BY SACNILK TEAM

Reports indicate a significant theatrical re-release and expansion for the spy-thriller Dhurandhar, which is scheduled to scale up its presence to 500 screens globally starting March 13, 2026. While the film has maintained a continuous presence in theaters through limited shows over the past several weeks, this strategic re-release and widening of the theatrical footprint aims to accommodate increasing audience demand ahead of the franchise's next chapter. The updated distribution plan reportedly allocates an equal split between domestic and international markets.Of the 500 screens, 250 are designated for the Indian market, while the remaining 250 screens will cover overseas territories, including a major concentration of 185 screens in North America. This expansion is timed to serve as a final bridge for viewers before the sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, makes its theatrical debut on March 19. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The move follows an exceptionally long and record-breaking theatrical run.To date, Dhurandhar has reportedly achieved a massive worldwide gross collection of ₹1,305.35 crore.This figure includes an India gross of ₹1,005.85 crore and an overseas contribution of ₹299.50 crore.In terms of domestic net earnings, the film has secured ₹838.50 crore, a performance sustained across a cumulative total of 214,816 shows since its original release. The film's longevity is further highlighted by its late-run performance data. Reports show that even in its tenth week, the film added ₹0.72 crore to its total, followed by ₹0.18 crore in week 11. These figures underscore a rare holding power for a high-octane action thriller, as it continues to draw audiences despite the arrival of newer releases. The expansion from current limited screenings to a 500-screen worldwide re-release on March 13 marks the final phase of the film's theatrical run. This strategic increase in distribution ensures the original installment remains available in cinemas leading up to the global premiere of the sequel on March 19.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Reports suggest that music streaming platform Spotify has initiated an exclusive fan engagement drive for the upcoming spy-thriller Dhurandhar: The Revenge. Several Spotify Premium users in India have noted receiving in-app alerts inviting them to register interest for the film's high-profile album launch event, signaling a targeted outreach for the highly anticipated soundtrack. The exclusive event is scheduled to take place in Mumbai on March 17, 2026, just two days prior to the film's worldwide theatrical release. According to the details provided in the in-app alert, the specially curated launch experience will offer a rare opportunity for fans to witness the music unveiling in the presence of the film's lead cast and crew. While the specific venue remains undisclosed for security reasons, it is highly anticipated that lead star Ranveer Singh and director Aditya Dhar will be the primary attendees. For fans eager to secure a spot, the registration window is extremely narrow. Premium subscribers have been directed to a dedicated interest form within the app, which must be completed and submitted by 6:00 PM IST on March 13, 2026. Spotify has clarified that attendance is not guaranteed by merely filling out the form; instead, a limited number of fans will be selected from the pool of registrants to receive official invites. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The massive scale of this event is a direct reflection of the soundtrack's historic performance on global charts. While individual Indian songs have frequently made waves globally, Dhurandhar's achievement distinguishes itself through the unprecedented consumption of the entire album as a cohesive body of work. In a stunning display of dominance, all 11 songs from the soundtrack are currently charting simultaneously, driving the album to a massive debut at #2 on Spotify's Global Top Albums chart and breaking into the American market at #5 on the US Top Albums chart. The list is led by the high-octane Title Track, which is currently sitting at #3, followed closely by the soulful numbers Ishq Jalakar and Karvaan at #5, while Gehra Hua holds a strong position at #7. This level of international penetration for a complete Indian film album marks a significant milestone for the industry, justifying the intense anticipation surrounding the upcoming physical launch in Mumbai. Directed by Aditya Dhar and produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, Dhurandhar: The Revenge features a stellar ensemble including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal. The film is officially set to hit theaters on March 19, 2026, coinciding with the festive weekend of Gudi Padwa and Ugadi.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Despite emerging as the highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time, the Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar could have achieved a significantly higher commercial peak had it targeted the South Indian markets with a localized release strategy. In a recent interaction with Variety India, actor Allu Sirish, who is now actively involved in his father Allu Aravind’s production house, highlighted the missed revenue potential caused by the lack of a Telugu-dubbed version for the first installment. Reflecting on the theatrical run of Dhurandhar and Chhaava, Sirish noted that while both films were well-received, they lacked the proactive pan-India approach seen with Ranbir Kapoor's Animal. He explained that while the Hindi audience has consistently endorsed Telugu cinema, the South Indian audience is equally receptive to Hindi content, provided it is made accessible. Sirish pointed out that for Chhaava, a Telugu release was only initiated a month after its original debut following a conversation between his father and the producers, by which time the film had already lost its initial momentum. The actor emphasized that Hindi studios should look toward the playbook established by films like Jawan and Animal to maximize their box office footprint. According to trade data cited by Sirish, South India's contribution to an all-India net collection typically ranges between 15% and 18%. However, for a film like Jawan, which was aggressively marketed and dubbed in regional languages, that contribution surged to between 28% and 31%. He argued that the absence of a Telugu dub for Dhurandhar was a significant oversight in terms of both reaching new eyeballs and increasing the film's overall business. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Sirish further dismissed the idea of regional bias, characterizing it as internet noise and stating that modern audiences are primarily concerned with the quality of content rather than its language of origin. He urged Hindi filmmakers to treat regional releases as a core strategy rather than a secondary activity, noting that the success of the Telugu version of Animal proved there is a sizable market ready for Hindi content when delivered appropriately. Correcting the strategy for the upcoming sequel, the makers of Dhurandhar: The Revenge have reportedly confirmed a full-scale pan-India release. Unlike the first part, the sequel will debut in multiple dubbed languages, including Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Malayalam. This shift in distribution is expected to significantly bolster the film's opening weekend figures in the Southern territories when it hits screens on March 19, 2026.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, March 12 - Ranveer Singh-fronted spy action thriller Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has crossed a massive 50 crore in worldwide advance bookings for its opening weekend, before 7 days of its theatrical release, signalling one of the biggest openings for a Bollywood film in recent times. Aditya Dhar's directed sequel has generated extraordinary hype ahead of its March 19 release, with paid preview shows scheduled a day earlier on March 18. The film sold over four lakh tickets in India for premiere shows, reflecting strong audience demand across multiplexes and single screens. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) As of now, Dhurandhar 2 has grossed around 21.50 crore in India for its March 18 premiere, while overseas markets, especially North America, have contributed heavily to the advance sales. The overseas pre-sales for the entire opening weekend are around 35 crores, including around 27 crores from North America alone. The combined worldwide pre-sales of the film are already around 56+ crore. The advance sales abroad have already surpassed the opening weekend numbers of the first Dhurandhar, indicating much bigger global anticipation for the sequel. The film is not in a position to comfortably cross 100 crore pre-sales globally, with some projections even suggesting it could finish above 150 crore, as full-fledged booking in India is yet to open. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, March 12 - The makers have unveiled the official teaser of Bhooth Bangla, the much-awaited horror-comedy starring Akshay Kumar. The teaser offers the first glimpse of the spooky yet hilarious world created by director Priyadarshan, marking his much-anticipated reunion with the actor after nearly 14 years. The teaser sets the tone for a blend of horror and slapstick comedy, with Akshay Kumar appearing in a mysterious and quirky avatar inside a haunted mansion. Packed with eerie visuals, comic timing, and supernatural elements, the teaser hints at a fun ride that mixes scares with humour, something fans expect from the actor-director duo. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Apart from Akshay Kumar, the film boasts an ensemble cast that includes Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Wamiqa Gabbi, Rajpal Yadav, Asrani, Jisshu Sengupta, Mithila Palkar, and Manoj Joshi. The film is produced by Ektaa Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor under Balaji Motion Pictures in association with Akshay Kumar’s Cape of Good Films. Bhooth Bangla is currently scheduled to release in theatres on April 10, 2026, and the trailer is expected to arrive later this month, further building excitement for the horror-comedy entertainer. It is the first release of the year for Akshay Kumar. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Rani Mukerji's intense cop-drama Mardaani 3 is preparing for its digital debut. Following its theatrical release on January 30, 2026, the film has completed its primary box office run and is now slated to arrive on streaming platforms later this month. According to reports from OTTplay, the film is expected to begin streaming on Netflix starting March 27, 2026. The third installment of the Mardaani franchise saw Rani Mukerji reprise her iconic role as Shivani Shivaji Roy. The film opened to positive critical reviews and maintained a steady performance at the box office, particularly in urban centers and multiplexes across India. Where and when to stream mardaani 3 on OTT? Mardaani 3 is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on March 27, 2026. This digital release comes exactly eight weeks after its theatrical debut. While an official announcement from Yash Raj Films (YRF) is awaited, OTTplay suggests that the film will be available for subscribers in multiple languages, including Hindi and potentially dubbed versions in South Indian languages. What is the story of mardaani 3? The story of Mardaani 3 continues the journey of Shivani Shivaji Roy, now a senior high-ranking officer in the Mumbai Police. In this installment, she finds herself entangled in a complex web involving an international human trafficking syndicate with deep political roots. Straying from the raw, local crimes of the previous chapters, the third film takes a more global approach, showcasing Shivani's battle against a highly sophisticated and digital-savvy antagonist. The film explores the dark side of deep-fake technology and cyber-extortion, maintaining the gritty realism the franchise is known for. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The film performed consistently during its theatrical window. Below is the final collection summary for Mardaani 3: Mardaani 3 - Box Office Collection SummaryMETRICCOLLECTION AMOUNTIndia Net Collection₹ 50.78 CrIndia Gross Collection₹ 60.50 CrOverseas Collection₹ 14.60 CrWorldwide Gross₹ 75.10 Cr Mardaani 3: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is Mardaani 3 a hit or a flop? Mardaani 3 is a commercial success. With a worldwide gross of ₹75.10 Cr and an India Net of over ₹50 Cr, the film has managed to recover its production costs and performed well given its niche genre and gritty content. Where to stream Mardaani 3 on OTT? The film will be available for streaming exclusively on Netflix from March 27. Who is the director of Mardaani 3? The film is directed by Abhiraj Minawala. He is the third filmmaker to lead the franchise, following Pradeep Sarkar, who directed Mardaani (2014), and Gopi Puthran, who directed Mardaani 2 (2019). What is the OTT release date for Mardaani 3? The expected OTT release date is March 27, 2026, exactly eight weeks after its January 30 theatrical release. Has Mardaani 3 surpassed the box office collections of its prequels? Yes, Mardaani 3 has successfully surpassed the collections of the original film in the franchise. While the first Mardaani (2014) concluded its run with an India Net of ₹35.65 Cr and a worldwide gross of ₹59.30 Cr, Mardaani 3 has outperformed it by earning ₹50.78 Cr Net in India and reaching a worldwide gross of ₹75.10 Cr.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, March 11 - The buzz around Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge continues to grow stronger with every passing day, and the film is already creating waves in the exhibition sector ahead of its grand release on March 19. The sequel remains the hottest film at the moment in Indian cinema due to its massive box office potential. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, producer Jio Studios has reportedly demanded an exclusive six-week run in single-screen theatres for the action sequel starring Ranveer Singh. It is said that the studio has asked single-screen exhibitors to dedicate all shows to Dhurandhar 2 for six weeks without sharing screens with any other film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Such a demand is considered highly unusual in the theatrical business, where distributors typically ask for exclusive showcasing for one to three weeks. Additionally, Jio Studios has also asked exhibitors to provide two additional weeks of exclusive showcasing for its upcoming historical film, Raja Shivaji, which releases 6 weeks after Dhurandhar: The Revenge. If implemented, this move could significantly limit screen availability for other releases scheduled during the same period. One of the films that could be impacted is Bhooth Bangla, the much-anticipated horror-comedy starring Akshay Kumar and directed by Priyadarshan. The film is slated to hit theatres on April 10, three weeks after Dhurandhar 2. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Exhibitors fear they may struggle to allot shows if the six-week exclusivity clause is accepted across single-screen circuits. With Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge already generating massive hype and Bhooth Bangla being another big film, the coming weeks could see intense negotiations between distributors and exhibitors. Whether theatres agree to the six-week exclusivity or push back against the demand remains to be seen. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, March 11 - The race to win the Oscars for Best Picture is heating up with 10 films competing with each other to grab the biggest cinema honour. Michael B. Jordan's critically acclaimed and box office juggernaut, Sinners, is expected to be in a close contest with Leonardo DiCaprio's One Battle After Another to win the Best Picture Oscar. While all 10 films stand a chance to score a victory at the Oscars 2026, scheduled to take place on March 15 (March 16 in India), viewers in India have been enquiring about where to watch these films online. As the anticipation around the possible winner is building up, here is where you can catch up on them from the comfort of your home. Sinners Status - Streaming Now on JioHotstar Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as criminal identical twin brothers who return to their hometown in the Jim Crow South, where they are confronted by a supernatural evil. It also stars Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton (in his film debut), Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, and Delroy Lindo. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) One Battle After Another Status - Streaming Now on JioHotstar Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, the black comedy actioner follows an ex-revolutionary who is forced back into his former combative lifestyle upon being pursued by a corrupt military officer. Based on Vineland by Thomas Pynchon, the film is written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Frankenstein Status - Streaming Now on Netflix Guillermo del Toro's directorial is based on the 1818 novel by Mary Shelley, as the story follows the life of Frankenstein, an egotistical scientist whose experiment in creating new life results in dangerous consequences. The Gothic science fiction drama stars Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the Creature. Marty Supreme Status - Playing in theatres / expected to premiere on Prime Video later The sports comedy-drama stars Timothée Chalamet as table tennis player Marty Mauser (loosely based on Marty Reisman), and it follows his quest to become a world champion. It also stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A'zion, Kevin O'Leary, Tyler Okonma, Abel Ferrara, and Fran Drescher in supporting roles. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Hamnet Status - Playing in theatres / expected to premiere on Prime Video soon Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao's film dramatises the family life of William Shakespeare and his wife Anne Hathaway as they cope with the death of their 11-year-old son Hamnet. It stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal as Agnes and William, alongside Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, and Noah Jupe in supporting roles. F1 Movie Status - Streaming Now on Apple TV+, also available for rent on Prime Video The sports drama film starring Brad Pitt as Formula One (F1) racing driver Sonny Hayes, who returns after a 30-year absence to save his former teammate's underdog team, APXGP, from collapse. The film was directed by Joseph Kosinski from a screenplay by Ehren Kruger. Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Javier Bardem also star in supporting roles. Bugonia Status - Streaming Now on JioHotstar The remake of the 2003 South Korean film Save the Green Planet! by Jang Joon-hwan, the film follows two young men who kidnap a powerful CEO, suspecting that she is secretly an alien who wants to destroy Earth. A co-production of the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Korea, and the United States, the film stars Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias, and Alicia Silverstone. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The Secret Agent (TBA) The historical political thriller film, written and directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, follows Armando (Wagner Moura), a former professor caught in the political turmoil in the midst of the Brazilian military dictatorship, attempting to flee persecution and resist an authoritarian regime. Train Dreams Status - Streaming Now on Netflix Set in early twentieth-century America, the film follows a quiet railroad worker navigating personal loss while witnessing sweeping industrial and social change reshape the world around him. It is based on the 2011 novella by Denis Johnson. Sentimental Value Status - Streaming Now on MUBI Directed by Joachim Trier, the film follows sisters Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas) in their reunion with their estranged father Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård). It also stars Elle Fanning. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

South Indian cinema exhibitors have officially implemented two major policy shifts aimed at protecting the theatrical ecosystem. Following an industry meeting on March 11, 2026, exhibitors finalized a mandatory 8-week window for all films before their digital premiere and announced the discontinuation of the traditional theater rental system in favor of a percentage-based revenue-sharing model. The decision to enforce a mandatory 8-week (60-day) gap between a film's theatrical release and its OTT debut is a strategic move to preserve the theater-only experience. Previously, many South Indian films, particularly mid-range projects, were opting for a 4-week digital window, which exhibitors argued contributed to a decline in second-week footfalls. By standardizing this 8-week rule across all Indian films screened in their network, exhibitors aim to provide films with a longer runway to perform at the box office. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   In a simultaneous move to overhaul the business side of the trade, exhibitors have decided to move away from the fixed rental system. Under the old model, distributors or producers paid a flat weekly fee to screen films in single screens regardless of the film's commercial performance. This is now being replaced by a percentage-based revenue-sharing model, where the earnings will be divided based on actual ticket sales. This shift ensures that theater owners and producers share both the risks and the rewards of a film's theatrical run. While the exact percentage splits for the new revenue-sharing model are yet to be announced, the move is expected to bring a level of financial flexibility to the exhibition sector, especially for single-screen theaters. Trade analysts suggest that these mandates will likely alter the valuation of digital rights and theatrical distribution deals in the future. All eyes are now on the producers' guilds and major streaming platforms to see how they adapt to these revised terms.