BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, December 9 - Dhanush and Kriti Sanon's Tere Ishk Mein has achieved a major milestone at the box office, crossing the coveted 100 crore net mark in Hindi. The passionate romantic saga has been trending strongly since its release, eventually hitting the mark on its 13th day. Directed by Anand L Rai, Tere Ishk Mein had already crossed the 100 crore net in all versions, and became the first 100 crores net grosser for Dhanush. It has now topped this prestigious figure in Hindi, becoming the 13th movie of the year to do so. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) As said, Tere Ishk Mein is the first 100 crores net grosser for Dhanush, while Kriti Sanon has her fourth after Dilwale, Housefull 4, and Adipurush, while director Anand L Rai has his second after Tanu Weds Manu: Returns (2015). Overall, TIK is the 139th film ever to cross the 100 crore mark in Hindi. After a solid start, Tere Ishk Mein witnessed superb weekday momentum, driven largely by strong word of mouth and its emotional storytelling. The chemistry between Dhanush and Kriti Sanon has been widely appreciated, and the music has played a major role in drawing audiences. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The movie was on course for 150+ crores net finish, but Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar snatched the momentum with excellent trending. Apart from Dhurandhar, Tere Ishk Mein has no other major competition till Avatar: Fire & Ash on December 19, so it will look to finish with 120–130 crore net, cementing its place as one of the year's most successful romantic films. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The highly anticipated sequel, Akhanda 2, starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, has become the center of growing concern and frustration within the Telugu film industry. Criticism is mounting against the film's producers for a lack of clear communication, which has already led to one wasted release date and is now causing a significant dilemma for other films slated for a December 12th release. The trouble began when the producers postponed the film from its initial December 5th release at the last minute, citing financial hurdles. Industry insiders suggest these issues were known to the team much earlier, and the delayed decision meant that the prime release date went to waste. No other film had the time to reschedule and take advantage of the open slot, resulting in a lost opportunity for the industry as a whole. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Now, a similar situation is unfolding for the December 12th weekend. The producers of Akhanda 2 have informally communicated that they are targeting this date, but have failed to make any official announcement. This lack of formal confirmation has put other filmmakers in a state of limbo. In a show of respect for Nandamuri Balakrishna, the God of Masses, some producers have already made way for the sequel, with the makers of the horror film Eesha gracefully postponing their release from the December 12th slot. However, this respectful gesture hasn't resolved the wider issue, as the continued silence from the Akhanda 2 team means other films scheduled for the same date are still in a complete dilemma, forced to pause their promotional activities as they await clarity. They are caught between proceeding with their campaigns and potentially facing an unstoppable box office force in Akhanda 2. The fear is that if Akhanda 2 fails to meet the December 12th date as well, another prime release weekend will be wasted, further impacting the industry's business. A call is now growing from within the fraternity for the producers of Akhanda 2 to speak out and provide a definitive statement, not just for their own film, but for the sake of the other producers whose plans are being held hostage by the ongoing uncertainty.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Netflix has released the first official poster for the second season of its live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, confirming that the epic saga continues with a return in 2026. The new key art has ignited excitement among fans, offering a glimpse of Team Avatar ready for the next phase of their journey. The vibrant poster features the main cast: Gordon Cormier as Aang, Kiawentiio as Katara, Ian Ousley as Sokka, and a new, yet-to-be-fully-revealed character, Toph Beifong, standing together on a rocky cliff. Above them, the beloved sky bison Appa soars through the air. The imagery strongly suggests that the upcoming season will delve into Book Two: Earth, the second part of the original animated series, where Aang must master earthbending. Toph has arrived. Avatar: The Last Airbender returns in 2026. pic.twitter.com/EzlBosqkNV— Netflix (@netflix) December 9, 2025 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Following a successful, albeit mixed-reception first season, Netflix renewed the series for a second and third season in March 2024.This two-season order will allow the showrunners to complete the adaptation of Aang's story as depicted in the beloved Nickelodeon cartoon. The introduction of Toph, a fan-favorite character, is one of the most anticipated elements of the new season.The character, a blind but immensely powerful earthbending master, will be portrayed by Miya Cech.The casting was announced during Netflix's Geeked Week, confirming that production for the second season was officially underway.Cech has reportedly been training extensively for the role and is working with consultants from the blind community to ensure an authentic and respectful portrayal. The first season of the live-action series premiered on February 22, 2024, and quickly became a global hit, ranking as the #1 English TV show on Netflix in its initial weeks with 41.1 million views in the first 11 days. This new adaptation is separate from the beloved original animated series, which first aired on Nickelodeon back in 2005. While an exact date in 2026 has not yet been announced, production for Season 2 began in September 2024.With the series already renewed through its conclusion, fans can look forward to seeing the complete epic saga of Aang's quest to master all four elements and bring balance to the world.