BY CHRISTA LINCY

The bidding war for the music rights of Namit Malhotra's Ramayana has taken a definitive turn just hours after the initial reports of a competition surfaced. In what is being described as a wild card entry, T-Series has reportedly secured the deal with a massive ₹75 crore offer. This development comes after Sony Music was leading the race earlier today with a ₹70 crore bid, while the production team was holding out for a target closer to ₹100 crore. According to reports from Lets Cinema, a formal handshake between the Ramayana team and T-Series took place today, with the official paperwork now underway to finalize the partnership. By offering ₹75 crore, T-Series has effectively locked the deal for the global music rights across all languages. This amount represents a new benchmark for the Indian music industry, comfortably surpassing the previous record of ₹54 crore held by Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The record-breaking valuation is largely driven by the high-profile nature of the film's score, which is a collaborative effort between Academy Award winners AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer. The combination of these two musical giants is seen as a central pillar of the film’s global appeal, justifying the premium price tag. For T-Series, this acquisition ensures that the soundtrack of one of India’s biggest ever productions will be backed by the country’s largest music label. While the makers were initially seeking a three-figure sum, the ₹75 crore deal is a significant win in terms of pre-release revenue. It marks an increase of nearly 40 percent over the highest previously recorded music deal for a Hindi film. With major distribution partnerships already in place with Dharma Productions and Sony Pictures, locking the music rights at such a high figure further strengthens the financial recovery strategy for the film as it moves toward its Diwali 2026 release.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

After a historic theatrical run that saw it rewrite the record books for musical biopics, Michael is finally heading to digital screens. Starring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, the film became a global phenomenon, overcoming early production controversies and mixed critical reviews to emerge as one of the most successful biographical dramas ever made. For those who missed the high-energy transformation of Michael Jackson in theaters, the wait to stream it at home is nearly over. Where and when to stream Michael on OTT? The digital rights for Michael have been secured by Jio Hotstar through its partnership with the Peacock Hub. The platform has officially confirmed that the biopic will start streaming on August 29, 2026. Given the massive scale of its global success, the film is expected to be available in multiple languages for the Indian audience. While it lead the box office in its original English version, the OTT release will also include a Hindi dubbed version to cater to the pan-India fan base that contributed significantly to its domestic gross. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What is the story of Michael? Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, the film chronicles the complex life and unparalleled career of Michael Jackson. The narrative follows his journey from a child star in the Jackson 5 to becoming a global icon, exploring both his creative genius and the personal struggles that followed him throughout his career. Jaafar Jackson, the real-life nephew of Michael Jackson, delivers a career-defining performance that captures the dance moves, vocal range, and mannerisms of the superstar. The film places a heavy emphasis on his musical evolution, featuring recreated performances of his greatest hits while navigating the intense media scrutiny and private challenges of his later years. Michael proved to be an absolute juggernaut at the box office, shattering the opening weekend benchmark for musical biopics by debuting with $217 million globally. It eventually surpassed Bohemian Rhapsody to become the highest-grossing musical biopic of all time and even overtook Oppenheimer to become the largest film based on a real person. In India, the film managed a solid net collection of ₹71.09 Cr, driven largely by premium format screens like IMAX where it maintained an exceptionally long hold. Here is the week-by-week net collection breakdown for the Indian market: Week 1 Net Collection: ₹26.05 Cr Week 2 Net Collection: ₹18.20 Cr Week 3 Net Collection: ₹11.75 Cr Week 4 Net Collection: ₹6.80 Cr Week 5 Net Collection: ₹3.90 Cr Week 6 Net Collection: ₹2.55 Cr Week 7-11 Total: ₹1.84 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film is also historic for being the first Lionsgate movie to ever reach the $1 billion milestone worldwide, comfortably beating previous studio records held by The Hunger Games and Twilight. In India, the film saw massive engagement on digital booking platforms, selling over 1.85 million tickets on BookMyShow throughout its run. On its very first day, national chains like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis alone sold roughly 45,000 tickets, generating ₹1.70 crore in gross revenue. With over 2 million footfalls recorded in the Indian market, the film's transition to OTT is expected to draw a similarly high volume of viewers. Michael (2026): Box Office Collection Summary CATEGORY COLLECTION (INR) India Net Collection ₹ 71.09 Cr India Gross Collection ₹ 83.62 Cr Overseas Gross Collection ₹ 5,580.00 Cr Worldwide Total Gross ₹ 9,050.36 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Michael (2026): Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is Michael a hit or a flop? Michael is an All-Time Blockbuster. It is the highest-grossing musical biopic in history, crossing the $1 billion mark globally and breaking multiple studio records for Lionsgate. Where can I stream Michael on OTT in India? The film will be available for streaming on Jio Hotstar via the Peacock Hub in both English and Hindi languages. Who plays Michael Jackson in the biopic? The role is played by Jaafar Jackson, who is the real-life nephew of Michael Jackson and son of Jermaine Jackson. When is the Michael OTT release date? The film is officially scheduled to premiere on digital platforms on August 29, 2026.