BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 18 – The buzz around Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar 2 continues to grow, and the latest update suggests that the teaser of the film will be attached to Sunny Deol's Border 2 in theatres. While there is no official confirmation yet, reports indicate that the makers are eyeing Border 2's massive theatrical reach to start the promotion for the spy action thriller. Border 2, directed by Anurag Singh, is one of the most anticipated Hindi releases and is expected to draw huge footfalls, especially in the North Indian belt. It is said that 1 minute and 48 seconds of teaser has been certified with A by CBFC, and it will be released with Border 2. Attaching the teaser with such a big-ticket patriotic action film would ensure maximum visibility and instant buzz, much like how major studios strategically launch teasers alongside tentpole releases. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dhurandhar Part 1, starring Ranveer Singh, emerged as a box office juggernaut with a worldwide collection nearing 1300 crores gross and still going strong. Naturally, expectations from Dhurandhar 2 are sky-high, with fans eager to know how the story, which was originally envisioned as one part, ends. Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, Dhurandhar also stars Sara Arjun, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Rakesh Bedi, and Akshaye Khanna, who will also be seen in the second part. The film is scheduled to release on March 19, 2026, in Hindi, along with Telugu and Tamil. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, January 23 - Superstar Shah Rukh Khan's action drama King is among the most-awaited Indian films, and it continues to remain in the spotlight despite minimal updates from the makers. Siddharth Anand is directing the movie, marking his second collaboration with King Khan, following Pathaan (2023). Recently, it was reported that Shah Rukh Khan was filming the climax of King, and now, it seems the release date announcement is imminent. For the last couple of days, director Siddharth has kept fans guessing with his cryptic one-word post on X, a tactic he employed earlier regarding the film's announcement. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On January 17, Anand posted "And" on X, followed by "the date" on January 18, and "is" on January 20. Multiple reports have stated that the director is teasing the announcement of the release date. Now, according to the reliable update, the announcement of the release date will be made on January 24, on the evening of the third anniversary of Pathaan. According to reports, King will be released on Christmas this year; but, given the busy schedule, the makers might also look for an early 2027 release, which will be known in a couple of days. However, a late 2026 release looks more likely as the shoot of the film is nearing the end, and there is enough time to complete the post-production. Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix, King boasts a big ensemble cast, including Deepika Padukone, Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Arshad Warsi, Abhay Verma, Jackie Shroff, and Raghav Juyal in key roles. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, January 18 - Icon Star Allu Arjun's all-time blockbuster Pushpa 2: The Rule has taken a surprisingly slow start at the Japanese box office. The Sukumar-directed action drama, which released in Japan on January 16, failed to generate strong opening-day traction, despite extensive promotions and the actor's presence in Tokyo ahead of release. As per early box office tracking, Pushpa 2 recorded only 886 admissions, a modest number on its first day, significantly lower than expectations for a film of its scale. In contrast, films like RRR (8,230 admissions), Saaho (6,510), and Kalki 2898 AD (3,700) recorded 1,000+ footfalls on their opening day in Japan. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The opening was not enough for Pushpa 2 to enter the list of top-performing Indian films in Japan in terms of footfalls, indicating limited initial reach among local audiences. The muted response comes as a surprise, especially considering the strong promotional push and the growing curiosity for Indian cinema in Japan following the success of titles like RRR. While Pushpa 2 boasts high-octane action, mass appeal, and Allu Arjun's star power, the film appears to have struggled to convert awareness into ticket sales in its opening phase. It needs to be seen if it can find audiences in the coming days, as movies can have a long run in Japan if they connect with locals. That said, the film's performance in Japan remains a small part of its overall global box office journey. Pushpa 2: The Rule has already cemented its place as one of the biggest Indian blockbusters worldwide, delivering record-breaking numbers across several markets. It grossed over 1740 crores worldwide in its original run, placing itself as the third biggest Indian grosser ever. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday's romantic comedy, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, which arrived in theaters on Christmas Day 2025, has struggled to make a significant impact at the box office.Despite the festive release and the star power of its lead actors, the film was largely overshadowed by the continued success of the action spectacle Dhurandhar. The movie is now set for its OTT release on Netflix, starting February 19th. Directed by Sameer Vidwans, who previously collaborated with Kartik Aaryan on Satyaprem Ki Katha, the film stars Kartik Aaryan as Ray Mehra and Ananya Panday as Rumi.The supporting cast includes veteran actors Jackie Shroff as Wardhan Singh and Neena Gupta as Pinky Mehra, along with Tiku Talsania.The film is a production of Dharma Productions and Namah Pictures, with Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and others serving as producers.The music for the film was composed by the popular duo Vishal–Shekhar. Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri had a modest opening, collecting ₹9.30 crore in gross on its first day. However, the collections saw a consistent decline in the following days. The film's lifetime domestic collection stands at approximately ₹32.95 crore net.Globally, the movie grossed around ₹49.5 crore, falling significantly short of its reported ₹90 crore budget and ultimately being declared a box-office disaster. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The primary reason for the film's underwhelming performance is widely attributed to the monumental success of Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar. Released weeks prior, the action film continued to dominate the box office, limiting the screen space and audience interest for new releases.On its fifth day, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri collected a mere ₹1.75 crore, while Dhurandhar, in its fourth week, earned over six times that amount on the same day. Apart from the stiff competition, the film also received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics. While the cinematography and production values were praised, the story, screenplay, direction, and performances of the lead actors were met with criticism.The lack of strong word-of-mouth further hampered its box office prospects. In a noteworthy gesture, it has been reported that Kartik Aaryan voluntarily took a significant pay cut of ₹15 crore from his remuneration to support the producers after the film's poor performance.This move has been seen as a sign of collaboration and support during a challenging time for the film.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Director Anil Ravipudi has once again proven his mettle, cementing his status as the master of the Sankranti festive season. His latest venture, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, which teams him up with the legendary Megastar Chiranjeevi, has hit the bull's eye, emerging as a major success despite facing stiff competition from multiple releases. The film is not just winning hearts in the Telugu states but is also posting impressive numbers internationally, showcasing the powerful combination of a hit-machine director and an iconic star. This victory marks a remarkable achievement for Anil Ravipudi, who has now scripted a new record by delivering four consecutive blockbusters during the Sankranti period. His incredible streak began in 2019 with the laugh riot F2: Fun and Frustration, which became a colossal success, amassing over ₹137 crores worldwide. He followed this in 2020 with the Mahesh Babu-starrer Sarileru Neekevvaru, another massive blockbuster that collected approximately ₹221 crores globally. The streak continued in 2025 with Sankranthiki Vasthunam, which also performed exceptionally well. Now, with Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu in 2026, Ravipudi has made the festival his own, proving his unique ability to deliver content that resonates perfectly with the holiday audience. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The success of Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu has been swift and substantial. Released on January 12th, the film has achieved phenomenal numbers in less than a week. Domestically, it has garnered an India Net collection of ₹121.35 crore, with an India Gross of ₹144.4 crore. The film's appeal has transcended national borders, with a remarkable overseas collection of ₹33.6 crore, bringing its total worldwide gross to an impressive ₹178 crore. The international performance has been particularly noteworthy. The film is scoring big across key markets, having already grossed over 2.4 million in NorthAmerica.It is also storming the boxoffice in other regions,crossing A$353,000 in Australia and £217,000 in the UK, with the numbers still climbing. This powerful start, both at home and abroad, indicates that Chiranjeevi's victorious run continues unabated, while Anil Ravipudi has firmly established his reign over the Sankranti box office.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, January 17 - It has turned out to be a mega-blockbuster Sankranthi season for the Telugu film industry as Chiranjeevi's action-comedy Mana ShankaraVaraprasad Garu is setting the box office on fire. Adding to the festive cheer, Naveen Polishetty's comedy-drama Anaganaga Oka Raju has emerged as a sleeper blockbuster. Directed by Anil Ravipudi, Mana ShankaraVaraprasad Garu marks a massive comeback for megastar Chiranjeevi after the underwhelming performance of his last film, Bholaa Shankar (2023). The film has maintained extraordinary momentum since its opening day and has even registered the biggest-ever fifth-day collections in the Telugu states, underlining its strong word of mouth. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In just five days, the film has grossed approximately 144.50 crore in India and around 178 crore worldwide. With its current pace, Mana ShankaraVaraprasad Garu is expected to cross the coveted 200 crore worldwide gross mark by the end of today, making it Chiranjeevi's third film to enter the double-century club. The film is projected to achieve its break-even target by tomorrow, the seventh day, and is on track to become the highest-grossing film of Chiranjeevi's career within its first extended week. At present, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy holds the record as his biggest grosser with approximately 245 crore worldwide. With its phenomenal run expected to continue even after the festive holiday period, Mana Shankara is now eyeing an unprecedented milestone, becoming Chiranjeevi's first 300 crore grosser. The film is also set to rewrite history as the biggest Telugu Sankranthi release ever. Currently, the record is held by Venkatesh's Sankranthiki Vasthunam, which crossed 250 crore worldwide in 2025. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Prabhas's much-anticipated horror-comedy, Raja Saab, directed by Maruthi, arrived in theatres with massive expectations. The film kicked off its box office journey with impressive numbers, capitalizing on the star power of Prabhas. However, after a powerful opening day, the film witnessed significant drops through the weekdays, indicating that the road to profitability will be a challenging one. With a hefty budget and mixed word-of-mouth, the film needs sustained momentum to achieve a hit status. The film's performance in its first week showcases a front-loaded trend, typical for a major star vehicle. It began with a strong ₹ 53.75 Cr on its first Friday, but saw a sharp decline on Saturday and Sunday, followed by a steep fall on the weekdays. The first week closed with an India Net collection of ₹ 130.25 Cr, with early estimates for the second Friday suggesting a collection around ₹ 3.50 Cr. The Telugu version has been the primary contributor, accounting for over 80% of the total revenue. Raja Saab Box Office Collection | Day Wise Day India Net Collection Day 0 [Thursday] ₹ 9.15 Cr Day 1 [1st Friday] ₹ 53.75 Cr Day 2 [1st Saturday] ₹ 26 Cr Day 3 [1st Sunday] ₹ 19.1 Cr Day 4 [1st Monday] ₹ 6.6 Cr Day 5 [1st Tuesday] ₹ 4.8 Cr Day 6 [1st Wednesday] ₹ 5.35 Cr Day 7 [1st Thursday] ₹ 5.5 Cr Week 1 Collection ₹ 130.25 Cr Day 8 [1st Friday] ₹ 3.50 Cr * early estimates Total ₹ 133.75 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   With a massive budget of ₹ 400 crore, the collections so far, while substantial, point towards a challenging path to profitability. The mixed word of mouth appears to be the primary factor for the lack of strong holds on weekdays. For a film of this scale, consistent momentum is crucial to achieve the breakeven point and emerge as a commercial success. It's a steep climb from here, and the performance in the second and third weeks will be the ultimate deciding factor for its final verdict. The journey is made tougher by stiff competition from other Tollywood releases that have opened to positive reviews and are outperforming expectations. Films like Mana Shankaravaraprasad Garu, Nari Nari Naduma Murari,Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi and Anaganaga Oka Raju have garnered strong word-of-mouth, providing compelling alternatives for the audience. This has resulted in a division of screens and footfalls, making it more difficult for Raja Saab to maintain its initial dominance. It remains to be seen if the film can overcome these challenges and find its footing in the coming weeks against such well-received competitors. As of its first eight days in theaters, Raja Saab has achieved a worldwide gross collection of ₹ 188.75 crore. This figure includes ₹ 155.55 crore from its gross earnings within India and an additional ₹ 33.2 crore from overseas markets. The total India net collection for the film currently stands at ₹ 133.75 crore. The final box office verdict is yet to be determined, pending its performance in the crucial upcoming weeks.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Get ready for another dose of madness and mayhem as the much-loved comedy franchise, Dhamaal, is officially returning with its fourth installment. The makers have locked in a festive release, with the film slated to hit theatres on June 12, 2026. Directed by the veteran of comedy, Indra Kumar, the film brings back the core cast that has become synonymous with the franchise's chaotic charm, along with some exciting new additions. The upcoming film will see the reunion of Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Sanjay Mishra, and Jaaved Jaaferi, a group celebrated for their impeccable comic timing. Joining this powerhouse ensemble are Esha Gupta, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Anjali Anand, Upendra Limaye, Vijay Patkar, and Ravi Kishan, promising a fresh wave of energy and humor to the beloved series. The announcement has already created a significant buzz, with fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this laughter-filled saga. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The Dhamaal franchise has a proven track record of success at the box office, growing its audience with each installment. The journey began in 2007 with Dhamaal, a sleeper hit that earned approximately ₹51.3 crores worldwide and was lauded for its unique no-heroine, non-stop comedy format.The sequel, Double Dhamaal (2011), upped the ante and the collections, raking in around ₹71 crores globally.However, it was the third film, Total Dhamaal (2019), that catapulted the franchise into a different league. With the addition of Ajay Devgn, Anil Kapoor, and Madhuri Dixit to the cast, the film was a massive commercial success, garnering an impressive worldwide collection of about ₹232.18 crores and being declared a super hit. Given the consistent box office growth and the enduring popularity of its characters, the expectations for Dhamaal 4 are sky-high. With Indra Kumar back in the director's chair and a blend of familiar and new faces, the film is poised to be a major comedic event, promising to continue the legacy of laughter and entertainment that has defined the franchise.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, January 17 - Actress Kangana Ranaut has launched a sharp attack on legendary composer A. R. Rahman, accusing him of being "prejudiced and hateful" following his recent remarks about divisive cinema and the Hindi film industry. Kangana's comments have sparked a heated debate across social media and within film circles. Reacting strongly, Kangana claimed she had never come across a person more biased in the industry. In a social media post, she alleged that Rahman's statements reflected personal prejudice rather than artistic concern. She further accused the Oscar-winning composer of selectively labelling films as "divisive" based on ideology rather than content. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Kangana also revisited her past experience with Rahman during the making of her political drama Emergency. She revealed that Rahman had refused to even meet her to hear the narration, with sources allegedly telling her that the composer did not want to associate with what he believed was a "propaganda film". Kangana said this refusal deeply disappointed her and reinforced her belief that bias exists within the industry. The controversy erupted after Rahman described the historical film Chhaava as "divisive", a remark that triggered backlash from multiple quarters. Kangana's reaction has since intensified the conversation around creative freedom, ideological labelling, and political bias in Bollywood. As of now, A. R. Rahman has not responded directly to Kangana's allegations. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

In a thrilling Pongal box office clash, Jiiva's Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimayil has emerged as the clear frontrunner, capturing the audience's imagination and outperforming major competitors. Despite facing big-ticket releases like Sivakarthikeyan's Parasakthi and Karthi's Vaa Vaathiyaar, the heartfelt rural political satire has made a powerful statement, proving that strong content can triumph amidst a crowded festive season. The film, which was released on January 15th, is off to a flying start. In just its first two days, Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimayil has collected an impressive worldwide gross of nearly ₹5.50 crore, which includes an India gross collection of ₹5.2 crore and ₹25 lakhs from overseas. Against a modest budget of ₹10 crore, this exceptional opening puts the film firmly on the path to becoming a massive blockbuster, showcasing a stronger performance trend compared to its competitors in the same period. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The film's incredible success is being driven by overwhelmingly positive word-of-mouth. Audiences have lauded director Nithish Sahadev's clean and humorous storytelling, as well as Jiiva's stellar performance. This strong audience reception has had a direct impact on the ground, leading to a significant increase in show counts in many theatres across Tamil Nadu as exhibitors rush to meet the growing demand. While other films are also in the running, Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimayil is the one demonstrating exceptional growth and momentum. By outperforming major releases and winning the hearts of the family audience, Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimayil has established itself as the true winner of this Pongal season. With its collections growing stronger by the day, the film's journey towards becoming a resounding blockbuster seems not just possible, but inevitable.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Netflix South has set the stage for an electrifying year, pulling back the curtain on its star-dusted Tamil movie slate for 2026. In what has become an exciting Pongal tradition, the streaming giant has revealed a lineup brimming with the industry's biggest names, visionary directors, and stories that promise to captivate audiences both locally and globally. Featuring multiple projects from superstars Suriya and Dhanush, and eagerly awaited films from Karthi and Jayam Ravi, this announcement signals a massive year for Tamil cinema on the global stage. Following their theatrical runs, these films will be available exclusively on Netflix. 1.S 46 - Suriya The buzz around this film is palpable, as it pairs the formidable Suriya with Telugu director Venky Atluri. Titled 'S 46' for now, the project is touted as a grand family entertainer, and the inclusion of Premalu fame Mamitha Baiju has only amplified the anticipation. The film delves into the unique relationship between a 45-year-old business tycoon, played by Suriya, and a 20-year-old young woman, portrayed by Mamitha Baiju. Suriya is set to embody a rich, intense character, with reports suggesting his portrayal will have shades reminiscent of his iconic Sanjay Ramaswamy role from Ghajini. However, the narrative aims to move beyond a sensational romance, focusing instead on themes of companionship, emotional maturity, and mentorship. Described as a proper happy family film.Produced by Naga Vamsi of Sithara Entertainments in collaboration with Fortune Four Cinemas, the film is expected to hit theaters in the summer of 2026. 