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The ambitious Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU) is expanding with a massive new addition. Acclaimed Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna is set to make his Telugu debut, stepping into the mythological world of Mahakali, the next major film from the universe of Hanu-Man. Khanna will be seen in the formidable role of Shukracharya, the powerful and wise guru of the asuras. The poster, which showcases the actor in a never-seen-before avatar, had already created significant buzz. With a long, flowing silver beard, ascetic robes, and luminous eyes, Akshaye Khanna embodies the powerful sage, radiating both meditative calm and immense power. The intense and mystical aesthetic of the poster, set against a backdrop of flames and ancient altars, was widely praised and set high expectations for his role in the PVCU. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Mahakali is the third installment in the PVCU, which began with the blockbuster success of Hanu-Man. While conceptualized, written, and created by Prasanth Varma, this new chapter will be directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru. The project is backed by RKD Studios and producers RK Duggal and Riwaz Duggal, promising a large-scale production. The inclusion of a character as pivotal as Shukracharya, the keeper of the secret to reviving the dead, hints at deeper cosmic conflicts and a significant expansion of the universe's lore. This role marks a significant milestone for Akshaye Khanna, not only as his official entry into Telugu cinema but also as another testament to his versatile acting prowess, following his recent lauded performance in Dhurandhar. The film will be released in multiple languages, including Hindi, ensuring a pan-India reach for this epic mythological saga. Mahakali is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films from the PVCU, especially with the powerhouse addition of Akshaye Khanna to its cast.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

A major shift in the Kollywood release calendar has set the stage for a potential blockbuster clash in 2026. Pradeep Ranganathan's highly anticipated film, Love Insurance Kompany (LIK), has been postponed from its December 18, 2025 release, and is now reportedly eyeing a 2026 debut, potentially pitting it against Suriya's upcoming action-drama, Karuppu. Love Insurance Kompany, a futuristic romantic comedy directed by Vignesh Shivan, has been one of the most talked-about projects, especially after the phenomenal success of Pradeep Ranganathan's Love Today.The film, which also stars Krithi Shetty and S.J. Suryah with music by Anirudh Ravichander, has seen several release date changes.Initially slated for September and then Diwali 2025, the makers settled on a December 18 release to avoid a clash with Pradeep's other film, Dude. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) However, the latest reports indicate the film has been pushed again, this time to February 2026.This move is reportedly to avoid a conflict with the Hollywood behemoth Avatar: Fire and Ash, which is releasing on December 19, 2025.This strategic shift now places LIK directly in the 2026 release corridor. This postponement has sparked excitement among fans as it sets up a potential box office showdown between the new-age sensation Pradeep Ranganathan and the veteran superstar Suriya. Suriya's next major release, Karuppu, is also scheduled to hit theatres in 2026. Directed by RJ Balaji, Karuppu is a rural action-drama that will see Suriya paired with Trisha Krishnan.The film, which explores local traditions and beliefs, was initially planned for a Diwali 2025 release but was postponed to 2026 due to extensive visual effects work. With both films now likely to release in the same year, the stage is set for a fascinating clash between two generations of stars. Pradeep Ranganathan, who has become a youth icon, will be taking on the might of Suriya, an actor with a massive and loyal fanbase. As Kollywood gears up for 2026, all eyes will be on the official release date announcements for what could be one of the year's most exciting box office battles.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Bollywood industry is always buzzing with exciting updates, from major release date shuffles to exciting new casting coups. Today is no different, with two significant pieces of news grabbing the spotlight. One involves a major shift in the 2026 release calendar for a highly-anticipated comedy sequel, while the other hints at a fresh A-list pairing for a mythological epic. Here’s a breakdown of the latest buzz. The Dhamaal franchise, directed by Indra Kumar, is one of Bollywood's most beloved comedy series, known for its slapstick humour and ensemble casts. After the box office success of Total Dhamaal (2019), which saw Ajay Devgn join the original trio of Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, and Jaaved Jaaferi, anticipation for Dhamaal 4 has been incredibly high. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The big news, according to the latest reports, is that the film has been postponed from its previously announced Eid 2026 release date. This strategic move averts what was shaping up to be a monumental three-way clash at the box office. With Dhamaal 4 shifting its release, the Eid 2026 holiday weekend is now set for a direct face-off between two other massive projects: Yash's highly-awaited gangster saga Toxic and Ranveer Singh's action entertainer Dhurandhar 2. Fans will now be eagerly waiting for the makers of Dhamaal 4 to announce its new theatrical release date. On the casting front, a thrilling new possibility has emerged. Mahavatar, a mythological epic directed by Amar Kaushik (of Stree and Bala fame), has been in the news ever since it was announced with Vicky Kaushal in the lead role. The film is expected to be a grand-scale production, exploring tales from Indian mythology. The latest buzz is that superstar Deepika Padukone is in talks to star opposite Vicky Kaushal as the film's female lead. If this exciting collaboration comes to fruition, it would mark the very first time the two powerhouse actors share screen space, making for a fresh and highly anticipated on-screen pairing. While the discussions are reportedly in the early stages and an official confirmation is awaited, the prospect of seeing Deepika and Vicky together in a film of this magnitude has already generated immense excitement among fans and industry circles.