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 27 - The excitement surrounding director Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Part 1 continues to grow as fresh details about the film's ending and its long-awaited trailer have surfaced. During the film's panel at San Diego Comic-Con, the filmmaker confirmed that the first instalment will conclude on a major cliffhanger, setting the stage for the second chapter. While it may not be a shocking part for Indian audiences, it may definitely lead to massive excitement among international audiences. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Comparing the narrative structure to epic two-part sagas, Tiwari explained that the story naturally demanded a split, allowing the first film to build towards an emotionally charged ending rather than rushing through the entire epic. The update comes just days after the film's trailer was unexpectedly postponed from its originally planned global launch. Producer Namit Malhotra had announced that the trailer would be delayed, citing unforeseen circumstances, despite it being scheduled to debut at Comic-Con before releasing online worldwide. The makers have confirmed that the trailer will now be dropped online on Thursday, July 30, at 4:15 AM, and will be attached to Spider-Man: Brand New Day print in cinemas from July 30, giving audiences their first full look at the ambitious epic on the big screen. As already made official, Ramayana will be distributed by Sony Pictures, the studio behind Brand New Day, internationally, while Dharma Production will release it in India. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The two-part format will allow the makers to explore the Ramayana with greater depth, while the cliffhanger ending is expected to leave audiences eagerly awaiting the conclusion. Ranbir Kapoor, who portrays Lord Ram, recently revealed that some of the film's biggest moments, including the face-off between Lord Ram and Yash's Ravana, have not yet been filmed, underscoring the massive scale and ongoing production of the duology. Yash, meanwhile, has described portraying Ravana as one of the most challenging roles of his career, promising a fresh interpretation of the iconic antagonist. Produced by Namit Malhotra and Yash, Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol, and Ravi Dubey in key roles. The first film is slated for a Diwali 2026 release, with Part 2 scheduled to arrive during Diwali 2027, making it one of the most ambitious Indian film franchises ever mounted.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

As the promotional cycle for Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana Part 1 moves into high gear before its Diwali release, the industry is already turning its attention to Ranbir Kapoor's next massive theatrical outing. According to a report by Variety India, the production team behind Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War is currently finalizing the first official look of the film, which is expected to be unveiled in the coming months. This early reveal is intended to begin the long-term marketing journey for the project, which remains one of the most talked-about ensemble pieces in modern Hindi cinema. The decision to release the first official asset before Diwali 2026 is a calculated move to build anticipation well ahead of the film's scheduled release on January 21, 2027. While the production house has yet to lock in a specific date for this unveiling, sources indicate that fans can expect the official character posters or a teaser image in the next few weeks. This strategy allows the film to establish its presence in the audience's mind even as Ranbir Kapoor dominates the narrative with his portrayal in the Ramayana epic. During his recent interaction at the San Diego Comic-Con, Ranbir himself confirmed the status of both projects, noting that he is actively working on both Love & War and Ramayana to ensure they meet their respective timelines. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The casting of Love & War is a significant draw, bringing together the powerhouse trio of Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. However, the rest of the supporting cast has been kept strictly under wraps by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his team. Despite several alleged first look photos and leaked images circulating on social media over the last few months, the makers have maintained a tight lid on the actual production designs. The official advice for audiences has been to disregard these unofficial leaks, as the upcoming character reveals are designed to offer the first authentic glimpse into the aesthetic and tone of the film. Billed as an intense romantic drama, Love & War is set against the sprawling backdrop of a military conflict. This combination of intimate emotional stakes and grand-scale military action is a hallmark of Bhansali's storytelling style. The project arrives at a time when all three lead actors are experiencing major career milestones. Alia Bhatt is coming off the release of her action-packed role in Alpha, which arrived in theaters earlier this July. Vicky Kaushal’s last major outing was the historical drama Chhaava, released in 2025, where he received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Meanwhile, Ranbir Kapoor is preparing to lead the Diwali box office with Ramayana, which also stars Yash and Sai Pallavi. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With Bhansali at the helm and a cast of this caliber, the expectations for Love & War are high. The film's January 2027 release window provides a clear path for it to dominate the first quarter of that year. As the production enters its next phase, the official first look will serve as the primary confirmation of the film's visual direction, effectively ending the months of speculation and leaked rumors that have followed the project since its announcement.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The business surrounding Namit Malhotra's Ramayana continues to set new benchmarks in the Indian film industry. As the epic prepares for its highly anticipated release, the focus has shifted toward its non-theatrical deals. According to a report by Pinkvilla, the makers are currently targeting a record-breaking music rights deal worth ₹100 crore for the first installment of the franchise. If achieved, this would comfortably become the highest music rights valuation for a Hindi film to date. The massive valuation is driven by the unique musical collaboration of Academy Award winners AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer, who are composing the score for the film. This high-profile partnership has naturally attracted all the major music labels in the country. Currently, several key players are in negotiations, including T-Series, Sony Music, Saregama, and Universal. Industry sources indicate that Sony Music has placed the highest bid so far at approximately ₹70 crore, while T-Series has offered around ₹60 crore. While these figures already exceed previous industry standards, the production team is holding out for a number closer to their ₹100 crore target. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) To put this into context, the current record for the highest music rights deal for a Hindi film is held by Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which was sold to T-Series for ₹54 crore. The fact that the opening bids for Ramayana have already surpassed this mark highlights the immense market confidence in the project. The film features a star-studded cast led by Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, which adds to its global appeal across multiple languages. The music deal is just one part of a much larger financial strategy. The makers have already secured significant distribution partnerships, including Dharma Productions for North India and Sony Pictures for international markets. The deal with Sony Pictures is particularly noteworthy as a unique partnership where the studio has reportedly committed roughly ₹235 crore toward global marketing. With the producers adding another ₹140 crore, the total marketing budget is estimated at a massive ₹375 crore. This strategy aims to recover a significant portion of the production costs through high-value non-theatrical rights before the film even hits theaters. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Part One is scheduled for a grand theatrical release during Diwali 2026. While fans were expecting the first trailer on July 24, the launch was pushed back to a later date that is yet to be announced. As the release window approaches, the finalization of these record deals will be closely monitored by the industry to see if the film can indeed hit the elusive ₹100 crore milestone in the music space.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Chennai, July 28 - Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan is doing more than just posting impressive box office numbers - it is reminding everyone why the actor's exit from cinema leaves a massive void in the Tamil film industry. Despite facing a delayed release, outright negative reviews, piracy issues, and the actor's full-time transition into politics, the film has still emerged as one of the biggest Tamil releases of 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Within just the opening weekend, the film crossed the 200 crore worldwide milestone. Instead of fading after the opening weekend, as trade was expecting given the negative reception, the film has shown surprisingly good hold on Monday, underlining why Vijay has remained one of Indian cinema's most bankable stars for over two decades. The film opened with around 78 crore worldwide and enjoyed a healthy jump over the weekend. Strong weekday collections are often a sign that a film is attracting audiences beyond the initial fan frenzy, and Vijay's swansong has done exactly that. The Monday performance has significantly improved the film's long-term box office prospects and reaffirmed the actor's unmatched drawing power. Though it may still not be able to recover the cost involved, due to reasons mentioned above. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What Tamil cinema will miss the most is Vijay's ability to turn every release into a theatrical event. Regardless of reviews, genre, or competition, his films consistently delivered massive openings, packed cinemas, and strong performances in Tamil Nadu as well as overseas markets. Few stars have enjoyed the kind of universal appeal that brings together families, casual moviegoers, and hardcore fans in such huge numbers. His consistency at the box office has made him one of the industry's most dependable superstars. While Tamil cinema continues to boast several talented leading actors, replacing Vijay's unique combination of fan following, theatrical pull, and box office reliability will be an enormous challenge. Jana Nayagan is once again demonstrating that his presence alone can elevate a film into a major commercial event. As the film continues its theatrical run, it serves as a reminder that Vijay's retirement from acting leaves a void that cannot be filled overnight.