BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, December 4 - The year 2025 has been decent for Indian cinema on streaming platforms, with several titles finding audiences beyond traditional theatrical circuits. Interestingly, most films on the list were released in theatres first, with very few direct OTT releases, showcasing the importance of the big screen. Among non-Netflix releases, Akshay Kumar's Kesari: Chapter 2 has emerged as the undisputed OTT champion of the year so far, clocking over 18 million views. Originally released in April, the film also became a major box office success. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In second place is Rajinikanth's Coolie, delivering an impressive 17+ million views. Close behind, the pan-India mega-hit Kantara: Chapter 1 continues to dominate with over 13 million views, slightly edging out Housefull 5. Family entertainer Tourist Family holds the fifth spot, maintaining steady popularity across demographics. The middle of the list features Sarzameen, followed by the Malayalam hit Lokah: Chapter 1, both crossing the 10-million mark—an indicator of their strong OTT reach. table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 16px 0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; } thead th { background: #e8f0ff; padding: 10px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid #d6dff2; } tbody td { padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #d6dff2; } tbody tr:nth-child(odd) { background: #f7faff; } # Title Language OTT Views (Millions) 1Kesari: Chapter 2Hindi18+ M 2CoolieTamil17.50+ M 3Kantara: Chapter 1Kannada13.70+ M 4Housefull 5Hindi13.50+ M 5Tourist FamilyTamil13+ M 6SarzameenHindi10.70+ M 7Lokah: Chapter 1Malayalam10.50+ M 8Bhool Chuk MaafHindi8.60+ M 9ThudarumMalayalam8.50+ M 10Veera Dheera Sooran 2Tamil7.70+ M Note: Estimated views based on various sources. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, November 26 - Director Aditya Dhar's spy action thriller Dhurandhar is shaping up to be one of the most-awaited Bollywood films. Starring Ranveer Singh in the lead role, the film is based on incredible true events, and, according to the latest update, is set to be one of the longest films ever. It was recently reported that Dhurandhar is gearing up to be released in two parts due to the importance of the story. The first part was said to be over 3 hours, and now, as per Bollywood Hungama, the film's theatrical runtime is clocking around 3 hours and 30 minutes. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) "Dhurandhar Part 1's length is said to be around 3 hours and 32 minutes. The final run time has been kept under wraps, but it's expected to be close to 3 ½ hours long. The process of acquiring the censor certificate has begun. Once the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) passes the film in a few days from now, the exact run time will be known", says the report. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) If the final runtime gets locked as mentioned above, Dhurandhar will be the 6th longest Bollywood movie of the 21st century and the longest since Jodhaa Akbar (2008), which ran for 3 hours and 34 minutes. "Dhurandhar tells a vast story, and hence the lengthy run time. Its storytelling will be on the same lines as Dhar's URI". Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the film also stars Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, alongside Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi in key roles. It is scheduled to be released on December 5, 2025. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, November 26 - Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor has one of the best line-ups of films with multiple potential blockbusters. The Animal star will be seen headlining some of the most-awaited Indian films, including Love & War, Ramayana, and Animal Park. While the release dates of Ramayana Part 1 and Part 2 are locked for Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027, the uncertainty over director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War is looming large, as the latest reports hint at a major twist despite it being already locked for an August 2026 release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Love & War, which also stars Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, has been in production since last year, and some portion of the shoot is still pending. It was recently postponed to August 2026 from March 19, but according to the latest report by Bollywood Hungama, Ranbir is pushing SLB to prepone the release by a couple of months. Indian Cinema Prepares For Its Most Ambitious Line-up Yet With Ramayana, Varanasi, King, and More Since Ramayana Part 1 is already scheduled for Diwali 2026 release, Ranbir has reportedly requested SLB to move his period romantic drama up in June 2026, to maintain a reasonable gap between the two films. "He wants to ensure that there's at least 4 months' gap between Love And War and Ramayana. Since the date of Ramayana can't move, RK has requested Sanjay Leela Bhansali to bring Love And War on the big screen, latest by June 2026", says the report. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) It is said that Sanjay Leela Bhansali is still adamant to launch Love & War in August on Independence Day, since it's a lucrative window for box office dominance, but RK feels that there's too little of a gap between Love & War and Ramayana. Ramayana producer Namit Malhotra is also reportedly putting pressure on SLB to release his movie in June, as he doesn't want the aftermath of Love And War to impact Ramayana in any way. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is expected to take a call on the release date soon and make an official announcement. It will be Ranbir's first release since Animal (2023), which went to become his highest-grossing film with over 900 crores at the worldwide box office. Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar Theatrical Runtime Revealed: One of The Longest Bollywood Films Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, November 27 - Ranveer Singh-fronted spy action thriller Dhurandhar has been the talk of the town for the last few days after the trailer was launched. The makers have described the movie as "inspired by actual events", which has led social media users to dig deep to find the parallels. Ever since the trailer was launched, people began drawing parallels between Ranveer Singh's character and real-life national hero Major Mohit Sharma, the braveheart who went undercover as Iftikhar Bhatt to infiltrate Hizbul Mujahideen in the early 2000s. On Wednesday (November 26), director Aditya Dhar responded to Major Mohit's brother, Madhur Sharma, who tagged the filmmaker on social media and asked if the film was based on the undercover spy. Clearing the air, Dhar denied the rumours that say that the film is inspired by Braveheart. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) "Hi, sir - our film Dhurandhar is not based on the life of braveheart Major Mohit Sharma AC(P) SM. This is an official clarification. I assure you, if we do make a biopic on Mohit sir in the future, we will do it with full consent and in complete consultation with the family, and in a way that truly honours his sacrifice for the nation and the legacy it has left for all of us. 🙏 Jai Hind 🇮🇳", the URI director said. Hi, sir - our film Dhurandhar is not based on the life of braveheart Major Mohit Sharma AC(P) SM. This is an official clarification. I assure you, if we do make a biopic on Mohit sir in the future, we will do it with full consent and in complete consultation with the family,…— Aditya Dhar (@AdityaDharFilms) November 26, 2025 Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, Dhuradhar stars Ranveer Singh alongside Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, alongside Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi in key roles. The film will reportedly be released in two parts, with the first part scheduled to hit the big screen on December 5, 2025. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

After a decade, India's favorite comedian is back with the sequel to his blockbuster debut. The laughter is about to get twice as loud! On November 26, 2025, comedian-turned-actor Kapil Sharma officially dropped the trailer for his highly anticipated film, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2. Taking to social media, Sharma shared the chaotic and fun-filled glimpse into the sequel, confirming that the film will hit cinemas on December 12, 2025. The trailer promises a return to the slapstick, errors-of-comedy genre that made the first installment a massive hit, featuring Kapil in his signature element—juggling multiple relationships and avoiding getting caught. While the original 2015 hit was helmed by the legendary thriller duo Abbas-Mustan, the sequel marks a shift in leadership with Anukalp Goswami taking over the directorial baton. Kapil Sharma returns to lead the chaotic narrative, reprising a fresh variation of his signature "husband in trouble" trope, backed once again by producer Ratan Jain of Venus Worldwide Entertainment. To elevate the comic timing, the trailer introduces a new ensemble of leading ladies—Warina Hussain, Tridha Choudhury, Parul Gulati, and Ayesha Khan—supported by the impeccable comic timing of Manjot Singh and veteran actors like Asrani, Vipin Sharma, and Akhilendra Mishra. Notably, Anukalp Goswami, who served as the writer for the first installment, now steers the ship as both writer and director, ensuring the franchise’s core DNA of confusion and chaos remains intact. The sequel arrives with the heavy burden of living up to a massive legacy, as the original film had set a high benchmark upon its release in 2015. Marking Kapil Sharma's Bollywood debut, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon defied all trade expectations under the direction of Abbas-Mustan. It registered a staggering opening day collection of ₹10.20 Crore—a record for a debutant actor at the time—and went on to amass a lifetime total of approximately ₹49.98 Crore (Net India). Declared a certified commercial Hit, the film was pivotal in establishing Kapil Sharma as a bankable star in the mainstream comedy genre. This movie marks the first collaboration between Kapil Sharma and director Anukalp Goswami. Unlike the first film, where the novelty was "Thriller specialist directors (Abbas-Mustan) making a comedy," the sequel is being steered by a team more rooted in the current comedy landscape. However, the core DNA of the franchise—confusion, multiple partners, and quick-witted one-liners—remains intact under the new direction. With a release date of December 12, 2025, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 is perfectly timed to capitalize on the pre-holiday mood. Coming after his serious stint in Zwigato, fans are eager to see Kapil Sharma back in his goofy, high-energy avatar. If the trailer is anything to go by, audiences are in for a rollercoaster ride of errors.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

After shattering every box office record for Indian animation, the blockbuster prequel is now eyeing global glory at the Oscars 2026.In what is turning out to be a historic year for Indian cinema, ‘Mahavatar Narsimha’ has officially appeared on the list of films eligible for consideration in the Best Animated Feature category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026). Having already conquered the domestic box office with a historic run, the film now finds itself on the global stage, listed alongside international heavyweights like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, The Bad Guys 2, and Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc. Produced by the powerhouse Hombale Films (makers of KGF and Kantara), Mahavatar Narsimha was released as an animated period action drama serving as a prequel to the studio’s cinematic universe. The film chronicled the terrifying origins of Narasimha, the half-man, half-lion avatar of Lord Vishnu, and his battle against Hiranyakashipu. Departing from the colorful, child-friendly style of previous Indian animations, the film delivered a dark, gritty, and visually immersive 3D experience. This mature approach resonated massively with audiences, turning it into a "Pan-India" theatrical event rather than just a niche animated release. Backed by producer Vijay Kiragandur, the magnum opus was helmed by director Ashwin Kumar, who spent years developing the film's distinct visual language. The visuals were brought to life by the animation studio Klever Kid, utilizing cutting-edge motion capture technology that set a new benchmark for Indian production quality. The film was celebrated not just for its story, but for proving that Indian studios can deliver world-class animation. By securing its place on the official eligibility list, the film has successfully navigated the Academy’s stringent requirements, a feat that included completing a mandatory qualifying theatrical run in Los Angeles. The stakes are now incredibly high as the movie vies for a coveted nomination spot against roughly 35 to 40 films worldwide. This marks a significant departure from previous years where Indian entries were primarily viewed through the lens of the International Feature category; instead, Mahavatar Narsimha, bolstered by its massive commercial success, is competing directly in the animation big league against global titans from Disney, Pixar, and the Japanese Anime industry. Before entering the Oscar race, Mahavatar Narsimha rewrote the history books at the box office. For decades, the commercial ceiling for the genre was defined by the 2005 classic Hanuman, which was the first Indian animated movie to achieve a double-digit collection (grossing over ₹10 crore). However, Mahavatar Narsimha has obliterated that long-standing benchmark, becoming the first Indian animated film in history to cross the elusive ₹100 crore mark. By doing so, it has finally ended the industry's decades-long wait for a true mega-blockbuster, proving that homegrown animation can deliver numbers rivaling mainstream live-action cinema. The film has officially ended its run as the All-Time Highest-Grossing Indian Animated Film. India Net Collection: ₹ 250.29 Cr India Gross Collection: ₹ 297.74 Cr Overseas Collection: ₹ 28 Cr Total Worldwide Collection: ₹ 325.74 Cr From winning the hearts of millions in India to competing for the ultimate cinematic honor, Mahavatar Narsimha has already won the war for Indian animation. As the Academy voters begin their screening process, one thing is certain: Hombale Films hasn't just made a movie; they have created a movement. Whether it brings home the golden statuette or not, by crossing the ₹300 crore mark and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with global giants, it has undeniably opened the floodgates for Indian storytellers to dream bigger than ever before.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The year 2025 has been a rollercoaster for the Hindi film industry, but if the trade buzz is anything to go by, the year is set to end with a deafening bang. December, traditionally the most lucrative month for Bollywood, is gearing up for a strategic Relay Race rather than a direct clash. Two of the industry’s biggest youth icons—Ranveer Singh and Kartik Aaryan—are set to bookend the month. While Ranveer kicks things off with the high-octane spy thriller Dhurandhar on December 5, Kartik Aaryan looks to capture the holiday crowd with his entertainer Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri on December 25. Ranveer Singh kicks off the month on December 5 with Dhurandhar, a role that promises a career-defining transformation. Stepping away from his usual flamboyant persona, Singh portrays a gritty R&AW agent in this espionage thriller directed by Aditya Dhar, the National Award winner behind Uri: The Surgical Strike. The film boasts a massive ensemble cast, featuring heavyweights like Sanjay Dutt as SP Chaudhary Aslam, Akshaye Khanna as Rehman Dakait, R. Madhavan as Ajay Sanyal, and Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal. The ground-level anticipation for the film is palpable; the recently released track ‘Ishq Jalakar – Karvaan’ has set a somber, intense tone, helping the film clock over 110K+ Interests on BookMyShow with more than a week still to go before release. For Singh, the stakes are high. While his 2023 release Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was a global success grossing ₹355 Cr worldwide, Dhurandhar represents his bid to reclaim the "Mass Action Hero" throne with a dedicated solo release, distinct from his recent ensemble appearance in Singham Again. Just as the dust settles from Dhurandhar, Kartik Aaryan is set to arrive on Christmas Day—a prime box office slot historically reserved for industry titans like Aamir Khan. With the quirky title Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, the film promises to be the quintessential family entertainer tailored specifically for the festive holiday season. Despite being a full month away from release, the hype is already neck-and-neck with its December competitor; the film has registered a staggering 105K+ Interests on BookMyShow, a massive feat that indicates audiences are already locking in their cinematic plans for Christmas. Headlining the project is Kartik Aaryan, who has firmly established himself as the "King of Christmas" for this year and a go-to star for producers seeking high Return on Investment (ROI). He is currently riding the highest wave of his career following the massive success of his Diwali 2024 release, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, a blockbuster that crossed the ₹260.11 Cr net mark in India. Coupled with the previous global success of Satyaprem Ki Katha (₹100 Cr+ Worldwide), his track record proves his consistency in the romance and family genres, making this upcoming release a sure shot contender to close the year on a high. While Ranveer Singh is likely to win the opening day battle with sheer scale and star power, Kartik Aaryan seems poised to win the profitability game, riding on the holiday season and his current unbeatable form. For the industry, it's a win-win: Ranveer brings the heat, and Kartik brings the cheer to close 2025 on a triumphant note.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Malayalam film industry witnessed an interesting box office clash on November 21, 2025, with the release of the Prithviraj Sukumaran starrer Vilaayath Buddha and the mystery thriller Eko. While the former was anticipated to open big due to its star power, the box office numbers after the first five days suggest a shift in audience preference, with the smaller-budget thriller taking a significant lead globally. Billed as an atmospheric mystery thriller, Eko is helmed by director Dinjith Ayyathan, with the screenplay and cinematography handled by Bahul Ramesh. The film features a talented ensemble cast led by Sandeep Pradeep, who previously garnered attention for his role in Falimy (2023). He is supported by a roster of seasoned performers, including Vineeth, Narain, and Binu Pappu, who anchor the film’s suspenseful narrative. A significant factor driving the film's traction is the brand value of its technical crew. Eko marks the reunion of the core team behind the 2024 sleeper hit Kishkindha Kaandam. Since that film was a critical and commercial success known for its intelligent screenplay and atmospheric storytelling, Eko arrived with a layer of built-in trust. Marketed effectively as a spiritual successor in this specific mystery-thriller space, the film managed to pique audience interest despite the absence of a traditional superstar. In terms of performance, Eko mirrored the trajectory of its predecessor by starting slow but picking up significant momentum by Saturday. The film has demonstrated strong content acceptance, amassing a worldwide collection of ₹14 crore within its first five days. This figure is regarded as a notable achievement for a project without an A-list lead, signaling a clear audience preference for the film's engaging narrative style. Eko: The Box Office Breakout Riding on positive word-of-mouth, Eko has shown a steady upward trend over the weekend, effectively doubling the numbers of its competitor. India Net Collection: ₹ 7.4 Cr India Gross Collection: ₹ 8.75 Cr Overseas Collection: ₹ 5.25 Cr Total Worldwide Collection: ₹ 14 Cr Directed by Jayan Nambiar with a musical score by Jakes Bejoy, the action drama Vilaayath Buddha is headlined by Prithviraj Sukumaran in the role of Double Mohanan, supported by Kottayam Ramesh and Shammi Thilakan. The film serves as an official adaptation of G.R. Indugopan’s popular novel, centering on a conflict over a sandalwood tree. Prithviraj entered this release riding a wave of immense box office momentum; his previous outing, L2: Empuraan (2025), was a historic blockbuster that shattered opening records, while his survival drama Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life) was a massive commercial success, grossing over ₹150 crore globally. However, despite the lead actor's recent streak of blockbusters, Vilaayath Buddha has underperformed at the ticket windows. Trade analysts attribute this dip to mixed to average audience reports, specifically citing issues with the screenplay's pacing and certain adaptation choices. With a total worldwide gross of just ₹6.45 crore in its first five days, the film now faces a challenging path to recover its theatrical value. Vilaayath Buddha: The Struggle The Prithviraj starrer opened to mixed reviews, which is reflected in its struggling collections despite the star power. India Net Collection: ₹ 3.8 Cr India Gross Collection: ₹ 4.45 Cr Overseas Collection: ₹ 2 Cr Total Worldwide Collection: ₹ 6.45 Cr The 5-day report highlights a recurring trend in the Malayalam industry where content-driven narratives often challenge star-driven vehicles. While Vilaayath Buddha struggled to convert the novel's popularity into footfalls, Eko capitalized on the goodwill of its technical team's previous success (Kishkindha Kaandam) to emerge as the winner of this weekend clash. 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BY CHRISTA LINCY

In a move that highlights the immense buzz surrounding Aditya Dhar’s upcoming espionage thriller, the makers of Dhurandhar have released the soulful track ‘Ishq Jalakar – Karvaan’ ahead of schedule. Originally slated for a later launch, the song was fast-tracked after a snippet in the trailer went viral, leading to massive public demand on social media. Released ahead of schedule due to overwhelming public demand, the track ‘Ishq Jalakar – Karvaan’ is a stirring modern recreation of the legendary 1960 Qawwali classic "Na To Karvan Ki Talash Hai" from the film Barsaat Ki Raat. The song features the powerful vocals of Shashwat Sachdev, Shahzad Ali, Subhadeep Das Chowdhury, and Armaan Khan, with Sachdev also serving as the composer who reimagined Roshan’s original masterpiece. Lyrically, the track bridges eras by blending the timeless verses of Sahir Ludhianvi with fresh lines penned by Irshad Kamil. Serving as a crucial narrative element, the song underscores the gritty and emotional journey of the protagonist, played by Ranveer Singh; its haunting melody in the trailer sparked such a viral frenzy that producers Saregama and Jio Studios were compelled to release the full music video on November 25, 2025. The film boasts a massive ensemble cast, bringing together some of the finest actors in Indian cinema to portray characters deeply rooted in real-world history. Ranveer Singh leads the pack as the protagonist, a RAW agent reportedly inspired by the real-life operative Major Mohit Sharma. He is supported by a powerful lineup including R. Madhavan as Ajay Sanyal, a character based on National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Sanjay Dutt, who takes on the role of SP Chaudhary Aslam, modeled after the tough Pakistani cop Chaudhary Aslam Khan. The gritty narrative also features Akshaye Khanna as Rehman Dakait, based on the infamous Lyari gang war figure, while Arjun Rampal steps in as the formidable antagonist Major Iqbal, a character drawn from terrorist Ilyas Kashmiri. Rounding out this stellar group is Sara Arjun, who plays a pivotal role reported to be the female lead. Ranveer Singh’s last major appearance as a lead protagonist was in the 2023 critical and commercial blockbuster ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’. Directed by Karan Johar, the film showcased Singh’s versatility as the flamboyant yet endearing Rocky Randhawa, a role that stands in stark contrast to the gritty, intense spy he portrays in Dhurandhar. The romantic drama was a global success, grossing approximately ₹357.5 crore at the worldwide box office. While Singh recently reprised his popular character Simmba for the ensemble actioner Singham Again (2024), Dhurandhar is widely viewed as his massive return to a dedicated titular role, carrying the weight of high audience expectations following his previous solo blockbuster. The promotional campaign kicked off with the trailer receiving a "UA 16+" certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in August 2025, clocking in at 2 minutes and 42 seconds. While the final certificate for the theatrical release is still in process, the trailer's rating strongly indicates that the film will feature intense action sequences and violence suitable for mature audiences. Given the production's grand scale, trade sources suggest the movie may have a runtime exceeding three hours, fueling strong industry speculation that Dhurandhar might be released in two parts. If these reports hold true, the first installment is set to arrive on December 5, 2025, with the second likely following in 2026, though the makers have seemingly kept the official "Part 2" announcement as a strategic surprise. The wait is finally over. Listen to the modern recreation of the timeless classic that has everyone talking. Check out the song here: Dhurandhar marks the highly anticipated return of director Aditya Dhar, his first major project since the massive success of his debut, Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019), which earned him the National Film Award for Best Director. For this second directorial venture, Dhar has forged a fresh creative partnership, collaborating with Ranveer Singh for the first time. Moving away from the cast of Uri, he has assembled a completely new ensemble to inhabit this gritty spy universe. However, the film retains Dhar’s signature storytelling ethos; much like Uri, Dhurandhar is reportedly grounded in reality, drawing inspiration from actual Indian intelligence operations and focusing specifically on the "Unknown Men"—covert assets credited with neutralizing threats on foreign soil. Set against the volatile backdrop of a covert Indian intelligence mission deep inside Pakistan, the narrative promises a gritty, realistic, and violent portrayal of espionage. Moving away from the "larger-than-life" spectacle typical of franchises like the YRF Spy Universe, the film adopts a grounded, procedural approach reminiscent of Zero Dark Thirty. The production itself matched this ambitious scale, with filming spanning over a year across various international schedules. The shoot was not without its hurdles; the team faced significant challenges, including a widely reported incident where several crew members fell ill during a grueling high-altitude schedule in Leh, Ladakh, yet the unit persevered to complete the film on time. As the countdown to the December 5 release begins, Dhurandhar stands poised to potentially redefine the landscape of Indian espionage films. With the haunting melody of Ishq Jalakar – Karvaan setting a somber yet intense tone, and a screenplay rooted in the unsung sacrifices of intelligence officers, the stakes are exceptionally high. The makers have bet big on this sprawling narrative, effectively splitting the saga into two distinct chapters to do justice to its scale—with the first part arriving this December and the concluding installment targeted for a Summer 2026 release. If the collaboration between Aditya Dhar’s gritty vision and Ranveer Singh’s intense performance translates effectively to the screen, audiences are in for a massive cinematic event that honors the shadows of history while delivering high-octane entertainment across both volumes.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, November 25 - Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh-fronted romantic comedy De De Pyaar De 2 has topped the 100 crore worldwide mark, a decent milestone at the global box office. Directed by Anshul Sharma, DDPD2 took 12 days to go past the century mark worldwide. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While entering the 100-crore club is always noteworthy for a rom-com, the overall performance of the sequel is being viewed as satisfactory rather than impressive, especially considering the expectations attached to the brand value of the first film. The film opened on a modest note, and though it picked up over the weekend, the growth wasn't strong enough to signal a major blockbuster run. Gradual progress over the weekdays and a steady second weekend helped the film push its worldwide gross to over 100 crore, allowing it to just about cross the benchmark. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) At the domestic box office, DDPD2 has grossed approximately 77.50 crores in 12 days, which also reflects the mixed trend — not a failure, but far from the commanding numbers expected from a franchise-driven urban entertainer. Overseas, the film has posted around 22.50 crores so far to take its global tally past 100 crores. Despite this, De De Pyaar De 2 remains a fairly acceptable box-office outing, buoyed by family audiences. Overall, the film's entry into the 100 crore worldwide club is a decent achievement, but the verdict remains clear — the result is not extraordinary, merely satisfactory, and certainly below what trade circles had anticipated before release. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

The final week of November 2025 is not just a regular week for streaming—it is a global pop-culture event! After an agonizing wait, the gang from Hawkins is back as Stranger Things Season 5 finally hits Netflix, promising a dark and thrilling beginning to the end. But the excitement doesn't stop at the Upside Down. From the emotional farewell of Bel-Air Season 4 to the start of the holiday movie season with Jingle Bell Heist, the digital platforms are packed. Whether you are in the mood for high-stakes sci-fi, a gripping documentary like The Stringer, or a chaotic wedding comedy like Bride Hard, this week’s lineup is stacked with blockbusters. OTT Releases This Week Nov 28, 2025 The Stringer: The Man Who Took The Photo Social Documentary Netflix Language: Telugu Running Time: 1h 40m IMDB Rating: 6.7/10 Limited Theatrical Release The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo is a documentary film investigating a 52-year-old secret that challenges the authorship of the iconic "Napalm Girl" photo from the Vietnam War. The film follows photographer Gary Knight's two-year search for the actual photographer, a local Vietnamese stringer named Nguyen Thanh Nghe. A former Associated Press (AP) editor claims that AP brass, including Horst Faas, falsely credited staff photographer Nick Ut with the photo in 1972. Featuring witness accounts and forensic analysis, the documentary suggests Nghe was the one who captured the image, while also exploring broader themes of journalistic ethics and racial bias in media history. The AP, Kim Phuc, and Nick Ut dispute the film's findings. The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and is slated for release on Netflix. Nov 28, 2025 Born Hungry Documentary Drama JioHotstar Language:English Running Time: 1h 17m IMDB Rating: 7.4/10 Limited Theatrical Release The 2025 documentary Born Hungry chronicles the remarkable true story of celebrity chef Sash Simpson. The film traces his journey from a young boy abandoned and eating from garbage bins on the streets of Chennai, India, to his adoption by Canadian philanthropists and subsequent rise as an acclaimed chef and Toronto restaurateur. The synopsis focuses on his emotional return to India as an adult to rediscover his roots and search for his lost birth family, exploring powerful themes of resilience, identity, and belonging. Nov 26, 2025 Jingle Bell Heist Romantic Comedy Netflix Language: English Running Time: NA IMDB Rating: NA Direct OTT Release Two down-on-their-luck, hourly workers team up to rob a posh London department store on Christmas Eve. Will they steal each other's hearts along the way? Nov 25, 2025 I Wish You All The Best Romance, Drama LionsGatePlay Language: English Running Time: 1h 32m IMDB Rating: 4.5/10 Limited Theatrical Release A high school junior comes out as nonbinary and is thrown out of their family's home. With nowhere else to turn, they move in with their estranged older sister and her husband. After