BY SACNILK

Megastar Chiranjeevi's latest outing, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, has emerged as the undisputed king of the Sankranthi box office, creating an extraordinary situation across the Telugu states as demand for the film far outstrips theatrical capacity. The film is not just dominating but also significantly outperforming all other festival releases combined, establishing itself as the most sought-after movie of the season. The Anil Ravipudi directorial has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from family audiences, resulting in nonstop houseful shows from early mornings to late-night screenings. On Sankranthi day, the film had already registered sold-out shows in numerous centers for the entire day. This immense demand has created a noticeable gap between the number of available shows and the audience's eagerness to watch the film, a testament to the Megastar's enduring pull at the box office. The ticket booking platform BookMyShow has been a clear indicator of the film's phenomenal run, with a staggering 440.9K tickets sold in a 24-hour period, averaging around 25,000 tickets per hour. This surge in bookings has kept Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu trending at the top spot, with houseful boards becoming a common sight across various locations. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   This scarcity of tickets for immediate shows has led to a ripple effect, with eager moviegoers booking their slots for the next few days. This advance booking trend further solidifies the film's strong hold at the box office and points towards a sustained and successful theatrical run. The overwhelming demand is so significant that it is reportedly benefiting other Sankranthi releases, as audiences unable to secure tickets for the Chiranjeevi starrer are opting for other available films. Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu has been on a record-breaking spree since its release. The film has made a significant impact both domestically and internationally. The movie has been performing exceptionally well. After a massive opening, the film has maintained a strong momentum. As of its third day, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu had earned an estimated ₹79.85 crore net in India.The total three-day India gross collection stands at ₹95.15 crore, with a worldwide collection crossing the ₹125 crore mark.The film also witnessed a remarkable opening in the overseas market, particularly in North America, where it crossed the $2 million mark.

BY SACNILK

Megastar Chiranjeevi's Sankranthi release, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu (MSVPG), has maintained a strong grip at the box office following its grand opening on January 12. Directed by Anil Ravipudi, the film is performing exceptionally well in both the domestic and international markets, driven by festive holidays and positive family audience turnout. As of the end of its second day, the film has amassed an India Net collection of ₹60.35 Crore. The movie saw a solid start with paid previews on Sunday, followed by a massive Monday and a steady Tuesday. The total India Gross stands at ₹72.15 Crore. Day-wise India Net Breakdown: Day 0 (Sunday Paid Previews): ₹9.35 Cr Day 1 (Monday): ₹32.25 Cr Day 2 (Tuesday): ₹18.75 Cr Total India Net: ₹60.35 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   On the international front, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu has emerged as a massive success, particularly in the North American circuit. The film stormed past the $2 Million milestone within just two days of its release.This achievement marks a significant personal record for both the lead star and the director: For Megastar Chiranjeevi: This is his 4th film to cross $2 Million in North America, following Khaidi No. 150, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, and Waltair Veerayya. For Director Anil Ravipudi: This also marks his 4th $2 Million grosser in the region, joining the ranks of F2, Sarileru Neekevvaru, and Sankranthiki Vasthunnam. The total Overseas collection currently stands at ₹26 Crore, pushing the Worldwide Gross to ₹98.15 Crore within the first two days of tracking. As the film enters its first Wednesday, live tracking indicates the movie is maintaining healthy occupancy in major cities, with an estimated live collection of approximately ₹15.8 Crore for the day so far. With the Sankranthi holidays continuing, the film is poised to enter the ₹100 Crore India Net club in the coming days.