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Marvel fans in India have a notable week ahead at the box office with the arrival of Spider-Man: Brand New Day on July 30. The theatrical prints of this new Spider-Man film will include the official trailer for Avengers: Doomsday. While the footage has already circulated online, this move allows Indian audiences to experience the scale of the next major Avengers crossover on the big screen for the first time. Including the Avengers: Doomsday trailer in theaters is a strategic move to leverage the high attendance numbers expected for a Spider-Man release. India remains a key international market for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and offering the chance to see flagship ensemble footage in a premium format often helps drive early ticket sales. This theatrical debut of the trailer is highly anticipated as it provides a large-scale look at the new direction the franchise is taking following recent production updates. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The early footage from Avengers: Doomsday has provided plenty of details for fans to analyze, especially regarding the massive scale of the film. Reports suggest that the final movie is currently tracking for a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 46 minutes. This would make it one of the longest entries in the franchise, sitting right alongside the expansive runtimes of previous Avengers crossovers. The trailer itself is packed with hidden elements that hint at the high stakes involved in this multiversal story. One of the most significant details being discussed by audiences involves a display inside the newly renovated Avengers Tower. Fans speculate that three connected globes seen in the footage represent three distinct realities colliding. This visual is widely believed to represent the main MCU (Earth-616), the world of the Fantastic Four, and the original 20th Century Fox X-Men universe, suggesting that an incursion will be a central plot point. Additionally, eagle-eyed viewers have reportedly decoded a glitched countdown clock from promotional teasers, which appears to display coordinates for past locations of the Infinity Stones, leading to theories that the history of the Stones still plays a role in this upcoming crisis. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The action sequences shown in the trailer give us a glimpse of some unexpected matchups. One notable scene takes place on the grounds of the X-Mansion, featuring a battle where Shang-Chi uses the Ten Rings against Gambit, and Yelena Belova faces off against Mystique. The power of the new antagonist is also established early on. In a shocking moment, Thor attempts to hit Doctor Doom with Stormbreaker, but Doom effortlessly stops the weapon using just two fingers. This interaction sets a very dangerous tone for the heroes, especially given Thor's emotional narration where he warns that all past sacrifices will be for nothing without a miracle. While the focus remains on the release of Spider-Man Brand New Day, the inclusion of the Doomsday footage adds an extra layer of value for theater-goers. Historically, Marvel has used these theatrical attachments to create a unique event-style atmosphere for fans who prefer the big-screen experience over mobile leaks or early digital previews. The July 30 date puts Indian fans in a unique position to catch this content as theaters prepare for one of the busiest weekends of the quarter. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Avengers Doomsday has been a major talking point in the industry recently, especially after the confirmation of the Russo Brothers returning to direct and the casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. By pairing the trailer with a Spider-Man film, the studio is leaning into the strong connection between these characters that has been established in previous phases of the MCU. For now, all eyes are on the July 30 release to see how this double-feature experience impacts the opening day numbers across major Indian cities. Avengers Doomsday Trailer: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) When can Indian audiences see the Avengers Doomsday trailer in theaters? The trailer will be officially attached to the theatrical prints of Spider-Man: Brand New Day starting from July 30, 2026 What is the estimated runtime for Avengers Doomsday? Current reports suggest the film is tracking for a massive runtime of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 46 minutes, making it one of the longest entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What are the key theories from the first trailer? Fans speculate that the three connected globes shown in the footage represent multiversal incursions between Earth-616, the Fantastic Four universe, and the Fox X-Men universe. There are also theories about the creation of Battleworld and the return of Infinity Stone coordinates. Who is directing the film and when will it release? The Russo Brothers are returning to direct this milestone event, which is officially scheduled for a global theatrical release in December 2026.