Bollywood

46 min ago

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2025's Surprise Hits:The films that exceeded all box office expectations

A film's box office performance can often be unpredictable. Every year, there are movies that are expected to do huge business, and then there are some which are not expected to draw big crowds to the theaters. Out of these, a few manage to connect with the audience and become unexpected hits. The year 2025 was no different and had its own share of such surprise hits. Let's take a look at the films that surprised everyone this year. Surprise Hits of 2025: A Look at the Numbers Movie NameBudgetWorldwide Collection Chhaava₹ 130 Cr ₹ 807.91 Cr Lokah Chapter 1₹ 30 Cr₹ 303.67 Cr Saiyaara₹ 40 Cr₹ 569.75 Cr Dashavatar₹ 7 Cr₹ 28.47 Cr Dragon₹ 35 Cr₹ 150.52 Cr Sankranthiki Vasthunam₹ 50 Cr₹ 255.2 Cr Thudarum₹ 28 Cr ₹ 234.5 Cr Court: State vs. A Nobody₹ 5 Cr₹ 56 Cr Eko₹ 5 Cr₹ 32.6 Cr Thalaivan Thalaivi₹ 25 Cr₹ 83.6 Cr Roi Roi Binale₹ 5 Cr ₹ 33 Cr Bou Buttu Bhuta₹ 2 Cr₹ 17.19 Cr Umbarro₹ 4 Cr₹ 17.3 Cr Rekhachithram₹ 7 Cr₹ 56.75 Cr Madha Gaja Raja₹ 15 Cr₹ 56.15 Cr Dashavatar₹ 5 Cr₹ 28.47 Cr Bison Kaalamaadan₹ 30 Cr₹ 65.37 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The biggest surprise of 2025 was undoubtedly Saiyaara. Released on July 18, this romantic drama starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda was expected to be a modest success at best. However, its soundtrack became a viral rage on social media weeks before release. The film opened strong at over ₹21 crore but, powered by incredible word-of-mouth from the youth, it showed historic growth, eventually storming past the ₹500 crore mark. It became a cultural phenomenon, proving that a well-made musical love story could still create magic. Some films were expected to be hits, but no one predicted the scale of their success. Vicky Kaushal's historical epic Chhaava, which hit theaters on February 14, was mounted on a massive budget. While a hit was expected, the film's powerful storytelling and patriotic fervor connected so deeply that it went on to gross a colossal ₹850 crore, surprising the trade with its monumental success. Similarly, the pan-India action film Lokah Chapter 1 released on August 28 was a new franchise. It was expected to do well, but its gripping screenplay and stunning action sequences turned it into a monster hit, earning over ₹300 crore and establishing a new cinematic universe. The story of 2025 was also written by regional cinema. The Telugu family entertainer Sankranthiki Vasthunam (January 14) was a festive release that was expected to do well in its home state. However, its heartwarming theme resonated so widely that it became a blockbuster, earning over ₹200 crore. The Tamil industry delivered a string of surprises. Dragon, a Romantic Drama starring Pradeep Ranganathan and directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, also punched far above its weight. Its unique concept was a huge draw for young audiences, turning it into a super hit.The quirky comedy Thalaivan Thalaivi connected well with viewers, while the sports drama Bison Kaalamaadan also had a solid run at the box office, turning into a profitable venture. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The Malayalam film Thudarum, a gripping thriller released on April 25, started quietly but became a huge success thanks to rave reviews about its edge-of-the-seat story. Eko also made waves, proving that a strong local story could find a large and appreciative audience, making it one of the region's most successful films.The critically acclaimed drama Rekhachithram became a super-hit thanks to rave reviews. Other films also surprised the audience. The courtroom drama Court: State vs. A Nobody, made on a small budget of just ₹5 crore, became a word-of-mouth success due to its gripping plot. The mythological fantasy Dashavatar also found its audience, becoming another unexpected hit of the year. The success of regional cinema continued across the country. The Assamese film Roi Roi Binale was an emotional event that broke all local records, while the Odia horror-comedy Bou Buttu Bhuta and the Gujarathi drama Umbarro also became major successes in their respective states.

