BY CHRISTA LINCY

Namit Malhotra, the head of DNEG and Prime Focus, has confirmed that he is moving ahead with the Astraverse. He will be leading the production for the next chapter, titled Brahmastra: Part Two – Dev. Malhotra is already a major name in the industry as the producer of the massive Ramayana project, which is being made on a record-breaking budget of nearly ₹4000 crore. By taking charge of the Brahmastra sequel, he plans to bring that same massive scale and world-class visual effects to the franchise. The decision to continue the story follows the strong box office performance of the first film. Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva was a hit, earning an India net collection of ₹267.20 crore. The Hindi version alone contributed ₹247.37 crore to that total. Globally, the movie grossed ₹431 crore, with around ₹115.50 crore coming from overseas markets. These numbers proved to the producers that there is a huge global audience for this mythological fantasy world. The journey of the first film was a long and ambitious one, starting all the way back in 2011 when the idea was first conceived. Production officially began in 2018, making it one of the longest-produced movies in Indian history. With a massive budget estimated at over ₹400 crore, it was a high-stakes project that faced several delays due to complicated visual effects and the pandemic before finally releasing in September 2022. It also marked the first major release under the Star Studios banner. The film introduced audiences to the Astraverse, a unique world inspired by Indian mythology where weapons are powered by natural elements. To achieve this, the team worked closely with the VFX studio DNEG, which is famous for its work on major Hollywood hits like Dune and Inception. The first part was a major collaboration between several big industry names. It was produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Namit Malhotra, and director Ayan Mukerji under the Dharma Productions banner. Star Studios and Prime Focus also played key roles in the production, and lead actor Ranbir Kapoor even served as a producer. This team worked together for years to build the visual foundation of the Astras, which will now be taken to the next level in the sequel. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The upcoming film, titled Brahmastra: Part Two – Dev, was designed to focus on the love story between Dev and Amrita, a narrative that was first teased during the climax of the first part. This storyline is expected to be much more intense and emotional than the previous chapter. Back in October 2025, Ayan Mukerji had shared photos from a mountain getaway where he was seen working on a script. Although he did not mention the movie by name, his use of hashtags like Part 2 and Om suggested that the groundwork for the sequel was being finalized during that time. Earlier, in March 2025, Ranbir Kapoor had also confirmed that the project was definitely moving forward and was being designed as a massive theatrical event. At that time, it was understood that full-scale production would wait until the director had finished his other major film commitments. With those prior projects now out of the way, the team is fully concentrated on bringing the world of the Astras back to the big screen. The involvement of Namit Malhotra has added a lot of weight to these plans, especially following his appearance at CinemaCon 2026 in Las Vegas. While he was at the event to promote his other magnum opus, Ramayana, his presence at such a major global platform showed the level of ambition he has for Indian cinema. As the focus now shifts back to the Astraverse, fans are expecting a cinematic experience that matches the global standards seen in his other high-budget ventures.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 14 - After delivering a breakout performance in Saiyaara, Ahaan Panday is quickly emerging as one of Bollywood's most promising young stars. Following his impressive debut under Mohit Suri, the actor is now gearing up for an exciting lineup that includes a reunion with the filmmaker for his third film. Before that, Ahaan is currently shooting for his second film, a romantic action entertainer directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. Backed by Yash Raj Films, the project marks a significant shift in his on-screen persona and scale. The yet untitled film was recently confirmed, with shooting officially kicking off. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Ahaan Panday's Intense Transformation For Ali Abbas Zafar's Film In a major departure from his debut role, Ahaan will reportedly be seen playing a ruthless gangster in the upcoming action-romance, according to Variety India. The character is said to be raw, aggressive, and emotionally layered, blending romance with high-octane action. It will be completely the opposite of what Ahaan did in his debut movie. To prepare for the role, the actor has undergone intense physical training, including hand-to-hand combat and weapon handling, signalling a complete transformation from his earlier image of a troubled musician in Saiyaara. The film also stars Yash Raj Films' home-grown talent Sharvari Wagh, along with Bobby Deol and Aaishvary Thackeray in key roles, and will be shot across India and international locations. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Reunion With Mohit Suri On The Cards For Third Film Amid all this, Variety also reports that Ahaan Panday will reunite with Mohit Suri for his third film, continuing their successful collaboration after Saiyaara. The duo's first outing turned into a major commercial success and established Ahaan as a bankable young face in the industry. While the details about this third project are still under wraps, it is said to be a romantic drama, to be produced by Yash Raj Films again. The reunion indicates a long-term creative partnership between the actor and director, especially in the romantic genre, where Suri has consistently excelled. With a strong production house backing him and filmmakers like Ali Abbas Zafar and Mohit Suri guiding his journey, Ahaan Panday is clearly positioning himself as a versatile performer ready to explore both romance and action on a grand scale.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 12 - The two-part Dhurandhar film series has scripted history at the global box office. With the phenomenal performance of both instalments, the combined worldwide gross of the duology has now surpassed the 3000 crore mark, making it the first Indian film series ever to achieve this extraordinary feat. It is produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Aditya Dhar, and Lokesh Dhar under the banner of Jio Studios and B62 Studios. The journey began with Dhurandhar, which was released to massive expectations and went on to deliver a blockbuster run, crossing the 1000 crore mark at the worldwide as well as domestic box office. The film established a strong foundation for what would eventually become one of Indian cinema's biggest franchises. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dhurandhar - A Box Office Juggernaut and Foundation Stone Before the release of Dhurandhar on December 5, 2025, trade had doubts even though the film was carrying a decent buzz. However, once it hit the big screens, it was up and running for something very special at the box office. Audiences accepted the film with open arms, and with a never-ending debate around it, Dhurandhar became an unstoppable force at the global box office. The spy action thriller went on to become the highest-grossing film at the Hindi box office with 840+ crores net (1000+ crore gross) after an extraordinary hold over weeks. Worldwide, it finished its theatrical run with over 1300 crores, making it the fourth highest-grossing Indian film of all-time, and the third biggest grosser without China. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dhurandhar 2 - A New Peak For Indian Cinema Building on the momentum of the first film, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, which was released just four months after its predecessor, has taken things to an entirely new level. The Ranveer Singh-led action spectacle has turned into a box office juggernaut, amassing well over 1700 crore globally and continuing its dream run in several territories. It not only became the biggest Hindi net grosser, but also went on to become the first film ever to top 1000 crores net in a single language at the Indian box office. The duology's exceptional performance in both domestic and international markets has been instrumental in pushing the franchise past the historic 3000 crore milestone. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dhurandhar Duology Box Office Breakdown Metric Dhurandhar Dhurandhar 2 Total India Net ₹ 840.20 Cr ₹ 1083.65 Cr ₹ 1923.85 Cr India Gross ₹ 1007.85 Cr ₹ 1297.50 Cr ₹ 2305.35 Cr Overseas ₹ 299.50 Cr ₹ 414.50 Cr ₹ 714.00 Cr Worldwide ₹ 1307.35 Cr ₹ 1712.00 Cr ₹ 3019.35 Cr Data as of April 12, 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A Franchise That Redefined Box Office Power What makes this achievement even more significant is the consistency of the franchise. Both films have not only crossed the ₹1000 crore benchmark individually but have also sustained strong theatrical runs, driven by repeat value, mass appeal, and high-octane storytelling. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the Dhurandhar series has redefined the scale of action filmmaking in Indian cinema. With its blend of patriotism, raw action, and rooted narrative, the franchise has struck a chord with audiences across demographics, not just in India but globally. The 3000 crore milestone is not just a number; it signifies a shift in the way Indian franchises are perceived on the global stage. For years, Indian cinema has produced individual blockbusters, but the Dhurandhar duology proves that multipart storytelling can now rival the biggest film series worldwide. Top Indian Film Franchises Box Office Comparison Franchise Part 1 Part 2 Total Dhurandhar ₹ 1307.35 Cr ₹ 1712.00 Cr ₹ 3019.35 Cr Baahubali ₹ 650 Cr ₹ 1788 Cr ₹ 2438 Cr Pushpa ₹ 350.10 Cr ₹ 1742.10 Cr ₹ 2092.20 Cr Data as of April 12, 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Highlight of The Franchise's Box Office Run - No Indian film series had ever crossed 3000 crore worldwide before - Sets a new benchmark for franchise filmmaking in Bollywood - Places Dhurandhar among the biggest global film brands from India - Only Indian film series to have two titles in the 1000 crores club - First Indian film to score 1000+ crore in a single language domestically.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The strategy to build momentum for the upcoming Drishyam 3 through a theatrical re-release of its predecessor has met with an unexpected roadblock. On April 10, 2026, Drishyam 2 returned to the big screen across Kerala, but the box office response was notably cold. Reports indicate that the film collected less than ₹5 lakh across the state, failing to cover even the basic operational costs and theater rentals. While the sequel was a global sensation upon its initial release, its struggle to draw crowds back to the cinema highlights a growing disconnect between digital popularity and theatrical conversion. To understand the magnitude of this franchise, one must look at the unprecedented success of the original Drishyam released in 2013. That film was a landmark hit in Malayalam cinema, produced on a modest budget estimated at ₹3.5 to 5 crore, but it went on to achieve a total worldwide gross of approximately ₹62 to 63 crore. It made history by becoming the first Malayalam movie to cross the ₹50 crore milestone, maintaining its status as the highest-grossing film in the industry until it was eventually surpassed by Pulimurugan in 2016. Its theatrical dominance was undeniable, running for over 150 days in Kerala and enjoying a remarkable 125-day run in the UAE. However, the journey of Drishyam 2 followed a different trajectory due to the global pandemic. In 2021, the film bypassed a traditional theatrical release and premiered directly on Amazon Prime Video. While it became an instant digital sensation with massive global viewership and critical acclaim, its history as an OTT-first product has impacted its 2026 theatrical prospects. Because the film has been readily available on streaming platforms for years and was consumed by millions at home, the April 2026 re-release lacked the freshness required to pull audiences away from their screens, resulting in the current lackluster collection figures. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The strength of the brand remains undisputed, as the original Malayalam story has spawned highly successful remakes in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi, along with several international versions. Despite the weak performance of the re-release, the anticipation for Drishyam 3 remains significantly high. Scheduled for a worldwide release on May 21, 2026, the film is expected to be the final chapter of the Georgekutty saga. Directed by Jeethu Joseph and produced by Antony Perumbavoor under Aashirvad Cinemas, the finale will see the return of the core cast, including Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, and Esther Anil. The industry buzz suggests that while the re-release failed as a marketing tool, the demand for a brand-new conclusion to the decade-long mystery is a different financial beast altogether. The plot of Drishyam 3 is being kept under heavy wraps, but insiders suggest it will pick up immediately after the events of the second part, focusing on the final legal and psychological battle between Georgekutty and the authorities. For a franchise that has successfully survived through remakes in multiple languages, the 2026 finale is being positioned as a global event. While the ₹5 lakh re-release figure is a setback for distributors, the primary focus for the producers remains the May 21 window, which is expected to see one of the biggest openings for a Malayalam film to date, as fans look for the ultimate closure to this three-part story.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The year 2026 is rapidly evolving into a structural bottleneck for global cinema, where the availability of premium screens is becoming the very oxygen tank for a movie's survival. We saw the first signs of this fever on April 6, when tickets for the 70mm IMAX screenings of Dune: Part Three reportedly vanished within hours of going on sale. The frenzy was most evident when the official Sold Out stamp was slashed across the theater list—ranging from New York to London—shortly after Melbourne tickets went live at 3pm PT. This isn't just about fan excitement; it is a cold mathematical reality. When studios spend hundreds of millions of dollars on production, the IMAX screen ceases to be a luxury and becomes the primary engine for financial recovery. If a film cannot secure these high-margin seats, its fiscal blueprint begins to crumble. The summer of 2026 will serve as the first major stress test for this infrastructure. Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is scheduled to drop on July 17 with a $250 million production price tag, the highest of his career. For Nolan, the 70mm format is the lungs of the movie, essential for the mythic action epic he is crafting. However, just two weeks later on July 31, Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings into theaters. With a $275 million production budget and an additional $200 million set aside for marketing, Sony is chasing a $1.3 billion global target. Currently, betting markets give Spider-Man a 32% chance of being the highest-earning movie of 2026. But for the film to actually reach that #1 spot, it needs to fill up every available IMAX screen to maximize its profit. The big problem? Christopher Nolan's new movie will be playing at the exact same time, and he won't want to give up those same high-priced screens without a fight. Amidst this Hollywood congestion, Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana is walking a financial tightrope that requires a perfect global landing. While the film's scheduled Diwali release on November 8, 2026, provides a rare solo window in the Indian market, the sheer scale of the investment—a combined budget exceeding ₹4000 crore for both parts—reveals a stark reality. In a country like India, which currently houses fewer than 30 IMAX screens, the domestic premium market acts more like a boutique showcase than a heavy-duty recovery engine. For a film of this magnitude to reach its breakeven point, it simply cannot survive on Indian collections alone. It must function as a global event, pulling in high-ticket revenue from international hubs where IMAX and PLF (Premium Large Format) screens are the standard rather than the exception. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) To put this infrastructure gap into perspective, while global tentpoles can rely on nearly 1,700 IMAX screens worldwide to drive their profits, the Indian market remains severely limited in its high-end capacity. This creates a bottleneck; even with a solo window, the physical lack of premium screens across the country means the domestic box office has a ceiling that a ₹4000 crore project will struggle to stay under. For Ramayana to truly breathe, it needs to tap into the international IMAX circulatory system.—the massive screen counts in North America, Europe, and the Middle East—where premium pricing is common. Without a massive global footprint to rival the biggest Western franchises, the domestic solo window, while strategically brilliant, may not be enough to fuel the massive financial recovery this saga requires. The year concludes with a high-stakes fiscal duel on December 18, 2026, as two massive franchises collide. Disney is going all-in on Avengers: Doomsday with a reported $400 million production budget and a staggering $300 million earmarked for marketing. This creates a massive $700 million hurdle before a single ticket is sold. Because theaters typically keep half of the box office earnings, Doomsday likely needs to clear $1.4 billion or $1.5 billion worldwide just to reach the breakeven point. It is a high-wire act where anything less than record-breaking numbers could be seen as a financial disappointment. In contrast, Dune: Part Three operates on a much leaner financial frame, with a $200 million production budget and a 126-day filming schedule. This lean approach makes its path to recovery far more manageable compared to its peers. The franchise has maintained a strong upward trajectory: the first film grossed $411 million despite a simultaneous release on HBO Max, while Part Two surged to $715 million with a full exclusive window. If the third installment continues this climb toward the billion-dollar mark, Warner Bros. will hit actual profit early—likely starting right after the $500 million threshold. However, while Dune is more financially agile, it still hits the same physical wall. Landing on the same day as a massive Disney tentpole means both films will be fighting for the exact same limited supply of premium screens, capping the potential of even the most efficient production. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Sign up for ticket alerts at https://t.co/GTgKYpUTfu to be notified as soon as more showtimes are added. Dune: Part Three only in theaters and IMAX December 18. #DuneMovie #FilmedforIMAXMelbourne tickets on sale 3pm PT pic.twitter.com/lUVbfVgOQf— DUNE (@dunemovie) April 6, 2026 This overlap leads to the surreal sight of Florence Pugh headlining two different blockbusters on the same weekend, essentially competing against her own performances in the Avengers and Dune franchises. Beyond the star-studded rosters, the industry faces a logistical nightmare. When two films of this magnitude claim the same release date, they are forced to cannibalize each other's momentum. Premium theaters cannot expand their physical walls to accommodate both giants simultaneously, which means they must split their most lucrative showtimes. One production will inevitably find its earnings capped simply because there aren't enough hours in the day to serve both audiences at full capacity. Ultimately, this collision demonstrates that even the most powerful studios are at the mercy of the clock and the calendar. Launching these epics side-by-side creates a bottleneck that limits the financial ceiling of both projects, as they fight for the same high-priced real estate. It reveals a fundamental truth about the 2026 cinematic landscape: the ultimate prize isn't just a billion-dollar dream or a massive marketing spend, but the physical space on a theater's schedule. In a year defined by massive budgets and mythic sagas, the most valuable currency has become the seat itself.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 13 - Superstar Akshay Kumar's much-awaited horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla has completed censorship formalities, ahead of its release on April 17, with paid previews on April 16 from 9 PM. The film's theatrical runtime has officially been revealed, which suggests it will be one of Akshay's longest films. After much anticipation, Bhooth Bangla has been granted a UA 16+ certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The CBFC has asked for a few changes, including a couple of obscene words, which were replaced. The makers were also reportedly asked to include disclaimers for the religious and superstitious references in the film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Along with the certification, the film's final runtime has been confirmed at 2 hours and 45 minutes (165 minutes). Earlier reports hinted at a longer duration, but the makers have opted for a slightly trimmed version to ensure a tighter and more engaging narrative. Despite the edit, the runtime still suggests a packed entertainer with ample room for both humour and horror-driven sequences. Directed by Priyadarshan, Bhooth Bangla marks a much-awaited reunion between the filmmaker and Akshay Kumar, a duo known for delivering several iconic comedy films over the years. This collaboration has significantly raised expectations, especially among fans who are eager to see their signature style return on the big screen. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The buzz around the film, which also stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Asrani, and Mithila Palkar in key roles, is steadily building, and with advance bookings set to open on April 14, the stage is set for what could be one of the most entertaining releases in the horror-comedy space this year.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has entered its 26th day of theatrical run, sustaining a strong hold across the Hindi heartland after a productive fourth weekend. While the film has already secured a place among the all-time global grossers, its current trajectory against Pushpa 2: The Rule highlights a compelling contrast in box office dynamics. While the Telugu blockbuster continues to hold the edge in overall lifetime totals, Dhurandhar 2 has not only surpassed Pushpa 2's Day 25 pace but is now rapidly closing in on its final worldwide benchmark. A look at audience footfalls through the end of the fourth weekend via BookMyShow ticket sales reflects the current hierarchy in raw volume. Dhurandhar 2 has recorded 17.12 million tickets sold, trailing Pushpa 2: The Rule (19.22 million) by approximately 10.9 percent. This gap is mirrored in domestic revenue as well, with Pushpa 2 posting ₹1,234.10 crore India net compared to ₹1,083.67 crore for Dhurandhar 2, leaving a difference of ₹150.43 crore. While the Hindi-language juggernaut has delivered a historic run, it has not witnessed the same level of pan-regional surge that powered its Telugu counterpart to higher domestic benchmarks. BMS Ticket Sales & India Net Comparison - 4th WeekendMOVIE NAMETICKETS SOLD (4TH WEEKEND)Pushpa 2: The Rule19.22 MDhurandhar 217.12 MKantara Chapter 113.43 MN/A (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The fourth Sunday performance for Dhurandhar 2 saw a standard weekend spike, netting ₹14.75 crore across 10,727 shows. This pushed its Hindi market contribution to ₹1,017.79 crore net, accounting for nearly 94 percent of its domestic total. The contrast in regional dynamics remains evident—while Telugu-origin films like Pushpa 2: The Rule have significantly expanded into the Hindi belt, the reverse trend is still limited. Pushpa 2 derived massive support from its Hindi version (₹812.14 crore net) alongside ₹341.48 crore from Telugu, whereas Dhurandhar 2 has managed only ₹41.85 crore from the Telugu market so far, restricting its domestic expansion. The international circuit has emerged as the defining factor in reshaping the global comparison. By the end of its fourth Sunday, Dhurandhar 2 had amassed ₹415.50 crore overseas, outperforming Pushpa 2: The Rule by a substantial ₹156 crore (₹259.50 crore). This significant lead from high-performing international markets has effectively offset the domestic deficit, allowing the Hindi film to outpace Pushpa 2's Day 25 global trajectory. As a result, Dhurandhar 2's worldwide gross now stands at ₹1,712.98 crore by Day 25. While this places it marginally below Pushpa 2: The Rule's final worldwide total of ₹1,742.10 crore, the gap has narrowed to under ₹30 crore. Notably, this has been achieved despite a 10.9 percent deficit in overall footfalls, indicating stronger revenue realization driven primarily by its dominant overseas performance and higher-yield international markets. As the film enters its 26th day, its sustained momentum in overseas territories, coupled with a solid hold in the Hindi belt, positions it well to surpass Pushpa 2's lifetime global total in the coming days, even as matching its domestic benchmark remains a challenge. Worldwide Gross Comparison - Day 25 MOVIE NAME INDIA GROSS OVERSEAS GROSS WORLDWIDE TOTAL Dhurandhar 2 ₹ 1,297.48 Cr ₹ 415.50 Cr ₹ 1,712.98 Cr Pushpa 2: The Rule ₹ 1,376.98 Cr ₹ 259.50 Cr ₹ 1,636.48 Cr

BY CHRISTA LINCY

In the volatile climate of mid-budget cinema, Dacoit has emerged with a financial blueprint that prioritizes producer safety through heavy pre-release recovery. Made on a reported budget of ₹65 crore, the film entered the theatrical window with a significant oxygen tank in the form of non-theatrical rights. OTT, satellite, and digital deals have already fetched a substantial ₹48 crore, effectively covering roughly 74 percent of the total cost before the first show even commenced. This strategic hedging leaves the makers with a relatively modest theatrical recovery target of approximately ₹20 crore to clear the remaining production overheads. Looking at the theatrical velocity, Dacoit managed an India net collection of ₹19.80 crore over its opening weekend. The trajectory remained remarkably flat, indicating a consistent baseline of interest rather than an explosive breakout. The film opened with ₹6.55 crore on Friday, followed by a marginal 4.5 percent growth on Saturday with ₹6.85 crore. Sunday saw a slight consolidation, netting ₹6.40 crore. The data points to a