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 28 - Spider-Man: Brand New Day has finally been seen by the members of the press after the worldwide premiere on July 27. The fourth standalone Spider-Man, led by Tom Holland, is one of the most eagerly awaited, and the early reactions from the premiere indicate why it is generating so much hype, not just in North America, but worldwide. The early reactions say that director Destin Daniel Cretton's blockbuster is grounded, emotionally charged, and one of the best, if not the best, Spider-Man movies across all three series. Following the events after Spider-Man: No Way Home, Brand New Day shows Holland's Peter Parker/Spider-Man being vulnerable yet a hope for mankind. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Destin Daniel Cretton's Spider-Man: Brand New Day injects a ferocious energy into Spidey's latest adventure, delivering all the thrills you'd expect from a Tom Holland Spider-Man movie while feeling deeper, more thoughtful and more mature than the previous trilogy. That… pic.twitter.com/ejzaeoVape— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) July 28, 2026 #SpiderManBrandNewDay is not only Tom Holland's best Spider-Man movie, it's one of the best Spider-Man films period.Super emotional and heartfelt, packed with unforgettable moments and an amazing direction, it perfectly captures what makes Peter Parker such an enduring hero. I… pic.twitter.com/HHLJHfDrd1— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) July 28, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) It really is a brand new day for Peter Parker as Destin Daniel Cretton takes over for Jon Watts in the director’s chair for SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY. Cretton brings a more grounded, back-to-basics approach to the beloved web-slinger, making this fourth standalone film feel like… pic.twitter.com/d3DNxiyBHA— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) July 28, 2026 SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY — Marvel dials back the multiverse tedium for a grounded Spider-Man tale that’s back to the grungy city roots of the comic book hero we knew and loved. Tom Holland finally nails the sarcasm, angst and love hassles of Spidey/Peter Parker as Stan Lee… pic.twitter.com/EuliPdmkqo— Peter Howell 🖊 (@peterhowellfilm) July 28, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) #SpidermanBrandNewDay is everything I hoped it would be! A tragic yet poetic odyssey about what it truly means to feel alone, only to realize you may not have to be alone…It’s thematically beautiful while still delivering an endlessly entertaining Spider-Man adventure that… pic.twitter.com/QCeOoY5JU4— Zach Pope (@ZachhPope) July 28, 2026 #SpidermanBrandNewDay is an older Spider-Man movie.Gone are the high school days, not just in tone but in visuals as well. No pop song over the end credits. This is a reserved, street level, Spider-Man.It does deal with a lot of themes of loneliness, which I tend to…— Robert Adams (@RCAReacts) July 28, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Spider-Man: Brand New Day somehow manages to top No Way Home as my new favorite Spider-Man film and the best Marvel movie to date. The secret sauce with this one is the emotional weight of the screenplay. You really feel the pain and sorrow that Peter is feeling and the scenes… pic.twitter.com/Ox8jIR4IpL— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) July 28, 2026 #SpiderManBrandNewDay is not only my least favorite of the Tom Holland Spidey films, but one of the worst movies of the MCU as a whole. It's tremendously ugly with atrocious CGI and unintelligible action, and the emotional beats are hokey. A big disappointment. pic.twitter.com/n5VOqJ0aHX— Sean Boelman (@bigtunaonfilm) July 28, 2026 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) #SpiderManBrandNewDay is AWE-INSPIRING. ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR. Destin Daniel Cretton crafts a bold and mature take on our favourite web-head. Tom Holland cements himself as the best Spider-Man to don the mask. Amazing action sequences. Sensational production design. The defining… pic.twitter.com/Ru0C2Q1Obh— Anthony Gagliardi @ The Movie Podcast (@AJGaliardi) July 28, 2026 #BrandNewDay is the Tom Holland Spider-Man movie I’ve been waiting for. Packed with so much emotional depth. Spectacular new visual flair. Along with strong character arcs. Destin Daniel Cretton nailed all these elements. I’m so satisfied! Also Punisher/Spidey dynamic… PERFECT😂 pic.twitter.com/0xIAJB8fJv— Cris Parker (@3CFilmss) July 28, 2026

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Ranbir Kapoor is reportedly no longer associated with the fourth installment of the Dhoom franchise, according to a report by Bollywood Hungama. While he was widely considered for the role of the lead antagonist, the actor has decided to move on from the project. This development follows a period of high industry expectation regarding his potential entry into the Yash Raj Films action series, marking a change in the development plans for the upcoming film. The reports suggest that while discussions between the actor and the production house were ongoing for quite some time, they eventually fizzled out. A key reason cited for this departure is the script. Sources indicate that Ranbir Kapoor was not entirely convinced by the current draft of the story. Known for prioritizing the narrative and character depth over franchise labels, the actor chose to part ways after several rounds of meetings did not yield a creative consensus. This decision has reportedly left the production team looking for a fresh direction as they prepare to reboot one of India’s most successful brands. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) For nearly two years, the strongest trade rumor in Bollywood suggested that Aditya Chopra had selected Ranbir Kapoor to lead the rebooted franchise as its new charismatic anti-hero. However, the actor himself provided a definitive answer during a recent appearance at San Diego Comic-Con while promoting his upcoming project, Ramayana. When asked directly about headlining the action series, Ranbir explicitly denied his involvement, stating that his current focus is entirely on Ramayana and his other film, Love & War. There has also been significant movement regarding the directorial helm of the project. Earlier, it was believed that Ayan Mukerji would be directing Dhoom 4. However, after the experience with War 2, Aditya Chopra reportedly decided to seek a different creative lead for this specific franchise. Ranbir, who shares a close professional bond with Mukerji, was reportedly awaiting clarity from YRF regarding the director and the final vision. With the project undergoing internal shifts, the actor has now moved on to explore other subjects and is meeting with various writers and directors for his future slate. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) From a trade perspective, however, the status of the film remains in the early stages. Multiple industry sources claim that the script for Dhoom 4 is still very much in the development phase and that no official casting decisions have been finalized at this point. They argue that until the script is locked, any attachment or departure of a lead actor remains part of the evolving pre-production process. Regardless of these conflicting views, it appears certain that YRF will eventually have to look for new casting options if they wish to match the scale of the previous installments. The Dhoom franchise holds a special place in Bollywood history, known for its stylized villains and high-speed chases. It began in 2004 with John Abraham, followed by an era-defining performance by Hrithik Roshan in Dhoom 2 in 2006. The last chapter, Dhoom 3 in 2013 starring Aamir Khan, was a massive commercial juggernaut. It became the first Indian film to breach the ₹500 crore mark at the worldwide box office, setting a benchmark for action cinema in the country. Given this legacy, the pressure to find a lead who can carry the franchise forward is immense. The franchise is also known for its history of pushing technical boundaries. Yash Raj Films used the massive box office weight of the series to gamble on innovation with Dhoom 3, which became the first native Hindi movie ever presented in the IMAX format. This move caused a significant surge in premium-screen average ticket prices across major metro chains and set a new standard for the scale of Indian action cinema.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The focus for Jana Nayagan has shifted toward its massive reach on digital platforms, where it is breaking significant volume records. On BookMyShow, the film has officially crossed the 30 lakh ticket milestone, making it only the seventh Tamil film in the last three years to achieve this. This performance is being viewed as a major success, especially considering the film carries an A-rating and faced challenges from early online leaks before its release. The following seven Tamil films have crossed the 30 lakh milestone on BookMyShow over the last three years, with approximate ticket sales recorded as follows: • Jailer — 9.21 million tickets • Leo — 7.30 million tickets • Coolie — 6.09 million tickets • Amaran — 4.90 million tickets • Karuppu — 4.51+ million tickets • The Greatest of All Time (GOAT) — 4.51 million tickets • Jana Nayagan — 3.30 million tickets (Ongoing) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Beyond BookMyShow, the film has seen high volume through other trackers as well. According to data from District SS, an additional 2.5 million tickets have been sold, bringing the total tracked ticket count to over 5.8 million within just five days. This level of penetration across different booking platforms indicates a very high level of audience engagement that extends beyond just the major multiplex chains. Thalapathy Vijay has also reached a personal milestone with this release, securing a historical hat-trick. He is now the only Indian actor to have three consecutive films—Leo, The Greatest of All Time, and Jana Nayagan—cross the 1 million ticket mark in advance bookings alone on BookMyShow. For Jana Nayagan, the pre-sales alone accounted for 1.18 million tickets, setting a strong foundation for the opening weekend. The daily ticket sales trend on BookMyShow highlights how the film maintained its momentum. Following the massive 1.18 million pre-sales, the film sold 631.73K tickets on Thursday, 492.97K on Friday, and 487.58K on Saturday. Even as it moved toward the end of the weekend, it sold 350.6K tickets on Sunday and 155.47K on its first Monday. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On the Monday ticket sales chart, Jana Nayagan secured the 9th position for the highest first Monday sales for a Tamil film on the platform. With 155.47K tickets sold, it joined an elite list featuring major blockbusters. While the Monday dip was expected following a massive weekend, the cumulative total of 33,00,720 tickets on BookMyShow alone solidifies the film's position as one of the most widely watched Tamil releases of the year. Here is how the top 10 list for the highest first Monday ticket sales on BookMyShow stands: 1. Jailer — 638K 2. Leo — 470K 3. Karuppu — 300K 4. Amaran — 206K 5. Dude — 195K 6. The Greatest of All Time — 190K 7. Coolie — 180K 8. GBU — 160K 9. Jana Nayagan — 155K 10. Maharaja/Bison — 126K

