‘Ballerina’ Opens Below Expectations Despite John Wick Legacy and Ana de Armas’ Star Power

Lionsgate’s latest action-thriller Ballerina, a spin-off from the acclaimed John Wick franchise, is off to a slower-than-expected start at the North American box office. Despite being showcased in 3,409 theatres and led by popular star Ana de Armas, the R-rated film failed to meet initial projections. Forecasts had earlier suggested a strong opening of over $35 million, but current estimates now place the debut in the mid-$20 million range, with the studio holding onto hope for a $30 million weekend. The film’s Friday earnings—including $3.5 million from Thursday previews—totaled under $11 million, raising concerns among industry insiders. “There’s always concern when a film with great audience reactions doesn’t deliver at the box office,” said one distribution insider. “We need all the wins we can get.” This sluggish performance is particularly surprising given the strength of the John Wick franchise and de Armas’ rising global profile. While R-rated films typically depend on strong evening and weekend turnout, Ballerina faces stiff competition. Disney’s live-action Lilo and Stitch remake, now in its third weekend, continues to draw steady crowds and may even surpass Ballerina in weekend totals—an unexpected outcome for what is seen as Lionsgate’s flagship franchise. Ballerina is the fifth installment in the John Wick universe and is set between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019) and John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023). Directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten, the film is marketed as From the World of John Wick: Ballerina. Despite the underwhelming domestic start, studio insiders remain optimistic that strong international numbers and positive word-of-mouth could help the film recover in the coming weeks.

iOS 26 Preview: 10 Features to Expect at WWDC 2025

Apple’s WWDC 2025 kicks off tomorrow, and while developers may flock for coding tools and AI updates, most iPhone users will be watching closely for what iOS 26 has to offer. The next version of Apple’s mobile operating system appears to focus on meaningful refinements and intelligent enhancements—prioritising utility over flashy gimmicks. Here’s a preview of the 10 biggest features expected to be unveiled: 1. Apple Vision Pro-Inspired Visual Overhaul iOS 26 may introduce the most significant design refresh since iOS 7. Drawing inspiration from the Vision Pro headset, the UI could feature translucent elements, rounded app icons, and a more immersive aesthetic. Apps like Phone, Safari, and Camera are expected to receive interface tweaks, offering more streamlined and visually elegant experiences. 2. Emoji Fusion Get ready for emoji mashups. iOS 26 could let users combine two emojis to create custom ones—perfect for adding creativity and humour to your chats. Think: alien + pizza = alien craving pizza. It’s a lighthearted, expressive feature reminiscent of sticker culture. 3. AI-Powered Battery Health Optimization Apple is infusing AI into practical features. A new smart battery mode may learn your daily phone usage and intelligently manage background processes, extending battery life without compromising performance—no need to toggle low-power mode manually. 4. Real-Time Message Translation The Messages app could get smarter with AI-driven real-time translation, allowing instant translation of incoming texts in different languages. Whether you’re travelling or chatting with international friends, language barriers could become a thing of the past. 5. New Messages Features: Polls & Chat Personalisation Group chats may become more interactive with built-in polls and AI-suggested options for easy decision-making. Plus, you might soon be able to customise chat backgrounds, giving each conversation its own vibe—similar to WhatsApp or Instagram DMs. 6. Live Voice Translation—Everywhere Beyond text, Apple may roll out live voice translation, possibly integrated into phone calls and AirPods. Imagine having a conversation with someone who speaks another language—with real-time translation happening in your ears. Global travel just got easier. 7. Accessibility Upgrades iOS 26 is set to expand Reader Mode system-wide, making text easier to digest across all apps. Apple also plans to improve App Store labels, offering more clear and consistent information for users with visual or cognitive needs. 8. Seamless Captive Wi-Fi Login Logging in to public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, or cafes could become less frustrating. iOS 26 might allow smoother connection to captive networks, reducing repeated pop-ups and login screens—a small tweak with big convenience. 9. AI Health Coach Apple is turning the Health app into a smart lifestyle companion. A virtual health coach could use your health data to suggest personalised wellness goals, including exercise, sleep, and even diet recommendations. Expect tools to track food intake, like caffeine and carbs, aiding users with fitness or medical needs. 10. More Subtle, Integrated AI Across iOS Instead of launching its own chatbot, Apple appears to be threading “Apple Intelligence” quietly through the system—enhancing apps like Messages, Health, and Battery without disrupting the user experience. It’s AI, the Apple way—useful, invisible, and private. As iOS 26 gears up to be revealed, Apple seems focused on delivering smarter, cleaner, and more personalised experiences. It’s not a revolution—it’s refinement. And for many users, that’s exactly what the iPhone needs next.