enrolling in a new school, they find support from an eccentric art teacher while forming an unexpected bond with a kindhearted student. Nov 28, 2025 Bride Hard Comedy Hulu Language: English Running Time: 1h 45m IMDB Rating: 4.4/10 Limited Theatrical release Sam is a world-class secret agent but a terrible maid of honor. After blowing off bridal duties for an international spy mission, she's demoted to bridesmaid at her friend's wedding. However, she soon gets a chance at redemption when armed mercenaries crash the ceremony, forcing Sam to take down the bad guys in a blaze of glory. Nov 29, 2025 Comedy,thriller Netflix Language: English Running Time: 1h 47m IMDB Rating: 6.9/10 Limited Theatrical release A crime thriller about Hank Thompson, a former high school baseball phenom who now works as a bartender. His quiet life is shattered when a simple favor for his neighbor accidentally pulls him into New York City's criminal underworld, forcing him to navigate gangsters and fight for survival. The film explores themes of trauma, guilt, and redemption, as Hank is forced to confront the bad choices that have defined his life. Nov 24, 2025 Crime Documentary Netflix Series: Missing: Dead or Alive? season 2 Language: English No Of Episodes: 4 Missing: Dead or Alive? season 2, is a four-episode, true-crime docuseries that provides a raw, real-time look at officers from the Richland County Sheriff's Department in South Carolina as they investigate urgent missing person cases. The season covers two primary disappearances: that of Morgan Duncan, whose case transforms into a homicide investigation resulting in a 57-year prison sentence for his murderer, and Shandon Floyd, a young woman who seemingly vanished overnight. The series emphasizes the emotional toll on families and investigators, highlighting the challenging and time-sensitive nature of their work. Nov 26, 2025 Nature Documentary Apple TV Series: Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age Language: English No Of Episodes: 5 It explores explores the lives of megafauna during the Pleistocene era. Narrated by Tom Hiddleston, the series uses photorealistic visual effects to depict iconic extinct animals like woolly mammoths and saber-toothed cats, as well as lesser-known creatures such as giant armadillos and snow sloths. Each episode focuses on a different habitat—from tundras and deserts to grasslands and melting ice sheets—illustrating the challenges of survival and adaptation in a world defined by dramatic climate shifts, moving from The Big Freeze to The Big Melt. Nov 26, 2025 Science ,Fiction Apple TV Series:WondLa season 3 Language: English No Of Episodes:6 In the third and final season of WondLa, an all-out war breaks out between humans and aliens on the planet Orbona. The main character, Eva Nine, is forced out of hiding after the human leader Cadmus Pryde captures the city of Solas. To prevent the manipulative Loroc from destroying the planet, Eva must embark on her most perilous mission yet: recovering the stolen "Heart of the Forest" and uniting old friends and unlikely allies for a final stand. The season culminates in an epic climax as Eva strives to bridge the gap between the two worlds, proving that "there is no 'them. There is only us". Nov 25, 2025 Drama jioHotstar Series:Bel- Air Season 4 Language: English No Of Episodes:8 The season focuses on the senior year of the Banks family, as each character faces pivotal choices and life-altering challenges. Will deals with the aftermath of his kidnapping and balances freedom with expectations, while the rest of the family—Carlton, Philip, Vivian, Hilary, Ashley, and Geoffrey—confront their own personal and professional crises. The final season features guest appearances by Snoop Dogg, Tyra Banks, and original cast member Janet Hubert. Nov 27, 2025 Science ,Fiction Netflix Series:Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 Language: English No Of Episodes:4 Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1, begins in the fall of 1987, months after the catastrophic events of the Season 4 finale which left Hawkins scarred by open rifts from the Upside Down. Now under military quarantine, the core group of friends must reunite to find and kill the vanished mastermind Vecna. The stakes are higher than ever as the Upside Down begins to merge with the real world, forcing Eleven into hiding as the government hunts her and Will Byers' connection to the villain becomes central to the final, desperate plan to save their world from total destruction. This week is arguably the biggest week of the year for OTT lovers. The return of Stranger Things will undoubtedly dominate social media conversations, making it the must-watch choice for pop-culture enthusiasts. However, if you need a break from monsters and mayhem, the final season of Bel-Air offers high-voltage family drama, while Bride Hard brings the perfect dose of action-comedy. /* ---------- OTT Section ---------- */ .ott-section { font-family: "Nunito Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.5px; line-height: 1.7; max-width: 960px; margin: 20px auto; padding: 20px; background: #fafafa; border-radius: 12px; box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.06); } .ott-section * { font-style: normal !important; } .ott-section h2 { font-size: 1.8rem; margin-bottom: 18px; color: #222; border-bottom: 2px solid #e6e6e6; padding-bottom: 10px; font-weight: 600; } /* ---------- Card ---------- */ .ott-card { position: relative; background: #fff; border-radius: 12px; padding: 