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.

Vijay Varma Announces “New Beginnings” with Hansal Mehta Collaboration Amid Breakup Reports with Tamannaah Bhatia

Actor Vijay Varma is stepping into a new phase of his career and life. Following reports of his breakup with Tamannaah Bhatia after a two-year relationship, Varma took to Instagram on Monday to share a flower bouquet and a handwritten note from acclaimed filmmaker Hansal Mehta. The note welcomed him aboard a new project and wished him a shoot filled with hard work and memorable moments. Captioning the post, Vijay simply wrote, “New beginnings.” While details of the upcoming project remain under wraps, this collaboration marks a significant step for Varma, coming on the heels of his critically praised performances in Dahaad, Jaane Jaan, and the Mirzapur series. Partnering with Mehta, known for his impactful works like Scam 1992, Aligarh, and Shahid, promises an exciting creative partnership. On the personal front, though neither Vijay Varma nor Tamannaah Bhatia have officially confirmed the end of their relationship, sources indicate the couple parted ways weeks ago but intend to remain good friends. The pair first sparked dating rumors after being seen together at a New Year’s Eve party in 2023 and publicly confirmed their relationship during Lust Stories 2 promotions. They met on the set of the Netflix anthology, where their connection deepened. Since then, they had been frequently spotted together at events and outings. With this new project and personal changes, Vijay Varma seems ready to embrace fresh opportunities and chapters ahead.

‘Dhoom 4’ Script Finalized, Filming to Begin April 2026; Ranbir Kapoor Excited for the Bike Heist Adventure

Aditya Chopra and Shridhar Raghavan are putting the finishing touches on the script for Dhoom 4, with production slated to start in April 2026. Ranbir Kapoor, the film’s lead, is reportedly thrilled to dive into this high-octane bike heist saga. Aditya Chopra has cemented the Dhoom series as one of the biggest franchises in Indian cinema, with blockbuster hits like Dhoom, Dhoom 2, and Dhoom 3. After years of speculation, the fourth installment is finally moving toward production. According to a report, Aditya Chopra and writer Shridhar Raghavan are collaborating closely to craft a story and screenplay worthy of the franchise’s hype. The film is designed with Ranbir Kapoor’s persona in mind, tailoring the lead character to his aura and personality. The new Dhoom promises to raise the bar with global action standards, a fresh visual palette, and a storytelling style distinct from the existing YRF Spy Universe. Yash Raj Films plans to begin shooting Dhoom 4 with Ranbir Kapoor in April 2026. Ayan Mukerji is the frontrunner to direct the film and is expected to start intensive pre-production after the release of War 2 on Independence Day 2025. The movie aims for a 2027 release, with filming scheduled to wrap up by the end of 2026. Ranbir Kapoor’s schedule is packed, currently filming Love And War directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. After completing that and Ramayana 2, he will focus fully on Dhoom 4 in mid-2026. He also has Brahmastra 2 and Animal Park lined up for future release, marking an exciting phase in his career.

Housefull 5 Advance Bookings Kick Off Strong, Grossing Rs 1.32 Crore Across India

The comic entertainer Housefull 5 officially opened its advance bookings on Sunday morning, showing promising early signs at the box office. According to the latest updates from Sacnilk, the film grossed a total of Rs 1.32 crore from advance bookings across India on its first day. Over 40,000 tickets have been sold nationwide, spread across more than 23,000 shows. In the Hindi 2D format alone, the movie earned Rs 82.15 lakh from 22,452 tickets and Rs 50.27 lakh from 15,909 tickets at various venues. With strong average ticket pricing and wide distribution, Housefull 5 is showing solid early momentum. While these advance figures rank among the better performers for Akshay Kumar’s post-pandemic releases, there remains some room for the booking pace to accelerate further. Outside the top three multiplex chains, advance reservations at smaller and regional circuits such as Rajhans, MovieMax, and Miraj are showing healthy numbers. This is often a positive sign indicating high walk-in audiences on the day of release. The booking cycle is still in its early phase, with a clearer picture expected by Wednesday night regarding the film’s box office prospects. International pre-sales are also encouraging, fueling hopes that the momentum will carry through in the domestic market. Housefull 5 is set on a lavish yacht where a billionaire celebrates his 100th birthday with a grand star-studded party. During the celebration, he surprises everyone by announcing he will bequeath his entire inheritance to someone named “Jolly.” Chaos unfolds as three men—Jalabuddin (Riteish Deshmukh), Jalbhushan (Abhishek Bachchan), and Julius (Akshay Kumar)—each claim to be the rightful “Jolly,” sparking a hilarious and high-stakes identity confusion. The star-studded ensemble cast features Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen Khan, Nana Patekar, Jackie Shroff, Nargis Fakhri, Sonam Bajwa, and Chitrangada Singh.

It’s Official: Drishyam 3 Greenlit, Ajay Devgn and Director Abhishek Pathak Return for Grand Finale

Bollywood fans, rejoice — the suspense-laden world of Drishyam is set to continue! In a major announcement that has already created waves across the industry, Panorama Studios International Limited has officially confirmed the production of Drishyam 3, partnering with Digital 18 Media Private Limited. The formal disclosure was made in a filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on May 29, 2025, under Regulation 30 of SEBI’s Listing Obligations. Ajay Devgn returns as the enigmatic Vijay Salgaonkar, one of Indian cinema’s most iconic characters in recent memory. The film will once again be directed by Abhishek Pathak, who successfully steered Drishyam 2 to critical acclaim and blockbuster success in 2022. 🔥 What We Know So Far: 🕵️‍♂️ Why Fans Are Hyped: The Drishyam franchise has built a cult following over the years. The clever plotline of a man protecting his family by outwitting the police with layered alibis struck a chord with audiences. The iconic “pav bhaji on October 2” line is now etched in pop culture memory. Drishyam 2 further deepened the narrative, with Akshaye Khanna’s addition bringing a fresh edge to the police investigation angle. With director Abhishek Pathak once again at the helm, Drishyam 3 is poised to deliver a gripping conclusion — and possibly a new twist to the saga that fans didn’t see coming. As of now, casting for Tabu, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta, and Akshaye Khanna hasn’t been officially confirmed, but it is widely speculated that most of the ensemble will return. Bottom Line: Drishyam 3 isn’t just happening — it’s a top-tier priority for the makers. With its legacy of suspense, emotional stakes, and clever storytelling, the third installment is undoubtedly one of the most eagerly awaited films of 2026.

YRF Goes All-Out for War 2 — ₹400 Cr Budget, IPL 2025 Final Ads, and Surprise Teaser Drop on NTR’s Birthday

Yash Raj Films’ War 2 is not just another action spectacle — it’s now officially the most expensive film ever produced by the studio, with an eye-watering budget of nearly ₹400 crore. Slated for release on August 14, 2025, the mega-actioner stars Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr., with Kiara Advani in a pivotal role. ⚔️ Action vs Action: Hrithik Roshan vs NTR Industry insiders confirm that the studio’s initial promotional focus is squarely on the explosive Hrithik Roshan vs NTR showdown. Described as the core hook of the film’s first wave of marketing, this high-octane rivalry is expected to drive mass curiosity and repeat viewing, especially among fans of both stars. 📺 Massive Visibility: IPL 2025 Final Ads In a bold marketing move, YRF has locked premium ad slots during the IPL 2025 Final on May 30 — India’s most-watched sporting event. The War 2 promos are expected to air during innings and over breaks, ensuring they reach a wide and diverse audience across India. It’s a strategic push to give the film front-row attention ahead of Independence Day weekend. 🎁 Surprise Teaser Drop on NTR’s Birthday YRF also fast-tracked the teaser release — originally scheduled for late June — and instead unveiled it on NTR Jr.’s birthday. The goal: to tap into the fervent Telugu fan base and boost early buzz in the South. This marked the start of what sources call a “phased” marketing campaign, with emotional and dramatic story elements being reserved for the main trailer, expected closer to release. 🧨 What Makes War 2 Special? 📅 Save the Date Release Date: August 14, 2025Occasion: Independence Day weekend — a prime box office slot with massive footfall potential With a record budget, clever release tactics, and two titanic stars clashing onscreen, War 2 is shaping up to be one of the biggest cinematic events of 2025.

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 Is Coming – Smriti Irani & Amar Upadhyay Return as Tulsi & Mihir!

One of Indian television’s most iconic shows is making a dramatic comeback — Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, the daily soap that redefined Indian family drama, is all set to return with a brand-new season after 16 years. And yes, the beloved Tulsi and Mihir — Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay — are reportedly reprising their legendary roles. 🔥 What We Know So Far: 👑 Ektaa Kapoor’s Vision Ektaa Kapoor confirmed last month that the revival aims to complete the 2,000-episode mark — the original show, which aired from 2000 to 2008, ended at 1,849 episodes. Kapoor explained: “The love we have for this program brought everyone related to it back together to complete just those 150 episodes to reach that 2000 episode. This show deserves that.” 🛡️ Security on Set: What’s Happening? According to India Forums, Smriti Irani — now a Union Minister and high-profile public figure — is filming under Z+ security. Security protocols are said to be extremely tight, with: 📽️ About the Original Show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi aired from July 2000 to November 2008 on Star Plus and became a cultural phenomenon. It followed the life of Tulsi Virani, the righteous daughter-in-law of the powerful Virani family, and her journey through love, betrayal, family politics, and sacrifice. The show featured: 📌 In A Nutshell: 🕰️ Get ready for nostalgia, drama, and the ultimate Indian soap opera comeback in 2025!

Paresh Rawal’s Exit from Hera Pheri Sparks Lawsuit, Viral AI Image of Pankaj Tripathi as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte Fuels Fan Debate

Paresh Rawal’s sudden announcement last week about his exit from the Hera Pheri franchise left fans disappointed and stirred up controversy. In the aftermath, Akshay Kumar’s production house, which holds the rights to Hera Pheri 3, reportedly filed a lawsuit against the veteran actor, escalating the dispute further. Amid this turmoil, an AI-generated image of Pankaj Tripathi reimagined as Paresh Rawal’s iconic character Baburao Ganpatrao Apte has gone viral on social media, sparking a wide range of reactions from fans and netizens. The image shows Pankaj Tripathi donning the signature look of Baburao — white dhoti and vest, gold chain and bracelet, thick glasses, and the unmistakable hairstyle. On Reddit and other platforms, fans debated the idea of Tripathi stepping into the beloved role. Some praised his acting skills but felt he should not be a direct replacement. One fan commented, “Pankaj Tripathi could bring something valuable to the role, but he wouldn’t be a replacement, he’d be a reinvention. He’d make a good ‘Babu Bhaiya’ type character in a spin-off or reboot, but stepping into Paresh Rawal’s shoes directly would feel off. Audiences would constantly compare them, and the charm of the original might get lost. So respectfully, no.” Others drew parallels to Robert Pattinson’s controversial casting as Batman, while some suggested that if Tripathi takes on the role without Rawal’s agreement, the filmmakers should rebrand the project entirely with a new flavor. Yet a few expressed confidence that Tripathi could pull off the role successfully. Why Paresh Rawal Walked Out Paresh Rawal’s legal team, Anand & Naik, issued the actor’s first formal response regarding his departure from Hera Pheri 3. Following Rawal’s statement on X (formerly Twitter) announcing his “rightful termination and exit,” his lawyers clarified the reasons behind the decision. They stated that the production team failed to deliver the story, screenplay, and a draft of the long-form agreement essential for Rawal’s involvement. Furthermore, conflicts arose after producer Sajid Nadiadwala — associated with the original films — issued a notice raising concerns about the film’s production. Due to these issues, Rawal chose to exit, returning the money with interest and formally terminating the agreement (Term Sheet). The controversy continues to unfold as fans await clarity on the future of Hera Pheri 3 and whether a new actor like Pankaj Tripathi will officially step into Baburao’s shoes.

SEBI Bars Arshad Warsi, Wife, and 57 Others from Equity Markets in Sadhna Broadcast Stock Manipulation Case

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has barred Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi, his wife Maria Goretti Warsi, and 57 other individuals from accessing the Indian equity markets for up to five years in connection with a major stock manipulation scam involving Sadhna Broadcast Ltd (SBL). Sadhna Broadcast, which changed its name to Crystal Business System on May 23, 2025, became the center of a “pump-and-dump” scheme, where promoters artificially inflated the company’s share price through coordinated internal trading. These trades, though often small in volume, had an outsized impact on the stock price due to low liquidity, enabling manipulators to boost the share price with minimal investment. The second phase of the scam involved aggressively promoting the stock to retail investors through misleading videos on several YouTube channels, such as Moneywise, The Advisor, and Profit Yatra. These channels, operated by Manish Mishra, falsely portrayed SBL as a lucrative investment, claiming, among other things, fake deals with the Adani Group and a ₹1100 crore contract with a large American corporation. SEBI confirmed these claims were fabricated to manipulate the stock price. Between March and December 2022, promoter shareholding in SBL fell from 40.95% to 25.58%, while the number of public shareholders surged from 885 to over 72,000, raising public ownership from 59.05% to 74.52%. Arshad Warsi’s involvement came to light when, on July 13, 2022, he bought 1.87 lakh shares of Sadhna Broadcast from Jatin Shah, an associate linked to the manipulation. His wife Maria Goretti also bought 2.65 lakh shares the same day. Despite Warsi’s claim that he acted on a friend’s tip without knowledge of any wrongdoing, SEBI rejected this defense, citing WhatsApp chats indicating his active role in the scheme. SEBI revealed that Arshad Warsi earned a profit of ₹41.70 lakh and Maria Goretti earned ₹50.35 lakh from the manipulation. Both have been barred from trading in the securities market for one year. Additionally, SEBI has ordered 59 entities involved in the scam to disgorge unlawful gains amounting to ₹58.01 crore with 12% annual interest, to be paid jointly and severally from the end of the investigation period until actual payment.

Are Tara Sutaria and Veer Pahariya the New Bollywood Couple?

Bollywood actress Tara Sutaria and actor Veer Pahariya are reportedly exploring a budding romance, with sources saying the pair have been “going out for dates” over the past few months as they “figure things out.” The duo first fueled speculation when they appeared together as showstoppers at the 25th Lakme Fashion Week in late March. Tara dazzled in a V-neck, long black lace gown with minimal accessories, while Veer made his runway debut in a crisp white suit paired with ivory trousers for British brand ASOS’s “A Summer of Style” showcase. Veer Pahariya, known for his role in Skyforce, was previously linked to Sara Ali Khan. In 2019, Sara confirmed in Filmfare that Veer was the only person she’d dated. Veer later told Zoom that early tabloid rumors about his personal life bothered him when he was 20, but he’s since come to terms with the attention. Tara, meanwhile, was in a relationship with Aadar Jain—Ranbir Kapoor’s cousin—until their breakup in 2023. Aadar married family friend Alekha Advani in February 2025. Off-screen, Veer hails from a prominent political family: he is the grandson of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and son of Mumbai businessman Sanjay Pahariya. His brother, Shikhar Pahariya, is also in the spotlight amid dating rumors with actress Janhvi Kapoor. For Tara, this new chapter follows a string of successful film projects and high-profile public appearances. Though neither Tara nor Veer has officially confirmed their relationship, their frequent outings and runway moment have sparked excitement among fans eager to see if this rumored pairing turns into Bollywood’s next big love story.

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