BY CHRISTA LINCY

Cocktail 2 has officially crossed the crucial second-Wednesday mark, and the numbers tell a story of a film that is holding its ground quite well in its second week. As the sequel to a popular franchise, expectations were high for this romantic comedy, and it seems to be delivering a steady performance. On its 13th day, the film collected a final net of 1.40 Cr across India. This represents a 24.3 percent drop from the 1.85 Cr it earned on Tuesday. This dip is a standard post-holiday or post-discount trend, as ticket prices usually see a midweek stabilization after the lower-priced Tuesday offers conclude. When we look at how the film is performing across different regions, the interest remains balanced. Pune emerged as a strong market on Wednesday with an overall occupancy of 12 percent, even peaking at 18 percent during evening shows. Major hubs like the National Capital Region (NCR), Mumbai, and Ahmedabad all maintained a consistent 9 percent occupancy. In terms of sheer volume, NCR led with 384 shows, while Mumbai followed with 252 shows. Interestingly, almost every city saw its highest footfalls during the night shows, which suggests that the working-class audience and students are still turning up for their dose of romance and comedy after hours. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In the major national chains like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, the movie saw a combined sale of approximately 4,700 tickets on Wednesday. This contributed over 12.8 Lakhs to the daily gross. Specifically, PVR saw around 2,400 tickets sold with a gross of 7.5 Lakhs, while INOX and Cinepolis contributed roughly 1,300 and 900 tickets respectively, adding up to 3.2 Lakhs and 2.1 Lakhs in gross earnings. These chains operated a total of 1,450 shows for the film on Day 13, showing that the movie still commands a significant share of the multiplex screens despite moving into the later half of its second week. Digital booking trends on BookMyShow further highlight the movie’s steady reach. On Wednesday, about 21,000 tickets were booked through the platform, which is a decrease from the 44,000 tickets sold on Tuesday. However, the cumulative total for the film on the app has reached a massive 15.38 Lakh tickets since its release. This high volume of digital interest has been a key factor in keeping the film relevant in a year that has seen some very heavy competition. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Speaking of competition, the film’s achievements in 2026 are quite impressive. Cocktail 2 is currently the 4th highest-grossing film of the year so far, trailing only behind major blockbusters like Dhurandhar 2, Border 2, and Bhooth Bangla. In the specific genre of romantic comedies, it has already moved past the lifetime collections of Luka Chuppi, which stood at 128 Cr. Based on current tracking, the film is on the verge of surpassing Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, which earned 139 Cr. If the momentum continues through the upcoming third weekend, it is almost certain to break into the top 5 highest-grossing Indian rom-coms since 2012. The film's steady climb is even more notable when we look at the historical benchmarks set by the genre over the last decade. Cocktail 2 is currently chasing some of the biggest names in the romantic-comedy space. Here are the current top five highest-grossing Indian films in this category since 2012: Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani: ₹318 Cr Tanu Weds Manu Returns: ₹258 Cr Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar: ₹223 Cr 2 States: ₹173.10 Cr Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya: ₹139 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) To summarize the total financial standing, Cocktail 2 has now reached a final India net collection of 88.15 Cr. The domestic gross has crossed the century mark, sitting at 105.10 Cr. According to early estimates for the international market, the film added 0.30 Cr overseas on its 13th day, bringing the total overseas gross to an estimated 29.00 Cr. This pushes the early estimate for the worldwide gross collection to 134.10 Cr. With over 93,966 shows completed across its run, the film is now looking at a healthy third-weekend jump to reach new milestones.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, July 2 - After months of delays and a long battle with the censor board, Thalapathy Vijay's much-awaited film Jana Nayagan has reportedly finally received clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). However, the biggest surprise is the film's reported certification, as reports claim the movie has been awarded an A’(Adults Only) certificate. The H. Vinoth directorial had been stuck in a major censor controversy for several months due to its alleged political themes, religious references, and certain intense scenes. Reports earlier suggested that the film could receive a UA 16+ certificate after multiple cuts and modifications, but as Lets Cinema, the film has been awarded an A rating, which makes it the first movie in Thalapathy Vijay's career to get adult certification. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The development is shocking, especially because Vijay has mostly delivered family-oriented entertainers throughout his career. The censor issue had also led to legal complications and repeated postponements, with the makers approaching the court over delays in certification. Despite the controversy, the film has continued to generate massive hype, particularly because it is to be Vijay's final full-fledged film. With the censor hurdle now reportedly cleared, Jana Nayagan is likely to finally head towards release later this month. According to reports, the makers are planning for a July release, although an official announcement regarding the exact release date is still awaited. Fans are now eagerly waiting for confirmation from the production house, while the reported A certificate has already sparked huge discussions across social media and Tamil cinema circles.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Welcome To The Jungle, directed by Ahmed Khan, arrived with the heavy responsibility of carrying forward one of India's most successful comedy legacies. With a massive ensemble cast featuring the likes of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, and Paresh Rawal, alongside Raveena Tandon and Jacqueline Fernandez, the film generated significant buzz as a high-budget family entertainer. As it completes its first six days in theaters, we are seeing the movie navigate the typical mid-week box office fluctuations that come with such large-scale releases. Looking at the final domestic numbers for the first Wednesday, the film earned a net collection of 6.15 Cr in India. This represents a 33.5 percent decline compared to Tuesday's net of 9.25 Cr. While this drop might seem steep, it is important to analyze the context of the previous day. Tuesday benefited from discounted ticket pricing offers that are standard across many cinema chains, which had pushed the collections even higher than the first Monday. As ticket rates returned to their normal weekday levels on Wednesday, the collections have naturally stabilized at a lower point, which is a standard pattern for the industry. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) If we look at the performance across major regions, the National Capital Region (NCR) remains the primary driver for the film, recording an overall occupancy of 17.5 percent across 935 shows. In this market, the film maintained a steady interest from the afternoon onwards, with evening and night shows averaging around 20 to 21 percent. Ahmedabad also stood out with a significant jump in the night shows, which peaked at 24 percent, despite an overall average of 13.5 percent. Mumbai followed a similar trend with 13.3 percent overall occupancy across its 664 shows, while cities like Bengaluru and Pune maintained healthy levels at 14.8 percent and 12.8 percent respectively. A common thread across all these cities is the notable spike in night show attendance, which helped offset the slower morning start typical for a working Wednesday. If we look closer at the performance within the major national chains like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis, the film saw steady footfalls. On its sixth day, these three chains combined sold approximately 25,000 tickets, resulting in a gross of roughly 66 Lakhs. Breaking this down, PVR contributed 11,000 tickets, INOX followed with 9,000 tickets, and Cinepolis added 5,000 tickets. The overall occupancy across these chains for the 3,200+ shows remained at about 4 percent. Across the entire country, the film played in 9,851 shows on Wednesday, a slight decrease from the 10,616 shows on Tuesday, reflecting the usual mid-week adjustment in show counts. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The digital engagement on platforms like BookMyShow gives us a broader perspective on the film's reach. On Wednesday alone, approximately 87,000 tickets were sold through the app, taking the total tickets sold on the platform to over 16.33 Lakhs since the release. Interestingly, when we compare this Wednesday performance to other major releases from the 2025-26 season, Welcome To The Jungle holds the 11th spot for the highest first Wednesday sales on the platform. It sits behind titles like Dhurandhar 2, which led with 747,000 tickets, and others like Chhaava, Border 2, and Housefull 5. Internationally, the film is performing exceptionally well, with its overseas growth becoming a major highlight of its box office journey. According to early estimates provided by Venky Box Office, the North America Tuesday gross stood at 141K dollars, taking the regional total to 774K dollars. For its first Wednesday, the film added an estimated 2.00 Cr to its overseas tally, bringing the total international gross to 24.95 Cr. This is a significant achievement when you look at the 6-day overseas tracking of Akshay Kumar's post covid releases. At this same stage, Welcome To The Jungle has already surpassed the Day 6 international totals of films like OMG 2, which stood at 18 Cr, as well as Jolly LLB 3, Sky Force, and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. It is now only trailing behind the high overseas benchmarks set by Housefull 5 and Sooryavanshi in the post-pandemic era. This consistent global interest has pushed the early estimate for the total worldwide gross collection to 129.37 Cr after just six days. The film has now reached a final India net collection of 87.65 Cr. The domestic gross has comfortably crossed the century mark, standing at 104.42 Cr. With a total of 66,038 shows tracked over the first six days, the film is now heading toward its second weekend where it will look to gain further momentum among family audiences.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Los Angeles, June 19 - At a time when Hollywood continues debating the existence of superhero fatigue, Sony and Marvel's Spider-Man: Brand New Day has delivered a massive response even before its release. The Tom Holland starrer has reportedly recorded the biggest first-day U.S. presales in five years, instantly becoming one of the most anticipated films of 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Director Destin Daniel Cretton's film has posted the best first-day presales in five years and the fourth-biggest of all time, though the numbers are not revealed. The strong booking numbers are particularly significant because the superhero genre has struggled in recent years. Several comic-book films have underperformed both critically and commercially, leading many to believe audiences were beginning to lose interest in superhero stories. However, Spider-Man continues to stand apart from the rest of the genre. One major reason is the character's universal appeal. Unlike larger-than-life superheroes, Peter Parker has always felt relatable to audiences. Across generations, Spider-Man films have balanced emotional storytelling, humour, and spectacle in a way that keeps viewers emotionally invested. Tom Holland's version of the character especially resonated with younger audiences through his grounded, vulnerable portrayal. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The excitement surrounding Brand New Day has also been fueled by the emotional ending of Spider-Man: No Way Home. Fans are eager to see what happens next after Peter Parker sacrificed his identity and personal relationships to save the multiverse. Early footage from the film hints at a darker and more isolated Spider-Man, which has only increased anticipation online. The overwhelming presales response proves that the superhero fatigue might be real, but Spidey is unaffected by it. Spider-Man remains one of the few superhero brands capable of turning a comic-book film into a genuine cinematic event, and Brand New Day is already shaping up to be another major box-office success. It is scheduled to release on July 30 in India and July 31 in the US.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 1 - Superstar Yash-fronted Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is among the most-anticipated Indian films in the making, and the newly released Ladies & Ladies teaser (watch below) from the action thriller has become one of the most discussed film promos on social media, something the makers may have already envisioned. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Geethu Mohandas, Toxic stars Yash in the lead role and marks his highly anticipated return after the success of K.G.F: Chapter 2. Featuring the actor alongside an ensemble female cast, the teaser quickly grabbed attention for its stylish visuals, dark tone, and glamorous presentation. However, while many viewers praised the promo, others criticised it for its portrayal of women. The teaser introduces key female characters played by Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, and Rukmini Vasanth. Set in a gritty gangster universe, the teaser blends luxury, action, and mystery with a strong visual style. Fans of the film were quick to celebrate the teaser online. Many praised the cinematography, background score, and the bold screen presence of the actresses. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) At the same time, the teaser also sparked criticism from a section of social media users. Some viewers argued that despite being promoted as "Ladies & Ladies," the teaser still relied heavily on glamour-driven visuals and male-centric storytelling. Critics claimed the female characters appeared more decorative than empowering, leading to debates about whether the film genuinely presents strong women characters. The mixed reactions have only increased curiosity surrounding the project. Discussions about the teaser continue across platforms, with fans defending the film's artistic style while critics question the crass dialogues and representation shown in the promo. The controversy has further boosted online engagement for the film ahead of its release. The film is scheduled to release on August 26 in multiple languages (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Mani Ratnam's next project, officially titled Production No. 23, is moving forward with significant momentum. This film is a milestone for Madras Talkies, marking their 23rd feature production. Interestingly, the script for this romantic drama was reportedly written specifically with Vijay Sethupathi's grounded and realistic acting style in mind. When approached with the script, Sethupathi is said to have accepted the role immediately, expressing his excitement to collaborate with the director for a second time following their work together in the 2018 film, Chekka Chivantha Vaanam. One of the most anticipated aspects of the film is the fresh onscreen pairing of Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi. This marks the first time these two actors will share the screen, a combination that the production team has reportedly guarded very carefully. The team was so committed to this specific dynamic that they bypassed other casting suggestions entirely to ensure Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi remained the definitive leads for the story. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The project is being described as a mature romantic drama, drawing comparisons to the classic style of Alaipayuthey. On the business front, the film has reportedly already secured a solid pre-release business of approximately 43 crores before even hitting the floors. This total includes 20 crores for digital rights acquired by Netflix, 15 crores for audio rights, and 8 crores for overseas distribution. While the 20-crore OTT valuation reflects a more cautious trend in the 2026 market compared to massive spectacles like Thug Life, locking in these deals early is a savvy move that puts the project in the green before production begins. Filming is set to go on floors this week with a compact 40-day schedule planned across Pondicherry and Chennai, alongside segments in Europe. This also marks a major milestone as Sai Pallavi’s very first collaboration with the director. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film's reach will extend internationally through Home Screen Entertainment, which has acquired the overseas theatrical distribution rights. The music department is also making rapid progress. Despite early rumors suggesting a change in the technical team, A.R. Rahman is firmly on board as the composer and has reportedly already finished composing two songs for the soundtrack, ensuring that his long-standing collaboration with the director continues. Production No. 23 is being mounted as a major collaborative effort between Madras Talkies, Lyca Productions, and India Talkies. By bringing together a strong production team and securing key digital and distribution partners early, the film is well-positioned as it heads into its primary shooting schedule. The combination of a tailor-made script and a never-before-seen lead pair makes it one of the most interesting projects to watch as it heads toward a release.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

OTT Releases This Week (June 29 to July 5, 2026) OTT Releases This Week (June 29 to July 5, 2026) are set to kick off the month with a diverse mix of massive sequels, regional thrillers, and international favorites. From the high-stakes mystery of Enola Holmes 3 on Netflix to the long-awaited return of The Devil Wears Prada 2 on JioHotstar, the streaming calendar is packed with heavy hitters. Here's a complete breakdown of all the movies and shows releasing on OTT between June 29 and July 5, 2026. June 29, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Tavvai Mythological Thriller JioHotstar Language:Hindi Running Time:2h 15m IMDB Rating:4.8/10 Direct OTT Release Tavvai is a mythological horror thriller centering on Pramendra, a man who inherits a terrifying ancestral curse.To save his family and village, he must uncover dark secrets involving the Goddess of Misfortune, Alakshmi. Tavvai Cast and Crew Bhushan PradhanActor Arpit RankaActor Manoj JoshiActor Nirbhay JariwalaDirector Jayesh VrushirajDirector Tavvai Trailer June 29, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos The Devil Wears Prada 2 Comedy Drama JioHotstar Language:English Running Time:1h 59m IMDB Rating:6.6/10 View Box Office Collection → Andy Sachs returns to Runway twenty years later, forced to navigate a modern media landscape ruled by internet algorithms.She reluctantly reunites with her formidable former boss, Miranda Priestly, who is fighting to save the dying print magazine from corporate bankruptcy.Together with a powerful Emily Charlton, they must form an unlikely alliance to stop a cutthroat corporate takeover. The Devil Wears Prada 2 Cast & Crew Meryl StreepActor Anne HathawayActor Emily BluntActor Stanley TucciActor David FrankelDirector The Devil Wears Prada 2 Trailer (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   July 3, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Mollywood Times Psychological Dark Comedy JioHotstar Language:Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi Running Time:2h 30m IMDB Rating:7.4/10 View Box Office Collection → A young aspiring filmmaker dreams of becoming Malayalam cinema's greatest horror director, determined to save the industry despite his father's warnings about the limitations of their film world. Mollywood Times Cast & Crew NaslenActor SharafudheenActor Sangeeth PrathapActor Roshan ShanavasActor Abhinav Sunder NayakDirector Mollywood Times Trailer June 30, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Obsession Supernatural Psychological Horror AmazonPrime - Rent Language:English Running Time:1h 48m IMDB Rating:8.1/10 View Box Office Collection → After breaking the mysterious One Wish Willow to win his crush's heart, a hopeless romantic finds himself getting exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price. Obsession Cast & Crew Michael JohnstonActor Inde NavarretteActor Cooper TomlinsonActor Megan LawlessActor Curry BarkerDirector Obsession Trailer (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   July 3, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Pritam And Pedro Mystery, Thriller JioHotstar Series:Pritam And Pedro Language:Hindi No Of Episodes:8 The series follows an old-school, traditional police officer from Punjab who is forced to partner with a cynical, tech-savvy cyber hacker. Together, they must navigate a high-stakes digital landscape to track down a dangerous cybercriminal and solve a high-profile kidnapping case. Pritam And Pedro Cast and Crew Boman IraniActor Bhuvan BamActor Sanjay DuttActor Arshad WarsiActor Rajkumar HiraniDirector Pritam And Pedro Trailer (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   July 2, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Super Subbu Comedy Drama Netflix Series:Super Subbu Language:Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi No Of Episodes:8 The series follows a young, educated man named Subbu who returns to his conservative hometown in South India. To make a living, he reluctantly starts an anonymous sex education column and counseling business, sparking massive comedic chaos, village scandals, and personal growth. Super Subbu Cast and Crew Sundeep KishanActor Mithila PalkarActor Murali SharmaActor Vennela KishoreDirector Anudeep KVDirector Super Subbu Trailer July 2, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Isakapatnam Crime thriller AmazonPrime Series:Isakapatnam Language:Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi No Of Episodes:7 Set in a ruthless 1990s fictional port town, the story revolves around Naidu, a formidable criminal don who commands an empire of crime, politics, and shipping. The status quo is shattered when three colliding forces—led by his own fiercely independent daughter, Bharati—unite to dismantle his kingdom from within through an explosive web of revenge and family feuds. Isakapatnam Cast and Crew SamuthirakaniActor Aishwarya RajeshActor SunilActor Naresh AgastyaActor Garry BHDirector Isakapatnam Trailer (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   July 1, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos X-Men '97. : Season 2 Animated Sci-Fi JioHotstar Series: X-Men '97. : Season 2 Language:English No Of Episodes:9 Picking up immediately after the cataclysmic Season 1 finale, the X-Men are scattered across time. Professor X, Magneto, Rogue, Nightcrawler, and Beast find themselves stranded in Ancient Egypt (3000 B.C.), while Cyclops and Jean Grey are flung into a dystopian far future (3960 A.D.). Back in the present 1990s timeline, Bishop and Forge scramble to rescue their lost teammates while the remaining heroes brace for an ultimate cosmic showdown against their Omega-level nemesis, Apocalypse. X-Men '97. : Season 2 Cast and Crew Emmett YonemuraDirector Chase ConleyDirector X-Men '97. : Season 2 Trailer July 3, 2026 Snapshot Cast & Crew Videos Muthassi Mythological Horror ZEE5 Series:Muthassi Language:Malayalam No Of Episodes:7 Set in a remote Tulu village along the Kerala-Karnataka border, the series follows Geetha, a mother who returns to her ancestral home. Her life turns into a living nightmare when an ancient, vengeful demonic entity possesses her young son, forcing her to confront dark family secrets and horrific blood rituals to save him. Muthassi Cast and Crew Saniya IyappanActor Anarkali MarikarActor Niranjana AnoopActor SharafudheenActor Prashanth VijayDirector Muthassi Trailer (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Other Upcoming OTT releases this week June 30 to July 4 MOVIE / SERIES NAME LANGUAGE RELEASE DATE PLATFORM The Midnight Romance In Hagwon Korean June 30 Netflix Blades Of The Guardians English June 30 PrimeVideo Rent The Get Out English June 30 PrimeVideo Rent Pitfall English June 30 PrimeVideo Rent She’s the He English June 30 PrimeVideo Rent Silent Friend English June 