BY CHRISTA LINCY

Ranbir Kapoor recently shared a significant update on the progress of Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming adaptation of the Ramayana. In a recent interview, the actor revealed that the team has already completed roughly 50 percent of the filming for the second part, even before the first installment reaches theaters. He reflected on the sheer scale of the epic, noting that the story is vast enough to fill ten movies, though it is being condensed into a concise two-part cinematic experience. This head-start on the sequel suggests a strategic approach to maintaining narrative continuity for a project of this magnitude. During a recent conversation, Ranbir Kapoor, who portrays Lord Rama, touched upon the immense challenge of condensing such a vast mythological text. He noted that the story of the Ramayana is so expansive that it could easily have been told across ten separate films. However, he credited the director and the writing team for their ability to streamline the narrative into a two-part cinematic experience without losing the core emotional and philosophical essence that makes the epic so significant. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) One of the most interesting aspects of this production is the cast. While Ranbir Kapoor leads as Lord Rama, the film features Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. Interestingly, Kapoor and Yash have reportedly not filmed any scenes together for the first part. This confirms that the much-anticipated confrontation between Rama and Ravana is being carefully preserved for the second film, which Kapoor describes as being even larger in scale and entertainment value. The role of Hanuman, played by Sunny Deol, is also set to follow a specific growth arc. While he will be introduced in the first part, his presence is expected to be significantly more prominent in the sequel. The decision to shoot the films back-to-back or in overlapping schedules is a logistical move often seen in massive Indian franchises like Baahubali or Ponniyin Selvan. It allows the production house, led by Namit Malhotra, to manage the immense VFX requirements more effectively. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Ramayana: Part One is currently targeting a Diwali 2026 release. It is rumored that the first film will conclude on a major cliffhanger, designed to lead audiences directly into the climactic battles of the second part. By having half of the sequel already in the can, the makers are ensuring that the gap between the two releases remains manageable for the audience. Beyond the technical updates, Ranbir Kapoor also recently shared his perspective on the ongoing public debate regarding his selection for the lead role. He admitted that his initial reaction was one of self-doubt, where he questioned if he was truly capable of carrying such a heavy cultural responsibility. Instead of viewing it as a standard acting job, he sees it as an opportunity to represent a figure who has been a core part of the Indian subconscious for thousands of years. He pointed out that because every individual has their own personal vision and perception of Lord Rama, it is naturally impossible for any one actor to be seen as the perfect fit by everyone. In his view, there is no such thing as a single right actor for this character because there is no fixed face to the deity in the minds of the people. He noted that while some may disagree with his casting and others may support it, the ultimate success of the portrayal rests on the sincerity of the performer. According to the actor, the most important factor is having the right intentions and a deep sense of belief in the journey of the character.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

PVR INOX has announced a strategic shift in its expansion plans, focusing on the untapped potential of small-town India. The multiplex giant aims to launch 300 affordable cinema screens over the next three years under a new initiative designed for Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. By setting ticket prices at an average of ₹175, the company is looking to make the premium movie-going experience accessible to a much broader audience, often referred to as the Bharat market. The logic behind this move is a significant reduction in setup and operational costs. Traditional multiplex screens usually require a capital expenditure of ₹3.5 Crore to ₹4 Crore each. However, these new affordable screens are engineered to cost between ₹1.5 Crore and ₹2 Crore. This is achieved by optimizing the built-up area and simplifying the design of the foyers. Even with lower costs, the auditoriums will maintain high standards, featuring 2K laser projectors and advanced Dolby 7.1 sound systems to ensure the cinematic quality remains intact. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Operating these cinemas will also be more efficient. The company plans to deploy around six employees per screen, compared to the usual nine in metropolitan multiplexes. Additionally, the food and beverage menu will be calibrated for local tastes and priced roughly 25 percent lower than in major cities. This approach allows PVR INOX to enter smaller markets where high real estate costs previously made it difficult to sustain a profitable business model. A key part of this strategy is the shift toward a Franchise-Owned, Company-Operated model. This asset-light approach involves local partners investing in the infrastructure while PVR INOX manages the operations and programming. It allows for faster scaling across different regions without putting a heavy financial strain on the company's balance sheet. The first of these affordable properties has already been planned for Muzaffarpur in Bihar, with several other locations in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh to follow. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) For the industry, this is a major move toward addressing the screen-scarcity issue in India. Currently, the country has a very low screen density compared to international markets. By bringing organized exhibition to towns with populations between 1.5 and 5 lakh, the company is creating a new ecosystem for film consumption. If this model proves successful, it could fundamentally change how blockbusters are released and distributed across the country.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, August 5 - Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan has reportedly locked its OTT release date after its theatrical run is slowing down. Directed by H. Vinoth, the political action drama is set to debut on digital platforms later this month, giving fans another opportunity to watch the superstar's final film. According to the latest update, Jana Nayagan will stream on ZEE5 starting August 21, 2026. The film was initially expected to arrive on Amazon Prime Video after reports of a lucrative digital rights deal. However, those plans reportedly changed following multiple release delays and other factors, with ZEE5 eventually acquiring the streaming rights. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Released in theatres on July 23, Jana Nayagan opened to huge anticipation but received largely negative reviews from critics and audiences. Despite the poor word of mouth, the film managed to cross the 300 crore mark worldwide, driven primarily by Vijay's massive fan following. However, the collection was well below the expectations associated with the superstar's final film and is widely regarded as a disappointing theatrical performer. Produced by KVN Productions, Jana Nayagan stars Thalapathy Vijay alongside Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Prakash Raj, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priyamani, Mamitha Baiju, and Narain in pivotal roles. With its OTT premiere now confirmed, the film will look to find a wider audience on streaming after an underwhelming run in cinemas. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, August 5 - Emraan Hashmi's Awarapan 2 is all set to arrive in cinemas as scheduled, with the makers putting all speculation regarding a possible delay to rest. During a recent live interaction, Emraan Hashmi and producer Vishesh Bhatt confirmed that the much-awaited sequel will release worldwide on August 14, 2026, while its official trailer will be unveiled on August 6, kicking off the film's final promotional campaign. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The announcement comes at a crucial stage for the film, with just over a week remaining before its theatrical release. Speculation started gaining momentum that the movie might be postponed, but the makers have now cleared the air. The trailer is expected to offer audiences their first extensive look at the sequel, which reunites Emraan Hashmi with the Awarapan franchise nearly two decades after the original film earned cult status. The makers have maintained their release strategy despite industry speculation surrounding Independence Day weekend releases. Directed by Nitin Kakkar and produced by Vishesh Films, Awarapan 2 sees Emraan Hashmi reprise his iconic role as Shivam Pandit. The sequel also stars Disha Patani and Shabana Azmi in pivotal roles. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The marketing campaign has already generated considerable excitement with the release of songs including Ve Junoon and Yeh Awarapan, while the nostalgic use of Tera Mera Rishta has struck a chord with fans of the original film. With the trailer arriving on August 6 and the release date firmly locked for August 14, all eyes are now on whether Awarapan 2 can translate its strong pre-release buzz into a successful run at the box office.