Housefull 5 Opens to Rave Reviews: A Comic Spectacle That Delivers Twists and Laughter

June 6, 2025 — Akshay Kumar’s much-awaited comic caper, Housefull 5, has finally hit theatres and is already winning hearts across the country. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, the film promises a rollercoaster of comedy, chaos, and unexpected twists — and early reactions from fans and critics alike suggest it delivers in full force. With an ensemble cast featuring Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Sanjay Dutt, Nana Patekar, Jackie Shroff, and more, the fifth instalment in the beloved franchise blends classic Bollywood humour with a murder mystery twist. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), users are calling the film a “mass entertainer” and a “laugh riot with a thrilling edge.” Akshay Kumar’s return to his comedy roots is being especially celebrated, with fans calling it a “legendary comeback.” One post gushed, “Comic timing of Akshay, Riteish & Johnny Lever is unmatched… but that climax??? Twist pe twist!” Another viewer highlighted Sonam Bajwa’s standout performance, calling her Punjabi dialogue “the most authentic” seen in Bollywood in years, a welcome break from tired stereotypes. The film, set largely aboard a luxury cruise, revolves around the chaos that ensues after the death of a billionaire, triggering a string of misadventures, disguises, mistaken identities, and laugh-out-loud moments. Many fans praised the film’s two-part structure, with a “hilarious” first half and a “suspenseful” second half leading to a wild climax. The background score, songs, and ensemble chemistry also earned high marks. As one review summed it up: “Housefull 5 is a total mad combo — solid BGM, full of chaos, and family-friendly fun.” Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, Warda Nadiadwala, and Firuzi Khan under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Housefull 5 appears to have struck the perfect balance between nostalgia and novelty, ensuring a fun-filled theatrical experience for audiences across all ages. If the early buzz is anything to go by, Housefull 5 is well on its way to becoming one of 2025’s biggest Bollywood blockbusters.

Jeetendra Kapoor and Family Sell Andheri Plot for ₹855 Crore to NTT Global Data Centers

Veteran Bollywood actor Jeetendra Kapoor and his family have finalized a massive real estate transaction, selling a prime land parcel in Mumbai’s Andheri for ₹855 crore to NTT Global Data Centers and Cloud Infrastructure. The deal marks one of the largest property transactions in the city this year. According to property documents sourced by prop-tech firm Square Yards, the sale involves two contiguous land parcels spread across 9,664.68 square metres (approximately 2.4 acres). The site, known as Balaji IT Park, currently houses three constructed commercial buildings. The transaction, officially registered in May 2025, was facilitated through two family-owned companies — Pantheon Buildcon and Tusshar Infra Developers. While the deal value stands at ₹855 crore, the government-stipulated market value of the property is ₹729.26 crore. A stamp duty of ₹8.69 crore and registration charges of ₹30,000 were paid to complete the transfer. The buyer, NTT Global Data Centers, is a part of Japanese tech giant NTT and holds the position of India’s largest data center provider. The acquisition aligns with NTT’s ongoing expansion of its digital infrastructure footprint in key metro cities. This high-profile sale reinforces Mumbai’s status as a hotbed for real estate investment, especially in commercial and IT infrastructure segments, as global tech firms continue to invest in India’s digital future.

Aamir Khan Opts for Theatre-Only Release of Sitaare Zameen Par with Amitabh Bachchan’s Backing