BY SACNILK TEAM

Get ready for the roar because the God of Masses is coming back to conquer the box office. After months of speculation and massive hype, the makers of Akhanda 2: Thaandavam have finally locked the release date. If the latest updates are to be believed, the film is all set to provide a mass feast to the audience right before the year ends. According to a confirmed update shared by trade portals, the producers have officially communicated the release plans to distributors. Akhanda 2 is scheduled to hit the big screens worldwide on December 12, 2025. But that is not all. Understanding the massive craze for Balakrishna, the makers have planned grand premieres to start the celebrations early. The producers have officially confirmed that the distributor premieres will kick off on the night of December 11, ensuring that the euphoria begins a day before the worldwide release. The excitement for Akhanda 2 is sky-high primarily because of the deadly combination of Nandamuri Balakrishna and director Boyapati Srinu. This marks their fourth collaboration after the blockbuster successes of Simha, Legend, and Akhanda. Balakrishna will be reprising his dual role, with the Aghora character being the highlight. The first part, released in 2021, was a massive commercial success, celebrated for its high-octane action sequences and Thaman S's thunderous background score. The sequel, titled Thaandavam, promises to scale up the action and spiritual intensity to a whole new level.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Los Angeles, December 9 - Director James Cameron's highly-awaited Avatar: Fire & Ash is still over a week away from hitting the big screen, and it has already scored major award nominations. The sci-fi epic is scheduled to release on December 19 domestically and worldwide. On Monday (December 8), the nominations for the Golden Globe Awards 2026 were announced, and to everyone's surprise, Fire and Ash was nominated in the Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement category, even though it has no box office to speak of, yet. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While the nomination for the third Avatar blockbuster came as a surprise, it wasn't out of the rules, as according to the Golden Globes' rules, films released after Nov. 22 may qualify for the box office achievement award based on their projected box office performance and/or streaming views from recognised industry sources. Fire & Ash is expected to open over $100 million at the domestic box office, and based on the past films and projections, it is likely to be among the top grossers worldwide. While the trade is projecting it as a sure shot billion dollar grosser, the question is, can it match the first two films and enter $2 billion club? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film's Golden Globe nomination also hints that Avatar 3 is expected to make enough money to make its case strong for the prestigious honour. It has been nominated alongside F1: The Movie, KPop Demon Hunters, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Sinners, Weapons, Wicked: For Good, and Zootopia 2. Avatar: Fire & Ash is also nominated for Golden Globes in the Best Original Song category for the Dream as One song. The winners of the 83rd Golden Globe Awards will be revealed on January 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 4 - The year 2026 is bracing up to be one of the most important years for Indian cinema with several potential blockbusters lined up to storm the box office. Particularly, March is shaping up to be one of the most explosive months of the year, with multiple big-ticket releases ready to take on each other. From sequels to star-driven action spectacles and ambitious pan-India projects, the lineup promises one of the fiercest box office clashes in recent years. Here's a detailed look at the major films that will make March a blockbuster-packed battleground. Toxic (March 19) – Yash's Dark Thriller Storm (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Yash's Toxic: A Fairytale of Grown-Ups is poised to draw colossal attention. The Kannada superstar's first film after KGF 2, Toxic, is said to carry a gritty, dark tone with stylised violence and a mysterious character arc. The award-winning technicians are working on this, which is touted to be a film to watch out for. Dhurandhar 2 (March 19) – Ranveer Singh Returns to Action (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) After the big success of currently in theatres, Dhurandhar, Ranveer Singh will be back to reprise his role in the high-octane spy actioner. Part 2 is expected to scale up the action, expand the universe, and bring in tougher antagonists. With the first film turning into a box office phenomenon, Dhurandhar 2 enters the month with towering expectations. The Paradise (March 26) – Nani's Action-Filled Emotional Drama Nani's The Paradise releases a week later, offering viewers a breather from the earlier clashes. The film is expected to be a mix of blood-soaked, emotional drama and soulful storytelling, elements Nani is known to excel. Just like other films, it will also have a pan-India release. The film, however, might be postponed to a new date, but the official announcement is yet to be made (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Ustaad Bhagat Singh (March 26) - Pawan Kalyan's action drama After scoring his biggest grosser with They Call Him OG, Pawan Kalyan returns with director Harish Shankar's action drama, which has been in the making for a long time. It is the next big Telugu release, after the Sankranti films, and the expectations are high from the blockbuster actor and director combo, who previously collaborated for the Gabbar Singh in 2012. From mega-sequels and comedies to dark thrillers and emotional dramas, March 2026 brings a rare mix of genres, stars, and high-stakes competition. While these many films span a short period may cut down the full potential of each other; trade predicts record-breaking footfalls, intense box office battles, and a month that could shape the way for the following releases in the year. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Kochi, December 9 - In the golden era of Malayalam cinema, megastar Mammootty's unstoppable run at the box office continues as his latest action thriller Kalamkaval races past the 50-crore mark worldwide within just five days, delivering the fastest fifty of the superstar's illustrious career. The sleek action thriller, directed by Jithin K. Jose, opened to rave reviews from critics and has struck gold with both audiences, thanks to its high-intensity narrative, neat execution, and Mammootty's commanding performance, turning it into a major box office winner. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Produced under Mammootty's home banner, Kalamkaval had one of the biggest opening weekends for a Malayalam movie with over 44 crores gross worldwide. Thanks to the super positive word of mouth, the film showed no signs of slowing down on Monday and scored a rock-solid hold to get near the 50 crores mark. At the time of writing this piece, the film has topped 50 crores worldwide, becoming the fastest for Mammootty and the sixth fastest Malayalam movie of all time. The previous fastest 50 crore grosser of the megastar was Turbo, which released in May 2024, in 6 days. Superstar Mohanlal's Empuraan remains the fastest after topping this milestone with pre-sales only. Depending on how Kalamkaval performs in the second weekend, it has a chance to become Mammootty's first 100 crores grosser at the worldwide box office. The veteran actor's current biggest grosser is Bheeshma Parvam (2022) with 88.20 crores gross worldwide. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, December 9 - Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar is turning out to be an unstoppable force as it continues its terrific run at the box office. The film had terrific opening weekend, followed by excellent Monday and the latest early trends indicate a strong, bigger than Monday, Tuesday on the cards. As of 5 PM, the spy action thriller is showing a 30% jump compared to yesterday's numbers at the same time, signalling an impressive weekday hold that many big films fail to achieve after their opening weekend. The afternoon and early evening occupancy has recorded a noticeable uptick, which has placed the film on course to comfortably beat its Day 4 collection of 23+ crore net. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) If the current momentum sustains through the crucial night shows, Dhurandhar is looking at a 25 crore or higher Day 5. Tuesday usually remains a discounted day, but the makers have opted for regular prices, knowing the growing interest among the audiences. Such growth on a Tuesday is a clear indication of excellent word-of-mouth and widespread acceptance of the film across metros, tier-2, and mass belts. With today's strong performance, the film is also set to cross the 150 crore net mark by the end of Day 5, making it one of the fastest to breach the milestone this year. As per the current trend, the film could close its first week at around 175 crore net (+/-). That would put Dhurandhar among the top-performing Bollywood films, reaffirming its status as a major box office winner and giving Ranveer Singh one of the biggest successes of his career. Note: Final estimate by 10 PM Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

In a notable display of solidarity within the Telugu film industry, the release of the horror-thriller Eesha has been officially postponed to avoid a box office clash with Nandamuri Balakrishna's highly anticipated sequel, Akhanda 2. The decision was lauded as a dignified and graceful move that underscores the unity and values of the fraternity. The announcement came as a surprise, as Eesha was slated to hit theaters on December 12th. However, out of immense respect for Balayya Garu, the film's presenters, Vamsi Nandipati and Bunny Vas, opted to reschedule.This development clears the runway for Akhanda 2, which is now set to storm cinemas on the same date, December 12, 2025. The sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Akhanda reunites Balakrishna with director Boyapati Sreenu, a combination that has a massive following. The original film was a huge commercial success, celebrated for its high-octane action sequences and Balakrishna's powerful performance as an aghora. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The release of Akhanda 2: Thaandavam had faced some uncertainty itself, having been initially postponed from a December 5th release due to financial and legal hurdles, which have since been resolved.The confirmation of its new December 12th release date created a potential conflict with several smaller films that had already planned their premieres for that weekend. The horror film Eesha, directed by Srinivas Manne, stars Thrigun and Hebah Patel in the lead roles.The film's trailer, which depicts a group of friends investigating fraudulent spiritual gurus only to encounter real supernatural threats, had generated significant buzz.Producers Vamsi Nandipati and Bunny Vas, known for backing content-driven stories, made the final call to delay the film's release. Check Out The Trailer Here The gesture has been widely appreciated, highlighting a culture of mutual respect within the industry, particularly when a major star's film is arriving. Fans now eagerly await the new release date for Eesha while the stage is set for Akhanda 2 to have a grand solo opening. .video-container { position: relative; width: 100%; max-width: 1163px; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; margin: 0 auto; } .video-container iframe { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }