BY SACNILK

Reports circulating online suggest that a grand audio launch for Jailer 2 might be headed to Malaysia. News of preliminary discussions between Superstar Rajinikanth and Dato' Abdul Malik, the head of Malik Streams, has sparked widespread speculation that the team is planning a massive international event. If this move is finalized, it would mirror the highly successful promotional strategy used for the 2010 blockbuster Endhiran, which also held its audio launch in Malaysia. By choosing an overseas venue, production house Sun Pictures appears to be focusing on the film’s global distribution potential, aiming to further expand the massive international footprint established by the first installment. The move follows a prestigious tradition of high-profile Tamil film events in the region. Historically, Superstar Rajinikanth himself initiated this trend with the landmark audio launch of Endhiran in 2010 at the PICC Putrajaya. This was more recently followed by the massive event for Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayagan in 2025, which drew significant crowds to the Stadium Bukit Jalil. If Jailer 2 proceeds with its current plans, it would become the latest major production to utilize Malaysia's grand venues to kickstart its global promotional campaign. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The makers have already locked in a strategic release window to capitalize on a major holiday period. Jailer 2 is officially scheduled to hit theaters worldwide on October 15, 2026. This date aligns perfectly with the Dussehra and Ayudha Pooja festivities, a move designed to drive heavy footfalls during one of the most lucrative box office seasons in India. By securing this slot well in advance, Sun Pictures is positioning the film to dominate the screens, much like the original film did during its record-breaking run. One of the most exciting aspects of the sequel is the expansion of its cast into a true pan-Indian ensemble. Rajinikanth returns as the retired lawman Tiger Muthuvel Pandian, but he is far from alone in this high-stakes narrative. Industry reports confirm that Mohanlal and Shivarajkumar will reprise their popular roles as Mathew and Narasimha, respectively. Adding further gravitas to the lineup are veterans Jackie Shroff and Mithun Chakraborty, who are expected to anchor pivotal supporting threads. The sequel also introduces fresh faces to the franchise, with Vidya Balan, Vijay Sethupathi, and S.J. Suryah officially joining the main roster. In what is being described as a major highlight, Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan is reportedly locked in for a high-octane cameo appearance, further cementing the film's pan-Indian appeal. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The core creative team remains unchanged. Nelson Dilipkumar returns as both writer and director, with a plan to lean deeper into his signature style that blends dark comedy with stylized, high-stakes action. Similarly, the musical landscape of the sequel is in familiar hands, with Anirudh Ravichander set to compose the entire soundtrack and background score. Fans can also expect to see returning favorites like Ramya Krishnan as Viji Pandian, along with Yogi Babu and Sunil, ensuring that the personal and comedic elements of the first film transition smoothly into this new chapter. The decision to potentially move the audio launch to Malaysia suggests a calculated effort to treat Jailer 2 as a global cinematic event. By combining a star-studded cast from multiple film industries with an international marketing campaign, the producers are aiming for a performance that transcends regional boundaries. As the project moves through its various production stages, the focus will remain on how Nelson balances this massive ensemble while staying true to the grounded, gritty roots of Muthuvel Pandian’s journey.

BY SACNILK

Ranveer Singh is currently riding high on the massive success of his recent hits, and it looks like his next venture is going to be even more ambitious. According to an exclusive report by Variety India, the actor is all set to begin filming for his next project, titled Pralay, starting as early as next month. This film is generating a lot of curiosity as it marks Ranveer's first foray into the zombie thriller genre. However, the production schedule has been carefully planned because the actor is also preparing for a significant milestone in his personal life. The report suggests that Ranveer will shoot for Pralay until Diwali, after which he plans to take a well-deserved paternity break. Ranveer and Deepika Padukone, who are already parents to their daughter Dua, announced their second pregnancy earlier this year. With Deepika currently in her third trimester, Ranveer is ensuring he is present for his family during this special time. Consequently, the first schedule of the film will conclude by Diwali, and the production will resume for the second schedule only in 2027. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Pralay is being mounted on a grand scale with an estimated budget of ₹300 Crore, making it one of the most expensive standalone films in Bollywood. The project is being directed by Jai Mehta, known for his work on the acclaimed series Scam 1992. The film is a collaboration between Hansal Mehta's True Story Films LLP and Ranveer's own production house, Ma Kasam Films. Interestingly, Hansal Mehta recently cleared the air regarding the script, clarifying that Pralay is a completely original story written by Jai Mehta and Vishal Kapoor, debunking rumors that it was an adaptation of the novel Blindness. The plot of the film is set in a decaying, post-apocalyptic, and dystopian version of Mumbai following a viral pandemic outbreak. The story revolves around a married couple fighting for survival in this harsh new world. Joining Ranveer in this survival thriller is South Indian actress Kalyani Priyadarshan, who is officially locked to make her much-anticipated Bollywood debut as the female lead. There is also a lot of buzz about a secondary female lead whose character is expected to be deeply tied to the emotional backstory of Ranveer's character. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While Ranveer is busy with Pralay, Deepika Padukone has an equally packed slate. She recently finished a schedule for the film King, where she reunites with her Jawan co-star Shah Rukh Khan. Additionally, she is part of the ambitious sci-fi action film Raaka, which is being directed by Atlee and stars Allu Arjun. Despite their busy professional lives, the couple has managed to keep their family journey private, sharing only a few glimpses of their life with daughter Dua. Expectations are incredibly high for Pralay, especially coming after Ranveer's box office juggernauts like Dhurandhar and its sequel. By picking a fresh genre like a zombie apocalypse thriller and backing it with such a high budget, the makers are clearly aiming for a global impact. For fans, the wait for 2027 to see the full vision of the film might be long, but the initial glimpses starting next month are sure to keep the excitement alive.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, July 9 - After the massive success of Chhaava and a potential big success of the upcoming film Eetha, director Laxman Utekar is reportedly setting the wheels in motion for his next directorial venture. According to the latest industry reports, the director has approached Hrithik Roshan to headline an ambitious new film, although the project is still in its early stages and no agreement has been finalised yet. As per a Variety India report, Laxman Utekar recently narrated the script to Hrithik Roshan, who is said to have responded positively to the concept. However, the superstar is yet to make a final decision, as he is currently occupied with multiple commitments. If everything falls into place, the project will mark the first-ever collaboration between the actor and the acclaimed filmmaker. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Laxman Utekar has emerged as one of Bollywood's most successful directors in recent years with films such as Luka Chuppi, Mimi, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, and the blockbuster historical drama Chhaava. He is currently awaiting the release of Eetha, a biographical drama starring Shraddha Kapoor, before moving on to his next feature. Meanwhile, Hrithik Roshan has an exciting slate ahead. The actor is currently focused on the pre-production of his directorial debut, Krrish 4. He will be next seen in Rajinikanth's Jailer 2 as he has already shot his cameo on June 22 and June 23 in Chennai. While reports of his collaboration with Laxman Utekar have generated considerable buzz, the project may take some time to start as Hrithik also has a movie with Hombale Films.

BY SACNILK

The Dhamaal franchise has been a staple of Hindi comedy for years, known for its slapstick humor and an ensemble cast that usually brings chaos to the screen. As Indra Kumar prepares to release the fourth installment, Dhamaal 4, tomorrow on July 10, there is already significant news regarding the future of the series. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, the makers are so confident in the latest film that they have ended it with a direct hint of a sequel. A source mentioned that a specific sequence at the end of the movie indicates that Dhamaal 5 is already in the offing, promising another madcap entertainer for the fans. Directed by Indra Kumar, Dhamaal 4 sees the return of the franchise core members including Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Sanjay Mishra, and Jaaved Jaaferi. To keep the dynamic fresh, new faces like Esha Gupta, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Anjali Anand, and Ravi Kishan have been added to the mix. The film is produced by a large team including Ajay Devgn and Bhushan Kumar, and the industry is keeping a close eye on how this ensemble will perform at the box office. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Looking at the advance booking numbers, the film is showing a decent buildup for its opening day. So far, the all-India advance booking gross stands at 1.13 crore, excluding block seats. If we include block seats, that figure jumps to approximately 3.33 crore. A total of 44,659 tickets have been sold across 7,626 shows for the first day. Most of the sales are coming from the standard 2D format, which has contributed nearly the entire gross amount, while premium formats like 4DX are just beginning to see some movement. As we reach midday on July 9, the performance in national cinema chains is showing steady growth leading into tomorrow's release. Based on the latest tracking, PVR has sold approximately 7,100 tickets for a gross of 29.30 lakh. INOX follows with about 3,550 tickets and a gross of 10.95 lakh, while Cinepolis has added roughly 1,030 tickets for a gross of 3.35 lakh. In total, these major national chains have already accounted for approximately over 11,000 tickets and a combined gross of around 43 lakh as the film enters its final countdown before hitting theaters. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The momentum on digital platforms like BookMyShow also indicates a rising interest as the release date nears. On July 7, the platform saw 6,170 tickets booked, which significantly increased to 21,260 tickets on July 8. This brings the total tickets sold on the platform to approximately 27,430 so far. More recent tracking shows that between 11 am and 12 pm today, another 2,100 tickets were sold, bringing the total since 9 am this morning to 5,220 tickets. This hourly acceleration is a good sign for the film's spot bookings tomorrow. Regionally, the National Capital Region and Mumbai are the primary drivers for the advance bookings. NCR has recorded a gross of 21.48 lakh across 948 shows, a figure that goes up to 66.68 lakh if we include block seats. Mumbai follows with 19.47 lakh from 744 shows, reaching 41.32 lakh with block seats. While real occupancy in these major hubs currently stands at 2 percent, both cities have already seen one almost full show and several filling fast statuses. Hyderabad is performing slightly better in terms of engagement with a 5 percent occupancy across 230 shows, earning 6.18 lakh. Interestingly, Chennai reports the highest occupancy at 14 percent despite having a smaller window of 59 shows, contributing 2.37 lakh. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In other markets, Ahmedabad has grossed 4.26 lakh across 438 shows, while Jaipur and Bengaluru have collected 3.85 lakh and 3.33 lakh respectively. Other cities like Pune, Kolkata, and Surat are currently seeing more modest movement, with gross totals ranging from 1.50 lakh to 2.90 lakh. Although overall occupancy levels are mostly around 1 percent right now, the presence of filling fast shows across multiple regions indicates that demand is starting to pick up. With the news of a fifth installment already being teased, the makers of Dhamaal 4 seem to be leveraging the strong franchise recall across these major urban centers.

BY SACNILK

Rishab Shetty recently shared some key updates regarding his upcoming films, and the biggest news for fans is the official confirmation of Kantara Chapter 2. While the franchise has already seen massive success with its first two installments, Shetty clarified that he is already in the writing stage for this third film. This update comes just as his birthday celebrations concluded, providing a clear roadmap for where the Kantara universe is headed next while he balances a very demanding acting schedule. The progression of this franchise has been nothing short of legendary. To put things into perspective, the original Kantara released in 2022 was an unexpected phenomenon, earning a total India net of ₹309.64 Cr and a worldwide gross of ₹407.82 Cr. However, the 2025 prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1, took things to a completely different level. That film shattered records with an India net of ₹622.48 Cr and a worldwide gross of ₹852.36 Cr, effectively doubling the reach of the franchise and cementing its status as an all-time blockbuster. With such high stakes, Shetty has revealed that he is already working with a dedicated team of writers to ensure the next chapter meets these massive expectations. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Beyond the world of Kantara, Rishab Shetty has a very demanding acting schedule that requires him to be extremely disciplined with his time. He clarified that he will not be multitasking or overlapping his projects because of the drastic physical transformations required for each role. His immediate focus will be on Jai Hanuman, the high-profile superhero film directed by Prashanth Varma. Once that is completed, he will move on to the historical epic, The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Each of these roles requires a distinct look that he needs to maintain, which explains why he is taking a one-film-at-a-time approach. One of the most inspiring parts of his recent statements revolves around his commitment to his roots. While there is often a discussion about building a central film city in Bengaluru, Shetty has taken a different route by creating a cinema village in his hometown, Keradi. This location served as the primary backdrop for the first Kantara and was expanded significantly during the production of Chapter 1. By developing this local infrastructure, he is not just making films but also creating a sustainable ecosystem for storytelling within his own community. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Rishab Shetty admitted that direction provides him with a sense of peace and happiness that he cannot stay away from for long. Even as he prepares for massive acting assignments in 2027 and 2028, his mind remains focused on the creative development of Kantara Chapter 2. Given the franchise's track record of turning local stories into global sensations, the industry is watching closely. With Chapter 1 having already crossed the ₹850 Cr mark worldwide, the next installment will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated Indian films in the coming years.