BY SACNILK

Aditya Dhar's gritty period spy thriller, Dhurandhar, has officially carved its name into the history books of Indian cinema. Starring Ranveer Singh in what is being hailed as a career-defining performance, the film has shown unprecedented longevity at the box office.While most blockbusters see a significant dip by their sixth week, Dhurandhar has achieved the unthinkable, recording the highest-ever Day 40 collection for an Indian film with a staggering ₹ 2.6 Crore net. This remarkable feat highlights the massive public craze that has sustained for over a month. By surpassing the legendary Day 40 benchmarks set by industry giants like Pushpa 2: The Rule and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, Dhurandhar has proved that content-driven action spectacles can dominate the domestic market long after their initial release. The Ranveer Singh wave continues to sweep across the nation, making this sixth Tuesday a historic moment for the film's cast and crew. All-Time Highest Day 40 Collection (India Net) MOVIE NAME INDIA NET (DAY 40) Dhurandhar ₹ 2.60 Cr Pushpa 2: The Rule ₹ 1.00 Cr Baahubali 2: The Conclusion ₹ 0.60 Cr [Other Sustainer] ₹ 0.15 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The impact of Dhurandhar is not just limited to daily records; it has shaken the all-time global rankings. As of Day 40, the film has officially become the 4th highest-grossing Indian film of all time worldwide, surpassing the lifetime collections of global epics like RRR and KGF: Chapter 2. This achievement is particularly significant as the film continues to eye even higher milestones, currently standing in the elite company of Dangal, Baahubali 2, and Pushpa 2. The film's financial standing is truly monumental. Dhurandhar has amassed a Worldwide Gross of approximately ₹ 1263 Crore, with its domestic performance contributing a massive ₹ 810.6 Crore India Net. Internationally, the film has been a sensation, raking in ₹ 290 Crore from overseas markets, cementing its legacy as a global blockbuster. With a total India Gross of ₹ 972.5 Crore, the film is on the verge of entering the coveted ₹ 1000 Crore gross club domestically. The sustainability of Dhurandhar serves as a blueprint for the Pan-India model, proving that Aditya Dhar's vision and Ranveer Singh's star power are a lethal combination at the box office. As it continues its theatrical run, the industry remains in awe of this spy-thriller storm that refuses to slow down.

BY SACNILK

Tollywood’s newest sensation Naveen Polishetty has returned to the big screen with his latest outing, Anaganaga Oka Raju (AOR), which hit theaters today, January 14th, amid the festive Sankranthi fervor. Proving once again why he is considered one of the most bankable and entertaining stars today, the Naveen Polishetty wave is visible at the ticket windows as the film records excellent occupancy and surging demand across all territories. The film witnessed a massive surge in advance bookings just hours before the first show. According to trade data, Anaganaga Oka Raju recorded an All-India advance booking gross of ₹2.64 Crore for Day 1. The primary contribution came from Andhra Pradesh, which registered ₹1.18 Crore, followed by Telangana with ₹93 Lakhs and Karnataka with ₹12 Lakhs. The momentum on BookMyShow has been staggering; the film sold 51.53K tickets in the last 24 hours, with a peak velocity of 10.74K tickets booked in the final hour alone. In Hyderabad, the film opened with an advance booking of ₹98.09 Lakhs across 349 shows, reflecting the actor's stronghold in the capital city. On the international front, Anaganaga Oka Raju is dominating the Wednesday advance sales in the USA. With a collection of 90K for Day1 ,the film has outperformed other active titles including MSG(75K), The Raja Saab(15K)and BMW (14K). This strong start in the US market indicates a potential blockbuster run for Naveen Polishetty in the overseas circuit. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   It has been reported that exhibitors are taking unprecedented steps to meet surging audience demand. Following Blockbuster reports and a massive wave of public interest for Anaganaga Oka Raju (AOR), approximately 40 shows in Hyderabad were reportedly shifted from Prabhas's The Raja Saab to AOR starting from today's noon shows. Industry sources cite this as a direct response from theater owners to the intense Naveen Polishetty craze currently sweeping the box office. Adding to the film's revenue potential, the Andhra Pradesh government has granted ticket hikes for a period of 10 days. Single screens are permitted a hike of ₹50/-, while multiplexes can charge an additional ₹75/-, ensuring a healthy recovery for distributors during the holiday window. Initial reviews from early shows describe the film as a Simple Timepass Entertainer. While critics note that the plot is relatively ordinary and the second half feels slightly dragged in the pre-climax, the film is saved by Naveen Polishetty's impeccable comic timing and effective one-liners.Fans are hailing it as a Naveen Polishetty one-man show, with his energy and screen presence carrying the thin plot. Mickey J Meyer's music and the pleasant visuals provide a festive vibe, making it a must-try for families this season. Even as the film begins its theatrical journey, the digital platform has been finalized. Netflix India South has officially announced that Anaganaga Oka Raju will be available for streaming in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada post its theatrical run, further boosting the film's brand value. With the Sankranthi holidays in full swing, Anaganaga Oka Raju is poised to see a massive jump in its evening and night show collections, setting the stage for a highly successful weekend.

