BY SACNILK

Hyderabad, July 14 - Director Nag Ashwin has broken his silence on the renewed debate surrounding Prabhas' portrayal of Karna in Kalki 2898 AD. The filmmaker responded after social media discussions reignited over the film's interpretation of the iconic Mahabharata character, with some users questioning the creative liberties taken in the sci-fi epic. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The controversy gained momentum after a viral post criticised the film's depiction of Karna and claimed it strayed from the traditional narrative of the Mahabharata. As the discussion spread online, fans remained divided, with one section defending Nag Ashwin's unique vision while others argued that the characterisation conflicted with the original epic. Reacting to the criticism, Nag Ashwin made it clear that audiences should not judge the story based on the first instalment alone. The filmmaker said he knows exactly where the narrative is headed and urged viewers to wait for Kalki 2898 AD: Part 2 before forming conclusions. He also pointed out that there are multiple interpretations and translations of the Mahabharata, suggesting that his storytelling draws from a broader understanding of the epic rather than a single version. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) these are Sree Krishnas own words to arjuna in the drona vadha parva... pls read the Mahabharata...I suggest the bibek debroy version... Or google how many times krishna praised karna to arjuna. I have the greatest respect for our history. I know what I'm doing. Wait for part 2. pic.twitter.com/iU2CSq1uNM— Nag Ashwin (@nagashwin7) July 12, 2026 Released in 2024, Kalki 2898 AD ended with the revelation that Prabhas' Bhairava is connected to the legendary warrior Karna, setting the stage for the sequel. The twist became one of the film's biggest talking points and continues to fuel discussions among fans. With Kalki Part 2 currently in development, Nag Ashwin has assured audiences that the complete context behind Karna's role will unfold in the next chapter, making it clear that the story is far from over.

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Mumbai, July 9 - The first six months of 2026 have painted an interesting picture for the Indian film industry. While a handful of blockbuster releases dominated the box office and broke multiple records, some high-profile films struggled to justify their massive budgets. Overall, the period from January 1 to June 30 witnessed a healthy theatrical market led by Hindi cinema, while Malayalam films continued to punch above their weight with remarkable overseas performances. The biggest story of the year was undoubtedly the phenomenal success of Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, which emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film of the year by a massive margin. The Ranveer Singh-led action spectacle crossed 1800 crore worldwide, making it one of the biggest Indian successes in history. It was followed by Border 2, while Telugu cinema contributed one major success in the form of Mana ShankaraVaraprasad Garu. Tamil cinema's biggest performer was Karuppu, which comfortably crossed the 300 crore mark worldwide. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Top 5 Movies Overall – All-India (First Half of 2026) Rank Movie Language India Gross Worldwide Gross Footfalls (India) 1 Dhurandhar 2 Hindi ₹ 1375.00 Cr ₹ 1813.00 Cr 4.50+ Cr 2 Border 2 Hindi ₹ 393.00 Cr ₹ 450.00 Cr 1.58 Cr 3 Peddi Telugu ₹ 288.00 Cr ₹ 340+ Cr N/A 4 MSVPG Telugu ₹ 258.50 Cr ₹ 301.50 Cr 1.27 Cr 5 Karuppu Tamil ₹ 229.00 Cr ₹ 310.00 Cr N/A Hindi cinema enjoyed the strongest headline performance thanks to Dhurandhar 2 and Border 2, but the overall success was largely concentrated among a few event films. Telugu cinema delivered mixed results, with the only major success being Mana Shankara. The box office collections alone did not always translate into commercial success, as some expensive productions failed to recover their investments despite respectable worldwide numbers. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Malayalam cinema once again proved why it continues to be one of India's most consistent film industries. Films like Vaazha 2 and Drishyam 3 not only performed exceptionally well in Kerala but also generated huge revenues overseas. The industry continued to benefit from its strong presence in international markets, especially across the Gulf region, allowing several medium-budget films to achieve impressive worldwide totals. Tamil cinema also experienced a mixed first half. While Karuppu emerged as a blockbuster and became one of the biggest Tamil hits of the year, mid-budget films such as Thaai Kizhavi and Blast also delivered solid numbers, indicating that audiences were willing to support well-made commercial entertainers beyond star-driven spectacles. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Top 5 Hollywood Movies Rank Movie India Gross Worldwide Gross 1 Obsession ₹ 100.15 Cr ₹ 3850+ Cr 2 Project Hail Mary ₹ 89.50 Cr ₹ 6436+ Cr 3 Michael ₹ 83.65 Cr ₹ 9050+ Cr 4 The Devil Wears Prada 2 ₹ 35.90 Cr ₹ 6400+ Cr 5 Lee Cronin's The Mummy ₹ 30.00 Cr ₹ 30.00 Cr Hollywood releases maintained a steady presence in India, with films such as Obsession, Project Hail Mary, and Michael attracting strong urban audiences. However, their worldwide collections were naturally driven by international markets rather than India, making domestic box office comparisons with Indian films less meaningful. Kannada cinema endured a relatively quiet first half compared to other industries. No Sandalwood release managed to create a nationwide impact, and the industry's highest-grossing films remained significantly behind their counterparts from Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema. The second half of the year will be crucial for Kannada cinema to regain momentum. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Surprise Indian Successes S. No. Movie Industry India Gross Worldwide Gross 1 Thaai Kizhavi Kollywood ₹ 71.65 Cr ₹ 82.00 Cr 2 Vaazha 2 Mollywood ₹ 149.50 Cr ₹ 235.25 Cr 3 Aadu 3 Mollywood ₹ 59.10 Cr ₹ 120.10 Cr 4 Blast Kollywood ₹ 61.00 Cr ₹ 75.40 Cr One of the most encouraging trends of the first half was the continued success of content-driven cinema. Films like Thaai Kizhavi, Blast, and Aadu 3 exceeded trade expectations despite not carrying the scale or hype of pan-India spectacles. Their performances reinforced the fact that audiences continue to reward strong storytelling and positive word of mouth. At the same time, a few expensive productions struggled to meet expectations. Despite collecting well worldwide, some big-budget releases were unable to secure profitable theatrical runs due to their enormous production costs. This once again highlighted that worldwide collections alone are no longer sufficient to determine a film's commercial success. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Hyped but Failed/Underwhelmed Movies S. No. Movie Industry India Gross Worldwide Gross 1 The Raja Saab Tollywood ₹ 174.15 Cr ₹ 208.40 Cr 2 Peddi Tollywood ₹ 288.00 Cr ₹ 340+ Cr 3 Patriot Mollywood ₹ 36.75 Cr ₹ 80.00 Cr Overall, the first half of 2026 can be described as top-heavy but healthy. Films across industries have grossed around 6500 crores at the Indian box office in the first 6 months, which is better than the first halves of the previous post-pandemic years. Bollywood produced the year's biggest blockbuster, Telugu cinema delivered mixed results, Malayalam cinema continued its remarkable consistency, and Tamil cinema found success through both star vehicles and mid-budget entertainers. As the industry heads into the second half of the year with several highly anticipated releases on the horizon, the box office appears well-positioned to build on an encouraging start to 2026.

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Hyderabad, June 26 - The possibility of Baahubali 3 has once again become a hot topic among fans after actors Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, and Anushka Shetty dropped intriguing hints during the Netflix documentary Baahubali: The Torchbearer. The documentary, which revisits the legacy of SS Rajamouli's epic franchise, has sparked fresh excitement across social media. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A particular moment from the documentary quickly went viral after Rana Daggubati said, "The world may not be ready yet, but there will be Baahubali..." to which Prabhas was seen flashing three fingers, which fans instantly interpreted as a subtle confirmation of a third instalment. Anushka Shetty's presence and reaction during the interaction further intensified the buzz surrounding the franchise’s future. The Baahubali series remains one of the biggest cinematic achievements in Indian film history. The first two films, Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, shattered box office records and gained worldwide recognition for their grand storytelling, visual effects, and powerful performances. Even years after the release of the second film, the franchise continues to enjoy a massive fan following. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Although there has been no official announcement from director SS Rajamouli regarding Baahubali 3, the recent hints from the lead cast have reignited hopes among audiences. Fans have flooded social media with excitement, with many expressing their eagerness to return to the world of Mahishmati once again. If the project eventually becomes a reality, Baahubali 3 will become one of the most anticipated Indian films of the decade. Meanwhile, an animated Baahubali: The Eternal War Part 1 is currently in production for a 2027 grand worldwide theatrical release. SS Rajamouli, on the other hand, is currently directing Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film is scheduled to release on April 7, 2027, worldwide. The maverick filmmaker has not locked his next project after Varanasi, keeping his options open. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Bahubali 3 is Official now 🥳🥳🥳🥳 confirmed by Prabhas anna, Rana and Sweety #Prabhas #Bahubali3 pic.twitter.com/wo0qW6JCyF— 🍿 (@Mithabhashi__) June 25, 2026

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Mumbai, June 16 - Bollywood star Alia Bhatt has reportedly joined the cast of the highly anticipated sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. According to recent reports, the actress has not only been roped in for a crucial role but has also completed shooting some of her scenes for the film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Nag Ashwin, Kalki 2 is to continue the epic sci-fi saga that captivated audiences worldwide with its grand visuals, futuristic storytelling, and mythological elements. The sequel will once again feature Prabhas in the lead role, alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, while Sai Pallavi replaces Deepika Padukone from the first film. Industry buzz suggests that Alia Bhatt's character will play an important part in shaping the narrative of the sequel. Earlier, there were rumours that Alia would replace Deepika Padukone to play Sum-80 aka Sumathi, a pregnant lab subject of Project K and the prophesied mother of Kalki. However, later it was reported that Sai Pallavi would play that role. While the makers have yet to confirm the development officially, reports of her involvement have already generated massive excitement among fans on social media. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The first film, Kalki 2898 AD, emerged as one of the biggest cinematic successes of 2024, featuring a star-studded ensemble including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani. With the sequel now in production, expectations are significantly high. Alia Bhatt's reported addition to the franchise further strengthens the film's star power. The actress, known for delivering acclaimed performances across multiple genres, is currently one of the most sought-after names in Indian cinema. As anticipation around Kalki 2 continues to build, fans are now eagerly waiting for an official announcement from the makers regarding Alia Bhatt's role and the film's release timeline.

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Hyderabad, June 5 - Superstar Ram Charan has added another major milestone to his career with Peddi. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the sports action drama stormed past the coveted 100 crore worldwide gross mark on its opening day, becoming the 11th Telugu film to achieve the feat. The film earned around 110 crore worldwide on Day 1, including more than 82 crore from India and approximately 28 crore from overseas markets. The 100 crores opening day achievement further cements Telugu cinema's dominance in the pan-Indian market, where event films have consistently delivered massive opening-day numbers over the last decade. What started with Baahubali 2 in 2017 has now become a benchmark for the industry's biggest releases. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Prabhas Continues To Rule The List One of the most striking aspects of the elite club is the overwhelming presence of Pan India superstar Prabhas. The actor headlines six of the eleven films on the list, with Baahubali 2, Saaho, Adipurush, Salaar, Kalki 2898 AD, and The Raja Saab. No other Telugu actor, or say an Indian actor, comes close to matching that level of representation. Prabhas' consistent ability to deliver record-breaking openings across genres has made him the undisputed king of opening-day box-office records in Indian cinema. The remaining entries belong to some of the industry's biggest stars, including Ram Charan (RRR and Peddi), Jr NTR (RRR and Devara), Allu Arjun (Pushpa 2), and Pawan Kalyan (They Call Him OG). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) ₹100 Crore Telugu Openers Worldwide (Highest to Lowest) Rank Movie Lead Actor(s) Opening Day Worldwide GBOC 1 Pushpa 2 Allu Arjun ₹ 275.00 Cr 2 RRR Jr. NTR / Ram Charan ₹ 223.00 Cr 3 Baahubali 2 Prabhas ₹ 217.00 Cr 4 Kalki 2898 AD Prabhas ₹ 177.70 Cr 5 Salaar Part 1 Prabhas ₹ 158.10 Cr 6 They Call Him OG Pawan Kalyan ₹ 144.00 Cr 7 Devara Jr. NTR ₹ 142.00 Cr 8 Saaho Prabhas ₹ 130.00 Cr 9 Adipurush Prabhas ₹ 127.50 Cr 10 Peddi Ram Charan ₹ 110.50 Cr 11 The Raja Saab Prabhas ₹ 100.60 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A Major Milestone For Ram Charan For Ram Charan, Peddi marks a particularly significant achievement. While RRR had previously crossed the 100 crore worldwide opening-day mark, it was a multi-starrer alongside Jr NTR and backed by the massive brand value of director S. S. Rajamouli. Peddi becomes Charan's first solo-led film to enter the coveted club, proving his box office strength outside of franchise and multi-starrer setups. The opening also comes as a major boost for the actor following the disappointing theatrical performance of Game Changer earlier last year.