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, July 28 - Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures are on the verge of delivering one of the biggest box office launches in cinematic history with Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The Tom Holland starrer is now tracking for a staggering $800 million-plus worldwide opening weekend, a figure that would rank second only to Avengers: Endgame. The film's advance-booking campaign has exceeded expectations in virtually every major market, signalling unprecedented demand ahead of its global release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The biggest driving force behind these extraordinary projections is the film's phenomenal advance sales. Pre-sales worldwide are reportedly second only to Avengers: Endgame, with an exceptional response not just in North America but also in international markets such as India, China, South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and Latin America. China and South Korea, in particular, have witnessed surprisingly explosive ticket demand after a gap. In North America, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is now reportedly targeting a $300 million-plus opening weekend, a feat achieved only once before by Avengers: Endgame. Overseas markets are expected to contribute more than $500 million, taking the global debut beyond the $800 million mark if current trends continue. If these projections hold, the film will register one of the largest domestic and international debuts ever recorded. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) India is also emerging as one of the strongest international territories for the superhero blockbuster. The film is currently expected to open with at least $5 million over its opening weekend in the country, with the potential to climb to $7 million or more depending on walk-in audiences and premium-format occupancy. Strong demand, coupled with robust bookings across the country, has positioned India among the film's top-performing overseas markets. Should these projections translate into actual box office numbers, Spider-Man: Brand New Day will not only deliver one of the biggest openings in cinema history but also reaffirm Spider-Man's status as the world's most bankable superhero franchise. With bookings already approaching historic levels worldwide, all eyes are now on whether the film can come close to Avengers: Endgame's legendary opening weekend record. It is releasing on July 30 in India.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Kahaani franchise is preparing for its third installment with a significant change in its leading lady. Industry reports suggest that Yami Gautam has been finalized to play the lead role in the upcoming thriller, effectively replacing Vidya Balan who was the face of the first two films. Original director Sujoy Ghosh is set to return to direct this project, which is reportedly scheduled to begin filming in November 2026. While the brand name remains, the story for this third part will not be a direct continuation of the previous narratives. Sujoy Ghosh is reportedly crafting a completely fresh mystery centered on a new character played by Yami Gautam. The objective is to preserve the signature suspense and atmospheric tension of the Kahaani universe while introducing a new narrative arc. This approach suggests that the series is evolving into an anthology of standalone thrillers tied together by their investigative and emotional core rather than a single recurring protagonist. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The decision to move forward with a third film is backed by the impressive commercial history of the franchise. The original Kahaani, released in 2012, became a legendary success by earning a worldwide gross of 79.20 Cr on a production budget of approximately 8 Cr. It netted 51.30 Cr in the domestic market and was declared a Hit. Most notably, its global gross was more than 13 times its production cost, a rare feat for mid-budget cinema that established it as a benchmark for return on investment. The 2016 sequel, Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh, saw a worldwide gross of 55.90 Cr and an India net of 33.03 Cr, which resulted in an Average verdict at the box office. The franchise has always relied on grounded, real-life inspirations to build its scripts. The core plot of a woman searching for a missing loved one in a strange city was inspired by novelist Advaita Kala's own experiences. In 1999, she moved from the US to Kolkata to work at a hotel, retracing the footsteps of a boyfriend who had previously worked there. The feelings of isolation, language barriers, and the intensity of her search were captured in the screenplay. Sujoy Ghosh amplified this by using guerrilla-filmmaking techniques, often shooting with hidden cameras on the busy streets of Kolkata to ensure the city appeared as an authentic, living character rather than a structured movie set. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Yami Gautam enters the franchise at a high point in her career, especially following the recent announcement from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on July 18, 2026. She was honored with the National Film Award for her performance in the political thriller Article 370, marking the very first such recognition in her 14-year career. In the film, she portrayed Zooni Haksar, a determined intelligence officer navigating a high-stakes mission in Jammu and Kashmir. This victory was particularly significant as it served as a double win; she received individual honors while the film itself, produced under her and husband Aditya Dhar’s banner, B62 Studios, secured the marquee Best Feature Film award. With Article 370 also crossing the 100 Cr mark worldwide, her proven ability to lead serious, content-driven projects like A Thursday and Lost has made her a logical successor in this genre. While the shift in leads remains a major talking point for fans, the return of Sujoy Ghosh as the creative head suggests the eerie and gritty tone of the series will remain intact as the team prepares to begin filming in late 2026.