BY SACNILK

Chennai, July 2 - Superstar Rajinikanth's highly anticipated Jailer 2 is gearing up to be one of the biggest theatrical events of 2026. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and produced by Sun Pictures, the sequel brings back Rajinikanth as the iconic Tiger Muthuvel Pandian after the massive success of Jailer in 2023. The film has been in production since last year, and the makers have officially announced the film's release date in the evening on July 2. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film's release strategy is expected to help capitalise on the extended festive weekend and maximise box-office potential across Tamil Nadu and overseas markets. Reports suggest the makers shifted from earlier planned release windows to secure a stronger holiday slot. Apart from Rajinikanth, the film features an ensemble cast including Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar, Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu, and S. J. Suryah, with Anirudh Ravichander returning as composer. The sequel is also expected to include several high-profile cameo appearances, including Hrithik Roshan, adding further excitement among fans. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) One name to rule the game! 💥#Jailer2 storms into theatres worldwide on October 15 🔥 #Jailer2FromOct15 #RajiniTheJailer2FromOct15@rajinikanth @Nelsondilpkumar @anirudhofficial @vijaykartikdop @Nirmalcuts @ChethanDsouza @AlwaysJani @KiranDrk #PallaviSingh @valentino_suren… pic.twitter.com/RJIpMXVekv— Sun Pictures (@sunpictures) July 2, 2026

BY SACNILK

The 2026 Dasara festive window is set to witness a major box office competition as two high-profile films have confirmed their release dates. Rajinikanth's Jailer 2 is scheduled for October 15, while Chiranjeevi's Vishwambhara is locked for October 16. This brings the two veteran stars into a direct head-to-head release schedule once again, following their previous box office encounter in 2023. With both films carrying high production values and significant expectations, the trade is now focused on how screen allocation and audience footfalls will be divided over the holiday weekend. Jailer 2, produced by Kalanithi Maran under the Sun Pictures banner, is officially scheduled to hit screens on Thursday, October 15, 2026. An official release date announcement is expected from the production house this evening, confirming the return of Superstar Rajinikanth as the iconic retired lawman Tiger Muthuvel Pandian. Following the massive global success of the first installment in 2023, director Nelson Dilipkumar is returning to helm this action-comedy sequel. The anticipation for this project is exceptionally high, especially considering how well the character resonated with audiences across domestic and international markets during the first chapter. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Just a day later, on October 16, Chiranjeevi's socio-fantasy epic Vishwambhara will make its grand theatrical debut. Directed by Mallidi Vassishta, this film is being produced on a record-breaking budget of 400 crore. The narrative is rooted in Hindu cosmology and follows a hero's journey across celestial realms, starting from Satya Lokam, to save the protagonist played by Trisha Krishnan. UV Creations has taken a very meticulous approach with this project, even choosing to delay the release to allocate an additional 70 to 75 crore specifically for a massive international VFX overhaul. This decision came after mixed feedback on the initial teaser, showing the production house’s commitment to delivering a world-class visual experience. The timing of these releases is strategically aimed at the Dasara holidays, which historically provide a significant boost to box office collections. However, this head-to-head encounter brings back memories of August 2023, when Chiranjeevi's Bhola Shankar clashed with Rajinikanth's Jailer. That particular weekend saw a massive divide in footfalls, and the trade is curious to see how the screens will be allocated this time around, especially since both films carry immense brand value and high production costs. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Vishwambhara also features Kunal Kapoor in a pivotal role and boasts a technical team led by Oscar-winner M.M. Keeravani for music and Chota K. Naidu for cinematography. With two such heavyweights arriving within 24 hours of each other, the pressure on the distribution networks will be immense. While Jailer 2 will look to capitalize on the momentum of a successful franchise, Vishwambhara is betting big on its socio-fantasy scale and visual spectacle.

BY SACNILK

The Tamil film industry is heading toward a highly unusual and competitive release window on July 17, 2026. With eight different projects currently locked for the same date, the box office is entering a period of significant overcrowding. From a trade perspective, this presents a notable logistical challenge for exhibitors as screen space becomes extremely limited, making it difficult for every film to find its footing. While such a high volume of releases highlights the industry's current productivity, it raises logical questions about how the split in footfalls will impact the overall commercial success of these diverse projects. 1. G.D.N. (G.D. Naidu Biopic) This biographical drama is one of the biggest films in the lineup, featuring R. Madhavan in the role of the legendary inventor G.D. Naidu. Directed by Krishnakumar Ramkumar, the film follows the inventors struggle against the British authorities to protect his innovations. With a cast including Sathyaraj, Priyamani, and Jayaram, and music by Govind Vasantha, it carries immense nationwide buzz due to Madhavan's physical transformation for the role. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 2. Arulvaan Directed by Ganesh Vinayakan, this action-drama stars Arulnithi as an intense District Collector named Muthuvel. The story centers on his battle against a corrupt system to ensure education for a marginalized tribal girl. Given Arulnithi's reputation for choosing content-driven scripts, and with G.V. Prakash Kumar providing the score, the film is being tracked as a hard-hitting emotional drama similar in tone to Jai Bhim. 3. Arjunan Per Paththu This film marks a massive career milestone as the 300th project for actor Yogi Babu. Deviating from his usual slapstick comedy, this crime drama features him as a middle-class man who gets entangled with a vehicle-theft mafia while searching for his stolen truck. Directed by debutant Ra Rajmohan with music by D. Imman, the milestone hype has generated significant interest across the industry. 4. Anbe Diana A wholesome romantic comedy set in Perambur, Chennai, directed by and starring Pari Elavazhagan. The plot follows a chaotic cross-cultural romance between a Telugu boy and an Anglo-Indian girl. The film has gained visibility through promotional support from stars like Anirudh Ravichander and Vijay Sethupathi, and it also features a comeback performance by veteran actress Roja Selvamani. 5. The Dark Heaven This investigative thriller, directed by Balaaji, revolves around a series of mysterious killings that occur every seven years. Starring Sidhu Sid and Tharshika, the film has built a digital following after its trailer trended on social media. It is positioned as an edge-of-the-seat crime drama targeting the urban thriller-seeking audience. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 6. Bagavan Blending archeological intrigue with mythological fantasy, Bagavan follows a team that uncovers an ancient sacred box in Allinagaram. A local taxi driver finds himself caught in the middle of ancient curses and artifact hunters. The film aims to capture the adventure and fantasy market, a genre that has seen increasing popularity recently. 7. Black Gold Directed by Dheeran Arunkumar, this crime thriller focuses on a massive investigation into an illegal gold smuggling mafia. Starring Vetri and Priyalaya, the narrative also highlights the resilience of its female lead in navigating a dangerous underground syndicate. It is expected to be a raw and realistic take on social politics and crime. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 8. Oh Sukumari This high-concept romantic comedy stars Thiruveer and Aishwarya Rajesh. The story has gone viral for its unique supernatural twist where the groom receives a high-voltage electric shock every time he tries to touch his bride on their wedding night. Directed by debutant Bharat Dharshan, it is being marketed as a wacky, experimental family entertainer. While the variety across these eight titles is impressive, the reality of the box office means they will be fighting for limited screen time. In such a scenario, the opening day word-of-mouth will be the deciding factor in which films manage to hold their screens into the first full week.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 30 - Indian cinema is preparing for two massive upcoming spectacles as fresh updates about Ranveer Singh's Pralay and Jr. NTR's epic God of War (tentative title) have created strong buzz among fans. Both projects belong to completely different genres, yet they reflect the growing ambition of Indian filmmakers to build large-scale cinematic experiences designed for pan-India audiences. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to the Pinkvilla report, Ranveer Singh's 300 crore budgeted Pralay is officially moving forward with filming set to begin in September 2026. Directed by Jai Mehta and produced by Singh's Maa Kasam Films with Hansal Mehta, the film is being described as a post-apocalyptic zombie survival thriller set in a devastated version of Mumbai. Despite ongoing discussions surrounding delays, reports claim that Pralay remains unaffected and production plans are firmly on schedule. The major chunk of the filming will be set in Australia, with the film being mounted under the supervision of technicians who have previously worked on several international projects. The pre-production is already underway in full swing in Australia, with Ranveer consistently providing his input. The makers are reportedly investing heavily in advanced visual effects and dystopian world-building to create a unique cinematic universe. The movie revolves around a married couple fighting for survival in a dystopian Mumbai, with Kalyani Priyadarshan set to play the female lead. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Meanwhile, Jr. NTR and director Trivikram Srinivas have officially reunited for the much-awaited project widely referred to as God of War. After months of speculation and delayed announcements, the mythological action epic is finally entering its official launch phase. Reports suggest that the story could be inspired by Lord Karthikeya, also known as Muruga, with the film aiming to blend mythology, divine warfare, and modern cinematic storytelling on a grand scale. Excitement surrounding the project increased earlier when Jr. NTR was seen carrying the book Muruga – The Lord of War, The God of Wisdom, which many fans connected to the film's theme. Following the global success of RRR, expectations are now extremely high for this collaboration, especially with Trivikram Srinivas known for combining emotional depth with commercial storytelling.