Bollywood

1 day ago

2132 views

Dhurandhar: From the High Josh of Uri to a Massive Cinematic War Inside Aditya Dhar's War Room

In the world of cinema, some directors create scenes, while others orchestrate missions. Aditya Dhar belongs firmly to the latter category. As we stand on the brink of his massive December 5, 2025 release, Dhurandhar, it is fascinating to step into Aditya Dhar's War Room to understand how a filmmaker who started with a precision strike has now evolved to command an all-out cinematic war. From the patriotic roar of Uri: The Surgical Strike to the gritty, sprawling universe of Dhurandhar, here is how Dhar has redefined the Indian action genre. Back in 2019, Aditya Dhar entered the battlefield with Uri: The Surgical Strike, a film that was less of a movie and more of a national emotion. Starring a then-rising Vicky Kaushal, the film was a textbook example of tactical filmmaking. Produced on a budget of ₹42 Crore, it defied every trade prediction to emerge as an All Time Blockbuster. The film obliterated records, minting an India Net Collection of ₹244.14 Cr (India Gross: ₹293.75 Cr) and an Overseas Collection of ₹48.00 Cr, taking its Worldwide total to a staggering ₹341.75 Cr. Not only did it stand as the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2019, but it also cemented its legacy as the 10th highest-grossing Hindi film of all time. The famous dialogue How's the Josh? transitioned from a script line to a cultural greeting, proving that you don't need a massive budget to win the war"”just conviction, technical finesse, and a pulse on the nation's sentiment. Fast forward to 2025, and the strategy in Dhar's war room has shifted from efficiency to colossal scale. If Uri was a covert operation, Dhurandhar is a declaration of war. Marking his return to the director's chair after six years, Dhar has assembled what can only be described as the Avengers of Spy Dramas. The film stars Ranveer Singh in his first-ever intense espionage avatar, backed by industry heavyweights Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal. The sheer assembly of this cast suggests that Dhar is no longer the tactical strategist; he is now the commander of a massive cinematic fleet. The most significant evolution in Dhar's filmmaking is visible in the creative risks he is taking with Dhurandhar. Unlike the U/A-rated patriotism of Uri, Dhurandhar dives deep into the dark, bloody world of international espionage. The film has been certified A (Adults Only) due to its intense violence and realistic action, a brave move for a commercial potboiler. Furthermore, Dhar has refused to compromise on his vision, locking the runtime at 3 hours, 34 minutes, and 1 second, making it the longest Bollywood film in over 15 years. This isn't just a movie; it's an immersive experience designed to test the endurance and excitement of the audience. Aditya Dhar's journey from 2019 to 2025 highlights a filmmaker who refuses to play it safe. With Uri, he proved he could make a profitable, critically acclaimed film on a tight budget. With Dhurandhar, he is testing the limits of star power and storytelling duration. As the film gears up for its release this Friday, one thing is certain: the War Room is active, the plans are drawn, and Aditya Dhar is ready to launch his biggest mission yet. Also Read:Dhurandhar: The 4-Minute Post-Credits Scene in Ranveer Singh's Film Sets Up a Massive Cinematic Universe; Details Inside

Bollywood

8 days ago

1455 views

Ranbir Kapoor & Deepika Padukone to reunite? Ayan Mukerji planning a rom-com based on Raj Kapoor-Nargis classic Chori Chori

The magic of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani might be returning to the big screen! In what could be the biggest casting coup of the decade, reports suggest that director Ayan Mukerji is keen to reunite the iconic pair of Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone for his next directorial venture. After diving deep into the world of VFX-heavy spectacles like Brahmāstra and War 2, the filmmaker is reportedly looking to switch gears with a classic romantic comedy. According to a report by Mid-day, Ayan Mukerji is developing a script that draws inspiration from the 1956 cult classic Chori Chori, which starred the legendary Raj Kapoor and Nargis. The original film, which itself was inspired by the Hollywood classic It Happened One Night, revolved around a runaway heiress and a freelance reporter who fall in love during a bus journey. The report states that Ayan wants to create a modern-day adaptation of this timeless story, and he believes only Ranbir and Deepika can pull off the chemistry required for such a narrative. For nearly a decade, Ayan Mukerji has been immersed in creating massive, VFX-heavy spectacles. After dedicating eight years to building the Astraverse for Brahmāstra and recently delivering the colossal YRF Spy Universe blockbuster War 2 (starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR) earlier this year, the filmmaker is reportedly looking for a change of pace. Per the report, Ayan desires a palette cleanser following the grueling schedule of the spy thriller. He is eager to return to the genre that originally launched his career"”lighthearted, character-driven romance reminiscent of Wake Up Sid and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. If the project materializes, it will mark the fourth collaboration between Ranbir and Deepika, following Bachna Ae Haseeno, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, and Tamasha. Their on-screen chemistry is regarded as one of the best in Bollywood history, and a reunion directed by Ayan Mukerji"”who gave them their biggest hit together"”is bound to set the box office on fire. While Ranbir Kapoor is currently occupied with Nitesh Tiwari"™s Ramayana and Sanjay Leela Bhansali"™s Love & War (which also stars Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal), and Deepika is juggling her global commitments, fans are hoping this Mid-day report turns into an official announcement soon.

