BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, March 23 - If day 3 was a tsunami, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge brought mayhem on day 4 with another record-breaking collection. The spy action thriller hit the ball out of the park to deliver back-to-back 100 crore net in Hindi. It was like, the first time was nice, so I had to do it twice, kind of thing, as the movie is now in the league of its own. In comparison to the biggest grossers after 4 days, Dhurandhar 2 is the second, only to Pushpa 2, which benefited from the massive Pan India release. However, in the long run, Aditya Dhar's directed film is expected to beat Pushpa 2 and become the number 1 film at the Indian box office. Baahubali, KGF, Pushpa, Dhurandhar - Part 1 vs Part 2 India Gross Comparison (1st 4 Days) Movie Part 1 Part 2 Baahubali - ₹ 485.00 Cr KGF ₹ 83.40 Cr ₹ 462.50 Cr Pushpa ₹ 147.70 Cr ₹ 632.42 Cr Dhurandhar ₹ 151.50 Cr ₹ 541.97 Cr __________________________________________________________________________ Mumbai, March 22 - After the big first two days, the third day of each movie (in this article) has been huge, but Dhurandhar 2 took things to another level without as much support as the other three films got from their non-original films. The Aditya Dhar-directed spy actioner had a monumental day 3 at the Indian box office, which saw the Hindi version topping 100+ crore net for the first time. It is now only behind Pushpa 2, which had a wider pan-India release, after the first three days at the domestic box office. Baahubali, KGF, Pushpa, Dhurandhar - Part 1 vs Part 2 India Gross Comparison (1st 3 Days) Movie Part 1 Part 2 Baahubali - ₹ 382.00 Cr KGF ₹ 69.80 Cr ₹ 355.50 Cr Pushpa ₹ 128.05 Cr ₹ 463.90 Cr Dhurandhar ₹ 123.60 Cr ₹ 400.35 Cr __________________________________________________________________________ Mumbai, March 21 - The trend of sequels, or say Part 2, outperforming their predecessors has become a defining pattern in Indian cinema, especially when it comes to large-scale franchise films which resonated beyond regional boundaries. From Baahubali: The Beginning to Dhurandhar 2, filmmakers have successfully expanded their cinematic universes, often turning second instalments into historic box office juggernauts. Here's a look at how Part 2 of some of the biggest Indian blockbusters - Dhurandhar, Pushpa, KGF, and Baahubali - compare with their first parts. Baahubali: The Franchise That Started It All Baahubali: The Beginning was a massive success, but it was Baahubali 2: The Conclusion that rewrote Indian box office history. At a time when ticket prices were comparatively lower than today, Baahubali 2 was a phenomenon beyond boundaries. While it is difficult for most of the movies to generate 10 million admissions in their lifetime runs, Baahubali 2 scored 1+ crore admissions in India on day 1 alone, which still seems out of the world in a country where theatre screens are still insufficient when compared to the large cinema-going audience. While the first film laid the foundation with its grand storytelling and visual spectacle, the sequel capitalised on the iconic question, "Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?" The result was unprecedented hype, leading to a record-breaking theatrical run that far surpassed the original in every market. It remains the biggest Indian blockbuster of the 21st century with over 100 million tickets sold here. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Baahubali Films India Gross (Lifetime) S. No. Movie India Gross (Lifetime) 1 Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) ₹ 516 Crore 2 Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017) ₹ 1416.90 Crore KGF: A Cult Phenomenon Turned Monster Hit KGF: Chapter 1 gained cult popularity, particularly through satellite and digital platforms. However, KGF: Chapter 2 arrived with massive anticipation and delivered a box office explosion. The sequel not only opened bigger but also sustained exceptionally well, becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films and the highest-grossing Kannada movie ever, dwarfing the lifetime collections of Part 1 by a 5x margin. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) KGF Chapter 1 vs KGF Chapter 2 India Gross Comparison Day KGF: Chapter 1 (2018) KGF: Chapter 2 (2022) Day 1 ₹ 21.80 Crore ₹ 134.50 Crore Day 2 ₹ 23.20 Crore ₹ 105.50 Crore Day 3 ₹ 24.80 Crore ₹ 95.50 Crore Day 4 ₹ 13.60 Crore ₹ 107.00 Crore Lifetime ₹ 227.15 Crore ₹ 1000.85 Crore Pushpa: Rise vs Rule Pushpa: The Rise started as a strong performer, especially in Telugu markets. However, it was the Hindi market where the movie turned into an unexpected big hit and laid the foundation for its successor to rule the most important territory in India. Building on that popularity, Pushpa 2: The Rule took things to another level. With heightened scale, stronger promotions, and pan-India appeal, the sequel shattered opening day and weekend