling the music. One of the biggest positives for Peddi has been its growing momentum in overseas markets. North America remains one of the most important territories for Telugu films outside India, and a strong premiere performance often serves as a foundation for a successful theatrical run. The current advance sales trend suggests that audiences are responding positively to the film's promotional material and pre-release buzz. However, the film faces substantial box office expectations after release. According to the figures shared by Venky Box Office, Peddi's North America breakeven target across all languages has been pegged at $6.5 million. Meanwhile, the overall overseas breakeven point stands at approximately $9 million. While the advance sales indicate a promising start, the film will need sustained audience support over the coming weeks to achieve those targets. For now, all eyes remain on the $1 million milestone. With North America premiere advance sales already at $870,000 and two valuable days of bookings still remaining, Peddi appears well-positioned to join one of Telugu cinema's most exclusive overseas clubs even before its first show begins.

Entertainment

2 hrs ago

1.1K views

GTA 6 Release Date: Latest Trailer, Gameplay Details, and Platforms

BY SACNILK TEAM

Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) is undoubtedly the most anticipated video game in history. Rockstar Games officially confirmed that the game will release in Fall 2025 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Following the launch of the record-shattering first trailer, which garnered over 150 million views on YouTube in just a few days, fan excitement is at an all-time high. GTA 6 takes players back to the neon-soaked streets of Vice City, set in the fictional state of Leonida. For the first time, the series will feature dual protagonists, including Lucia, the franchise's first female lead, alongside a male protagonist named Jason. The game promises unprecedented levels of realism, dynamic weather, advanced AI, and a deeper narrative. While PC players will likely have to wait a bit longer for a port, console players can prepare for a groundbreaking open-world experience in late 2025. Stay tuned for the next trailer release and more gaming updates!

Box Office

2 hrs ago

10.2K views

Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai Box Office Collection | All Language | Day Wise | Worldwide

BY SACNILK TEAM

Here is the Hindi movie Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai box office collection which is a romantic comedy film. This film is directed by David Dhawan and produced by Tips Films Pvt. Ltd. and Maximilian Films. ## Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai stars Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde, Mrunal Thakur, Manish Paul, Chunky Pandey, Jimmy Shergill, Mouni Roy, and Rakesh Bedi in key roles. ## Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai Box Office Collection Day Wise | All Language DayIndia Net Collection Day 1 [1st Friday] ₹ - Cr * may earn Total ₹ - Cr ## India Net Collection ₹ - Cr ## Worldwide Collection ₹ - Cr ## Overseas Collection ₹ - Cr ## India Gross Collection ₹ - Cr ## Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai Budget: ₹ - Cr * Approx ## Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai Verdict: Coming Soon ## Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai Screen count ## India: - ## Overseas: - ## Worldwide total: - ## Release Date: 5th June 2026 ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood Box Office Collection, Stay tuned to us.

Bollywood

3 hrs ago

278 views

From Peddi To Mollywood Times: Five Major Theatrical Films To Watch Out For This Weekend (June 4-5)

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 2 - The Indian box office is in a healthy situation at the moment with back-to-back successes, and the first weekend of June promises to continue the momentum with a diverse lineup for moviegoers across India. From a massive Telugu sports-action spectacle and a classic Bollywood comedy entertainer to an intense Hindi drama, a Malayalam coming-of-age film, and a Hollywood fantasy adventure, this week's release slate has something for every audience segment. 1. Peddi (Telugu) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Leading the weekend is superstar Ram Charan's much-awaited pan-India film Peddi, directed by Buchi Babu Sana. The sports-action drama stars Ram Charan alongside Janhvi Kapoor and has generated enormous anticipation through its promotional campaign. Set against a rural backdrop, the film combines sports, action, and emotional storytelling. With music by A.R. Rahman and a strong supporting cast that includes Shiva Rajkumar, Peddi is expected to dominate the box office and emerge as one of the biggest openings of the year. The film arrives in theatres on June 4 in multiple languages. 2. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai (Hindi) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Bollywood's biggest release of the weekend is David Dhawan's comedy entertainer Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. Starring Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde, the film marks another collaboration between David Dhawan and his son Varun. Positioned as a full-fledged family entertainer packed with romance, humour, and confusion-driven comedy, the film aims to revive the classic David Dhawan brand of commercial cinema. After several release-date changes, the movie has finally settled on a June 5 release. 3. Bandar (Hindi) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Anurag Kashyap, Bandar is among the most intriguing Hindi releases of the week. The film stars Bobby Deol in the lead role and is expected to showcase the actor in another intense performance following his recent resurgence. While the makers have kept several plot details under wraps, the project has attracted attention because of the collaboration between Kashyap and Bobby Deol. The film is being marketed as a hard-hitting drama and could emerge as the weekend's critical favourite. It is scheduled for a June 5 release. 4. Mollywood Times (Malayalam) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Malayalam cinema's young star Naslen headlines Mollywood Times, a coming-of-age comedy-drama that revolves around an aspiring filmmaker determined to create the ultimate Malayalam horror movie. The film blends youthful ambition, humour, and cinema culture, making it one of the more unique releases of the week. Given Naslen's growing popularity among younger audiences, industry observers are expecting a strong response in Kerala upon its release on June 5. 5. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (English) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The Hollywood release this weekend is He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, the live-action adaptation of the iconic fantasy franchise. The film brings the legendary warrior He-Man and the world of Eternia to the big screen with large-scale action, visual effects, and fantasy adventure. Nostalgia among longtime fans and curiosity among younger viewers could help the film attract audiences across major urban markets in India. It will also release on June 5. While Peddi is expected to be the undisputed box-office leader, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai will look to capture the family audience, Bandar could appeal to fans of intense storytelling, and Mollywood Times will look to extend Malayalam cinema's winning run at the box office. Meanwhile, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe provides a major Hollywood option for fantasy lovers.