Bollywood

9 days ago

2429 views

Love and War Release Date: Is An Early Release On The Cards For Ranbir Kapoor's Period Romantic Drama?

Mumbai, November 26 - Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor has one of the best line-ups of films with multiple potential blockbusters. The Animal star will be seen headlining some of the most-awaited Indian films, including Love & War, Ramayana, and Animal Park. While the release dates of Ramayana Part 1 and Part 2 are locked for Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027, the uncertainty over director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War is looming large, as the latest reports hint at a major twist despite it being already locked for an August 2026 release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Love & War, which also stars Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, has been in production since last year, and some portion of the shoot is still pending. It was recently postponed to August 2026 from March 19, but according to the latest report by Bollywood Hungama, Ranbir is pushing SLB to prepone the release by a couple of months. Indian Cinema Prepares For Its Most Ambitious Line-up Yet With Ramayana, Varanasi, King, and More Since Ramayana Part 1 is already scheduled for Diwali 2026 release, Ranbir has reportedly requested SLB to move his period romantic drama up in June 2026, to maintain a reasonable gap between the two films. "He wants to ensure that there's at least 4 months' gap between Love And War and Ramayana. Since the date of Ramayana can't move, RK has requested Sanjay Leela Bhansali to bring Love And War on the big screen, latest by June 2026", says the report. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) It is said that Sanjay Leela Bhansali is still adamant to launch Love & War in August on Independence Day, since it's a lucrative window for box office dominance, but RK feels that there's too little of a gap between Love & War and Ramayana. Ramayana producer Namit Malhotra is also reportedly putting pressure on SLB to release his movie in June, as he doesn't want the aftermath of Love And War to impact Ramayana in any way. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is expected to take a call on the release date soon and make an official announcement. It will be Ranbir's first release since Animal (2023), which went to become his highest-grossing film with over 900 crores at the worldwide box office. Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar Theatrical Runtime Revealed: One of The Longest Bollywood Films Stay tuned...

Tollywood

12 days ago

2248 views

Ranbir Kapoor To Play Cameo In Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit, Starring Prabhas?

Mumbai, November 24 - After the monstrous success of Animal (2023), starring Ranbir Kapoor, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's next film Spirit is among the most anticipated movies in Indian cinema. The Pan-India superstar Prabhas-fronted cop action thriller recently went on floors after months of pre-production work. As the film has kicked off its production, a latest rumour has taken social media by storm. As per the buzz, Vanga might collaborate with Ranbir once again, this time for a brief role. It is said that the Bollywood star will play a cameo and will appear at a crucial point in the film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A source quoted by Deccan Chronicle revealed that Ranbir's entry will mark a "historic moment," as it will be the first time he and Prabhas share screen space. The actor's cameo, if true, is said to be creating a major turning moment in the story of Spirit. Indian Cinema Prepares For Its Most Ambitious Line-up Yet With Ramayana, Varanasi, King, and More Meanwhile, Prabhas recently completed his look test for this highly-awaited film, before kicking off shooting on November 23. It marks his first collaboration with Vanga, and expectations are sky-high. The film is said to feature the Baahubali star in a gritty, high-impact role, with Vanga promising a raw, emotional, and action-heavy narrative. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Produced by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures, Spirit also stars Tripti Dimri, Vivek Oberoi, Kanchana and Prakash Raj in prominent roles. Ranbir, meanwhile, will next be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War, which also features Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, in August 2026, before the biggest Indian movie, Ramayana Part 1, on Diwali 2026. Stay tuned...

Bollywood

28 days ago

86335 views

Bollywood Box Office 2025 From Chhaava to Saiyaara Here Are the Years Highest Grossing Hindi Hits