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Yash Raj Films has officially stepped into the independent music scene with the launch of Raah Records. This new label and artist incubator is designed to discover and develop original Indian music talent specifically outside the realm of film soundtracks. For a studio that has defined the sound of Bollywood for over five decades, this move represents a logical expansion into the booming non-film music ecosystem. The label is starting its journey with the release of Jaadugari, a debut single by singer-songwriter Aman, which is scheduled to drop across major streaming platforms on August 5th. What makes this launch interesting is the approach behind it. Rather than a quick commercial release, Aman has reportedly spent nearly a year within the YRF incubator system. This allowed the artist to refine his sound and songwriting with professional support before facing the public, highlighting the label's commitment to quality over speed. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Akshaye Widhani, the CEO of Yash Raj Films, has emphasized that Raah Records is built on the philosophy of nurturing careers rather than just launching marketing campaigns. He noted that as the independent music space in India grows, artists need a foundation built on trust and time. By providing a structured environment that includes world-class production and strategic marketing, the studio intends to give emerging musicians a creative home where they can grow into their authentic selves without the pressure of cinematic requirements. The venture is being led by Nakul Sharma, who serves as the Senior General Manager of Music Management at YRF. Sharma has been a key figure in developing the incubator model, which focuses on every step of the artistic journey, from the initial songwriting phase to the final creative direction. He believes that standing beside an artist throughout their development is essential for long-term success. This artist-first approach is expected to define the label's roster as it expands in the coming months. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) This initiative places YRF at the forefront of the evolving digital landscape in India. As streaming platforms continue to democratize music consumption, the demand for high-quality independent tracks is at an all-time high. By leveraging its vast industry experience and infrastructure, YRF is positioning Raah Records as a serious competitor in the non-film music space, offering a professional platform for a new generation of Indian voices.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Jana Nayagan is holding its ground as it moves through the second week of its theatrical run. On Day 13, which was the second Tuesday, the film recorded an India gross collection of ₹2.39 Crore from 3,967 shows. This represents a 45.5 percent decline compared to the previous day gross earnings. While the numbers are naturally tapering off on weekdays, the cumulative performance remains impressive. To date, the total India gross collection has climbed to ₹211.74 Crore, showcasing the film ability to maintain interest across multiple regions even after two weeks. These domestic numbers contribute to a larger global success story that has been unfolding over the past few days. Thalapathy Vijay film has firmly established itself in the elite ₹300 Crore global gross club, marking the thirteenth time a Kollywood production has hit this milestone. It is notably the third film in the actor career to reach this level, following in the footsteps of Leo and GOAT. Additionally, the movie has reinforced his dominance in Tamil Nadu, serving as his ninth consecutive release to surpass the ₹100 Crore gross mark in his home state. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A closer look at the state-wise gross performance for Day 13 shows that Tamil Nadu remains the primary engine, contributing ₹1.76 Crore. Other regions also added to the tally, with the Rest of India bringing in ₹0.30 Crore, while Karnataka and Kerala each contributed ₹0.15 Crore. The Andhra Pradesh and Telangana markets added ₹0.03 Crore. Cumulatively, the film has put up a total gross numbers across these states, with Tamil Nadu leading at ₹131.61 Crore, followed by Karnataka at ₹29.47 Crore and Kerala at ₹16.60 Crore. In fact, Jana Nayagan has now become the top Kerala grosser of 2026, overtaking films like Blast and Karuppu. In terms of language performance, the Tamil version continues to be the strongest contributor, earning a net of ₹1.80 Crore on Tuesday with an occupancy of 21 percent across 2,338 shows. The Hindi version added ₹0.28 Crore from 1,512 shows at 11 percent occupancy, while the Telugu version contributed ₹0.02 Crore from 117 shows at 13 percent occupancy. Looking at the overall language-wise totals in India, the Tamil gross stands at ₹183.07 Crore, the Hindi gross at ₹18.44 Crore, and the Telugu gross at ₹10.24 Crore. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) National theater chains showed steady but lower activity on this second Tuesday. According to the data, PVR sold 2,500 tickets for a gross of ₹3.35 Lakhs across 170 shows. INOX followed with 1,250 tickets sold and a gross of ₹1.40 Lakhs from 90 shows. Cinepolis rounded out the group with 250 tickets and ₹30,000 in gross from 40 shows. In total, these national chains accounted for 4,000 tickets sold and a gross of approximately ₹5 Lakhs across 300 shows. Occupancy trends for the Tamil 2D version showed an overall daily average of 21.17 percent. The evening shows were the busiest, peaking at 27.31 percent. In key regions, Chennai led with 28.5 percent occupancy across 358 shows. Coimbatore recorded 21.8 percent occupancy from 145 shows, while Bengaluru and Madurai saw 15.5 percent and 14.5 percent occupancy respectively. For the Hindi 2D version, the National Capital Region was the highlight with 25.3 percent occupancy from 64 shows, while Ahmedabad and Surat recorded lower levels at 11 percent and 9.8 percent. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Digital interest remains significant, though the film missed the top five spots for second Tuesday ticket sales on BookMyShow, trailing behind titles like Jailer and Leo. On Tuesday, the platform recorded 32,420 tickets booked, compared to 54,340 on Monday. This brings the total ticket sales on BookMyShow to over 4.14 million. Overseas, the film continues to find an audience, adding ₹0.75 Crore on its thirteenth day. This brings the total overseas gross to ₹92.00 Crore. When combined with the Indian gross of ₹211.74 Crore, the worldwide gross collection now stands at ₹303.74 Crore. This marks a historic Triple Hat-trick for Thalapathy Vijay in Tamil Nadu, as Jana Nayagan is now his ninth consecutive film to cross the ₹100 Crore gross mark in the state.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has reached an extraordinary milestone in its box office journey, officially crossing the ₹300 Crore net mark in India. This achievement is part of a much larger global success story. Looking at the worldwide picture, the film has amassed a staggering gross collection of ₹10,925.00 Crore. This massive total is driven by an overseas gross of ₹6,650.00 Crore and an Indian gross contribution of ₹362.61 Crore, which was earned across a cumulative total of 103,573 shows in the domestic market. Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues to show remarkable stability in the Indian market as it moves through its first week. On its sixth day, which was the first Tuesday, the film generated a gross collection of ₹25.71 Crore. After accounting for taxes, the net collection stood at ₹21.50 Crore. These figures were achieved across 16,793 shows nationwide. When compared to the previous day's net of ₹23.80 Crore, this represents a very controlled drop of only 9.7 percent. This steady performance has now pushed the total India gross to ₹362.61 Crore, while the total net collection has officially crossed the major milestone of ₹303.25 Crore. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The English version continues to be the primary contributor in India, earning ₹11.50 Crore on Tuesday from 7,476 shows with a 24 percent occupancy. The Hindi version also performed well, adding ₹8.00 Crore from 7,072 shows. It is interesting to note that the Hindi market showed an exceptionally high occupancy of 82 percent on this day. Regional versions in Tamil and Telugu contributed ₹1.20 Crore and ₹0.75 Crore respectively, while the Malayalam and Kannada markets saw smaller contributions of ₹3 Lakhs and ₹2 Lakhs. National theater chains played a significant role in these numbers. On Tuesday, PVR recorded approximately 43,000 ticket sales, resulting in a gross of ₹1.84 Crore from 3,411 shows. INOX followed with 24,000 tickets sold and a gross of ₹96 Lakhs across 2,607 shows. Cinepolis added 8,000 tickets and ₹35 Lakhs in gross from 1,686 shows. Combined, these top three chains accounted for 75,000 tickets sold and a total gross of ₹3.15 Crore from 7,700 shows. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The occupancy levels for the English 3D format showed progression throughout the day, starting at 15.67 percent in the morning and rising to 33 percent by the night shows. Regionally, Bengaluru led the way with 23 percent occupancy for English 3D. Mumbai and the National Capital Region followed closely at 20.3 percent and 20.8 percent respectively, while Pune and Hyderabad maintained steady interest at 20 percent and 17.3 percent. The Hindi 3D format also saw healthy engagement with an overall occupancy of 22.58 percent. The National Capital Region was particularly strong for this version, recording 29 percent occupancy across 463 shows. Other significant contributors included Kolkata at 27.8 percent and Lucknow at 26.3 percent. Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Pune all hovered around the 21 percent mark, while Surat recorded a lower occupancy of 13 percent. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Digital booking trends further highlight the film's popularity. On the BookMyShow platform, the movie saw 386,520 tickets booked on Monday and 323,860 on Tuesday. This brings the total ticket sales through this platform alone to over 6.37 million, reflecting the sustained demand among moviegoers. The global dominance of the film is echoed in reports from Venky Box Office, which notes that another record has fallen. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is currently tracking toward a domestic Tuesday of over 41 million dollars in the US market. This sets a new all-time Tuesday record, moving ahead of the 39.2 million dollars previously held by Spider-Man: No Way Home. The five-day domestic total in the US has now reached over 448 million dollars. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is showing remarkable staying power. By maintaining such low drops on weekdays and breaking historical records both in India and overseas, the film is on track to set new benchmarks for the franchise. The logical trend suggests that the movie will continue to see strong footfalls as it enters its second week of release.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 4 - Spider-Man: Brand New Day has crossed the $1 billion milestone at the worldwide box office, continuing its record-breaking theatrical run. After a phenomenal $941+ million opening weekend globally, the Marvel blockbuster delivered another sensational day on Monday, becoming only the second-fastest film in cinema history to reach the coveted benchmark. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film was first released on Wednesday in several international markets before making its North American debut on Friday. On its first Monday, Spider-Man: Brand New Day grossed a staggering $47 million in North America and $65 million overseas, bringing its worldwide total to $1.05+ billion in just six days. The extraordinary hold after its historic opening weekend underscores the film's exceptional audience reception and confirms its status as one of the biggest box-office sensations of all time. The film is creating history in India as well. On Monday, the Tom Holland-led blockbuster collected around 28.50 crore gross, taking its five-day total to approximately 337 crore gross. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The superhero blockbuster has already become the biggest Hollywood opener ever in the country and is now almost certain to emerge as the highest-grossing non-Indian film in India. Based on its current trend, the film also has an excellent chance of crossing the 500 crore gross milestone during its theatrical run. With over $1.05 billion already in the bank and weekday collections holding at extraordinary levels worldwide, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is now racing towards the $2 billion mark and is expected to breach this by next week. The film remains on course to climb rapidly up the all-time worldwide box office charts, while its incredible performance in markets such as North America, India, and several international territories suggests that its record-breaking run is far from over.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, August 4 - Tamil superstar Suriya has revealed his list of the five greatest films of all time, and one name that has caught fans' attention is Dhurandhar. During a recent interaction with THR India, the actor was asked to pick the movies that have left the biggest impact on him, and his selections showcased a blend of timeless classics, modern masterpieces, and one of the biggest Indian blockbusters in recent memory. Suriya's top five includes Lagaan, Eega, Sethu, Kaakha Kaakha, and Dhurandhar. While Lagaan is widely regarded as one of Indian cinema's finest sports dramas, Eega revolutionised commercial filmmaking with SS Rajamouli's imaginative storytelling. Bala's Sethu remains a landmark film in Tamil cinema, whereas Kaakha Kaakha is one of Suriya's own career-defining performances that transformed him into a leading star. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The biggest talking point from the list, however, is the inclusion of Dhurandhar. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the spy action spectacle has become one of the biggest blockbusters of Indian cinema, winning praise for its gripping narrative, high-octane action, and emotional storytelling. Suriya's admiration for the film is likely to delight its makers and fans alike, further cementing its growing legacy in Indian cinema. Interestingly, Suriya's selections reflect his appreciation for films that have pushed creative boundaries while delivering powerful emotional experiences. From inspiring underdog stories and innovative fantasy adventures to intense character-driven dramas and modern action epics, his list spans multiple genres and generations, offering a glimpse into the cinema that has influenced one of India's most respected actors. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) pic.twitter.com/uKTQt49kkp— Gv (@Gv0825) August 3, 2026