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has chosen to release his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par exclusively in theatres, rejecting lucrative offers from digital platforms for an early OTT release. Citing his deep-rooted belief in the magic of cinema and audience experiences, Aamir described the decision as risky but necessary to preserve the sanctity of theatrical storytelling. In a recent interview, Aamir revealed that his conviction was strengthened by none other than Amitabh Bachchan. According to Khan, the veteran actor encouraged him to trust his instincts and take the bold step, reminding him of his legacy as a risk-taker. The conversation between the two took place during a dinner at Bachchan’s residence, which Aamir and his son Junaid had won while participating on Kaun Banega Crorepati. The actor shared that while several industry friends urged him to follow the conventional route and opt for a digital release within eight weeks of the theatrical premiere, he was uncomfortable with the growing pressure from OTT platforms to shorten the window between cinema and streaming. Aamir stated that although he respects all platforms, he believes a gap of at least six months would be more reasonable. “I am a loyalist of cinema, and I believe in it,” Aamir said. “Yes, it’s a big risk, and if the film doesn’t work, it could mean a major loss. But I want the audience to watch my film in theatres first.” Aamir credited Bachchan’s words as the final push he needed. “When I told him about my fears and doubts, he simply asked me why I wasn’t doing it—reminding me that I’ve always taken risks. That validation meant a lot,” he said. Directed by RS Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par features Aamir Khan alongside Genelia D’Souza and tells a heartfelt story involving neurodivergent children. While this theatre-first strategy applies only to this film for now, Aamir’s production house plans to evaluate future distribution models based on the film’s performance and audience response. Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has chosen to release his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par exclusively in theatres, rejecting lucrative offers from digital platforms for an early OTT release. Citing his deep-rooted belief in the magic of cinema and audience experiences, Aamir described the decision as risky but necessary to preserve the sanctity of theatrical storytelling. In a recent interview, Aamir revealed that his conviction was strengthened by none other than Amitabh Bachchan. According to Khan, the veteran actor encouraged him to trust his instincts and take the bold step, reminding him of his legacy as a risk-taker. The conversation between the two took place during a dinner at Bachchan’s residence, which Aamir and his son Junaid had won while participating on Kaun Banega Crorepati. The actor shared that while several industry friends urged him to follow the conventional route and opt for a digital release within eight weeks of the theatrical premiere, he was uncomfortable with the growing pressure from OTT platforms to shorten the window between cinema and streaming. Aamir stated that although he respects all platforms, he believes a gap of at least six months would be more reasonable. “I am a loyalist of cinema, and I believe in it,” Aamir said. “Yes, it’s a big risk, and if the film doesn’t work, it could mean a major loss. But I want the audience to watch my film in theatres first.” Aamir credited Bachchan’s words as the final push he needed. “When I told him about my fears and doubts, he simply asked me why I wasn’t doing it—reminding me that I’ve always taken risks. That validation meant a lot,” he said. Directed by RS Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par features Aamir Khan alongside Genelia D’Souza and tells a heartfelt story involving neurodivergent children. While this theatre-first strategy applies only to this film for now, Aamir’s production house plans to evaluate future distribution models based on the film’s performance and audience response.

Filmmaker Manish Gupta Booked for Allegedly Stabbing Driver Amid Salary Dispute

Versova Police have launched an investigation after a complaint was filed against filmmaker Manish Gupta, known for films such as Section 375, Rahasya, and 420 IPC, for allegedly stabbing his driver following a heated dispute over salary. The incident reportedly occurred earlier on Friday morning, and the driver, Rajibul Lashkar (38), is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries. According to a report by mid-day, Gupta has been booked under Section 118 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—a provision related to voluntarily causing hurt. The FIR was registered at the Versova Police Station, and officials are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the scene to establish the facts. Conflicting Claims from Both Sides While the driver claims that the filmmaker attacked him with a knife during a confrontation about unpaid wages, Manish Gupta has denied all allegations, calling them “false and fabricated.” When contacted, Gupta redirected inquiries to his lawyer Dinesh Tiwari, who strongly refuted the charges. “The allegation against my client Mr. Manish Gupta is baseless and false. This is nothing but a deliberate attempt to extort money from my client,” Tiwari said. He further claimed that Rajibul Lashkar has a criminal background, including an alleged case of bank fraud, and insisted that the driver’s complaint was a “pressure tactic.” Tiwari also confirmed that they plan to initiate counter-legal action against Lashkar for providing false information and filing what he describes as a “fake FIR.” Driver’s Lawyer Demands Immediate Arrest Meanwhile, Advocate Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh, who is representing the driver, has demanded Gupta’s immediate arrest, citing the seriousness of the assault. He maintains that his client is the victim and is cooperating fully with the investigation. The case has garnered attention due to Manish Gupta’s standing in the film industry, known for crafting courtroom and crime thrillers rooted in real-life cases. The ongoing probe by the Mumbai Police will likely determine the next course of legal action. Further developments are awaited as both sides prepare for what could become a prolonged legal confrontation.

कश्मीर को देश से जोड़ेगी रेल: पीएम मोदी आज कटरा से करेंगे श्रीनगर-दिल्ली वंदे भारत एक्सप्रेस का उद्घाटन