18px; margin-bottom: 20px; box-shadow: 0 1px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.05); } /* ---------- Date pill ---------- */ .ott-date { position: absolute; top: 18px; right: 18px; background: linear-gradient(90deg,#3b0078,#5b2b99); color: #fff; padding: 6px 14px; border-radius: 20px; font-size: 13px; white-space: nowrap; box-shadow: 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.12); font-style: normal !important; } /* ---------- Grid: Poster + Meta ---------- */ .ott-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 150px minmax(0, 1fr); gap: 20px; align-items: start; } .ott-poster-wrap { display: flex; justify-content: center; align-items: flex-start; } .ott-poster { width: 150px; height: 210px; border-radius: 10px; object-fit: cover; box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.12); margin-top: 18px; transition: transform 0.18s ease; } .ott-poster-wrap:hover .ott-poster { transform: translateY(-3px); } /* ---------- Meta ---------- */ .ott-meta { display: flex; flex-direction: column; justify-content: flex-start; align-items: flex-start; } /* Title */ .ott-title { font-size: 1.4rem; font-weight: 700; margin: 0 0 10px 0; } .ott-title a { text-decoration: none; color: #000; font-style: normal !important; } /* Pills / Tags */ .ott-tags { display: flex; gap: 8px; flex-wrap: wrap; margin-bottom: 10px; align-items: center; } .genre-pill, .ott-pill { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; gap: 6px; padding: 6px 12px; border-radius: 999px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 600; text-align: center; min-width: 110px; height: 32px; } .genre-pill { background: #f7e9e9; color: #d6336c; } .ott-pill { background: #e9f0ff; color: #1f4f91; } .ott-pill img { width: 20px; height: 20px; object-fit: contain; border-radius: 3px; } /* Info section */ .ott-info p { margin: 4px 0; font-size: 1rem; color: #444; font-style: normal !important; } .ott-info strong { color: #222; } /* Synopsis */ .ott-desc { margin-top: 16px; font-size: 1rem; color: #555; line-height: 1.6; text-align: justify; font-style: normal !important; } /* Box office / links */ .ott-links a { color: #5b2b99; text-decoration: none; font-weight: 600; font-style: normal !important; } /* ---------- Responsive ---------- */ @media (max-width: 768px) { .ott-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 14px; } .ott-poster { width: 180px; height: 250px; margin-top: 0; } .ott-poster-wrap { justify-content: center; } .ott-meta { text-align: center; align-items: center; } .ott-title { text-align: center; } .ott-tags { justify-content: center; } .ott-desc { text-align: left; } .ott-date { top: 10px; right: 10px; } }

BY CHRISTA LINCY

In the world of Tamil cinema, directing Superstar Rajinikanth is the ultimate dream. While titans like Lokesh Kanagaraj (Coolie) and Nelson (Jailer) are currently handling the Superstar's lineup, a surprising and exciting name has emerged as the frontrunner for Thalaivar 173. Reports suggest that Ramkumar Balakrishnan, the director of the critically acclaimed thriller Parking, is in advanced talks to helm Rajinikanth’s next project. If true, his career trajectory—and his remuneration—is witnessing a historic jump. According to circulating trade reports, Ramkumar Balakrishnan’s growth in market value is nothing short of cinematic. While he was reportedly paid a modest remuneration of ₹6 Lakhs for his critically acclaimed debut gem Parking (2023), his stock rose significantly with his signing of STR49 starring Silambarasan TR, for which he reportedly commanded a fee of ₹2 Crores. Now, the stakes have seemingly hit the stratosphere; reports claim that for the highly anticipated Thalaivar 173, the young filmmaker is being offered a whopping ₹10 Crores, marking a historic, exponential jump in his career graph in a very short span of time. For those who missed the wave, Ramkumar Balakrishnan delivered one of 2023's finest Tamil films, Parking. Starring Harish Kalyan and M.S. Bhaskar, the film was a tense, psychological drama revolving around a petty ego clash between two neighbors over a car parking spot. What made it stand out was its reliance on a tight screenplay, palpable tension, and character psychology rather than massive action blocks or item numbers. This narrative grip reportedly caught the eye of Superstar Rajinikanth, who is known for championing young talent and solid scripts—as seen in his previous collaborations with filmmakers like Karthik Subbaraj and Nelson. Rumors suggest that Rajinikanth personally watched Parking, was impressed by the director’s command over the craft, and expressed a keen interest in collaborating. Rajinikanth’s dates remain tightly packed, with the Superstar currently shifting his primary focus toward the highly anticipated sequel, Jailer 2, with Nelson Dilipkumar. This timeline actually works in favor of the potential collaboration, as the Thalaivar 173 slot remains open for a later commencement. This strategic gap provides Ramkumar Balakrishnan ample time to not only develop a robust script worthy of the Superstar’s stature but also wrap up his prior commitment—STR49 starring Silambarasan TR, produced by Passion Studios—before stepping onto the biggest set of his career. If verified, this move signals a healthy trend in Kollywood where scriptwriters are being valued over sheer scale. From a modest budget film about a parking spot to potentially directing the biggest star in Indian cinema, Ramkumar Balakrishnan’s journey proves that a good story is the most expensive currency in cinema.