BY SACNILK

Chennai, June 29 - Hombale Films has officially announced its next prestigious project, tentatively titled Suriya 48, starring Tamil superstar Suriya in the lead role. The film marks the much-awaited reunion of Suriya and director TJ Gnanavel after the critically acclaimed Jai Bhim, which was a direct-to-digital release. Actress Kayadu Lohar has been roped in as the female lead, while rising music sensation Sai Abhyankkar will compose the soundtrack for the film. According to the reports, Suriya 48 will be a content-driven film inspired by the life of the renowned "5 Rupees Doctor," Dr Thiruvengadam Veeraraghavan, who was widely respected for his selfless medical service and affordable treatment for the poor. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The announcement has already created strong buzz among fans and film enthusiasts, especially given the socially rooted themes often associated with TJ Gnanavel's storytelling. A traditional pooja ceremony was reportedly held on the day of the announcement in the presence of the cast and crew. The event marked the official beginning of the project, with regular shooting expected to commence soon. Acclaimed cinematographer SR Kathir will handle the visuals, while noted editor Philomin Raj has been brought on board for editing duties. With Hombale Films backing the project, expectations are high for a powerful cinematic experience that blends emotional storytelling with large-scale production values. Suriya, fresh from the blockbuster success of Karuppu and known for balancing commercial entertainers with meaningful cinema, is expected to portray a compelling and emotionally layered character in the film. Fans are eagerly awaiting further updates regarding the shooting schedule, supporting cast, and official title announcement.