BY SACNILK

Pushpa 2: The Rule has not just performed at the box office; it has redefined the very scale of Indian cinema. Directed by Sukumar and starring Icon Star Allu Arjun, the film has officially been declared an All Time Blockbuster, rewriting history books both domestically and internationally. As the film continues its historic run, the momentum has now shifted toward the Far East, with Allu Arjun recently landing in Japan to a heartwarming reception ahead of the film's grand release there on January 16, 2026. Icon Star @alluarjun lands in Japan with a heartwarming welcome from fans ❤️#Pushpa2TheRule Grand release in Japan on January 16th 💥💥#Pushpa2#WildFirePushpa#Pushpa2InJapan #PushpaKunrinIcon Star @alluarjun @iamRashmika @aryasukku #FahadhFaasil @ThisIsDSP @resulp… pic.twitter.com/Yklno3fTTx— Mythri Movie Makers (@MythriOfficial) January 13, 2026 Pushpa 2 set the tone for its legendary run right from its opening week. It achieved the unthinkable by becoming the fastest Indian film to reach the ₹1000 crore mark worldwide, hitting the milestone in just 7 days. Currently, the film stands at a staggering worldwide gross of ₹1742.1 Crore. This monumental figure cements its position as the highest-grossing Indian film of 2024 and the third-highest-grossing film of all time in the Indian market. The film's performance within India has been nothing short of a revolution, specifically in the North markets. While it is a Telugu original, the Hindi-dubbed version emerged as the primary engine of its success. The Hindi version alone has collected a massive ₹812.14 Crore Net, significantly outpacing the original Telugu version's ₹341.48 Crore Net. This dominance highlights Allu Arjun's unprecedented pan-India appeal and the growing appetite for Mass entertainers in the Hindi belt. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The film's sustainability has been remarkable, maintaining a strong grip on theaters for over two months. This journey began with an explosive start on the global stage, where it raked in ₹66.00 Cr from overseas markets on Day 1 alone, topping the list of the highest opening day overseas grossers for any Indian film in 2024.After a record-shattering Week 1 collection of ₹725.8 Cr, the film continued to pull audiences, recording ₹264.8 Cr in Week 2 and ₹129.5 Cr in Week 3. Even in its ninth week, the film managed to add to its tally, showcasing the incredible longevity of the Pushpa brand. Pushpa 2: The Rule - India Net Collection Breakdown TIME PERIOD INDIA NET COLLECTION Day 1 (Opening Day) ₹ 174.9 Cr Week 1 Total ₹ 725.8 Cr Week 2 ₹ 264.8 Cr Week 3 ₹ 129.5 Cr Week 4 ₹ 69.65 Cr Week 5 ₹ 25.25 Cr Week 6 ₹ 9.7 Cr Week 7 ₹ 5.85 Cr Week 8 ₹ 2.85 Cr Week 9 ₹ 0.7 Cr Total India Net (To Date) ₹ 1234.1 Cr Beyond the borders of India, Pushpa 2 has been a massive draw, raking in ₹271 Crore from overseas markets. To further expand this global footprint, the makers (Mythri Movie Makers) have scheduled a grand release in Japan on January 16, 2026. Allu Arjun's arrival in Japan on January 13 was met with immense fanfare, with Japanese Pushpa loyalists greeting the Icon Star with flowers and posters, signaling a potential box office storm in the Japanese market, which has historically been welcoming to Indian blockbusters like RRR and Muthu. Language-wise Net Box Office Breakdown: Hindi: ₹812.14 Cr Telugu: ₹341.48 Cr Tamil: ₹58.56 Cr Malayalam: ₹14.15 Cr Kannada: ₹7.77 Cr Total India Net: ₹1234.1 Cr With a total India Gross of ₹1471.1 Crore and a worldwide standing of over ₹1742 Crore, Pushpa 2: The Rule has moved past being just a sequel to becoming a cultural phenomenon. The combination of Devi Sri Prasad's viral music, Sukumar's gritty storytelling, and Allu Arjun's career-defining performance as Pushpa Raj has ensured that the film remains a benchmark for the Pan-India model. As it prepares to conquer Japan, the industry is watching closely to see how much higher this Wildfire can climb.