records, easily outpacing the first part and establishing itself as a global blockbuster. Pushpa The Rise vs Pushpa The Rule India Gross Comparison Day Pushpa: The Rise (2021) Pushpa: The Rule (2024) Day 1 ₹ 52.80 Crore ₹ 209.20 Crore (inc. pre.) Day 2 ₹ 36.40 Crore ₹ 112.10 Crore Day 3 ₹ 38.85 Crore ₹ 142.60 Crore Day 4 ₹ 19.65 Crore ₹ 168.60 Crore Lifetime ₹ 313.80 Crore ₹ 1471.10 Crore (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dhurandhar: A New-Age Box Office Titan Dhurandhar emerged as a major success, but its sequel, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, has taken the franchise into uncharted territory. With massive pre-sales, record-breaking ticket demand, and a historic opening, the second instalment has already outperformed Part 1 in terms of initial numbers. Despite some setbacks like show cancellations in dubbed versions, the film has demonstrated the sheer power of franchise hype in today's market. Unlike the other three films (in this article), Dhurandhar Part 1 itself was a monstrous hit with over 1000 crore gross at the Indian box office. It is the only original film to reach this figure at the domestic box office. Part 2, which is the continuation of the first film, has started on an unpremeditated note and is expected to outgross the first film very soon. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dhurandhar vs Dhurandhar The Revenge India Gross Comparison Day Dhurandhar (2025) Dhurandhar: The Revenge (2026) Day 1 ₹ 33.60 Crore ₹ 172.60 Crore (inc. pre.) Day 2 ₹ 38.40 Crore ₹ 96.75 Crore Day 3 ₹ 51.60 Crore ₹ 135.15 Crore Day 4 ₹ 27.90 Crore ₹ 136.75 Crore Lifetime ₹ 1007.85 Crore ₹ - What connects all these films is a common trajectory - Part 1 builds the world and audience base, while Part 2 reaps the benefits of anticipation and scale. Sequels often come with bigger budgets, improved storytelling, and a deeper emotional payoff, making them more appealing to a wider audience. From Baahubali 2: The Conclusion setting the benchmark to Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge carrying the momentum forward, Indian cinema has mastered the art of the sequel. In most of the cases, Part 2 doesn't just match expectations, it surpasses them, proving that when done right, franchises only grow stronger with time. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Aadu 3: One Last Ride – Part 1 has taken a strong start at the box office, collecting ₹5.95 Cr net in India on Day 1. The film recorded an India gross of ₹7.00 Cr, while its worldwide collection stands at ₹17.75 Cr, including a significant ₹10.75 Cr from overseas markets. The film recorded a strong performance in its home market, with Kerala alone contributing ₹6.05 Cr gross on Day 1, accounting for the majority of its India collections and reflecting solid initial turnout across the state. The opening highlights the strong pull of the franchise, particularly in overseas territories where Malayalam films traditionally perform well. The overseas contribution forms a major share of the Day 1 worldwide total, underlining the film's popularity among the international audiences. Directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas, the film marks the third installment in the Aadu franchise, following Aadu (2015) and Aadu 2 (2017). While the first film had a modest theatrical run and later gained cult status, Aadu 2 turned out to be a commercial success, significantly expanding the franchise's fan base and setting the stage for a bigger third part. The film features a returning ensemble cast led by Jayasurya as Shaji Pappan, along with Vinayakan, Saiju Kurup, Sunny Wayne, Vijay Babu, Indrans, and Dharmajan Bolgatty. The film is produced by Vijay Babu and Venu Kunnappilly, with music composed by Shaan Rahman, continuing the franchise's signature style and tone. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) From a trend perspective, Aadu 3 has emerged as one of the stronger openings for a Malayalam film in 2026, supported by franchise recall and steady advance bookings. The film has particularly benefited from strong initial turnout in Kerala and a robust response in overseas markets. The film continues the quirky narrative style of the franchise, blending comedy with fantasy elements while bringing back fan-favourite characters. The decision to present the story as a larger-scale installment has further added to the anticipation among audiences. While the opening is strong, the focus now shifts to its weekend performance and sustainability. Given the franchise value and strong overseas pull, Aadu 3 is expected to maintain momentum over the next few days, which will be crucial in determining its overall box office trajectory. With no major competing releases in the immediate window, the film has a clear opportunity to perform well, provided word of mouth remains positive. Overall, Aadu 3 has begun its theatrical run on a solid note, leveraging franchise popularity, returning cast, and strong international demand to deliver a promising Day 1 performance.