Tag: bollywood

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.

After the massive success of the KGF franchise, director Prashanth Neel is now one of the most sought-after filmmakers in Indian cinema. His current project, a high-octane action thriller tentatively titled Dragon, stars Jr. NTR in the lead and is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Telugu films to date. High Stakes and Big Paychecks Backed jointly by Mythri Movie Makers and NTR Arts, the film is currently midway through its shoot and is scheduled for release in 2026. Both Jr. NTR and Neel are reportedly taking home massive remunerations, with NTR charging a triple-digit crore figure, making him one of the highest-paid actors in the country. Interestingly, Prashanth Neel is not only being paid a hefty upfront fee but has also secured a 50% share in the film’s profits — a rare deal in the industry. As per the agreement, Mythri Movie Makers and NTR Arts will split the remaining 50% of the profits, with each banner receiving 25%. This reflects the immense faith the producers have in Neel’s vision and the project’s commercial potential. Cast and Crew The film stars Rukmini Vasanth as the female lead, continuing her rise in the South Indian film industry. Neel has brought back his core technical team from KGF and Salaar, promising a rich and gritty cinematic experience. Setting and Genre Dragon is said to be a periodic action drama set along the Indian border, blending patriotic undertones with Prashanth Neel’s trademark intense storytelling and visual flair. The storyline, though under wraps, is expected to showcase NTR in a fierce, larger-than-life avatar, much like the iconic characters of Rocky Bhai in KGF and Deva in Salaar. One of 2026’s Most Anticipated Films With an all-star cast, top-tier production houses, and Prashanth Neel at the helm, Dragon is already among the most anticipated films of 2026. The buzz around its unique setting, high-stakes action, and staggering budget — powered by bold profit-sharing deals — has set sky-high expectations among fans and trade circles alike.

After months of uncertainty and fan speculation, Akshay Kumar has officially confirmed that ‘Hera Pheri 3’ is very much in development, bringing a wave of relief to fans of the beloved comedy franchise. Speaking on The Right Angle with Sonal Kalra Season 2, produced by Gautam Thakker Films, Akshay cleared the air, putting to rest the rumors surrounding cast exits and legal tussles. “Nahi, yeh publicity stunt nahi hai (No, this is not a publicity stunt). The things went legal, so when legal things are involved, we cannot call it a publicity stunt; it is a real thing,” Akshay stated.“But ab sab kuch thik ho gaya hai (But now everything is fine). Very soon, some kind of announcement can come. Yes, there were some ups and downs. But now everything is solved, and we are back together.” The Trio Reunites This confirmation not only brings Akshay back as Raju, but also signals the return of Paresh Rawal (Baburao) and Suniel Shetty (Shyam) — the iconic trio that made the Hera Pheri series a cultural phenomenon. Just weeks after rumours surfaced about Paresh Rawal exiting the project, the veteran actor dispelled all doubts on Himanshu Mehta’s podcast, confirming his involvement and praising his co-stars and long-time collaborator Priyadarshan, the director behind the original 2000 classic. A Tumultuous Journey The road to Hera Pheri 3 has been far from smooth. Over the past few years, the project faced multiple setbacks — from creative differences and contractual issues, to legal disputes over rights and direction. At one point, Akshay himself had reportedly stepped away, citing dissatisfaction with the script, while Paresh Rawal was said to have distanced himself from the project entirely. Fans were left disheartened as conflicting reports suggested alternate casting, including Kartik Aaryan, and speculations that the original trio may never reunite. But now, with Akshay’s latest statement, it is clear that all conflicts have been resolved and the original spirit of Hera Pheri will return. What’s Next? While an official title or release date for Hera Pheri 3 has not been announced yet, Akshay’s promise of an “announcement very soon” has reignited excitement. If the team sticks to its roots, fans can expect the same blend of chaotic humor, memorable dialogues, and nostalgic charm that defined the franchise. With the original trio back and issues behind them, Hera Pheri 3 is all set to become one of the most anticipated comebacks in Hindi cinema.