BY SACNILK

The true measure of an Indian film's success is no longer confined to its domestic performance; the global box office is the ultimate arena where blockbusters become legends. For years, this elite club has been dominated by films that achieved astronomical success in markets like China. However, a new challenger has rewritten the rules. The phenomenal blockbuster Dhurandhar has not only shattered domestic records but has also made a spectacular entry into the all-time Top 10 list of highest-grossing Indian films overseas, a feat made even more remarkable by the significant hurdles it faced. The story of the year is undoubtedly Dhurandhar, which has already stormed into the #10 spot on the all-time overseas list with a monumental collection of ₹290 Cr. This incredible achievement is the crowning jewel on its staggering worldwide gross, which has surpassed ₹1259.5 Cr to date, already cementing its legacy as one of the highest-grossing Indian films in history. Its domestic dominance has been absolute, with its India Net collection soaring past ₹808 Cr and continuing to climb. The film's run so far has been defined by blistering speed—becoming the second-fastest Hindi film to cross the coveted ₹500 crore net mark—and incredible longevity, with its powerful sixth-week collections challenging the records of modern classics like Jawan and Uri. However, Dhurandhar's final overseas ranking comes with a compelling story of what could have been. The film did not secure a release in the lucrative Gulf countries, a market that is consistently a major contributor to a blockbuster's international tally. Industry analysts estimate that this resulted in a potential loss of at least ₹90 crore. Had the film earned this amount, its total overseas collection would have surged to ₹380 crore. This hypothetical figure would have catapulted Dhurandhar four places up the ladder to the #6 position, surpassing the epic Baahubali 2: The Conclusion and placing it just behind the Shah Rukh Khan starrers. This context reframes its #10 position not as a limitation, but as a testament to its raw power in the markets where it did release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Looking at the rest of the list, the massive influence of the China box office is undeniable. Aamir Khan's Dangal remains in a league of its own, sitting at an untouchable #1 spot with a jaw-dropping ₹1535.3 Cr overseas, a figure powered almost entirely by its historic run in China. Following the same path, Secret Superstar stands tall at #2 with ₹831.47 Cr, another film that found unprecedented love from the Chinese audience. Salman Khan's Bajrangi Bhaijaan also benefited immensely from a delayed China release, which propelled its international total to ₹489.47 Cr. The trend continued with surprise hits like Andhadhun (₹347.62 Cr) and the groundbreaking PK (₹303 Cr), both of which found massive success in the Far East. In the modern era, Shah Rukh Khan has reclaimed his title as the king of overseas with Jawan (₹400 Cr) and Pathaan (₹397.5 Cr). These films achieved their mammoth numbers without a China release, dominating traditional markets across the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia. Similarly, the pan-Indian epics Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (₹371.16 Cr) and the Oscar-winning RRR (₹314.15 Cr) proved that compelling storytelling can transcend language and cultural barriers, finding success across the globe. Dhurandhar's entry into this prestigious list is a watershed moment, proving that a film can achieve global blockbuster status even without access to all key markets. It stands as a powerful symbol of content winning hearts and wallets across the world. Top 10 Indian Films - Overseas Gross Collection MOVIE NAME OVERSEAS COLLECTION STATUS Dangal ₹ 1535.3 Cr All Time Blockbuster Secret Superstar ₹ 831.47 Cr All Time Blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan ₹ 489.47 Cr All Time Blockbuster Jawan ₹ 400 Cr All Time Blockbuster Pathaan ₹ 397.5 Cr All Time Blockbuster Baahubali 2 The Conclusion ₹ 371.16 Cr All Time Blockbuster Andhadhun ₹ 347.62 Cr All Time Blockbuster RRR ₹ 314.15 Cr Blockbuster PK ₹ 303 Cr All Time Blockbuster Dhurandhar ₹ 290 Cr All Time Blockbuster