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Project Hail Mary has generated fresh buzz in India after it was revealed that Hrithik Roshan has collaborated with the makers to promote the Ryan Gosling-led Hollywood film. The association marks a notable crossover moment, with a leading Indian star coming on board to introduce a major international project to domestic audiences. The film, backed by Amazon MGM Studios and distributed internationally by Sony Pictures, is one of the most anticipated sci-fi releases, based on Andy Weir's bestselling novel. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the project combines large-scale science fiction with a character-driven survival story, positioning it as a high-concept global release. Hrithik Roshan's involvement is seen as a strategic move to enhance the film's visibility in India, particularly in the Hindi-speaking markets. Hollywood studios have increasingly relied on localized promotions and collaborations to widen reach, and this partnership reflects that evolving distribution approach. The film stars Ryan Gosling in the lead role, playing a lone astronaut tasked with saving Earth from an extinction-level crisis. The narrative blends scientific concepts with emotional storytelling, a formula that has previously worked well for global audiences and could resonate with Indian viewers as well. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Watch:Hrithik Roshan introduces Project Hail Mary to Indian audiences. In India, the film is planned for a multi-language release, including English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, underlining the importance of dubbed versions in expanding reach beyond metro audiences. This strategy aligns with recent trends where Hollywood films have seen improved performance in regional markets through wider language accessibility. The collaboration also comes at a time when the Indian theatrical landscape is witnessing strong competition from large-scale domestic releases. Industry observers note that such partnerships help international films maintain visibility even in a crowded release window. Overall, Project Hail Mary's India strategy reflects a broader shift in how Hollywood studios approach the market—combining global scale with localized promotion. With Ryan Gosling leading the film and Hrithik Roshan amplifying its presence in India, the film enters the market with strong positioning and heightened awareness among audiences.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Ustaad Bhagat Singh, starring Pawan Kalyan and directed by Harish Shankar, opened with ₹34.75 Cr net in India on Day 1, with a worldwide gross of ₹48.00 Cr and ₹7.00 Cr coming from overseas markets. Released during the festive window, the film benefitted from strong footfall in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, but the overall opening reflects a performance that is steady rather than exceptional for a film of this scale. The film, produced by Mythri Movie Makers, features Pawan Kalyan in a mass-oriented role alongside Sreeleela and Raashii Khanna. It marks the reunion of Pawan Kalyan and director Harish Shankar after the blockbuster Gabbar Singh (2012), coming together again after more than a decade. The film carried expectations of delivering a high-energy commercial entertainer; however, early reception appears to be mixed, which may have slightly limited its opening momentum beyond core markets. A key comparison emerges with Pawan Kalyan's previous release, They Call Him OG. While that film opened to a massive ₹84.75 Cr net in India and a strong ₹42.50 Cr overseas on Day 1, Ustaad Bhagat Singh has managed only ₹7.00 Cr overseas. This significant gap highlights a weaker international pull, even though the film has performed well in domestic mass circuits. The current opening also reflects broader market dynamics. While Ustaad Bhagat Singh dominated single screens and its primary Telugu-speaking regions, its reach remained limited in multiplexes and overseas territories. At the same time, Dhurandhar 2 has generated stronger traction in these segments, creating competition that has impacted the overall scale of the opening. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Despite the competition, the film has managed to secure a place among the top 10 Day 1 openers in Telugu cinema, ranking at the 9th position with ₹41 Cr net. However, the clustering of multiple films at the same figure indicates that it has not broken into the top-tier bracket dominated by the biggest recent releases. Take a look at the top 10 Telugu movies day 1 net 1. RRR – ₹103 Cr 2. Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2 – ₹80 Cr 3. Devara: Part 1 – ₹73 Cr 4. Salaar: Cease Fire – Part 1 – ₹67 Cr 5. Kalki 2898 AD – ₹66 Cr 6. They Call Him OG – ₹63 Cr 7. Sarkaru Vaari Paata / The Raja Saab – ₹47 Cr 8. Sarileru Neekevvaru – ₹46 Cr 9. Guntur Kaaram / Game Changer / Ustaad Bhagat Singh – ₹41 Cr 10. Vakeel Saab – ₹40 Cr Going forward, the film's box office trajectory will depend on its hold over the weekend and word of mouth, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. A strong trend in these regions could help it build on its opening, but the relatively lower overseas contribution and competition in key markets remain important factors to watch.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Youth has opened to a decent start at the Tamil box office, collecting around ₹3.60 Cr net in India on Day 1, with the gross estimated at ₹4.20 Cr. The coming-of-age romantic drama has registered steady occupancy, particularly in urban centres, backed by initial positive word of mouth among younger audiences. Directed by Ken Karunas in his directorial debut, the film features a young ensemble cast including Ken Karunas, Anishma Anilkumar, Priyanshi Yadav, and Meenakshi Dinesh, along with experienced actors like Suraj Venjaramoodu and Devadarshini. The film is produced by Karuppiah C Ram and Sulochana Kumar, with music composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar. Ken Karunas, who plays the lead in Youth, is one of the emerging young actors in Tamil cinema and the son of actor Karunas. He first gained recognition with his role in the critically acclaimed film Asuran (2019), where he played one of Dhanush’s sons, a performance that brought him significant attention. He later appeared in films like Vaathi and Viduthalai: Part 2, continuing to build a steady presence with supporting yet impactful roles. Over the years, he has also worked behind the scenes as an assistant director on films such as Thiruchitrambalam and Raayan, before making his directorial debut with Youth. His transition from a supporting actor to a lead actor and director marks an important phase in his career, positioning him as a promising talent to watch in the industry. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film revolves around a teenage boy navigating love and relationships during his school years, blending romance, comedy, and emotional moments. Its youthful theme and school backdrop have worked in its favour, attracting a younger audience segment and generating decent initial traction. Pre-release buzz for the film was driven by its relatable storyline and the novelty factor of Ken Karunas stepping into direction. The trailer, which highlighted a mix of romance and humour set in a school environment, had gained attention on social media, contributing to its opening. While the opening numbers are modest compared to big-ticket Tamil releases, they are strong relative to the film's scale and budget. With limited competition and positive word of mouth, the film is expected to see growth over the weekend, which will be crucial in determining its box office trajectory. Overall, Youth has begun its theatrical run on a stable note, and its performance over the next few days will indicate whether it can emerge as a profitable venture at the box office.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, March 12 - Indian cinema has often pushed the boundaries of storytelling with ambitious runtimes, especially when it comes to epic dramas and large-scale productions. Over the decades, several films have crossed the three-hour mark, but only a handful have gone far beyond that to become some of the longest theatrical releases in Indian film history. Over the last few years, several Indian films have crossed 3 hours of runtime, and a couple of them even went on to rank among the longest films ever. The upcoming sequel Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has reportedly joined this rare list with its massive runtime of nearly 4 hours, which is almost unheard of for an Indian title in recent times. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 1. LOC: Kargil (2003) J. P. Dutta's epic historical war film, based on the Kargil War, is the longest Indian film with a theatrical runtime of 4 hours and 15 minutes (255 minutes). Released in December 2023, the film featured a massive ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan, and Sunil Shetty, among others. 2. Mera Naam Joker (1970) Directed and headlined by Raj Kapoor, the epic romantic drama film has gained a cult status over the years despite being a theatrical flop. It remained the longest Indian theatrical title for over 3 decades, with 4 hours and 8 minutes (248 minutes). The movie also starred Simi Garewal, Kseniya Ryabinkina, Padmini, Manoj Kumar, Rajendra Kumar, Dharmendra, and Dara Singh. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 3. Sangam (1964) One of the first films to be shot abroad in locations including London, Paris and Switzerland, Sangam is a romantic musical drama, directed and headlined by Raj Kapoor. With a theatrical runtime of 3 hours and 58 minutes (238 minutes), it was the longest film before Kapoor's Mera Naam Joker. It also featured Vyjayanthimala and Rajendra Kumar. 4. Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge (2026) Directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, Dhurandhar 2 is the second part of the massive blockbuster Dhurandhar, which was released in December last year. Scheduled to hit the big screens on March 19, The Revenge reportedly carries a theatrical runtime of 3 hours and 49 minutes (229 minutes), which is mindboggling to think in today's time. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 5. Lagaan (2001) The Aamir Khan-fronted period sports drama had a runtime of 3 hours and 44 minutes (224 minutes). Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, the film also featured Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley and Paul Blackthorne in key roles. It was reportedly the costliest Indian film at the time of its release. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, March 18 - The much-awaited Ranveer Singh-fronted Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge is setting the box office on fire even before hitting the big screens. The film has taken a phenomenal start in bookings, emerging as one of the biggest pre-sales performers in the history of Indian cinema. As per the latest update, the film's worldwide pre-sales for the opening weekend have crossed the staggering 200 crore mark, including 125+ crores gross in India alone, showcasing unprecedented demand across markets. The hype surrounding the action-packed sequel, combined with strong franchise value, has translated into massive ticket sales globally. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dhurandhar 2 is reportedly only the 5th Indian film ever to hit 200 crores in advance sales, after Pushpa 2, Leo, RRR, and Baahubali 2, and the first Bollywood title to do so. Apart from the weekend sales, the film has crossed 100 crores in opening day pre-sales alone, including premiere shows, making it one of the strongest Day 1 advances ever recorded. In India, The Revenge has raked in 73+ crores gross (without block seats) for the opening day, including premiere, while overseas pre-sales have crossed 35+ crores for day 1. Multiplex chains, along with single screens, are witnessing heavy footfall in advance bookings. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The sequel factor and strong word-of-mouth around its scale have played a crucial role in driving this momentum. Trade experts believe that the film is now comfortably heading towards a record-breaking opening at the box office, with Day 1 collections expected to challenge the biggest Hindi film openings of all time. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film carries forward the legacy of the first part while promising a bigger and more intense cinematic experience. With such historic pre-sales already in place, all eyes are now on whether Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge can convert this massive advance into an equally explosive box office opening, which looks inevitable. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, March 19 - Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios' Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the fourth instalment in the Tom Holland-led superhero series, got its first official trailer recently, and it created history as expected when it comes to viewership. However, what was not expected was the viewership numbers, which went through the roof in the first 24 hours. According to Variety, the trailer of Brand New Day, which was released on Wednesday (March 18), has become the biggest trailer of all time with an unheard-of 718.6 million views in the first 24 hours. The Spidey broke the record by almost 2x margin, beating the previous record held by Marvel's Deadpool and Wolverine, which had 365 million views across social media platforms. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In fact, the Brand New Day trailer broke the biggest viewership record in just eight hours when it recorded 373 million views. Deadpool and Wolverine created the biggest record by beating the previous Spider-Man movie, Spider-Man: No Way Home, which had 355 million views. Both films were box office juggernauts, grossing $1.33 billion and $1.90 billion worldwide, respectively. The 718.6 million views for the Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer are not only the highest ever in film history, but also the biggest ever trailer launch. It surpassed last year's trailer for the much-anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI, which pulled in 475 million views in 24 hours to become the biggest video trailer ever. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Brand New Day is set four years after the events of No Way Home, in which the world has forgotten that Peter Parker exists after Dr Stephen Strange's spell. In the upcoming film, Parker anonymously protects New York City as the hero Spider-Man and uncovers a larger mystery while investigating a series of crimes. It is scheduled to be released on July 31st. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, March 20 - After a blockbuster run at the box office, Border 2 has made its digital debut. The Sunny Deol-led war drama is now streaming on Netflix, giving audiences a chance to experience the patriotic spectacle from the comfort of their homes. Released in theatres on January 23, 2026, Border 2 emerged as one of the biggest hits of the year. Riding on good word-of-mouth and emotional storytelling, the film went on to gross 450 crore at the worldwide box office, cementing its status as a massive commercial success. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Following its theatrical success, the makers locked Netflix as the film's official OTT partner. The movie began streaming on the platform from March 20, 2026, roughly eight weeks after its theatrical release, in line with the standard post-theatrical window in the post-COVID era. Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 serves as a spiritual sequel to the 1997 cult classic Border. Set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the film blends intense war sequences with emotional narratives of soldiers and their families. The film features a strong ensemble cast including Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film's grand scale, patriotic theme, and nostalgic connection to the original helped it strike a chord with audiences across the country. Border 2 maintained a strong hold at the box office and continued to attract viewers throughout its theatrical run. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, March 20 - Director Aditya Dhar's spy action thriller, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, which is the second part of his 1300+ crore blockbuster Dhurandhar, lit up the box office on its opening day. The movie not only set the domestic market on fire, but also ignited the international box office like never before. The Ranveer Singh-fronted sequel created massive buzz due to the extraordinary response to the first part, which was released in December last year. The buzz was visible in the advance booking, which finished as the highest ever for an Indian title for the opening weekend. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Even though many shows were cancelled in the dubbed versions due to content delay and censorship issues, Dhurandhar 2 exploded on its premiere and opening day, and went on to shatter many records for a Bollywood title at the Indian and worldwide box office. Have a look at some of the major records broken by The Revenge. Biggest opening for a Bollywood movie at the Indian box office Dhurandhar 2 grossed well over 100 crore net on its opening day, including premiere. No other Bollywood film had ever reached anywhere near this mark, making the Ranveer Singh-starrer the first film ever to do so by a big margin. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Biggest opening for a Bollywood movie at the worldwide box office The spy action thriller minted over 200 crore gross on its opening day, including the premiere. This makes it the first Bollywood film of all-time to do so, beating the previous record of Jawan (~130 crore gross) by a big margin. Biggest opening for a Bollywood movie at overseas box office The nearly four-hour-long sequel comfortably crossed the 50 crore mark on its opening day, including the premiere. With this, it has scored the biggest opening and is the first to breach the 50 crore mark for a Bollywood film internationally, beating Jawan's 39+ crore opening. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Biggest opening day ever in Hindi Dhurandhar 2 also scored the biggest opening day of all time and the first 100+ crore net (with premiere) in the Hindi language. The previous biggest opening day belonged to Pushpa 2: The Rule, which minted 70+ crore net in Hindi. Biggest paid previews/premiere in India The Jio Studios and B62 Studios' production had its domestic premiere on March 18, on which it grossed over 50 crores despite many dubbed shows being cancelled. This is the biggest ever preview in India, beating the previous record of Pawan Kalyan's They Call Him OG (25+ crore gross). Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Amazon Prime Video has officially unveiled its 2026 content slate, featuring over 40 titles across original series, returning seasons, and films. The lineup reflects an aggressive expansion strategy, combining star-led projects with content-driven storytelling while continuing to strengthen its presence across multiple Indian languages. A major highlight of the slate is the return of several established franchises. Popular shows like Panchayat, Call Me Bae, Inspector Rishi, Vadhandhi: The Mystery of Mani, Farzi, Dahaad, Sapne Vs Everyone, and The Traitors are set to return with new seasons. This signals a clear shift towards building long-term franchises, a strategy that has proven effective in retaining audiences and sustaining platform engagement over time. The slate also introduces a wide range of new original series such as Matka King, Storm, Exam, Gully, Rakh, The Revolutionaries, and Pyramid Scheme. These titles span multiple genres including crime, drama, youth-centric stories, and real-world inspired narratives, indicating a balanced content mix aimed at diverse audience segments. In terms of films, Prime Video continues to expand its direct-to-digital movie lineup with titles like Mess, System, A.S.I Babita Singh Reporting, and Sundar Poonam. These projects are expected to cater to both mainstream viewers and niche audiences, further strengthening the platform's film library. From a casting perspective, the slate features a mix of established and emerging talent. Jitendra Kumar returns with Panchayat, Ananya Panday headlines Call Me Bae, and Naveen Chandra continues his role in Inspector Rishi. Jyotika is also part of the film System, adding further star value to the movie lineup. At the same time, shows like Aspirants, Sandeep Bhaiya, and Gram Chikitsalay continue to focus on relatable, grounded storytelling with ensemble casts. A key trend visible in the 2026 slate is the balance between Hindi and regional content. While Hindi originals continue to dominate with major franchises, there is a notable push towards South Indian content with titles like Inspector Rishi, Vadhandhi, Isakapatnam, Jagamae Sangeetham, and Guvvala Cheruvu Ghat. This reflects Prime Video's intent to deepen its reach in regional markets, particularly in Telugu and Tamil-speaking regions. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The platform is also expanding beyond traditional scripted content. Reality and experimental formats such as The Traitors, Don't Be Shy, and College Fest highlight a growing focus on unscripted and youth-oriented programming, adding variety to the overall slate. Amazon Prime Video 2026 Slate - Movies & Series TITLETYPE Matka KingSeries StormSeries ExamSeries Aadrash Bal VidhyalayaSeries GullySeries RakhSeries Tax Department StorySeries Pyramid SchemeSeries LukkheSeries Teen KouweSeries IsakapatnamSeries The RevolutionariesSeries Jagamae SangeethamSeries Carnaame Badla Gear Palti KismatSeries Guvvala Cheruvu GhatSeries Welcome to Khoya MahalSeries AnarchSeries MessMovie SystemMovie A.S.I Babita Singh ReportingMovie Sundar PoonamMovie Call Me BaeSeries Vadhandhi: The Mystery of ManiSeries PanchayatSeries Inspector RishiSeries Sapne Vs EveryoneSeries The TraitorsSeries DupahiyaSeries DahaadSeries FarziSeries Gram ChikitsalaySeries Sandeep BhaiyaSeries NazdeekiyanSeries Dono Mile Iss TarahSeries AspirantsSeries The Traitors TeluguSeries Don't Be ShySeries Vansh: The Kalyug WarriorsSeries PhoolanSeries The Alliance IndiaSeries RafooSeries College FestSeries Compared to competing OTT platforms, Prime Video's 2026 lineup stands out for its scale and diversity. With over 40 titles spanning multiple genres, languages, and formats, the platform appears to be taking a broad-based approach to content acquisition and production, aiming to cater to a wide spectrum of viewers. Overall, the 2026 slate positions Amazon Prime Video strongly in the increasingly competitive Indian OTT space. With a mix of returning hits, new originals, star-driven projects, and regional expansion, the platform is set to maintain a strong content pipeline throughout the year.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Kochi, March 20 - Superstar Mohanlal's much-awaited third instalment of the Drishyam franchise is set to be postponed as tensions escalate in the Gulf region. The film, directed by Jeethu Joseph, was scheduled to release on April 3rd, but the current geopolitical situation has raised concerns among the makers. According to industry buzz, the decision to reconsider the release plan stems from the importance of the Gulf market for Malayalam cinema. Films led by Mohanlal have traditionally performed exceptionally well in countries across the Middle East, contributing a significant share to their overall box office collections. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With the ongoing conflict creating uncertainty around the theatrical business in the region, the makers are set to push the release date back, and the official announcement is expected to be made soon. Drishyam 3 holds immense significance as it is expected to conclude the story of Georgekutty, one of the most iconic characters in Indian cinema. The franchise began with the critically acclaimed Drishyam (2013) and continued its success with Drishyam 2 (2021), both of which received widespread appreciation for their gripping storytelling and performances. Given the massive anticipation surrounding the film, any delay could have a notable impact on its box office prospects. Stay tuned...