2025 has truly been a blockbuster year for Hindi cinema "” a year where genres collided, stars reinvented themselves, and box office numbers soared like never before. From historical spectacles and soulful romances to animated epics and full-blown comedies, Bollywood delivered it all "” and audiences showed up in massive numbers. With films like Chhaava rewriting records, Saiyaara giving newcomers a dream debut, and War 2 expanding the spy universe, the year proved that theatrical magic is well and truly alive. Here"™s a look at the highest-grossing Hindi films of 2025, ranked by their box office triumphs and audience impact. Highest-Grossing Hindi Films of 2025 Rank Movie Cast (Male / Female Lead) Box Office Collection 1 Chhaava Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna ₹807.91 Cr Vicky Kaushal"™s Chhaava stormed the box office with an impressive opening of ₹31 crore on Day 1 and maintained its momentum through the week, collecting ₹219.25 crore in its first seven days. The film went on to earn ₹807.91 crore worldwide, including ₹91 crore from overseas markets. Made on an approximate budget of ₹130 crore, Chhaava marked Vicky Kaushal"™s third film to enter the ₹100 crore club and Rashmika Mandanna"™s sixth. Overall, it became the 127th Hindi film to cross the ₹100 crore benchmark "” cementing its place among 2025"™s biggest blockbusters.. Rank Movie Cast (Male / Female Lead) Box Office Collection 2 Saiyaara Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda ₹569.75 Cr The romantic drama Saiyaara opened strong with ₹21.5 crore on Day 1 and soared to ₹172.75 crore by the end of its first week. Overseas audiences embraced it equally, contributing another ₹171.5 crore. Starring debutant Ahaan Panday alongside Aneet Padda, the film became one of the highest-earning romantic dramas of the decade and a defining success for its fresh-faced leads. Rank Movie Cast (Male / Female Lead) Box Office Collection 3 War 2 Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR ₹364.35 Cr War 2, the much-awaited entry in YRF"™s Spy Universe, exploded into cinemas with a massive ₹52 crore Day 1 haul. The first week alone fetched ₹204.25 crore domestically, while its overseas earnings stood at ₹81.75 crore. Mounted on a ₹400 crore budget, the Hrithik Roshan-led spectacle delivered large-scale action and global appeal, becoming a major hit despite its high cost and earning acclaim for its crossover storyline. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Rank Movie Cast (Male / Female Lead) Box Office Collection 4 Mahavatar Narsimha Voice Cast ₹325.74 Cr Hombale Films"™ animated epic Mahavatar Narsimha opened modestly with ₹1.75 crore on Day 1 but grew steadily through strong word-of-mouth, collecting ₹44.75 crore in its opening week and ₹28 crore overseas. Made on a modest ₹15 crore budget, the Ashwin Kumar-directed film became the highest-grossing Indian animated movie ever, surpassing even Disney"™s The Lion King (2019) at the Indian box office "” an unprecedented feat in Indian animation history. Rank Movie Cast (Male / Female Lead) Box Office Collection 5 Housefull 5 Multiple Leads ₹288.58 Cr The fifth instalment of the popular comedy franchise, Housefull 5, began its run with ₹24 crore on Day 1 and collected ₹127.25 crore in its first week. Overseas, the film fetched ₹70.25 crore. Made at a staggering cost of ₹250 crore, it became India"™s most expensive comedy film, releasing across 5000 screens domestically and over 2000 screens overseas. Despite mixed reviews, it proved to be a major crowd-puller and ended with ₹288.58 crore globally. Rank Movie Cast (Male / Female Lead) Box Office Collection 6 Sitaare Zameen Par Aamir Khan, Genelia Deshmukh ₹267.34 Cr Aamir Khan"™s Sitaare Zameen Par started slow at ₹10.7 crore on opening day but grew impressively to ₹88.9 crore in its first week and ₹66.75 crore overseas. With an estimated budget of ₹122 crore, the film sustained excellent word-of-mouth and crossed ₹150 crore net in India by its third week. It went on to surpass the lifetime totals of major titles like Tanu Weds Manu Returns, OMG 2, and Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, proving Aamir"™s emotional storytelling still strikes a chord with audiences. Rank Movie Cast (Male / Female Lead) Box Office Collection 7 Raid 2 Ajay Devgn, Vaani Kapoor ₹237 Cr Ajay Devgn"™s Raid 2 maintained his stronghold on the thriller genre, earning ₹19.25 crore on Day 1 and ₹95.75 crore in its opening week. The overseas collection touched ₹31 crore, bringing its worldwide total past ₹237 crore. Produced on a ₹120 crore budget, the sequel built on the first film"™s tension and realism "” turning into one of the year"™s most profitable mid-budget hits. Rank Movie Cast (Male / Female Lead) Box Office Collection 8 Sikandar Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna ₹184.60 Cr Salman Khan"™s Sikandar roared into theatres with a ₹26 crore opening, followed by ₹90.25 crore in its first week. Overseas markets contributed another ₹54 crore. With a production cost of around ₹200 crore, the film delivered a solid worldwide total of ₹184.6 crore. Although not a record-breaker, it reaffirmed Salman"™s festive box office pull and Rashmika Mandanna"™s continued streak as a dependable co-star in big-ticket entertainers. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Rank Movie Cast (Male / Female Lead) Box Office Collection 9 Jolly LLB 3 Multiple Leads ₹170.8 Cr The courtroom comedy Jolly LLB 3 opened with ₹12.5 crore on Day 1 and secured ₹74 crore in its first week, alongside ₹31.5 crore from overseas markets. Despite being mounted on a ₹160 crore budget, the multi-lead setup and familiar humour drew strong word-of-mouth, eventually pushing the film into the ₹100 crore club and proving the Jolly brand"™s consistency with audiences. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Rank Movie Cast (Male / Female Lead) Box Office Collection 10 Sky Force Akshay Kumar, Sara Ali Khan ₹149 Cr Inspired by true events, Sky Force took off with ₹12.25 crore on its opening day and collected ₹86.5 crore by the end of Week 1. Overseas, it brought in ₹14.5 crore. Made on an estimated ₹160 crore budget, the Akshay Kumar and Sara Ali Khan-starrer earned ₹149 crore worldwide. While not among the year"™s top grossers, the patriotic action drama found appreciation for its emotional storytelling and grand aerial sequences. As the curtains draw on 2025, it"™s clear that Bollywood has bounced back stronger than ever. The year was driven by variety "” from mythological grandeur to emotional storytelling, each film found its audience and moment under the spotlight. While Chhaava emerged as the year"™s undisputed box office king, movies like Mahavatar Narsimha and Sitaare Zameen Par reminded us that content still reigns supreme. With new faces entering the ₹100 crore club and franchises pushing boundaries, the Hindi film industry"™s winning streak seems unstoppable as it heads into 2026.