30 PrimeVideo Rent Smothered English June 30 Shudder Enola Holmes 3 English, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi July 1 Netflix Summer '36 French, English, Hindi July 1 Netflix Elle: From the world of Legally Blonde English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi July 1 PrimeVideo Ready Or Not 2 English July 2 Hulu The Choral English July 2 Netflix Survival Of The Thickest: Season 3 English July 2 Netflix Human Vapor Japanese, English July 2 Netflix Gurthukosthunnayi Telugu July 3 ETvWin Hangman Tamil July 3 Sunnxt Veerabhadruni Rahasyam Telugu July 3 Zee5 Silo: Season 3 English July 3 AppleTv+ Lee Cronin’s The Mummy English July 3 HBO Max Man Of War English July 3 PrimeVideo Rent Protector English July 3 PrimeVideo Half Man English July 3 LionsGatePlay Daemons of the Shadow Realm Japanese July 4 Netflix Frequently Asked Questions: OTT Releases (June 29 – July 5, 2026) When and where can I watch the third installment of Enola Holmes? The highly anticipated sequel Enola Holmes 3 is set to premiere on Netflix on July 1, 2026. To cater to its massive Indian fanbase, the film will be available in English, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, making it one of the biggest global drops of the week. What is the new Hindi horror film Tavvai about and where is it streaming? Tavvai, a mythological horror thriller directed by Nirbhay Jariwala and Jayesh Vrushiraj, is currently streaming on JioHotstar as of June 29, 2026. The film explores the dark legends of Alakshmi and features a strong ensemble cast including Manoj Joshi and Arpit Ranka. Is there a spin-off for Legally Blonde releasing this week? Yes, fans of the franchise can dive back into that world with Elle: From the world of Legally Blonde. This new series premieres on Amazon Prime Video on July 1, 2026. In a move to reach a wider audience, the show will be available in English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi. When do Silo Season 3 and Lee Cronin’s The Mummy release? Sci-fi and horror enthusiasts have a big Friday ahead on July 3, 2026. The acclaimed dystopian series Silo Season 3 returns to Apple TV+, while Lee Cronin’s fresh take on The Mummy will be available for streaming on HBO Max. What are the major international sequels arriving on JioHotstar? JioHotstar is leaning heavily into nostalgia and fan-favorites this week. On June 29, they premiered the long-awaited The Devil Wears Prada 2. This will be followed by the return of the animated hit X-Men '97 Season 2, which is scheduled to drop on July 1, 2026. Which regional language series should I look out for this weekend? The first weekend of July is packed with regional content. On July 3, Zee5 will release the Telugu weekly series Veerabhadruni Rahasyam and the Malayalam series Muthassi. Additionally, the multi-language project Mollywood Times arrives on JioHotstar on the same day, spanning across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. Are there any major Japanese releases on Netflix this week? Netflix is catering to anime and Japanese cinema fans with two notable titles. The thriller Human Vapor arrives on July 2 in both Japanese and English. 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BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, July 1 - Arjun Sarja's most anticipated Blast has emerged as one of the biggest Kollywood OTT successes of 2026. After a blockbuster theatrical run, the action entertainer debuted strongly on Netflix with 4.4 million views in its opening weekend, making it the second-highest-viewed Kollywood film on Netflix since 2024. The film trails only Idli Kadai, which had recorded 5.2 million views in its first five days on the platform. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Subash K. Raj, Blast was the second most-watched non-English title on Netflix during the week of June 22-28. Earlier, the film turned out to be a surprise commercial winner during its theatrical run. The film earned 75+ crore worldwide against a controlled budget of 18 crores, helping it emerge as one of the most profitable Tamil films of the year. The film's blend of martial arts action, emotional drama, and Arjun Sarja's comeback performance received strong appreciation from audiences both in theatres and after its OTT release. Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan's horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla continues its impressive OTT run on Netflix after a superb theatrical run. The film added another 1.5 million views in its third week on the platform, taking its cumulative Netflix viewership to 11.10 million views globally. The stronghold indicates excellent repeat audience interest and family viewership for the horror-comedy entertainer. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Bhooth Bangla was a major theatrical success before its digital premiere. The film grossed approximately 271 crore worldwide during its lifetime run, including around 216 crore gross in India and 55 crore overseas. Made on an estimated budget of 120 crore, the film comfortably emerged as a hit venture, aided further by substantial recovery through satellite and OTT rights. The Priyadarshan directorial marked a successful reunion with Akshay Kumar and benefited heavily from nostalgia surrounding their iconic comedy collaborations. Positive word-of-mouth, strong family audience turnout, and consistent OTT traction have helped Bhooth Bangla remain among Netflix India's most-watched Indian titles of the year weeks after release.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 1 - DC's latest superhero film Supergirl has emerged as one of the biggest box-office disappointments of the year, with Hollywood trade analysts projecting losses that could exceed $100 million for Warner Bros. Discovery. The film opened to around $63 million worldwide, a weak debut for a comic-book blockbuster carrying a production budget estimated between $170 million and $185 million. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Starring Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El, Supergirl was expected to continue the momentum of DC Studios' rebooted cinematic universe. However, mixed audience reactions and softer-than-expected ticket sales quickly raised concerns about the film's long-term performance. Reports suggest the studio also spent more than $100 million on global marketing, pushing the overall investment far higher. The film scored $37.10 million domestically (North America) and $25.50 million internationally in the opening weekend, which is lower than WB's own estimates. Per Variety, the movie now faces an uphill battle to recover its costs. Since studios receive only a portion of ticket revenue after theatres split, analysts believe Supergirl would need to earn well above $400 million globally to approach profitability. Current projections place its final worldwide total much lower, potentially resulting in losses between $100 million and $150 million. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The disappointing performance has reignited debate over superhero fatigue in Hollywood. Industry observers point to increasing audience burnout, heavy summer competition, and the challenge of launching lesser-known comic-book characters as major reasons behind the underwhelming turnout. Some critics have also questioned the film's marketing strategy and tonal direction.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Alia Bhatt's upcoming action film Alpha has received a U/A 16+ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). According to reports from Bollywood Hungama, the board cleared the movie for its July 3 release after the makers implemented a few minor modifications. These changes were mainly focused on adjusting specific violent visuals and language to align with the age rating while maintaining the film's overall structure. The certification process came with a few minor modifications. The examining committee focused on refining the visuals, particularly in the second half where scenes involving multiple stabbings were reduced and replaced with alternative shots. Similar visual tweaks were made in the first half, and one foul word was deleted. To keep the presentation polished, the makers were asked to include subtitles for all songs and ensure that credits appear in Hindi. With these changes, the final runtime stands at 140 minutes and 48 seconds, which is just over 2 hours and 20 minutes. For those tracking the pacing, the first half is slightly longer at 73 minutes compared to the 67-minute second half. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Switching focus to the business side of things, advance bookings officially opened across India today, Wednesday, July 1. If we look at the initial data from the national chains, the film is just starting to find its footing. As of midday, Alpha has sold over 700 tickets across the three major chains, accounting for a gross of approximately 2 Lakhs. Breaking these numbers down, INOX is currently leading the pack with over 500 tickets sold, followed by PVR with 150 tickets, and Cinepolis with around 50 tickets. The distribution strategy for this release is quite specific. YRF has issued clear instructions to exhibitors to ensure a controlled and premium experience. Most notably, there will be no early morning shows, with the first screenings mandated to start no earlier than 9:30 AM on Friday, July 3. Additionally, ticket pricing has been fixed to align with the current rates of Akshay Kumar's Welcome to the Jungle, which is performing well in theatres. This suggests that the studio is prioritizing a steady, high-value rollout over a chaotic early morning rush. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) To ensure maximum visibility, the studio has also set strict screen-sharing requirements. Depending on the size of the complex, theatres must allocate a minimum number of shows, ranging from 4 shows for 2-screen properties to at least 8 shows for larger 4-screen multiplexes. This programming ensures that Alpha will have a decent presence across the country from its first day of release. As the seventh installment in the YRF Spy Universe, Alpha carries a lot of weight on its shoulders. Directed by Shiv Rawail, who recently earned acclaim for The Railway Men, this is the first female-led film in a franchise that includes heavyweights like Pathaan and War. By placing Alia Bhatt at the center of this action-heavy world, YRF is looking to expand the scope of Indian spy cinema. With the countdown now at 48 hours, all eyes will be on how the audience responds to this new direction for the franchise on July 3.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 1 - The excitement surrounding Welcome To The Jungle continues to grow as the film inches closer to the 100 crore India net box office mark. Celebrating the overwhelming response from audiences, superstar Akshay Kumar shared a heartfelt note on social media along with a cheerful behind-the-scenes picture featuring veteran actors Farida Jalal and Kiran Kumar. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In his emotional message, Akshay expressed deep gratitude to everyone associated with the project and thanked fans for showering the film with immense love. He wrote that if a picture is worth a thousand words, this particular moment was worth "millions" to him. The actor admitted that even the word "thank you" felt too small to describe how he felt at the moment by sharing screen with the two seasoned artists and the film's box office performance. Akshay also paid tribute to senior actors Farida Jalal and Kiran Kumar, respectfully referring to them as "Farida ji" and "Kiran Sir." He credited their blessings and presence for the positive energy surrounding the film's journey at the box office. His message reflected not only celebration but also humility and respect toward the veterans who have contributed immensely to Indian cinema over the years. If a picture is worth a thousand words, this one for me is worth millions.Badi bi sahi keh rahi hai… THANK YOU is very small in front of what I feel right now.While I am indebted to every single soul connected to Welcome to the Jungle, I bow down in gratitude to seniors like… pic.twitter.com/K8SGxuuTIg— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) July 1, 2026 Welcome To The Jungle has managed to attract audiences with its blend of comedy, entertainment, and star-studded performances. As the film moves steadily toward the 100 crore net milestone (81.50 crores in 5 days so far), fans and industry insiders alike are praising the chemistry among the ensemble cast and the film's mass appeal. The movie's strong theatrical run further reinforces Akshay Kumar's enduring popularity in the comedy-action genre.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 1 - Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan and Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar are set to reunite once again, this time for a brand-new comedy thriller backed by Tips Films. The development comes shortly after Priyadarshan officially stepped away from the much-discussed Hera Pheri 3. The director-actor duo, known for delivering some of Hindi cinema's most loved comedy films, will reportedly collaborate on an untitled entertainer that blends humour with suspense. According to a Mid-Day report, the film is expected to go on the floors by the end of this year. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar share one of Bollywood's most successful creative partnerships. Over the years, they have delivered cult classics such as Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhag, and De Dana Dan. Their unique combination of slapstick comedy, memorable characters, and fast-paced storytelling has consistently resonated with audiences. The latest collaboration comes at a time when fans were disappointed by Priyadarshan's exit from Hera Pheri 3. The filmmaker recently confirmed that he is no longer associated with the project and hinted at ongoing legal and production-related complications surrounding the franchise. His departure has raised uncertainty about the future of the highly anticipated sequel. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Despite the setback, Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar appear focused on continuing their successful partnership through fresh projects. Their recent horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla is one of the highest-grossing Indian films of the year so far, while another film titled Haiwaan, co-starring Sai Ali Khan, is scheduled to hit the big screens in September 2026. The upcoming comedy thriller will mark the duo's 9th film together, and is already generating strong buzz among fans, many of whom consider the Priyadarshan-Akshay Kumar combination synonymous with iconic Bollywood comedy. While details regarding the cast, title, and storyline are still under wraps, expectations are naturally high given the duo's impressive track record.