Category: Featured

The stage is heating up for one of the most anticipated box office battles in recent Indian cinema history, as Rajinikanth’s Coolie locks horns with Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR’s War 2 this August. And if early numbers are anything to go by, the Thalaivar storm has already begun sweeping the overseas market. With 20 days still to go before its premiere, Coolie has stormed the U.S. advance booking charts, grossing $291,400 (~₹2.5 crore) from 181 locations and 438 premiere shows, with over 10,000 tickets already sold. The Telugu dubbed version has also joined the fray, adding over $40,000 in early sales — signaling a full-blown pan-Indian frenzy that’s only gaining momentum. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for hits like Vikram and Leo, Coolie marks his first-ever collaboration with superstar Rajinikanth. The film features a powerhouse ensemble with Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, Upendra Rao, Sathyaraj, and Soubin Shahir, making it one of the most ambitious multi-starrer projects in recent memory. The buzz is only set to intensify further with the trailer launch expected in the coming days — a move that analysts believe could trigger a massive second wave of advance bookings, possibly positioning Coolie as the highest-grossing Tamil opener in U.S. history. But the Competition is Fierce: Enter War 2 While Coolie rides a wave of momentum, it won’t be an easy ride. Releasing on the same weekend is YRF’s War 2, the next installment in the blockbuster YRF Spy Universe. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, War 2 stars Hrithik Roshan, Jr. NTR, and Kiara Advani, combining pan-India star power with an already-established franchise that smashed records in 2019. Both films are gearing up for simultaneous multi-language releases, with Coolie aiming for the mass action-entertainment crown and War 2 bringing slick espionage thrills backed by a massive production scale. It’s a clash of styles, stars, and cinematic universes, and the audience is the biggest winner. What’s at Stake? With two massive tentpole films releasing together, the Indian box office — both domestic and overseas — is set for a seismic shake-up. Exhibitors are already preparing for record footfalls, and fans are gearing up for a festival-like atmosphere. Will Coolie maintain its lead and dominate with the Thalaivar magic, or will War 2 power through with its spy-universe appeal and pan-India force? One thing is certain: this clash will define the box office narrative for the rest of 2025.

It’s been over two years since Chakda Xpress was announced with high expectations, marking Anushka Sharma’s much-anticipated return to acting. The biopic, based on the inspiring journey of Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami, generated considerable buzz when unveiled in 2022. However, since then, the project has been shrouded in silence, leaving both fans and those involved with the film increasingly restless. In a recent conversation with News18 Showsha, actor Dibyendu Bhattacharya, who plays a key role in the film, echoed the widespread confusion over the delay. “You have no idea how eagerly I’m waiting for the release. It’s a beautiful film. I saw it at (director) Prosit Roy’s house, and even though it wasn’t fully completed, it blew me away,” Dibyendu said. He didn’t hold back in his admiration for Anushka Sharma, calling her performance in Chakda Xpress her “best performance to date.” When asked about the film’s status, Dibyendu candidly admitted, “I don’t know. I would’ve told you if I had any updates. But Clean Slate is on one side, and Netflix is on the other. What’s going on between them, I have no clue.” What’s the Hold-Up? Chakda Xpress was produced by Clean Slate Filmz, Anushka’s home banner helmed by her brother Karnesh Ssharma. Initially slated for release on Netflix, the film became part of a broader multi-title deal between the streamer and Clean Slate. However, that partnership reportedly dissolved in 2024, affecting several in-development and completed projects—including Chakda Xpress. Rumors suggest Clean Slate Filmz is attempting to repurchase the rights to the film from Netflix in order to release it via a different platform—either theatrically or through another streaming partner. As of now, neither Clean Slate nor Netflix has issued any official update. A Promising Film Stuck in Limbo Directed by Prosit Roy (Pari), Chakda Xpress chronicles the challenges and triumphs of Jhulan Goswami, one of the greatest fast bowlers in women’s cricket. It was seen as a landmark project for Indian sports biopics, and for Anushka, it marked a bold step into a performance-heavy role after a nearly five-year break from acting since Zero (2018). With insiders like Dibyendu Bhattacharya expressing hope and bewilderment in equal measure, fans remain in limbo. Whether the film finally sees the light of day—or falls victim to behind-the-scenes business roadblocks—remains to be seen. But if Dibyendu’s praise is anything to go by, Chakda Xpress could be a triumph worth waiting for.

Rashmika Mandanna is set to take on one of the most transformative roles of her career in Mysaa, an emotional action thriller directed by Rawindra Pulle. The film was officially launched on Sunday with a traditional pooja ceremony held in Hyderabad, attended by the cast and crew, including Rashmika herself. The project, produced by Unformula Films, kicked off with blessings and rituals, with prominent film personalities involved in the ceremonial launch. Renowned producer Suresh Babu gave the first clap, the camera was switched on by storyteller Kola Bhaskar, and the script and first shot direction was handled by director Hanu Raghavapudi. Unformula Films took to Instagram to share glimpses from the event, captioning: “#MYSAA Pooja Ceremony begins with blessings, love and the promise of a beautiful story. Clap by #SureshBabu garu. Camera Switch on by @storytellerkola garu. Script & First shot direction by @hanurpudi garu. Here’s to new journeys & soulful storytelling.” Principal photography is set to begin on Monday in Hyderabad, with Rashmika joining the shoot from the first schedule itself. According to the official press note, Mysaa is “an emotional action thriller rooted in the culturally rich and visually captivating world of the Gond tribes.” Rashmika will play the role of a Gond woman, a character described as bold, fierce, and emotionally layered — marking a significant departure from her previous roles. This film is expected to showcase Rashmika in a raw and powerful avatar, as she dives deep into the traditions and struggles of the Gond tribal community. Meanwhile, Rashmika is also gearing up for her other upcoming film The Girlfriend, continuing what seems to be a strong year ahead for the actress with back-to-back intense and character-driven roles.