Prime Video’s latest series ‘Rangeen’ sets off with a bold and unconventional premise but struggles to live up to its promise. Starring Viineet Kumar Siingh as Adarsh, a middle-aged newspaper editor from a small town, the story takes a wild turn when he discovers that his wife, Naina (Rajshri Deshpande), is having an affair with a gigolo (Taaruk Raina). In a surprising twist, Adarsh decides to get back at her by becoming a gigolo himself. It’s a quirky, daring idea that feels fresh in the context of Indian web series, and the trailer had certainly sparked curiosity. Initially, ‘Rangeen’ appears to offer an exciting blend of humour, emotions, and small-town drama. The narrative follows Adarsh as he transitions from a struggling husband to someone exploring a bizarre secret life. There’s certainly an undercurrent of emotional depth and social commentary that the show attempts to explore — themes like broken marriages, fragile egos, and societal hypocrisy. However, the show soon falters in execution. As the episodes progress, ‘Rangeen’ struggles with tonal confusion. It switches between comedy, drama, and awkwardly staged emotional scenes without settling on a coherent narrative voice. Despite the variety of serious topics it touches upon, it never delves deep enough, leaving much of the plot feeling superficial and, at times, stretched. Viineet Kumar Siingh, known for his powerful roles, seems surprisingly off in this one. His portrayal of Adarsh, a man in emotional turmoil, lacks the nuance and subtlety required. He oscillates between being overly dramatic and emotionally vacant, making it difficult to connect with his character’s inner struggle. Even the pivotal decision to become a gigolo isn’t convincingly justified, a fact that Sitara (played by Sheeba Chaddha) sensibly questions within the show. Rajshri Deshpande, a gifted actress, is unfortunately underutilised. Her role as Naina is thinly written, offering her little space to showcase her talent. On the brighter side, the supporting cast lends some much-needed energy. Taaruk Raina as Sunny, the confident and carefree gigolo, brings charm and lightness to his scenes. Sheeba Chaddha delivers a grounded performance as Sitara, the boutique owner who secretly manages the gigolo service. Her calm composure and strong screen presence make her one of the most convincing characters. In the end, what could have been a witty, emotional, and thought-provoking tale ends up being a half-baked attempt at blending genres. ‘Rangeen’ loses its charm and feels like a missed opportunity. It neither commits to its emotional core nor leans fully into the absurdity of its premise. For a show named ‘Rangeen’, it sadly lacks the vibrancy and depth its title suggests.

Diljit Dosanjh, visibly emotional and overwhelmed, has officially wrapped up his shoot for the much-awaited war epic ‘Border 2’, slated to release on 23 January 2026. Marking the end of filming, Diljit shared a heartfelt video on Instagram with the caption, “BORDER 2 Shoot Finish”, giving fans a touching behind-the-scenes glimpse from the final day on set in Punjab. In the video, Diljit is seen warmly embracing his co-stars Varun Dhawan and Ahan Shetty, both of whom appeared emotional as they bid farewell to the film that has been years in the making. In a sweet gesture, Diljit also distributed sweets to children and crew members present at the location, showcasing his signature humility and warmth. In a significant revelation, Diljit confirmed that he is portraying martyr Nirmal Jeet Singh Sekhon, India’s only Air Force officer to be awarded the Param Vir Chakra, adding even more emotional depth to his role in this patriotic drama. The shoot wrap comes just days after producer Binoy Gandhi hinted that the final leg of the film was being shot in Punjab with the caption, “Last Battle Loading…” About ‘Border 2’ Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 is the spiritual successor to J.P. Dutta’s 1997 classic Border. The new ensemble cast includes Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, and Diljit Dosanjh, and is being produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta. The film is expected to be a grand tribute to the spirit of Indian soldiers and is scheduled for a Republic Day weekend release in 2026. The Controversy Around Diljit Diljit’s involvement in Border 2 recently stirred controversy due to his appearance alongside Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3. The casting decision triggered outrage from some quarters amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. Film associations had even urged the makers of Border 2 to reconsider Diljit’s casting and requested Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah to revoke permissions granted for filming at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune. While there were rumours about his possible removal from the project, Diljit remained part of the core cast and has now successfully completed his portion of the film. What’s Next for Diljit? After Border 2, Diljit will be seen in No Entry 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2005 comedy hit No Entry. The film, directed by Anees Bazmee and produced by Boney Kapoor, will also star Varun Dhawan and Arjun Kapoor, promising a fun-filled ensemble entertainer. With Border 2 in post-production and No Entry 2 on the horizon, Diljit continues to prove his versatility across genres — from war dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies.