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Balaji Motion Pictures has officially confirmed that the teaser for its upcoming horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla will be unveiled on March 12, 2026. Starring Akshay Kumar and directed by Priyadarshan, the film is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on April 10, 2026, targeting the Good Friday holiday weekend. The announcement comes via a new promotional poster featuring Akshay Kumar, signaling the start of the film's marketing campaign. This project marks the reunion of Kumar and director Priyadarshan after a period of 14 years, their last collaboration being the 2010 social satire Khatta Meetha. The film is produced by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Motion Pictures in association with Cape of Good Films. The ensemble cast for Bhooth Bangla is one of its primary highlights, bringing together several actors synonymous with the Priyadarshan brand of comedy. The film features the iconic trio of Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Rajpal Yadav. They are joined by Tabu, who returns to the horror-comedy genre following her successful stint in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. Other notable cast members include Wamiqa Gabbi, Mithila Palkar, Jisshu Sengupta, Manoj Joshi, and Tanushree Dutta. Aapko ulta dikhega… par #BhoothBangla mein ulta hi seedha niklega 🦇#BhoothBanglaTeaser out tomorrow. In cinemas on 10th April 2026 👻@priyadarshandir @akshaykumar @SirPareshRawal @rajpalofficial #Tabu @WamiqaG @Jisshusengupta @actormanojjoshi @mipalkar pic.twitter.com/B24t73kVnL— BalajiMotionPictures (@balajimotionpic) March 11, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The April 10 release date is a strategic move. By releasing on a Friday that coincides with Good Friday, the film will benefit from a three-day holiday opening weekend. Additionally, the following week includes holidays for Ambedkar Jayanti and Vaisakhi, providing the film with an extended window to perform at the box office. This timing is expected to maximize the footfalls for a family-oriented horror-comedy. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the film is reported to be a large-scale production set within the framework of a haunted house mystery. With the teaser scheduled to drop tomorrow, expectations are high for this project to replicate the commercial success of the duo's previous cult classics like Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Mythri Movie Makers is set to become the primary distributor for the majority of Prabhas' upcoming films in the Nizam territory. The production house has secured the distribution rights for several high-profile projects, including Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit and Hanu Raghavapudi's Fauzi. Prabhas is currently involved in several large-scale projects, including Fauzi, Spirit, and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel. Among these, Fauzi is a periodic drama produced directly by Mythri Movie Makers. The production house has now confirmed a broader distribution strategy, taking control of the Nizam theatrical rights for the actor's future lineup. Mythri Movie Makers has officially acquired the Nizam theatrical rights for Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Additionally, they will handle the release of Fauzi on their own. This move follows the theatrical run of Raja Saab, where the production house handled the Nizam distribution. Despite the commercial underperformance of Raja Saab in that specific region, the association between Prabhas and Mythri remains strong. The actor has reportedly committed to further collaborations with the banner to ensure long-term stability for their distribution network. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The distribution reach of Mythri Movie Makers now extends to films produced by other major banners. They have entered an agreement to distribute Prabhas' upcoming films with Hombale Films in the Nizam area. This includes the highly anticipated Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryaanga Parvam and two additional projects currently in development with the production house. Furthermore, Mythri will also facilitate the Nizam release for films produced by People Media Factory (PMF) featuring Prabhas. This consolidation means that almost all of Prabhas' upcoming theatrical releases, with the exception of the Kalki 2898 AD sequel, will pass through Mythri Movie Makers in the Telangana region. This strategic alignment positions Mythri Movie Makers as a central figure in the trade of Prabhas' films. By securing the Nizam rights—a territory that typically accounts for a significant portion of a film's domestic earnings—the production house has locked in a consistent pipeline of high-value content for the next two to three years. Prabhas' Upcoming Lineup (Distribution handled by Mythri in Nizam): Fauzi (Produced by Mythri) Spirit (Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga) Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryaanga Parvam (Hombale Films) Upcoming PMF Projects Two additional films with Hombale Films

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, March 11 - Pawan Kalyan's much-awaited action entertainer Ustaad Bhagat Singh has completed its censor formalities ahead of its theatrical release. The film has officially been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification, clearing the way for the makers to proceed with promotions and release plans. The censor board has granted the film a U/A certificate, indicating that the movie is suitable for a wide audience. Reports suggest that the film has been approved without any major cuts, allowing the makers to retain the narrative and action sequences as intended. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The final theatrical runtime of the film has been locked at 2 hours and 31 minutes (151 minutes). The duration is typical for a large-scale commercial entertainer and is expected to accommodate high-octane action, emotional drama, and mass moments centred around Pawan Kalyan’s character. Directed by Harish Shankar, Ustaad Bhagat Singh is produced by Mythri Movie Makers and features Sreeleela and Raashii Khanna in key roles. The film is scheduled to hit theatres worldwide on March 19, 2026, coinciding with the festive occasion of Ugadi, and is expected to open big at the box office given the massive anticipation among fans. Stay tuned...