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Mumbai, June 2 - Bollywood star Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has set a benchmark that seemed unimaginable when the film was announced. The spy-action blockbuster shattered numerous domestic and worldwide box office records, emerging as one of the biggest Indian films of all time with over 1800 crores worldwide. Dhurandhar 2 is the highest-grossing Indian film worldwide (without China), and it took almost 10 years for a film to break Baahubali 2's record. However, with several mega-budget spectacles lined up over the next couple of years, it is believed that the reign of Dhurandhar 2 could eventually be challenged. Here are five films that have the potential to surpass Dhurandhar 2's historic box office achievements. 1. Ramayana Part 1 (Diwali 2026) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) There is perhaps no Indian film carrying more anticipation than Ramayana Part 1. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and featuring an ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, the film aims to bring one of India's most revered epics to the big screen on an unprecedented scale. The story of Lord Ram has a universal appeal across generations and regions. Combined with cutting-edge visual effects and a massive production budget, Ramayana Part 1 has all the ingredients needed to become a global phenomenon. 2. Varanasi (April 2027) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Among all upcoming films, Varanasi may be the biggest wildcard. Directed by S. S. Rajamouli and starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, the film is reportedly being mounted on a scale rarely seen in Indian cinema. The Rajamouli factor alone makes Varanasi a serious contender. The filmmaker has consistently expanded the box office ceiling with films like Baahubali and RRR. Combined with the cast's worldwide appeal and an ambitious, globe-trotting adventure narrative rooted in Indian mythology, Varanasi is being positioned as a global cinematic event rather than a regular commercial release. 3. Raaka (TBA 2027) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Among the newer contenders, sci-fi actioner Raaka has quickly established itself as one of the biggest upcoming projects. Directed by Atlee and headlined by Allu Arjun, the film is being mounted as a large-scale sci-fi action entertainer with futuristic world-building and extensive visual effects. The film benefits from a dream combination of Atlee's commercial filmmaking expertise and Allu Arjun's massive popularity following the success of the Pushpa franchise. Unlike most Indian blockbusters, Raaka is exploring the relatively untapped sci-fi genre, which gives it a fresh identity in the marketplace. 4. Ramayana Part 2 (Diwali 2027) If Ramayana Part 1 becomes a blockbuster as expected, the second part could operate on an entirely different level. Historically, successful films often witness massive growth with their follow-up instalments. The climactic portions of the Ramayana, including the battle between Lord Ram and Ravana, are among the most celebrated stories in Indian epic. This gives Ramayana Part 2 the potential to become one of the biggest cinematic events in Indian history and possibly surpass every existing box office benchmark. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 5. Kalki Part 2 (TBA 2027/2028) Following the 1000+ crores success, the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD has been one of the most-awaited films with the first film leaving fans on the edge. With Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan set to return, with Sai Pallavi replacing Deepika Padukone, Kalki Part 2 could benefit from both franchise goodwill and heightened audience curiosity. If the sequel successfully expands the scale and emotional stakes, it has the potential to become a worldwide box office juggernaut. Can These Films Really Surpass Dhurandhar 2? Breaking the records of Dhurandhar 2 will not be easy. The film benefited from exceptional word-of-mouth, repeat viewership, strong overseas performance, and massive pan-India appeal. However, Ramayana Part 1, Ramayana Part 2, Kalki Part 2, Varanasi, and Raaka represent a new generation of event cinema designed specifically for the theatrical experience. Each of these films possesses the scale, star power, and anticipation required to generate historic numbers. If exucation is right, then sky is the limit for these titles at the box office.