Mahavatar Narsimha, the first installment in the Mahavatar series directed by Ashwin Kumar, marks a surprisingly powerful entry into Indian animated cinema. While the trailer offered only a glimpse of what was to come, the film itself far exceeds expectations, offering a sincere and emotional retelling of one of Indian mythology’s most powerful stories — the tale of Lord Narasimha, the half-man, half-lion avatar of Lord Vishnu. The narrative follows the story of Hiranyakashipu, a demon king who declares himself a god and demands absolute devotion — even from his own son. But his son, Prahlad, remains steadfast in his devotion to Vishnu, setting the stage for divine intervention. It’s a story familiar to many, but the film succeeds in giving it renewed emotional depth, reflection, and meaning. A Film That Grows With Its Story Technically, the animation begins with modest production values. In the early scenes, the visuals feel restrained, especially in detailing. However, as the story progresses, the quality of animation improves dramatically — as though the film itself evolves with its characters. By the second half, the visual design reaches an impressive level of maturity, rendering some scenes powerful enough to give goosebumps. One of the film’s few shortcomings lies in voice dubbing and lip sync. There are noticeable moments when the voiceovers don’t match facial expressions or mouth movements, occasionally disrupting the emotional flow. Yet, the filmmakers mitigate this through an unusual but effective cinematic tool in animation — silence. Strategic pauses amplify the emotional weight of pivotal moments, drawing viewers deeper into the narrative. Voice Work, Music, and Script: A Strong Emotional Core Despite occasional sync issues, the voice performances are commendable, lending weight and emotional authenticity to nearly every scene. The dialogues are well-crafted — respectful, introspective, and far removed from the over-the-top bravado seen in some recent mythological films. In contrast to lines like “Jalegi tere baap ki” from Adipurush, Mahavatar Narsimha maintains a calm, focused, and reverent tone throughout. The music stands out as another highlight — beautifully composed, emotionally attuned, and never overpowering. It blends seamlessly with the film’s tone and enhances its devotional atmosphere. Narasimha’s Arrival: A Moment of Awe The confrontation between Narasimha and Hiranyakashipu is the film’s high point — executed with chilling intensity and deep spiritual symbolism. It transcends mere action or drama, instead addressing a fundamental question in bhakti:“Where is God if we cannot see Him?”The scene is terrifying yet awe-inspiring, handled with seriousness and artistic reverence. A Rare Blend: Devotion and Depth for All Ages Mahavatar Narsimha offers something for everyone. Children will be captivated by the vibrant visuals and mythological grandeur, while adults may find themselves contemplating its deeper spiritual and philosophical layers long after the credits roll. The pacing is steady and deliberate, never rushed, yet never dragging. Final Verdict While not without flaws, Mahavatar Narsimha emerges as a quietly confident, emotionally grounded, and spiritually rich cinematic experience. Its sincerity, heart, and message far outweigh its technical shortcomings. In a genre often underutilized in Indian cinema, this film stands as a meaningful step forward — a respectful and moving portrayal of one of Hinduism’s most profound tales. Released in 3D and 2D formats in multiple Indian languages on July 25, 2025, the film is widely accessible — and highly recommended.

Netflix’s latest Hindi original, Mandala Murders, attempts to thread the needle between myth, mystery, and murder—but despite its rich premise and atmospheric world-building, the show falters under the weight of its own ambition. Created by Mardaani 2 director Gopi Puthran, the series is set in the fictional UP town of Charandaspur, where decades-old ritualistic killings suddenly resurface. At the center of the story is Rea Thomas (Vaani Kapoor), an elite CIB officer haunted by her past, and Vikram Singh (Vaibhav Raj Gupta), a disgraced cop with hidden ties to the cult at the story’s heart. What Works What Doesn’t Work Final Verdict Mandala Murders is an atmospheric and ambitious thriller that dares to be different, but stumbles in its execution. For fans of slow-burn mysteries with occult undertones and dense backstories, it’s a decent one-time watch. But those expecting airtight storytelling and emotional resonance might find themselves zoning out before the final curtain. Rating: 3/5⏳ Worth a try if you like mood-driven thrillers, but manage expectations.