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, August 4 - Spider-Man: Brand New Day has once again proved the enduring global appeal of Marvel's iconic web-slinger. The latest instalment has stormed past the $1 billion milestone at the worldwide box office in just six days, becoming only the third Spider-Man film to achieve the feat after Spider-Man: No Way Home and Spider-Man: Far From Home, and the second fastest movie in history to achieve the feat. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With more than $1.04 billion already in the bank, the film is expected to comfortably overtake No Way Home to become the highest-grossing Spider-Man movie of all time and the first to unlock the $2 billion club for the long-running film series. The film has been rewriting the record books since its release. It became the second-fastest movie in cinema history to cross the $1 billion mark worldwide, trailing only Avengers: Endgame. It also delivered the biggest opening weekend ever for a Spider-Man film in North America, the largest global debut in Sony Pictures history, and recorded the biggest opening weekend for any Spider-Man movie worldwide. In India, the film has emerged as the highest-grossing Hollywood opening weekend of all time, further highlighting its phenomenal worldwide appeal. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While Spider-Man: No Way Home remains the franchise's biggest blockbuster with $1.921 billion, followed by Spider-Man: Far From Home with $1.132 billion, Brand New Day has already climbed to third place in less than a week. It has comfortably surpassed the lifetime grosses of Spider-Man 3, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and every other live-action and animated Spider-Man film. Spider-Man movies have always been crowd-pleasers and bona fide box office juggernauts. The first Spider-Man movie, released in 2002, was the first ever film to score $100+ million domestically in the opening weekend, while Spider-Man 2 became the first to clock $150 million at the opening. Here is a look at the worldwide box office history of every Spider-Man movie. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Every Spider-Man Movie At The Worldwide Box Office S. No. Movie Release Year Lead Actor Worldwide Gross 1 Spider-Man 2002 Tobey Maguire $825.03 Million 2 Spider-Man 2 2004 Tobey Maguire $789.98 Million 3 Spider-Man 3 2007 Tobey Maguire $894.98 Million 4 The Amazing Spider-Man 2012 Andrew Garfield $758.72 Million 5 The Amazing Spider-Man 2 2014 Andrew Garfield $709.67 Million 6 Spider-Man: Homecoming 2017 Tom Holland $878.85 Million 7 Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2018 Shameik Moore (Voice) $373.81 Million 8 Spider-Man: Far From Home 2019 Tom Holland $1.132 Billion 9 Spider-Man: No Way Home 2021 Tom Holland $1.921 Billion 10 Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse 2023 Shameik Moore (Voice) $690.82 Million 11 Spider-Man: Brand New Day 2026 Tom Holland $1.040+ Billion* Note: - Data via various sources. *Spider-Man: Brand New Day is currently running in theatres, and its worldwide total continues to rise.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The laughter that has echoed through theaters for the last few weeks is finally beginning to fade as Dhamaal 4 enters its fourth week of theatrical life. After a remarkably steady run, the comic caper has reached a symbolic turning point, witnessing its daily collections dip below the 1 crore mark . While every franchise film eventually faces this logical exhaustion, the film has already done the heavy lifting, securing its place as a reliable mid-budget winner . Monday brought a significant retreat in numbers, as Day 25 collections settled at a net of 0.60 crore rupees. This represents a 74.5 percent drop from Sunday's net haul of 2.35 crore rupees, a trend that reflects the typical Monday morning blues for a film that has already been seen by its core audience. Screening across 2,318 shows on its fourth Monday, the movie pushed its total India net collection to 161.65 crore rupees, with the domestic gross standing at 192.09 crore rupees. The global story is equally consistent, with the film adding 5 lakh rupees from overseas markets on Monday to bring its international gross to 30.70 crore rupees. This brings the cumulative worldwide gross to a respectable 222.79 crore rupees across a staggering 183,714 shows since its release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In the national multiplex chains, the performance has moved into the final stages of