जम्मू-कश्मीर को देश के बाकी हिस्सों से जोड़ने वाला ऐतिहासिक रेल संपर्क आज साकार हो रहा है। प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी शुक्रवार को जम्मू के उधमपुर जिले के कटरा से उधमपुर–श्रीनगर–बारामुला रेलवे लिंक (USBRL) का उद्घाटन करेंगे। साथ ही, श्री माता वैष्णो देवी कटरा से श्रीनगर तक वंदे भारत एक्सप्रेस का भी शुभारंभ होगा, जो 7 जून से नियमित रूप से चलेगी। सुरक्षा के पुख्ता इंतजाम, ऑपरेशन सिंदूर के बाद पहली यात्रा पीएम मोदी की यात्रा को लेकर रामबन और उधमपुर क्षेत्रों में सुरक्षा के व्यापक इंतजाम किए गए हैं। डॉग स्क्वॉड, वाहन जांच और कई स्तरीय सुरक्षा घेराबंदी की गई है। यह प्रधानमंत्री की ऑपरेशन सिंदूर के बाद पहली कश्मीर यात्रा है — वह सैन्य कार्रवाई जिसमें पहलगाम आतंकी हमले (22 अप्रैल) के बाद जवाबी कार्रवाई की गई थी, जिसमें 26 लोगों की जान गई थी। राज्यपाल ने किया निरीक्षण, ₹46,000 करोड़ की परियोजनाओं का भी होगा उद्घाटन जम्मू-कश्मीर के उपराज्यपाल मनोज सिन्हा ने गुरुवार को पीएम की रैली की तैयारियों की समीक्षा की और सभी विभागों को समन्वय बनाए रखने तथा सुरक्षा के कड़े उपाय सुनिश्चित करने के निर्देश दिए। प्रधानमंत्री आज कटरा में रेल परियोजना के साथ-साथ ₹46,000 करोड़ से अधिक की विकास परियोजनाओं का उद्घाटन करेंगे। भाजपा ने बताया ‘ऐतिहासिक क्षण’ और ‘ईद का तोहफा’ भाजपा की जम्मू-कश्मीर इकाई ने इस रेल संपर्क को एक “ऐतिहासिक उपलब्धि” बताते हुए इसे प्रदेशवासियों के लिए “कीमती ईद का तोहफा” करार दिया। प्रवक्ता अल्ताफ ठाकुर ने कहा कि यह सिर्फ इंजीनियरिंग की नहीं, बल्कि आशा, विकास और राष्ट्रीय एकता की भी मिसाल है। इस रेल संपर्क से दूरदराज के क्षेत्रों में पर्यटन, कारोबार और अवसरों का नया द्वार खुलेगा। कांग्रेस का कटाक्ष: ‘निरंतरता का महत्व कभी नहीं मानते पीएम’ कांग्रेस ने इस उपलब्धि को शासन में निरंतरता का उदाहरण बताते हुए प्रधानमंत्री मोदी पर निशाना साधा। पार्टी के वरिष्ठ नेता जयराम रमेश ने कहा कि “पीएम हमेशा आत्म-प्रशंसा की लालसा में पिछली सरकारों की भूमिका को नकारते हैं।” उन्होंने कहा कि इतने बड़े और कठिन विकास परियोजनाओं का सफल क्रियान्वयन शासन की सतत प्रक्रिया का परिणाम है। क्या है USBRL परियोजना उधमपुर से श्रीनगर होते हुए बारामुला तक रेल संपर्क बनाने वाली यह परियोजना भारत के सबसे कठिन रेल मार्गों में से एक मानी जाती है। पुलों, सुरंगों और दुर्गम इलाकों से गुजरती यह लाइन रणनीतिक और आर्थिक दृष्टि से अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण है। इसके पूरा होने से कश्मीर घाटी सालभर सुगम रेल परिवहन से जुड़ जाएगी। निष्कर्ष:यह ऐतिहासिक रेल संपर्क सिर्फ एक ट्रांसपोर्ट प्रोजेक्ट नहीं, बल्कि जम्मू-कश्मीर के लिए विकास, एकता और अवसरों की नई पटरी है। चाहे वह शासन की निरंतरता की बहस हो या मौजूदा नेतृत्व की प्राथमिकता — कश्मीर अब रेल से भारत की मुख्यधारा से और भी गहराई से जुड़ चुका है।

Aamir Khan Confirms Superhero Film with Lokesh Kanagaraj, Biopic with Hirani, and Opens Up on Dream Project ‘Mahabharata’

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has officially announced his collaboration with acclaimed Tamil filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj for a big-scale superhero action film. Speaking to PTI during a group interaction, the actor revealed that the project will begin in the second half of 2025. “Lokesh and I are working on a film. It is a superhero film. It is a big-scale action film and it will start next year, second half,” said Aamir. Lokesh, known for his high-octane blockbusters like Vikram, Leo, Master, and Kaithi, is expected to bring his signature cinematic style to the Hindi film industry with this venture. Addressing rumors about a sequel to his 2014 satirical hit PK, Aamir clarified that there are no plans for PK 2. Instead, he confirmed a biopic on Dadasaheb Phalke, the Father of Indian Cinema, with director Rajkumar Hirani. “PK 2 is a rumour. I’m doing the Dadasaheb Phalke biopic. Raju and I are working on it,” he said. Aamir also spoke about his most cherished and ambitious project, a cinematic adaptation of the Mahabharata, which he has dreamt of for over 25 years. “Mahabharata has been my dream for the last 25 years. It is not a film. When you are making Mahabharata, you are not making a film — you’re surrendering,” he explained. However, he cautioned that the project is still in its infancy, with no concrete foundation yet in place. “Till the time I don’t make a basic foundation for it, I won’t be able to answer any questions. All I know is I’m going to start work on it.” When asked which films from his past could have sequels, Aamir pointed to Dil Chahta Hai (2001), 3 Idiots (2009), and Sarfarosh (1999). He envisioned a sequel to 3 Idiots that would revisit the characters played by him, R Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi later in life. He also proposed an interesting idea for a Dil Chahta Hai sequel, exploring a mid-life crisis angle where the trio — Aamir, Akshaye Khanna, and Saif Ali Khan — are all undergoing therapy. “It would be an interesting thing, you know, for the three of them,” he added with a smile. With a superhero film, a biopic, and a mythological epic on the cards, Aamir Khan is clearly charting an ambitious roadmap for the coming years.

Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life — A Missed Opportunity Drenched in Visual Grandeur but Starved of Substance

“You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” — This line doesn’t just haunt the characters in Thug Life, it eerily mirrors the trajectory of filmmaker Mani Ratnam himself in what is arguably his weakest film to date. Despite the promise of a powerhouse ensemble — Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan, Trisha, Joju George, with a score by AR Rahman and visuals by Ravi K Chandran — Thug Life collapses under the weight of ambition without coherence. 🧨 What Goes Wrong? 💔 Mani Ratnam’s Decline? This film is not the work of a master in control of his craft. Instead, Thug Life plays like a bloated imitation of Nayakan, echoing its themes without understanding its soul. 🎥 What Works (Barely)? 🎭 Kamal Haasan: Hero or Misfit? In a film that requires simmering rage and emotional restraint, Kamal veers into over-the-top theatrics, seeming out of sync with both story and co-stars. It’s one of his more disconnected performances in recent memory, never quite merging with the tonal fabric of the film. ⚖️ Verdict: Thug Life tries to be an epic but ends up a visually polished misfire. With incoherent storytelling, poor character work, and a script that overstays its welcome, this is Mani Ratnam at his most frustrating. For fans of the auteur, it’s a sobering reminder that even legends can falter when style overtakes substance. Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) Watch it only if you’re a Mani-Kamal completist — or if you want to study how a potentially powerful story can unravel when the pen forgets the pulse.

Rajinikanth’s Coolie Eyes Historic Overseas Deal; Telugu Market Becomes Key Focus

Rajinikanth’s upcoming action entertainer Coolie is already creating waves in the trade circuits, even before its release. The film has reportedly received massive offers for its overseas theatrical rights, with bids surpassing ₹80 crore. If finalized, this would mark the biggest overseas pre-release deal in Tamil cinema history, overtaking previous record-holders like 2.0, Jailer, and Leo. The film’s overseas rights are still in the process of being finalized, but the strong interest reflects the enormous anticipation surrounding the project. Sources indicate that an official announcement regarding the distribution deal is expected soon. In a strategic move, the makers of Coolie are placing a sharper focus on the Telugu-speaking states rather than the Hindi belt. This approach stems from the recent trend where Tamil biggies like Jailer and Leo performed exceptionally well in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, outperforming their collections in the Hindi circuit. With this in mind, the Coolie team is eyeing a Telugu distribution deal in the range of ₹40–50 crore, a significant number by regional standards. Interestingly, the film also features Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, whose pan-India appeal could balance out the focus between the South and Hindi markets. His inclusion may help strengthen the film’s performance in North India, potentially uniting both linguistic circuits on equal footing. However, Coolie may face stiff competition from YRF’s War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji and starring Hrithik Roshan, NTR Jr, and Kiara Advani. Although primarily a Hindi film, War 2 is expected to have a major Telugu release, banking on the enormous popularity of NTR Jr in the region. This could pose a challenge to Coolie’s dominance in the Telugu states. The ensemble cast of Coolie adds further weight to the film’s appeal. Alongside Rajinikanth and Aamir Khan, the film features major stars like Nagarjuna, Upendra, Sivakarthikeyan, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, and Pooja Hegde — ensuring strong traction across multiple regions and fan bases. With immense pre-release buzz, strategic market targeting, and an all-star lineup, Coolie is shaping up to be a pan-India box office juggernaut, with the potential to set new records both at home and overseas.

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