2.S 47 - Suriya Suriya continues his double domination of the slate with his 47th film, teaming up with Aavesham-fame director Jithu Madhavan for what is being described as a quirky action-comedy thriller. This project will see Suriya returning to the khaki uniform as a steely police officer who, after being suspended for failing to catch a suspect, moves to Kerala to pursue the case. The exciting twist is that he is accompanied by an incompetent team, setting the stage for a narrative aptly described as a serious crime hunt with a not-so-serious team. The film promises a unique blend of intense, action-packed crime-thriller elements with a comedic tone, focusing on cultural conflicts and chaotic situations. Joining Suriya are Nazriya Nazim as the female lead and Naslen, who makes his much-anticipated Tamil debut in a pivotal role. Produced by Zhagaram Studios and Jyotika, with music by the acclaimed Sushin Shyam, the film officially went on floors in December 2025, making it one of the most keenly watched productions on the list. 3.Marshal - Karthi Karthi is set to star in Marshal, a highly anticipated pirate-themed period action-adventure. The film will be helmed by director Tamizh, who received critical acclaim for his hard-hitting debut, Taanakkaran. Set against the unique backdrop of Rameswaram in the 1960s and 70s, the narrative will focus on a gripping tale of power, rebellion, and transformation involving sea pirates. This project promises to blend intense action, drama, and escapism in a setting that is refreshingly new for Tamil cinema. Produced by the renowned Dream Warrior Pictures, the film boasts a large ensemble cast that includes Kalyani Priyadarshan, Sathyaraj, and Prabhu. Production is actively ongoing, with major schedules already completed in locations like Trichy and Rameswaram. 4.Kara - Dhanush After the phenomenal success of Karnan, the announcement of any Dhanush film creates waves, and his 54th film, now officially titled Kara, is no exception. This film sees Dhanush joining forces with Vignesh Raja, the director of the acclaimed thriller Por Thozhil, for what is being described as a high-octane action entertainer and a raw and gritty suspense thriller. The story, described as a violent survival drama, focuses on Dhanush's character, Karasaami, who is pushed to the edge and must navigate a dangerous path to protect his loved ones, seemingly paying the price for his past actions. The film's intense glimpse and its tagline, Sometimes staying dangerous is the only way to stay alive, strongly suggest a narrative driven by the theme of karma. The film features a powerful ensemble cast including Mamitha Baiju as the female lead, alongside KS Ravikumar, Jayaram, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Karunas, and Prithvi Pandiarajan, with music by the acclaimed GV Prakash Kumar. Produced by Dr. Ishari K Ganesh for Vels Film International, Kara is set for a Summer 2026 release, solidifying its place as one of the year's most anticipated cinematic events. 5.D55 - Dhanush Dhanush's second entry on the slate is his 55th film, a highly anticipated action movie to be directed by Rajkumar Periyasamy, known for his work on Amaran. The project has generated immense excitement as reports confirm that Sai Pallavi is set to star opposite Dhanush, marking a spectacular reunion for the iconic Rowdy Baby duo from Maari 2. After some changes behind the scenes, the film is now being produced by Wunderbar Studios. With music rumored to be composed by Sai Abhyankkar, this action-packed venture is slated for a 2026 release, and the prospect of seeing the electric on-screen chemistry between Dhanush and Sai Pallavi once again has made it one of the most eagerly awaited films in this lineup. 6.Bro Code - Jayam Ravi Jayam Ravi stars in Bro Code, an upcoming action-comedy directed by Karthik Yogi, known for his work on Dikkiloona. Marking his debut as a producer under his new banner, Ravi Mohan Studios, Jayam Ravi has assembled a powerhouse cast, starring alongside the versatile S.J. Suryah and acclaimed Malayalam actor Arjun Ashokan. The film has already generated significant buzz with its unique Speak Easy promotional style, which hints at a narrative centered on male perspectives within marriage, friendship, and rebellion. The impressive ensemble also includes Shraddha Srinath, Gouri Priya, and noted Marathi actor Upendra Limaye, with music composed by Harshavardhan Rameshwar. 7.Idhayam Murali - Atharva Atharva takes the lead in Idhayam Murali, a film that beautifully borrows its title from his father, the beloved actor Murali, promising a heartfelt love story with a nostalgic feel. The project is a romantic-drama directed by Aakash Baskaran, with celebrated music composer S. Thaman handling the score. Following its title announcement and teaser release in early 2025, the film has been slated for a Valentine's Day 2026 release. The movie also features a talented supporting cast including Preity Mukhundhan, Kayadu Lohar, and Niharika NM, building anticipation for what is set to be a touching cinematic experience. 8.With Love - Abishan The upcoming romantic drama With Love will introduce the fresh pairing of Abishan Jeevinth and Anaswara Rajan. Helmed by debutant director Madhan, the film is set to explore modern relationships, focusing on quiet, tender, and grounded narratives of intimacy and emotional connection. Produced by Soundarya Rajinikanth under her banner Zion Films, in association with MRP Entertainment, the project features music by the talented Sean Roldan. This heartfelt exploration of love in everyday life represents Netflix's commitment to new voices and is planned for a February 2026 release. 9.An Ordinary Man - Yogi Babu Celebrated comedian Yogi Babu steps into the lead role in An Ordinary Man, a film that also marks the directorial debut of popular actor Ravi Mohan (Jayam Ravi). Produced under Ravi Mohan's own banner, Ravi Mohan Studios, the film is a comedy centered on an ordinary man's first-ever trip abroad. Director Ravi Mohan has shared that the core idea was sparked by Yogi Babu's simple, everyday look, inspiring a story about finding the extraordinary within the ordinary. The plot is expected to be a laugh riot, creating a classic fish-out-of-water scenario as Yogi Babu's character navigates the challenges and humorous situations of international travel. The project is highly anticipated as it will showcase Yogi Babu's extensive acting range in a pivotal, character-driven role, promising a story that is both relatable and hilarious. 10.AGS 28 - Arjun Action King Arjun Sarja headlines this project from the renowned production house AGS Entertainment, tentatively titled AGS 28. The film is a family entertainer that skillfully blends action with drama, centering on a family trained to protect the vulnerable who become a dangerous force against their oppressors. The project marks the much-anticipated directorial debut of Subash K. Raj, a former assistant to Love Today director Pradeep Ranganathan. The film features a strong cast with Arjun Sarja alongside Abhirami and Preithy Mukundhan, supported by actors like Vivek Prasanna, John Kokken, and Dileepan. Adding to the immense anticipation, the film's music is being composed by Ravi Basrur, of KGF fame, in his much-awaited Tamil debut. 11.Gatta Kusthi 2 - Vishnu Vishal Following the roaring success of the 2022 sports-comedy, Vishnu Vishal and Aishwarya Lekshmi are set to return for Gatta Kusthi 2. The sequel, which will also be directed by Chella Ayyavu, is officially in the works, though a release date has not been confirmed. It is expected to explore the next chapter in the lead couple's life, promising more of the unique mix of wrestling, humor, and drama that made the original a massive hit. 12.Dayangaram - VJ Sidhu Popular TV anchor and personality VJ Sidhu takes on both the lead role and directing duties for the deeply personal film, Dayangaram. The movie is based on his own life journey, focusing on themes of youth, identity, friendship, and dreams. Audiences can expect a blend of humor, emotion, and modern storytelling as the film chronicles his struggles and eventual rise within the entertainment industry. Produced by the acclaimed Ishari K. Ganesh for Vels Film International, the film features music by Siddhu Kumar and a supporting cast that includes Ilavarasu, Nithin Sathya, and Harshath Khan, making his transition from hosting to filmmaking one of the most intriguing debuts to watch for.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, January 17 - Pan India superstar Prabhas-fronted cop action thriller Spirit won't be releasing in 2026 as speculated, instead, the makers have locked a blockbuster release for the highly-awaited film. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the film will be released on Friday, March 5, 2027, as its theatrical release date, and the timing couldn't be more ideal. The makers have strategically chosen a window that offers an extended festive and holiday advantage, setting the stage for a massive box office run. The release calendar reveals an exceptionally strong opening stretch. Spirit hits cinemas on a Friday, immediately followed by Maha Shivaratri on Day 2, ensuring a powerful opening weekend. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film then enjoys continuous weekend boosts in its first and second weeks, keeping footfalls steady during the crucial early phase of its theatrical run. What further strengthens Spirit's box office prospects is the alignment with major festivals across its first three weeks. Eid falls on Day 7, providing another spike in collections, followed by Holi on Day 18, a festival known to significantly benefit mass entertainers. The momentum continues with Good Friday on Day 22, once again extending audience turnout into a long weekend. With multiple weekends, back-to-back festivals, and no immediate major competition expected during the period (as of now), Spirit is perfectly positioned to dominate screens well beyond its opening week. This release strategy mirrors the blueprint of past record-breaking blockbusters that maximised holiday-driven footfall across markets. Marking Prabhas' first collaboration with Sandeep Vanga, Spirit is one of the most anticipated Indian films in the pipeline. Given the carefully planned release window and the star power involved, the film is shaping up to be a strong contender for a historic box office run when it arrives in cinemas in March 2027. Stay tuned...