its run. The big three chains combined for approximately 1,000 tickets sold on Monday, generating a gross of 2.7 lakh rupees across 421 shows. Breaking down the rounded figures, PVR accounted for 430 tickets with a gross of 1.4 lakh rupees from 172 shows. INOX followed with 380 tickets, contributing 79,000 rupees from 167 shows, while Cinepolis added 230 tickets worth 46,000 rupees from 82 shows. The digital footprint on BookMyShow mirrors this slowdown, with Monday adding 11,030 tickets to its cumulative total of over 27.91 lakh bookings so far. The regional occupancy data reveals that the film is still finding some traction in major metropolitan hubs, even as smaller circuits see a sharp decline. The overall occupancy for Hindi 2D stood at 14.59 percent on Day 25. The National Capital Region led with 219 shows at 14 percent occupancy, followed closely by Mumbai with 13.3 percent occupancy across 125 shows. However, mass circuits like Ahmedabad and Surat saw a much steeper drop, recording occupancies of 6 percent and 3 percent respectively. It is clear that while the urban audience is still occasionally dropping in for a few laughs, the film is now winding up its theatrical run to make way for the next wave of releases.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The journey of The Odyssey through the Indian box office has been a testament to theatrical endurance rather than the explosive velocity we often see with modern superhero spectacles. On its eighteenth day, the film officially breached the 150 crore net milestone, a significant marker that solidifies its status as a sustained performer in a crowded marketplace. While the film has crossed this threshold after nearly three weeks of attrition, the scale of this achievement becomes even more apparent when compared to the record-shattering pace of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which famously eclipsed the same 150 crore mark in a mere three days. It is a tale of two different types of cinematic momentum—one driven by a volcanic opening and the other by a steady, long-tail run. Monday brought the expected retrenchment that typically follows a third weekend. The Odyssey collected 2.00 crore rupees net on its eighteenth day, representing a 64.6 percent drop from Sunday's collection of 5.65 crore rupees. This brings the cumulative India net total to 151.85 crore rupees, with the gross collection standing at 181.03 crore rupees across 1,167 shows. When looking at the weekly progression, the film's trajectory shows a decline; after a dominant first week of 90.30 crore rupees, it saw a sharper retreat in its second week to 44.95 crore rupees. Despite the slowing pace, the film continues to find its most loyal audience in the English-speaking circuits, which account for a massive 126.40 crore rupees of the total net. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In the national multiplex chains, the film is still maintaining a respectable grip for its third week. The big three chains—PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis—accounted for approximately 18,000 tickets on Monday, generating a combined gross of 1.20 crore rupees from 919 shows. Breaking this down, PVR led the charge with 11,000 tickets and a gross of 81 lakh rupees, followed by INOX with 5,000 tickets and a gross of 30 lakh rupees, while Cinepolis contributed approximately 2,000 tickets worth 9 lakh rupees. This steady contribution from the multiplexes is mirrored in the digital footprint on BookMyShow, where the film has moved a cumulative 2.65 million tickets to date, adding over 38,000 bookings on this most recent Monday. The audience's preference remains skewed heavily toward the English 2D format, particularly in metropolitan hubs where the film has found its second wind. The overall occupancy for English 2D on Day 18 stood at 21.50 percent, with Bengaluru leading the major regions at 21.8 percent across 105 shows, while the National Capital Region and Hyderabad followed with steady occupancy rates of 15 percent. This suggests that while the initial volcanic hype has settled, the film remains a bankable asset for urban theaters. Interestingly, the domestic story of steady accumulation is mirrored by a staggering global footprint, with The Odyssey achieving a worldwide gross of 9,000 crore rupees, supported by an overseas contribution of 5,050 crore rupees. According to data from Venky Box Office, this international dominance is anchored by its performance in North America, where the film added a solid 19.1 million dollars on its third Saturday, pushing its domestic total to a formidable 377.6 million dollars. Whether it is the visual scale of the adventure or the curiosity surrounding its narrative, the film has managed to occupy a unique space in the 2026 cinematic calendar, proving that there is still room for a sustained theatrical run in the age of the instant blockbuster.