BY SACNILK

Prabhas' latest release, The Raja Saab, crossed the ₹100 Crore India Net milestone over its first weekend, but the numbers highlight a concerning trajectory for the high-budget project. While the film collected a total India Net of ₹108.00 Cr (₹129.20 Cr Gross) in three days, the performance was heavily front-loaded and driven primarily by the opening day rush. The daily collection reports indicate a steady downward trend, suggesting that the film is struggling to sustain momentum beyond its core fanbase. The Telugu version remains the primary engine for the film's success, contributing a massive ₹91 Cr to the total India Net. After a solid Day 0 (Premiere) showing of ₹9.15 Cr, the film witnessed a thunderous Day 1 with ₹47 Cr. However, the subsequent days saw a sharp decline; collections dropped to ₹20.65 Cr on Day 2 and further slid to ₹14.2 Cr on Day 3 (Sunday). The absence of a Sunday jump in the home territory is a notable concern, indicating that the film is struggling to find momentum beyond the core fanbase. In the Hindi market, The Raja Saab recorded a total weekend net of ₹15.75 Cr. The film started with ₹6 Cr on Friday, followed by ₹5.1 Cr on Saturday, and concluded the weekend with ₹4.65 Cr on Sunday. Similar to the Telugu version, the Hindi market failed to show any growth on the weekend's final day, signaling that the horror-comedy genre might not be resonating as strongly with the North audience as his previous action spectacles. Meanwhile, the film faced significant challenges in other regional markets, with Tamil (₹0.85 Cr), Kannada (₹0.23 Cr), and Malayalam (₹0.17 Cr) contributing less than 2% to the total domestic net. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   On the global stage, The Raja Saab managed a Worldwide Gross of ₹161.00 Cr in its first three days. The overseas market contributed a steady ₹31.80 Cr ($3.8M approx), which helped bolster the total gross. While these numbers are statistically high, they remain slightly behind the opening weekend benchmarks set by Prabhas' previous blockbusters like Kalki 2898 AD or Salaar, largely due to the film's niche genre and the mixed reception from general audiences. Looking ahead, The Raja Saab faces a steep climb to justify its massive reported budget of ₹300–400 Crores. While reaching the ₹100 Crore India Net milestone is a feat reserved for elite superstars, the persistent downward trend and the absence of a typical Sunday surge have significantly dampened the initial hype. When measured against the astronomical benchmarks set by Prabhas' previous blockbusters like Kalki 2898 AD and Salaar, this performance appears muted, suggesting that the horror-comedy concept has struggled to achieve the event film status required for such high stakes. Ultimately, the film's commercial survival now hinges entirely on its weekday sustainability; unless it stabilizes immediately, it faces an uphill battle to recover its heavy investment.