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Mumbai, May 21 - Director Prashanth Neel has now clarified his upcoming plans, putting an end to speculation surrounding both Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryaanga Parvam and K.G.F: Chapter 3. In a recent interview, Neel had stated that Jr. NTR-fronted Dragon would be his final film in the post-independence hyper-stylised apocalyptic mass-action genre. The statement quickly sparked assumptions online that the filmmaker had dropped plans for both Salaar 2 and KGF 3. However, Neel has now cleared the air in his latest interaction with Variety. The filmmaker confirmed that Prabhas-led Salaar 2 will indeed be his next directorial venture after he completes Dragon. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The filmmaker wants to finish and properly conclude the story established in the first Salaar film. The confirmation comes as a major relief for fans of Prabhas, whose character Deva and the world of Khansaar were set up for a much bigger conflict in the sequel. The first instalment ended on a dramatic cliffhanger, leaving several narrative threads unresolved. Speaking about KGF 3, Neel admitted that he currently does not know when he will be able to shift his focus toward the franchise again. While the future of Yash-fronted KGF remains open, the director suggested that other priorities are currently ahead in his lineup. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) One of those priorities is a mythological film series that Neel has reportedly been developing for nearly two decades. The filmmaker revealed that he wants to write and direct that ambitious project before taking up anything beyond his immediate commitments. For now, Neel's roadmap appears clear — complete Dragon with Jr. NTR, move directly into Salaar 2 with Prabhas, and eventually step into the mythological genre he has long dreamed of exploring.

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Hyderabad, May 20 - Director Prashanth Neel has sparked fresh speculation around the future of the blockbuster KGF and Salaar franchise after his latest comments during promotions for his next period action drama Dragon starring superstar Jr. NTR. In a recent interview with Baradwaj Rangan, Prashanth Neel stated that Dragon would be his final film in the hyper-stylised post-apocalyptic noir mass space - a genre template that heavily defines both the KGF films and Salaar. The statement has now led many fans to believe that Yash-fronted K.G.F: Chapter 3, as well as Prabhas' Salaar 2, may no longer be part of the filmmaker's plans. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The development comes as a major surprise, considering Neel and Yash had previously teased the continuation of the KGF universe multiple times after the historic success of K.G.F: Chapter 2. Earlier reports had even suggested that Chapter 3 would begin production after both Neel and Yash completed their existing commitments. Neel is currently occupied with Dragon, which has consumed a lot of his time, while Yash is focused on Toxic and Ramayana. With both the actor and director committed to multiple large-scale projects for the next few years, the possibility of KGF Chapter 3 happening anytime was already looking unlikely, and now, after Neel's comments, both the films have seemingly been scrapped.

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Hyderabad, May 8 - Superstar Prabhas' much-awaited sci-fi epic sequel Kalki 2 is gearing up to become one of the biggest Indian cinematic events of the decade. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the film will continue the futuristic mythological saga that began with the blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD, which was released in 2024. According to a report by Pinkvilla, the makers are currently targeting a grand theatrical release in December 2027. The report also states that major shooting portions featuring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Sai Pallavi are expected to be completed by April 2027 before the film enters a lengthy post-production phase due to its extensive VFX work and massive scale. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The sequel arrives with enormous expectations following the big success of Kalki 2898 AD. The first instalment ended on a dramatic cliffhanger and laid the foundation for a much larger battle involving Kamal Haasan's menacing character, Supreme Yaskin. Reports suggest that the second part will feature a more intense narrative with Prabhas taking centre stage in the conflict. Director Nag Ashwin is aiming to surpass the visual grandeur and storytelling scale of the first film. The makers are said to be designing bigger action sequences, deeper emotional arcs, and an even more expansive futuristic world for the sequel. The extended timeline is also linked to Prabhas' busy lineup of upcoming films. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The superstar is simultaneously working on several major projects, including Spirit, and other big-budget pan-India ventures, making scheduling a key challenge for the production team. Released in 2024, Kalki 2898 AD emerged as one of Indian cinema's biggest blockbusters by grossing over 1000 crore worldwide. The film received widespread appreciation for blending mythology with dystopian science fiction on an unprecedented scale.