Bollywood

3 hrs ago

518 views

Bhooth Bangla Day 46: Akshay Kumar starrer earns Rs. 0.50 Cr to stay on track to beat Housefull 5 domestic net records

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Bhooth Bangla has officially entered its seventh week, and it is honestly quite rare to see a mid-budget horror-comedy showing this kind of endurance at the box office. While most films lose their screen count by the fourth week, this Priyadarshan directorial is still pulling in numbers on its 46th day. On its seventh Monday, the film collected a net of ₹0.50 Cr in India, bringing its total domestic net collection to ₹179.85 Cr. If we look at the trend, the Monday collection saw a drop of about 54.5 percent compared to Sunday net of ₹1.10 Cr. Mind you, for a film in its seventh week, a 50 lakh Monday is a very healthy sign of stability. The film ran across 1,589 shows yesterday, showing that there is still enough audience interest to justify this level of screen presence despite newer competition. Looking at the regional occupancy, the National Capital Region led the way with 11.8 percent, while Lucknow and Ahmedabad followed with 10.8 percent and 9.3 percent respectively. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The most interesting part of this run is how Bhooth Bangla is stacking up against Akshay Kumar's other post-COVID hits. The film is currently chasing the domestic net collection of Housefull 5, which stands at ₹183.38 Cr. With Bhooth Bangla currently at ₹179.85 Cr, the gap is only ₹3.53 Cr. Based on the current pace where the film is adding roughly 50 to 60 lakhs on weekdays and seeing jumps on weekends, it looks like this milestone will be achieved in the next 8 to 10 days, likely by the end of its eighth week. While it might be difficult for the film to beat Housefull 5 in worldwide gross due to the latter's massive overseas pull, Bhooth Bangla is very much on the verge of becoming Akshay Kumar's second-highest domestic net grosser in the post-pandemic era, trailing only behind Sooryavanshi. You can see how the leaderboard looks for Akshay Kumar's recent domestic performers in the table below. Top 5 Akshay Kumar Movies Post-COVID - India Net CollectionMOVIE NAMEINDIA NET COLLECTIONSooryavanshi₹ 195.55 CrHousefull 5₹ 183.38 CrBhooth Bangla₹ 179.85 CrOMG 2₹ 151.16 CrJolly LLB 3₹ 117.50 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The digital footprint also confirms this steady interest. According to BookMyShow data, the film sold 8.28K tickets on its seventh Monday alone, taking the total tickets booked on the platform to over 33.60 lakhs. This kind of consistent footfall late into its theatrical run is a clear indicator that the horror-comedy genre, combined with the nostalgic Priyadarshan-Akshay duo, has worked its magic with the family audience. Looking at the global numbers, the total India gross collection has now reached ₹213.06 Cr. The overseas markets have contributed a solid ₹53.75 Cr to the total, bringing the worldwide gross to ₹266.81 Cr. With the domestic net collection sitting at ₹179.85 Cr, the film is effectively just a day away from crossing the ₹180 Cr milestone. This run has firmly established Bhooth Bangla as one of the most successful outings for Akshay Kumar in recent years, proving that the horror-comedy genre still has massive pull if the content connects with the ground audience.

Bollywood

3 hrs ago

230 views

Deool Band 2 Day 12 collection of Rs. 2.60 Cr puts the film on the verge of hitting the 50 Cr mark faster than Ved and Baipan Bhari Deva

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Deool Band 2 has just crossed its second Monday, and the results show a very consistent interest from the Marathi audience. The film's narrative, centered on Swami Samarth's teachings, has successfully resonated with viewers across the state. On its 12th day, the film added a net of ₹2.60 Cr to its tally, taking the total India net collection to ₹46.65 Cr. When we look at the trend, the Day 12 collection represents a 54.8 percent drop from the previous day's net of ₹5.75 Cr. Mind you, a drop of this scale on the second Monday is completely normal for a film that had a massive second weekend. The film operated across 1,981 shows yesterday and maintained an overall occupancy of 30.0 percent. The hold in key Marathi hubs like Pune was particularly strong, where it recorded 35.5 percent occupancy across 404 shows. Mumbai followed with 25.8 percent occupancy, showing that the buzz hasn't dried up in the metropolitan areas either. What is truly fascinating is the pace at which Deool Band 2 is chasing milestones. With a total net of ₹46.65 Cr, the film is now just ₹3.35 Cr away from the coveted 50 crore net mark. Based on the current trend, the film is expected to hit this milestone by Day 14 or at the latest by its 15th day. To put this in context, it is set to become one of the fastest films released only in the Marathi language to achieve this feat. For comparison, the massive hit Baipan Bhari Deva took 17 days to reach the 50 crore mark, while Ved reached it on Day 21. It is currently neck-and-neck with Sairat, which also crossed the line around the 14-day mark. The film has already cemented its legacy by entering the elite list of the highest-grossing Marathi films of all time. Within just 12 days, it has climbed into the top five, surpassing several long-standing records. It currently sits at the fifth spot, but given the current momentum, it won't be surprising if it climbs higher in the coming weeks. You can see how the leaderboard stands currently in the table below. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Top 5 All-Time Marathi Net CollectionsMOVIE NAMEMARATHI NET COLLECTIONSairat₹ 80.97 CrBaipan Bhari Deva₹ 76.00 CrRaja Shivaji₹ 70.00 CrVed₹ 61.00 CrDeool Band 2₹ 46.65 Cr Looking at the broader financial picture, the domestic gross collection has reached ₹54.88 Cr. Since the film is strictly focused on its primary regional market in India, there has been no overseas collection reported so far. This brings the total worldwide gross to the same figure of ₹54.88 Cr, with the domestic market being the sole contributor. It is quite rare for a Marathi-only release to generate this kind of volume across 20,898 shows in such a short period. The focus now shifts to how quickly the film reaches the 50 crore net milestone as it moves through the week. The audience connection with the film's themes has been a steady driver for these figures. If the current trend continues, it stands a good chance of moving further up the all-time Marathi list, potentially closing the gap with movies like Ved and Raja Shivaji.

Kollywood

4 hrs ago

417 views

Karuppu Day 18 Box Office: Earns Rs. 2.76 Cr Gross to Record 2nd Highest 3rd Monday; Beats Amaran and Vikram

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Karuppu has officially completed eighteen days in theaters, and the latest box office numbers indicate that the film is holding its ground remarkably well. For any big-budget South Indian film, the third week is usually where the steam starts to run out, but this one is proving its longevity by maintaining a very steady flow of footfalls. On Day 18, the film managed to pull in a gross collection of ₹2.76 Cr across India. This brings its total India gross to a massive ₹213.75 Cr, while the total India net collection stands at ₹184.85 Cr. Looking at the collection trend, the Day 18 performance shows a 59.3 percent drop from the previous day net collection of ₹5.90 Cr. A drop on a Monday is quite typical for any big release, but the significant part is the show count. The film managed to pull in its numbers while running across 3,141 shows nationwide. Maintaining this volume of screenings into the third week is a clear indication that the demand is still strong enough to sustain a wide release across all major circuits. Let's break down the regional gross performance for Day 18. Tamil Nadu continues to be the primary engine, contributing a gross of ₹2.10 Cr yesterday. The Andhra Pradesh and Telangana markets also added a decent gross of ₹0.45 Cr. Looking at other southern states, Karnataka contributed ₹0.11 Cr and Kerala added ₹0.09 Cr. This regional spread shows that the film has found a wide audience beyond just its primary market. In terms of occupancy, the Tamil version recorded 21.0 percent, with major hubs like Chennai leading at 27.5 percent and Coimbatore at 24.5 percent. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Looking at the record books, Karuppu has delivered a very strong performance. Its third Monday Tamil net collection is now the second-highest ever in Kollywood history, trailing only behind Jailer. By doing so, it has overtaken the collections of major hits like Vikram and Amaran for the same day. This steady pace is a clear indicator that the word-of-mouth remains positive, helping the film maintain its momentum even as it approaches the end of its third week. Top 5 Kollywood Movies - Highest 3rd Monday Tamil NetMOVIE NAME3RD MONDAY TAMIL NETJailer₹ 2.30 CrKaruppu₹ 2.05 CrVikram₹ 1.82 CrAmaran₹ 1.75 CrPonniyin Selvan - Part 1₹ 1.46 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The digital footprint remains equally impressive. According to the latest data from BookMyShow, Karuppu sold approximately 27,260 tickets on its third Monday alone. This puts it at the third spot for the highest third-Monday ticket sales on the platform, staying ahead of major blockbusters like Leo. To date, the total tickets booked on the platform have crossed the 43.35 lakh mark, which is a testament to the film's popularity across different audience segments. Looking at the global picture, while the domestic gross collection is final at ₹213.75 Cr, the international numbers are currently coming in as early estimates. The overseas market added approximately ₹0.50 Cr on Day 18, taking the total overseas gross to ₹78.25 Cr so far. This pushes the worldwide gross collection to an early estimate of ₹292.00 Cr. With the film now just 8 crores away from the 300 crore worldwide milestone, it is well on its way to becoming one of the most successful outings for the industry this year. The coming days will be crucial as the film looks to sustain this momentum before new big releases hit the screens.