BY SACNILK

Chennai, June 24 - Tamil cinema fans are in for a double treat as two major Kollywood projects have grabbed headlines with fresh updates. While excitement continues to build around superstar Rajinikanth's upcoming films, actor Karthi's highly anticipated spy thriller sequel Sardar 2 has officially locked its theatrical release date. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to the latest official update, the makers of Sardar 2 have locked September 10, 2026, as the release date for the highly-awaited actioner. The action-packed sequel, directed by P. S. Mithran, is expected to be one of the biggest Tamil releases of 2026. The sequel stars Karthi reprising his dual roles from the 2022 blockbuster Sardar, while S. J. Suryah joins the franchise in a powerful antagonist role. The cast also includes Malavika Mohanan, Ashika Ranganath, and Rajisha Vijayan. The sequel is expected to expand the universe established in the original film and deliver a more ambitious cinematic experience. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) #Sardar2 ARRIVES…Worldwide in theatres on September 10! @Psmithran @iam_SJSuryah @lakku76 @venkatavmedia @B4UMotionPics @ivyofficial2023 @MalavikaM_ @AshikaRanganath @rajishavijayan @iYogiBabu @SamCSmusic @george_dop @editorvijay @dhilipaction @PoornimaRamasw1… pic.twitter.com/Ld5uWJFXNw— Karthi (@Karthi_Offl) June 24, 2026 Meanwhile, Rajinikanth's next project after Jailer 2 — tentatively referred to as Thalaivar 173 — has officially entered the spotlight after the makers locked its official title. Titled Dharman, the film features superstar Rajinikanth as a deadly doctor. The movie is directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, best known for Dragon and Oh My Kadavule. The superstar is already gearing up for multiple high-profile releases, including Jailer 2, which is slated to hit theatres later this year. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the sequel marks another major collaboration with Rajinikanth after the blockbuster success of Jailer. The actor also has a multistarrer with Kamal Haasan, which is expected to start rolling soon. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) தர்மமே வெல்லும்!#Dharman #Thalaivar173 #SuperstarRajinikanth #KamalHaasan @rajinikanth @ikamalhaasan #Mahendran @Dir_Ashwath @anirudhofficial @anbariv @iYogiBabu @SimranbaggaOffc #RaashiKhanna @nikethbommi #KarthikRajkumar @PradeepERagav @kabilanchelliah @ShruthiManjari… pic.twitter.com/UWjXErKdIE— Raaj Kamal Films International (@RKFI) June 24, 2026

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Rishab Shetty is currently at a peak in his career, especially after his National Award win for Kantara. If you have been following his upcoming line-up, it is clear that he is moving toward massive, high-budget epics. According to a report by Variety India, his highly anticipated historical project, The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has now seen a major change in its production strategy. Originally planned as a single film, the makers have decided to expand the story into a two-part theatrical saga. This expansion is not just about the length of the story but also the sheer scale of the production. Variety India has revealed that the film is being mounted on a massive budget of over ₹500 crore. This puts it among the most expensive historical dramas ever produced in Indian cinema. The vision behind splitting the film into two chapters is to capture the vast legacy and defining moments of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with the detail they deserve. The current plan is to release the first chapter in 2028, with the second chapter following closely in 2029. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Director Sandeep Singh is aiming for a high level of authenticity, with a significant portion of the filming expected to take place across Maharashtra. This is where the Maratha kingdom was established, and the team wants to bring those historical sites to life on the big screen. However, fans will have to wait a bit longer for cameras to start rolling. Rishab Shetty is first expected to complete his work on Jai Hanuman, directed by Prashanth Varma, which is slated for a 2027 release. Once his commitments for that film are over, he will fully transition into the role of the legendary Maratha ruler. The scale of this project marks a significant moment for Hindi-language cinema as well, as it is being positioned as one of the most ambitious interpretations of Shivaji Maharaj's life. While the Maratha ruler has been the subject of many films over the years, the ₹500 crore budget and the two-part structure suggest that this version will be on a different level entirely. The first look of Rishab Shetty in this role has already created a lot of conversation online, and the official confirmation of this revised release strategy has only added to the anticipation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Beyond the budget and the scale, there has also been a lot of discussion regarding a potential box office clash that has now been averted. Earlier reports suggested that the film might go head-to-head with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly anticipated Love and War. However, by moving the release of the first chapter to 2028, the makers have effectively avoided a massive confrontation. This shift is being seen as a calculated strategic move to ensure that both projects have enough breathing room at the box office. By choosing a solo window, the production team aims to maximize screen counts and audience reach, preventing two of Indian cinema’s biggest titles from eating into each other’s revenue. As of now, the technical crew and the rest of the supporting cast are yet to be officially announced. With Jai Hanuman in 2027 and the two parts of the Shivaji saga in 2028 and 2029, Rishab Shetty's schedule for the next few years is officially packed with some of the biggest films in the country.