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Mumbai, May 3 - Director Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has created history at the global box office, emerging as the second-highest-grossing Indian film behind only Aamir Khan's Dangal, and beating SS Rajamouli's Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. The film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios and Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar of B62 Studios. The spy-action spectacle starring Ranveer Singh has been on a record-breaking run since its release in March 2026. As per the latest box office numbers, the film has crossed 1,788 crore globally and is inching toward the ₹1,790 crore mark, putting it right alongside Baahubali 2's lifetime total of around 1,788 crore in 46 days. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A Record-Breaking Run What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the consistency shown by Dhurandhar 2 throughout its theatrical run. The film opened to massive numbers and continued to draw strong footfalls in the weeks that followed, displaying exceptional hold despite competition from new releases. Dhurandhar 2's overseas performance has been equally historic, contributing significantly to its record-breaking worldwide total. In India, the film has grossed over 1362 crores, while its international collection is an estimated 426 crores. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Top Indian Grossers Worldwide Without Gulf & China S. No. Movie Total Worldwide Gross WW Gross (Excl. Gulf & China) 1 Dangal ₹ 2070 Cr ₹ 705+ Cr 2 Dhurandhar 2 ₹ 1788+ Cr ₹ 1788+ Cr 3 Baahubali 2 ₹ 1788 Cr ₹ 1615+ Cr 4 Pushpa 2 ₹ 1742 Cr ₹ 1685+ Cr As of May 3, 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Even though Dangal will remain the biggest Indian grosser for now, its collection was boosted massively by the contribution from China, where it grossed over 1300 crores. As has been the case, China is not a regular market for the film; hence, it is not considered a suitable comparison with other films. For years, Baahubali 2, starring Prabhas, was considered an almost untouchable benchmark in Indian cinema. Its global dominance symbolised the scale and reach of Indian films. However, Dhurandhar 2 has now managed to edge past that milestone, signalling a new era for Bollywood at the worldwide box office. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What Makes This Achievement Huge - Baahubali 2 held the No.2 position globally for nearly a decade. - Dhurandhar 2 achieved this without China and the Gulf release, unlike Dangal. - The film has shown exceptional longevity, sustaining collections deep into its theatrical run. - No release in the Gulf makes it the greatest overseas performance for an Indian film. An Irreplaceable Global Phenomenon Just like the greatest Indian blockbusters, Dhurandhar 2 will be remembered for its path-breaking success. While other films needed support from key international markets like the Gulf and China, Dhurandhar 2 achieved this feat without these two big boosters, making it an irreplaceable global phenomenon in Indian cinema, and its adult rating further speaks to its popularity among audiences.

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Nine years ago, on April 28, 2017, S.S. Rajamouli's Baahubali 2: The Conclusion hit the screens, fundamentally altering the trajectory of the Indian film industry. Beyond the staggering monetary figures, the film is often described as the Avatar of Indian Cinema due to its unprecedented reach. While modern blockbusters like the 2026 hit Dhurandhar 2 and Pushpa 2: The Rule have surpassed it in nominal collection figures, Baahubali 2 remains the undisputed champion of audience engagement. With over 10.8 crore tickets sold, it is the only Indian film of the 21st century to achieve such a feat. To match this level of admissions at today’s tripled ticket prices, a film would need to earn over ₹3,000 crore in the domestic market alone. The film's legacy is built on a foundation of firsts that many high-budget productions still struggle to replicate. From its opening day, where it maintained a near-impossible 95% occupancy across India, to its final theatrical run, the film dominated every circuit. It was the first Indian production to earn over ₹1,000 crore net in the domestic market and the first to gross ₹1,000 crore worldwide, achieving the latter in just ten days. Its regional dominance was so absolute that it became the highest-grossing film in nearly every Indian state, and it remains the only movie in history where all four primary languages (Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam) collected over ₹50 crore net each. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the records established by Baahubali 2: The Conclusion: Domestic Benchmarks: It set the record for the biggest opening day with ₹121 crore and the biggest first Monday with over ₹80 crore net across all languages. The ₹1000 Crore Pioneer: It is the first and only film to surpass ₹1,000 crore net domestically and served as the creator of the ₹400 crore through ₹1000 crore NBOC clubs. Unrivaled Footfalls: The film recorded over 1.05 crore admissions on its first day alone and finished its run with an estimated 10.8 crore ticket sales, the highest this century. Kerala Box Office: It was the first film to open at ₹5 crore in Kerala and became the first non-Malayalam film to cross ₹50 crore in the state, eventually finishing at over ₹75 crore. After 9 years, no non-Malayalam film has surpassed this collection. Global Release Scale: It premiered on over 9,000 screens worldwide (6,500 in India), setting a record for the widest release at the time. North American Dominance: It was the first Indian film to cross the $20 million mark in the USA, a record that stood for eight years, and earned a massive $10.43 million in its opening weekend. China & Japan Market: It holds the 5th highest collection for an Indian film in China and saw the 3rd highest opening there behind Secret Superstar and Hindi Medium. In Japan, it remained the 3rd highest Indian grosser for years. Guinness World Record: To promote the franchise, a massive poster covering 51,598.21 square feet (the size of 18 tennis courts) was unveiled in Kochi, officially becoming the world’s largest poster. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Nepal Dominance :It still holds the record for the highest-grossing Indian film in Nepal. Non-Hindi Mastery: It was the first South Indian film to collect over ₹500 crore net in North India Middle East Milestones: In the UAE, it sold over 100,000 tickets in advance, beating Fast and Furious. It was also the first Indian film to receive a standing ovation from the UAE censor board. IMAX & Prestigious Screenings: It recorded the biggest IMAX launch for an Indian film ($1.8 million) and became the first non-English film since 1871 to be screened at the Royal Albert Hall with a live orchestral score. Pre-Release & Digital: It was the first film to earn over ₹500 crore from satellite, theatrical, and digital rights before release. Netflix acquired the streaming rights for a then-record ₹25.5 crore. Television Records: Its Hindi premiere on Sony MAX garnered 2.6 crore impressions, outperforming its closest competitor by 500%. The Telugu premiere delivered a historic 22.7 TRP. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is effectively the architect of the modern Pan-India concept. Its ability to maintain a second-highest worldwide grosser position and a 7th highest overseas grosser rank for nearly a decade speaks to its enduring appeal. While inflation may allow newer films to touch higher revenue milestones, the 10-crore-plus footfall record stands as a near-impossible mountain to climb. Nine years later, the saga of Mahendra Baahubali remains the gold standard for cinematic scale and commercial success in Indian history.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 27 - The 2027 theatrical calendar is steadily filling up, with several high-profile films already locking prime festive and holiday release windows. From Sankranti to Diwali, major stars and big-budget productions have strategically positioned themselves to capitalise on long weekends and nationwide holidays, setting the stage for an intense box office battle year. The year kicks off with a bang on Makar Sankranti with superstar Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 173, expected to be one of the biggest openers of the year. Just days later, the Republic Day weekend (January 21) will see long-delayed Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal's Love And War hit cinemas, ensuring a strong start to the year with back-to-back major releases. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) February continues the momentum as fantasy comedy Naagzilla, starring Kartik Aaryan, arrives during the Valentine's Day weekend (February 12), aiming to draw both mass and youth audiences. March is shaping up to be one of the most crowded periods, with the Eid weekend (March 5) witnessing a major clash between Prabhas' Spirit and Salman Khan's film with Vamshi Paidipally. The competition doesn't ease up, as John Abraham-led Force 3 is slated for March 19, keeping the box office buzzing through the month. Then comes April, when SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu's globetrotting adventure, Varanasi, is slated for release on April 7. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The summer season will be driven by the Jr. NTR's Dragon/NTRNeel with Prashanth Neel film, scheduled for June 11, a slot traditionally known for blockbuster performers. Meanwhile, the Independence Day weekend (August 13) is locked by Kartik Aaryan's Captain India, which is expected to benefit from patriotic fervour The biggest festival of the year, Diwali, will feature the highly anticipated Ramayana Part 2, positioning itself as a potential box office juggernaut. To close out the year, animated movie Mahavatar Parshuram, the second film in the Mahavatar Cinematic Universe, is slated for a December 2027 release, following the ground-breaking blockbuster, Mahavatar Narsimha. Apart from these confirmed releases, there are several other big-budget titles which will be debuting in 2027, including Allu Arjun's Raaka, Vicky Kaushal's Mahavatar, Balakrishna - Gopichand Malineni's film, Chiranjeevi - Bobby Project, and Venkatesh - Anil Ravipudi's film, among others.