Sports

17 hrs ago

343 views

Zee Secures FIFA Media Rights Until 2034; To Broadcast 2026 World Cup on New Unite8 Sports Channels

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The sports broadcasting sector in India has just witnessed its most significant move in years, and it comes at the very last minute. After months of speculation and a noticeable silence regarding who would broadcast the world's biggest sporting event, Zee Entertainment has officially stepped in. The deal, which covers FIFA media rights for the next eight years from 2026 to 2034, was finalized today, June 1, 2026. It is a massive win for Zee, especially considering that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to kick off in just ten days in North America. For context, the negotiations for these rights had been at a standstill for a long time. Initial talks between FIFA and the JioStar combine reportedly stalled over valuation disagreements, leaving the Indian market—one of the largest growing football bases—without a confirmed broadcaster. Zee managed to secure the rights for approximately 60 million dollars, a figure that is significantly lower than the 100 million dollars initially sought by FIFA, but a strategic investment nonetheless. This marks Zee's major re-entry into the sports arena, roughly eight years after they exited the space by selling their previous sports assets to Sony. The deal is not just about the upcoming World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the USA. It is a long-term partnership that includes 39 major FIFA events, including the 2030 World Cup and the 2027 Women's World Cup. To support this massive acquisition, Zee is launching a new network under the brand name Unite8 Sports. Viewers can expect matches to be broadcast on Unite8 Sports 1 for Hindi and Unite8 Sports 2 for English, with both available in High Definition. For digital viewers, Zee5 will be the primary destination for live streaming, offering a high-quality experience for those who prefer watching on their mobile devices or smart TVs. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The market has reacted very positively to this development, with Zee’s shares seeing a 6.4 percent jump immediately after the announcement. It shows that investors see the value in football's growing footprint in India. While cricket remains the dominant force, the youth demographic has shown a clear shift toward global football, and Zee is now positioned to capture that attention for the next decade. With the opening match in Mexico City set for June 11, the network has a very short window to ramp up its marketing, but the anticipation for the tournament is likely to do much of the heavy lifting. Key FIFA Tournaments Included in the Zee Deal: 1. FIFA World Cup 2026 (USA, Mexico, Canada) 2. FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 (Brazil) 3. FIFA World Cup 2030 (Spain, Portugal, Morocco) 4. FIFA Men's and Women's U-17 and U-20 World Cups 5. FIFA Futsal World Cups and Intercontinental Cups Broadcasting and Streaming Details: Total FIFA Events: 39 Contract Duration: 8 Years (2026–2034) Primary Channels: Unite8 Sports 1 (Hindi) & Unite8 Sports 2 (English) Digital Streaming Platform: Zee5

Bollywood

17 hrs ago

481 views

Dhurandhar 2 Depiction of Bade Saheb Rattles D-Company; Mumbai on High Alert Following Security Threats