BY SACNILK

While most films struggle to maintain momentum after their second week, Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar is busy shattering records in its sixth week of release. The film has officially entered the history books by crossing the $20 million mark in North America, a feat previously achieved only by Prabhas' Baahubali 2. This milestone cements Dhurandhar as a global cinematic phenomenon, proving that high-quality storytelling can transcend regional boundaries even without a multi-language Pan-India release strategy. The North American market has long been a stronghold for massive event films, but Dhurandhar has turned into a case study for the industry. Nearly nine years after Baahubali 2 set the benchmark, Dhurandhar has risen to become only the second Indian film to cross the coveted $20M threshold. With over 2 million (20 lakh) footfalls in the region alone, Ranveer Singh now joins Prabhas as the only Indian stars to lead a film to this historic overseas figure. The global numbers for Dhurandhar are equally staggering. As of its 38th day, the film has amassed a massive ₹1254.9 Crore worldwide gross. Domestic performance remains the backbone of this success, with the India Net collection standing at ₹805.65 Crore. What makes these figures remarkable is the film's unprecedented consistency. Dhurandhar maintained double-digit net collections for 28 consecutive days, a record that highlights the power of extraordinary word-of-mouth. Unlike many big-budget films that rely on a massive opening day and then fade away, this film has seen immense repeat viewership, fueled by a gripping concept and stellar performances. With its current global standing, Dhurandhar has achieved what many thought was impossible for a solo-language release. By crossing the lifetime collections of industry giants like KGF: Chapter 2, RRR, Jawan, and Pathaan, it has officially secured its spot as the 4th Highest-Grossing Indian Film of All Time worldwide. The film now sits in an elite bracket, trailing only behind the historic totals of Dangal, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, and the recent phenomenon Pushpa 2: The Rule. This trajectory is largely due to its unprecedented Week 2 Jump, where it actually earned more than its opening week—a rarity in the era of front-loaded blockbusters. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The true testament to Dhurandhar's grip on the audience is visible in its current daily performance. Even in its sixth weekend, the film is showing weekend growth that is eluding newer big-budget titles. On its 37th day (Saturday), the film collected ₹5.75 Crore, and it jumped further to ₹6.15 Crore on its 38th day (Sunday). The film's journey at the domestic box office has been nothing short of legendary. Dhurandhar achieved a rare feat in its second week, where the collections actually surpassed the first-week numbers—a clear indicator of the extraordinary word-of-mouth it enjoyed. Even in its fifth week, the film maintained a stronghold that most big-budget releases fail to achieve in their second weekend. Below is the week-wise breakdown of its historic run: WEEK INDIA NET COLLECTION Week 1 ₹ 207.25 Cr Week 2 ₹ 253.25 Cr Week 3 ₹ 172.00 Cr Week 4 ₹ 106.50 Cr Week 5 ₹ 51.25 Cr With an overseas haul of ₹288.25 Crore and a domestic gross nearing the ₹1000 Crore mark, Dhurandhar has earned the All-Time Blockbuster verdict. Much like director Aditya Dhar's previous work with URI, the success of Dhurandhar is built on a foundation of solid content rather than just marketing hype. As it continues its theatrical run, it isn't just breaking records; it is setting a new gold standard for what a solo Hindi release can achieve on the global stage.

BY SACNILK

Prabhas latest outing, The Raja Saab, directed by Maruthi, has continued its steady run at the box office, successfully crossing the coveted ₹100 crore mark globally within just two days of its release.Following a massive opening on Friday, January 9, 2026, the film maintained its momentum on Day 2 (Saturday), though it experienced a standard drop following the initial premiere craze. After a solid performance on Saturday, the film's total India Net collection now stands at ₹89 crore. This cumulative total includes the ₹26 crore earned on Day 2, combined with the massive ₹53.75 crore from Day 1 and the ₹9.15 crore from the premieres. The Telugu version remains the primary driver, contributing ₹21.50 crore on Saturday alone, bringing its total Telugu net to ₹76.75 crore. The Hindi market also showed a decent hold, contributing ₹5 crore on Day 2 for a two-day total of ₹11 crore. On the global front, The Raja Saab has already amassed a Worldwide Gross of ₹135 crore. This includes a strong overseas performance which has contributed approximately ₹28.50 crore to the total gross. With these numbers, the film has officially become the first Indian film of 2026 to join the 100-crore club and marks Prabhas's sixth film to achieve a ₹100 crore+ opening worldwide, a historic feat in Indian cinema. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The word-of-mouth for the film remains highly polarized.While fans are celebrating Prabhas's vintage energy, his comedic timing, and his dual-shaded performance, critics have raised concerns regarding the film's slow pacing in the first half and the quality of the VFX.Reports suggest that in response to audience feedback, director Maruthi has already begun implementing minor trims and adding a few old look scenes of Prabhas to enhance the theatrical experience. Despite the divided reviews, The film has set a new record as the highest worldwide gross opener in the horror-comedy genre for Indian cinema, surpassing previous blockbusters like Stree 2. As the film enters the crucial Sunday and the upcoming festive Sankranthi week, its ability to sustain these numbers will depend heavily on family audiences and repeat walk-ins. Currently, the Rebel Star's unmatched stardom continues to pull massive crowds, especially across the Telugu states and major metropolitan centers.

BY SACNILK

Rebel Star Prabhas has once again demonstrated his unparalleled box office pull as his latest release, The Raja Saab, officially crossed the ₹100 crore mark at the worldwide box office on its opening day. With this achievement, Prabhas has become the first and only Indian actor to have six films that have debuted with over ₹100 crore globally, a feat that remains unmatched in the history of Indian cinema. Despite the massive numbers, the film's reception has been polarized, relying heavily on the lead actor's stardom rather than critical acclaim. The horror-comedy, directed by Maruthi, collected approximately ₹100.90 crore worldwide on Day 1. While the Telugu states contributed the lion's share of this total, the overseas markets also showed strong performance. This opening places The Raja Saab alongside Prabhas' previous heavyweights like Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, Kalki 2898 AD, Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, Saaho, and Adipurush. However, unlike the Baahubali series or Kalki 2898 AD, the initial momentum for The Raja Saab is being met with significant resistance from critics and audiences alike. The early word of mouth for the film is largely mixed to negative. Reports from several centers suggest a poor response regarding the film's execution. Critics have pointed out that the screenplay suffers from a very slow pace, particularly in the first half, making it a tedious watch for general audiences. Furthermore, a common grievance among viewers is the lack of logic in the horror elements and the narrative transitions. While Prabhas' screen presence and comic timing are being appreciated by fans, the overall consensus suggests that the writing fails to match the scale of the production. As the film enters its crucial first weekend, the focus shifts to whether it can sustain its momentum. With the mixed talk spreading, the upcoming weekdays will be a major test for the film's longevity. Currently, the movie is riding on the high of the Prabhas brand, but for it to reach a Hit or Blockbuster status, it will need to overcome the hurdle of poor critical reviews. Prabhas Movies - Day 1 Worldwide Gross CollectionMOVIE NAMEDAY 1 WORLDWIDE COLLECTIONSTATUSBaahubali 2: The Conclusion₹ 214.00 CrAll-Time BlockbusterKalki 2898 AD₹ 177.70 CrBlockbusterSalaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire₹ 158.10 CrHitSaaho₹ 130.00 CrAverageAdipurush₹ 127.50 CrBelow AverageThe Raja Saab₹ 100.90 CrTBA While the opening day figures are historic, the trade remains cautious. The lack of strong word of mouth often results in steep drops in the coming days. Fans are hopeful that the star power will carry the film through, but for the general audience, the slow pacing and narrative gaps remain significant deterrents. Stay tuned for further updates on the official weekend collections.

BY SACNILK

The divine roar of the forest has reached the global stage. Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1, the monumental prequel to the 2022 cult hit, has officially entered the Best Picture contending race at the 2026 Oscars (Academy Awards). Produced by Hombale Films and led by the visionary Rishab Shetty, the film continues its journey of Rooted in culture, driven by divinity, bridging the gap between ancient folklore and international prestige. Moving away from the timeline of the first film, Chapter-1 serves as a prequel that explores the historical and mythological genesis of the legend. It delves deeper into the Daiva culture and the sacred relationship between man and nature in coastal Karnataka. By setting the story in an earlier era, the film provides a grander scale and a more intense look at the spiritual heritage that captivated audiences worldwide. Rooted in our culture, driven by divinity.Proud and privileged as #KantaraChapter1 enters the Best Picture contending race at the #Oscars Academy Awards 2026.#KantaraForOscars#Kantara @hombalefilms @KantaraFilm @shetty_rishab @VKiragandur @ChaluveG @rukminitweets… pic.twitter.com/xSCsH28Qjr— Hombale Films (@hombalefilms) January 9, 2026 Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1 has officially rewritten the record books for Kannada cinema, cementing its place as a global phenomenon. Proving once again that deeply rooted, culturally authentic stories possess a universal appeal, the film's financial trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary. Produced on a substantial budget of approximately ₹125 crore, the prequel has far exceeded all commercial expectations, demonstrating the immense power of the Kantara franchise and the vision of Rishab Shetty. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   On the global stage, the film has achieved a monumental milestone, crossing the ₹852.36 crore mark in worldwide gross collections. This massive international footprint is supported by a dominant performance at the domestic box office, where the film amassed a staggering ₹622.48 crore net in India. With a total Return on Investment (ROI) of approximately 400%, the film has officially been declared an All Time Blockbuster, yielding significant profits for Hombale Films and its distributors. One of the most remarkable aspects of its theatrical run is its unprecedented pan-India success.In a rare feat for regional cinema, the Hindi-dubbed version of the film outperformed the original Kannada version, collecting ₹223.79 crore net compared to the ₹200.02 crore earned in its home state. This highlights the film's massive pull in the North Indian markets and its ability to resonate with diverse audiences across the country, transcending language barriers to become a true national tent-pole. This marks a significant moment for Indian regional cinema. Following its strong opening (collecting ₹75 crore in its first weekend) and an exceptionally long theatrical run, the film's transition from a box office titan to an Academy Award contender highlights its artistic depth.The film's sustained momentum and critical acclaim have now propelled it onto the global awards circuit. Combining high-octane storytelling with spiritual depth, the film stands as a benchmark for how regional Indian stories can dominate both the commercial box office and the international stage.

BY SACNILK

The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) has officially reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his immediate intervention to lift the ban on the blockbuster spy thriller Dhurandhar across six Gulf nations. In a formal letter dated January 7, 2026, the producers' body termed the ban a suppression of the freedom of expression, especially since the film has already been cleared by India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and has emerged as a historic success. The appeal follows reports that authorities in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia have restricted the film's release.The ban is reportedly due to the film's sensitive geopolitical plot, which follows Indian covert intelligence operations set against the backdrop of real-life terror events such as the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the IC-814 hijacking. Despite its massive global popularity, Gulf censors have allegedly flagged the content as having anti-Pakistan messaging, a claim the filmmakers and IMPPA have moved to challenge through diplomatic channels. Massive Financial Setback: ₹90 Crore Lost. Directed by Uri fame Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, Dhurandhar has emerged as an All Time Blockbuster, recently entering the elite ₹1,200 crore club worldwide. While it is currently nearing the all-time Hindi net record set by Pushpa 2: The Rule, the film has already cemented its place as one of the biggest Indian grossers in history. As per the latest reports, the film has amassed a Worldwide gross of ₹1228 Cr, with an India Net of ₹786 Cr, India Gross of ₹943 Cr, and Overseas collections reaching ₹285 Cr. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   However, despite these historic numbers, the lack of a Middle Eastern release—a traditional stronghold for Indian action films—has caused a significant financial dent.Overseas distributor Pranab Kapadia estimated that the ban across six Gulf countries has resulted in a loss of nearly $10 million (approx. ₹90 crore) from that market alone. IMPPA President Abhay Sinha emphasized in the letter to the Prime Minister that these are India-friendly countries with whom India shares robust economic and cultural ties, making the unilateral ban even more unexpected. The letter, which was also copied to Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar and I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, urges the Government of India to engage with the respective authorities to ensure that artistic freedom is respected. Dhurandhar features an ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, portraying a high-octane operation set in Karachi's Lyari area. As the film continues its record-breaking run in North America and India, the industry remains hopeful that government-level dialogue will allow the millions of Indian expats in the Middle East to finally watch the film on the big screen.