territory-heavy performance, as the lack of a significant Sunday surge indicates the collections are primarily fueled by a core regional base. The Telugu market provided the heavy lifting for the domestic tally, contributing ₹15.75 crore—a staggering 79.5 percent of the total India net—showing that the project's financial stability is currently anchored in its primary market. The math behind the recovery trajectory reveals a dual-layered financial scenario. While the worldwide gross of ₹34.77 crore translates to a distributor share of approximately ₹15.5 crore, the threshold for a theatrical hit remains further afield for the buyers. From a production standpoint, the makers are within an oxygen-tank distance of their ₹20 crore safety mark, needing only another ₹4.5 to ₹5 crore in share. However, for the distributors who purchased theatrical rights, the project requires an additional share of ₹13 to ₹14 crore to emerge as a box office success. This places the ultimate worldwide gross benchmark at the ₹60 crore+ mark, meaning the film has currently covered roughly 50 percent of its necessary theatrical journey. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dacoit Daily India Net BreakdownDAYINDIA NETDay 1 (Friday)₹ 6.55 CrDay 2 (Saturday)₹ 6.85 CrDay 3 (Sunday)₹ 6.40 CrTotal₹ 19.80 Cr Internationally, the project is benefiting heavily from what Venky Box Office describes as the goodwill of Adivi Sesh, which is currently translating into the biggest opening of the actor's career. The North American market provided a massive launchpad, with premiere numbers clocking in at $352,000 (approximately ₹2.95 crore)—comfortably shattering Sesh's previous career-best premiere of $270,000 (approximately ₹2.26 crore) set by Major. This momentum sustained throughout the weekend, as the film added a Saturday gross of $204,000 (approximately ₹1.71 crore), propelling the cumulative North American total to a robust $806,000 (approximately ₹6.77 crore). This high-margin overseas contribution acts as a secondary financial cushion, significantly accelerating the film's path toward theatrical break-even. The focus now shifts to the critical Monday hold, which will determine if the film has the legs to transition from producer safety to distributor profit. While the project is already a win for the makers, the theatrical verdict hinges on maintaining a steady occupancy through the weekdays to bridge the ₹14 crore share deficit. For Dacoit to be labeled a clean hit in the theatrical circuit, it must maintain its momentum in the Telugu heartland and push toward a ₹60 crore worldwide gross. The upcoming week will be the ultimate indicator of whether this safe financial venture for the creators can evolve into a significant box office success for the buyers.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 13 - Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has scripted box office history by emerging as the highest-grossing Indian film worldwide without any contribution from the Gulf and China markets. In just 24 days, the Ranveer Singh starrer has stormed past the 1700 crore mark globally, setting a new benchmark for Hindi cinema. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the spy action thriller's phenomenal run has been driven by a dominant domestic performance and a once-in-a-lifetime overseas showing. Despite missing out on two of the most lucrative international circuits, Dhurandhar 2 has raked in 410+ crore gross overseas, powered by exceptional collections in North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and key European territories. Worldwide Box Office Numbers (Without Gulf & China) Dhurandhar 2 – 1700+ crore (24 days) Pushpa 2: The Rule – 1685+ crore Baahubali 2: The Conclusion – 1615+ crore Indian blockbusters have relied on Gulf countries for consistent NRI footfall. China, though it is not a regular market for Indian films, can boost collections to extraordinary levels. Films like Dangal and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion significantly benefited from these regions. However, Dhurandhar 2 has rewritten that narrative by achieving record-breaking numbers purely on the strength of its core markets and widespread audience acceptance. The sequel has also crossed the 1000 crore net mark in India as well as in Hindi, underlining its massive domestic pull. Its sustained run, aided by strong word-of-mouth and repeat viewership, has ensured that it remains a top draw even into its fourth week, an increasingly rare feat for a heavily frontloaded title. Top Indian Grossers Worldwide Without Gulf & China S. No. Movie Total Worldwide Gross WW Gross (Excl. Gulf & China) 1 Dhurandhar 2 ₹ 1700+ Cr ₹ 1700+ Cr 2 Pushpa 2 ₹ 1742 Cr ₹ 1685+ Cr 3 Baahubali 2 ₹ 1788 Cr ₹ 1615+ Cr As of April 12, 2026. With 1700+ crore already in the bag and momentum still intact, Dhurandhar 2 is now eyeing the finish in the top 3 biggest Indian grossers, even with China and the Gulf. More importantly, its success marks a significant shift in box office dynamics, proving that a film can achieve unprecedented global success even without access to traditional high-revenue international markets.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Pradeep Ranganathan has evolved into a significant box office draw within the Tamil film industry, especially after the back-to-back 100 crore achievements of Dragon and Dude. His latest venture, Love Insurance Kompany (LIK), entered the theatrical arena with the massive responsibility of maintaining this century-streak. However, the opening weekend data indicates a cooling trend, as the film has registered a cumulative drop of approximately 25 to 26 percent in its domestic opening weekend performance compared to his previous two hits in 2025. During the first three days, Love Insurance Kompany managed an India net collection of ₹22.70 crore. When placed against the ₹30.75 crore earned by Dude and the ₹30.05 crore netted by Dragon, LIK is currently trailing by a margin of 26.1 percent and 24.4 percent respectively. The Tamil version remained the primary anchor with ₹18.40 crore, while the Telugu version added ₹4.30 crore. With a reported production budget estimated between ₹60 crore and ₹95 crore, the stakes are considerably higher for this ambitious project. These opening figures indicate a cautious start for such a high-stakes investment, as it currently lacks the explosive initial velocity that defined Ranganathan's earlier outings last year. Pradeep Ranganathan Opening Weekend Comparison - India NetMOVIE NAMEWEEKEND INDIA NETDude (2025)₹ 30.75 CrDragon (2025)₹ 30.05 CrLove Insurance Kompany (LIK)₹ 22.70 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The performance gap is even more evident in the North American market, where Pradeep Ranganathan's previous films established a high benchmark. LIK grossed a weekend total of $136K (approximately ₹1.14 crore), which represents a sharp 76.1 percent decline from the $570K (approximately ₹4.79 crore) opening of Dude. When compared to the $606K (approximately ₹5.09 crore) North American start for Dragon, the deficit is a notable 77.5 percent. This cooling trend also manifested in the domestic daily collections; unlike Dragon, which witnessed a massive Sunday surge to ₹12.75 crore, LIK recorded a slight consolidation on its third day, earning ₹7.70 crore in India net compared to its Saturday collection of ₹7.95 crore. This absence of a Sunday peak suggests the film is seeking sustainability through steady word-of-mouth rather than the explosive day-three growth that defined Ranganathan's previous blockbusters. For LIK to achieve the coveted 100 crore hat-trick, the film requires a theatrical trajectory that significantly exceeds its current pace. Sitting at a worldwide gross of ₹34.59 crore, the movie needs to sustain high theater occupancy during the weekdays to bridge the roughly ₹65 crore gap remaining for the triple-digit milestone. Given the reported production budget of ₹60 crore to ₹95 crore, the 100 crore mark is not just a psychological target for Pradeep Ranganathan's career, but a necessary benchmark for the film to be considered a financial success. Unlike the previous hits Dude and Dragon, which had lower cost-to-collection ratios, LIK carries a higher financial weight, meaning it needs to push closer to the ₹120 crore mark to truly mirror the success of its predecessors. In comparison, Dude had already established a dominant lead through its 231K ticket sale surge in its opening phase. For LIK to remain competitive in this high-budget bracket, it must significantly boost its international numbers and maintain its steady hold in the Telugu states, where it has already netted ₹4.30 crore. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Overseas Performance & Worldwide ComparisonMOVIE NAMENA WEEKEND GROSSWORLDWIDE TOTALDragon$ 606,015 (~₹ 5.09 Cr)₹ 151.83 CrDude$ 570,000 (~₹ 4.78 Cr)₹ 114.30 CrLove Insurance Kompany (LIK)$ 136,000 (~₹ 1.14 Cr)₹ 34.59 Cr (3 Days) While Love Insurance Kompany currently benefits from a solo theatrical window, this competitive advantage is expected to face challenges in the coming weeks. Industry reports suggest that Jana Nayagan may advance its release to either this or next Friday following a pirated leak, which could potentially impact LIK's screen count earlier than expected. Furthermore, with Kara scheduled for an April 30 release, the window for LIK to bridge its 65 crore gap to the 100 crore mark is tightening. The film's performance over the next few days will be critical in determining if it can maximize its reach before these new entries arrive to compete for the box office share.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, April 13 - Ryan Gosling's sci-fi space movie Project Hail Mary continues its excellent theatrical run, emerging as one of 2026's biggest global success stories. The film has crossed the 65 crore mark at the Indian box office while simultaneously storming past the $500 million milestone worldwide. Project Hail Mary Eyes 100 Crore Finish In India (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The Gosling starrer has been a surprise blockbuster at the Indian box office. Despite facing a tough challenger in the form of Dhurandhar 2, the film managed to click with audiences and has been growing purely on word of mouth. It minted around 12 crores gross in its third weekend in all versions, pushing its total India gross to 65.75+ crores in 18 days. With word of mouth still propelling it and keeping strong, Project Hail Mary might target a 100 crore finish in India. However, it will be interesting to see how things work out when Akshay Kumar's Bhooth Bangla arrives next week, which will take away some screens. The advantage for Hail Mary is IMAX screenings, as it will retain most of them. Hits $500 Million Globally (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On the global front, the film has officially crossed the $500 million mark after its fantastic fourth weekend, with its worldwide total standing at $510 million. The film has delivered a balanced performance across domestic and international markets, grossing over $250 million each, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year so far. What makes this achievement even more noteworthy is the film's standalone nature. In an era dominated by sequels, franchises, and superhero spectacles, Project Hail Mary has carved its own space purely on the strength of its storytelling, scale, and audience reception. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film has not only resonated with global audiences but has also proven that original sci-fi content can still thrive theatrically. With its current momentum, the film is expected to continue its strong run both in India and worldwide in the coming weeks and is heading to finish its run at $650+ million. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has concluded its 24-day theatrical run with a cumulative worldwide gross of ₹ 1,691.30 Cr. For the sequel to reach the ₹ 1,700 Cr mark on its 25th day, it requires a global gross addition of approximately ₹ 8.70 Cr, a target that appears certain based on current theatrical velocity. Real-time data from BookMyShow indicates that Sunday is operating at a higher gear than the previous day; between 7 AM and 1 PM, the production moved 66,490 tickets, maintaining a healthy lead over the 61,520 sales recorded during the same window on Saturday. This morning-half advantage is further validated by hourly benchmarks, such as the 12 PM to 1 PM slot recording 17,110 sales today against Saturdays 15,990. Given this consistent outperformance across all early sessions, the film is positioned to breach the milestone during the evening sessions, becoming the first Bollywood original to secure this valuation within a 25-day timeframe. Analyzing the domestic market from a trade perspective, the sequels performance in the Hindi belt is nothing short of revolutionary. Within just 24 days, the movie has officially crossed the ₹ 1,000 Cr net mark in Hindi alone, with the current total standing at ₹ 1,003.54 Cr. This achievement places it in a league of its own, especially when compared to recent pan-Indian titans like Pushpa 2: The Rule and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. While those films recorded staggering Hindi numbers, they were Telugu-original productions where the Hindi dub served as a secondary revenue stream. In the case of Dhurandhar 2, the primary Hindi market has acted as the central engine, accounting for a massive share of the ₹ 1,068.92 Cr total India net collection. The films international trajectory is perhaps its most impressive facet, characterized by massive gains in traditional and emerging territories. Dhurandhar 2 has managed to cross the ₹ 400 Cr overseas mark without the benefit of a Gulf release—a region that typically serves as a prime revenue driver for films of this scale and genre. Despite this omission, the production has topped overseas grosser charts by dominating markets like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Germany. According to Venky Box Office, the North American market recorded a Saturday gross of $288K, bringing the total in the region to $27.36M. This performance establishes the film as the highest-grossing Indian title in multiple territories that exclude the Gulf market. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) To accurately assess the commercial standing of Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge within the global hierarchy of Indian cinema, it is necessary to differentiate between initial theatrical runs and secondary international releases. For instance, while Dangal holds a lifetime worldwide gross of ₹ 2070.3 Cr, its total was significantly augmented by a secondary release in China. The China market alone contributed ₹ 1305.29 Cr ($203M) to that figure. By subtracting this secondary market contribution from the total worldwide gross, the films Phase 1 / Excluding China valuation stands at approximately ₹ 765 Cr. This data comparison highlights that the current sequel is operating at nearly double the capacity of previous Hindi-original benchmarks during their primary theatrical windows. Top Worldwide Grossers - Indian Cinema (Phase 1 / Primary Run)RANKMOVIE NAMEWORLDWIDE GROSS1Baahubali 2: The Conclusion₹ 1,788.06 Cr2Pushpa 2: The Rule₹ 1,742.10 Cr3Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge₹ 1,691.30 Cr4Dhurandhar₹ 1,307.35 Cr5Dangal (Excluding China / Phase 1)₹ 765.00 Cr The theatrical durability of Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has brought it within striking distance of top-tier global records, though the upcoming weeks will present a shift in market dynamics. With the release of Bhoot Bangla scheduled for April 17, the sequel faces its first major competitive challenge in a market where a significant portion of the primary audience has already been tapped. While surpassing the ₹ 1,742 Cr lifetime gross of Pushpa 2: The Rule appears mathematically probable in the coming days, the films ability to maintain enough momentum to challenge even higher benchmarks remains a wait and watch scenario. Future daily holds will be the decisive factor in whether the film can secure a position among the top two all-time global grossers during their primary theatrical runs before the release window narrows.