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The record-breaking run of the Dhurandhar franchise at the box office is now being overshadowed by a developing real-world security situation. While the film has shattered historical milestones by crossing the 3,100 Cr mark worldwide, its impact has moved far beyond the cinema halls. According to a recent report by NDTV, intelligence sources suggest that the movie has provoked an aggressive reaction from the very criminal organizations it portrays on screen, leading to a state of high alert in Mumbai. The core of the controversy centers on the character known as Bade Saheb, played by Danish Iqbal. While the first film kept the identity of the primary antagonist somewhat mysterious, the sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, takes a much more direct approach. It depicts a frail, aging, and bedridden version of a figure who bears a striking resemblance to Dawood Ibrahim. Showing the underworld don in such a vulnerable state, requiring constant medical attention and nearing the end of his life, has reportedly stripped away the myth of power that the real-life syndicate has tried to maintain for decades. According to sources cited in recent reports by NDTV, this specific portrayal has deeply rattled D-Company. The syndicate is reportedly angered by the film's attempt to humanize their leader's decline and portray him as weak rather than formidable. This has led to intelligence warnings about a possible Mumbai Move, where the gang might attempt to carry out a high-profile action or target a powerful public figure in India. The goal of such an operation would be to revive their tarnished image and re-establish a sense of fear that they believe the movie has undermined. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The report also suggests that the gang is seeking assistance from their handlers in the ISI to coordinate this retaliatory effort. The fear among security agencies is that the underworld group feels pressured to prove they are still an active and dangerous force. The timing of this controversy is also notable, as it follows the massive viewership numbers of the film's World Television Premiere on May 30, which brought the sensitive content to an even larger domestic audience across India. From a production standpoint, the level of realism achieved in the film was no accident. Director Aditya Dhar and his team focused heavily on authenticity, with Danish Iqbal reportedly spending twelve hours each day in prosthetic sessions to achieve the look of an ailing, bedridden man. This commitment to detail is what has made the film a cultural phenomenon, but it is also exactly what has made it such a polarizing topic within intelligence circles. The film has essentially challenged the public perception of the underworld by focusing on its eventual decay. As of June 1, 2026, security has been tightened across Mumbai for important figures and public locations following these intelligence warnings. While the Dhurandhar franchise is already a record-breaking financial success, its impact is now being felt in the real world. It is rare for a fictional spy story to cause such a direct response from the actual groups it set out to portray on screen.

Bollywood

20 hrs ago

567 views

Dhurandhar 2 On OTT: 5 Reasons Why Aditya Dhar-Ranveer Singh's Blockbuster Deserves To Be On Your Watchlist

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, June 1 - After a phenomenal theatrical run, director Aditya Dhar's spy action thriller Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge is all set for its digital release this week, giving audiences another chance to experience one of the biggest Indian films ever. Combining action, emotion, patriotism, and powerful performances, the film has all the ingredients of a memorable blockbuster. If you missed it in cinemas, or simply want to revisit the experience, here are five reasons why Dhurandhar 2 is worth watching on OTT. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 1. Award-Worth Performances One of the film's biggest strengths lies in its stellar cast. The performances bring authenticity and emotional weight to the narrative, ensuring that the characters, be it protagonist or antagonist, resonate long after the credits roll. From intense dramatic moments to emotionally charged confrontations, the actors deliver performances that elevate the film beyond a typical spy actioner. 2. A Grand Action Spectacle Dhurandhar is mounted on a massive scale, featuring raw action sequences, breathtaking set pieces, and high-octane confrontations. The film consistently raises the bar with its visual ambition, making it a treat for fans. Even on the small screen, the action remains gripping and showcases the film's blockbuster credentials. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 3. Engaging Background Score A powerful background score can transform a scene, and Dhurandhar 2 uses music effectively throughout its runtime. Whether it's a tense face-off, an emotional moment, or a heroic elevation sequence, the score amplifies the impact of every major scene. The soundtrack plays a crucial role in keeping viewers invested in the film's narrative journey. 4. Emotional Core Beneath The Action While the film is packed with action and spectacle, it doesn't lose sight of its emotional foundation. Themes of sacrifice, duty, family, and resilience are deep in the story, giving audiences characters they can genuinely care about. These emotional beats provide depth to the narrative and ensure that the action carries meaningful stakes. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 5. A Never-Before-Seen Patriotic Cinema Unlike conventional patriotic dramas, Dhurandhar 2 presents nationalism through a more grounded and realistic cinematic lens. The film blends patriotism with intense action, emotional storytelling, and high production values to create an experience that feels both entertaining and inspiring. It is this unique approach that helps the film stand apart from other films in the genre. With award-worthy performances, spectacular action, effective music, strong emotional storytelling, and a fresh take on patriotism, Dhurandhar 2 offers a complete entertainment package. Whether you're discovering the film for the first time or revisiting it after its theatrical run, the OTT release provides the perfect opportunity to experience one of the year's biggest cinematic successes.