Bollywood

36 days ago

3352 views

Prabhas vs Ranbir Kapoor: Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War Officially Postponed; To Lock Horns With Fauji/Fauzi On Independence Day 2026

Mumbai, October 31 - Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly-awaited period romantic action drama film Love & War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, has officially been postponed from Eid 2026 release, averting a clash with Yash-fronted Toxic, which is slated to hit the big screens on March 20. According to the report by Variety, Love and War will be released on the big screen on one of India's most coveted national public holiday frames, Independence Day 2026. It will debut on August 14, possibly setting up with a big box office clash with the Pan India biggie Fauzi, starring Prabhas. Though not yet official, Fauzi, directed by Sita Ramam fame Hanu Raghavapudi, is eyeing the same holiday frame for worldwide release. If true, it will be one of the biggest box office clashes as Fauzi will release in multiple languages, including Hindi. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fauzi (@fauzithemovie) Independence Day has historically been one of the most lucrative holiday slots for Hindi cinema, which has yielded massive results at the box office. Shraddha Kapoor's Stree 2 and Sunny Deol's Gadar 2 were released during this period in 2024 and 2023, respectively, and turned into massive box office juggernauts. Love and War marks the first film for the lead trio together, and first for Vicky Kaushal with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Most of the shooting of the film has been completed, but a major chunk of the filming is left, which is one of the main reasons it has been postponed. Touted as an epic saga of passion, pride, and conflict, Love & War marks Sanjay Leel Bhansali's first-ever Indian Independence Day release. It promises the filmmaker's signature blend of scale and emotion, combining opulent visuals with deeply felt storytelling. Stay tuned...

Sandalwood

40 days ago

37654 views

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Outgrosses Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava To Become Highest-Grossing Indian Film of 2025

Bengaluru, October 26 - Hombale Films' period folk actioner Kantara: Chapter 1 continues to create history at the box office. The film has now surpassed the lifetime worldwide collection of Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna's Chhaava to emerge as the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025. The prequel, directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, has been performing exceptionally well across all markets, showing remarkable hold even in its fourth week. On its 25th day, Kantara: Chapter 1 has overtaken Chhaava, which had finished its lifetime run with a total of around 808 crore. With this feat, the film has rewritten box office records for the year by becoming the biggest Indian grosser. The movie's collections have been rock solid in the Hindi belt and the South, with overseas markets adding significantly to its global tally. Produced by Hombale Films, Kantara 2 became the first film to cross the 200 crore mark in Karnataka, and currently stands at around 235 crores in 25 days. The Hindi belt has performed equally good with collections more or less similar to Karnataka gross, while it is also strong in Telugu states, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. The film has drawn praise for its powerful storytelling, cultural depth, and Rishab Shetty's commanding performance. Despite facing competition from several big-ticket releases in October, the film maintained extraordinary momentum due to strong word-of-mouth and repeat viewership. Its success across languages has made it a true pan-India phenomenon. With this milestone, Kantara: Chapter 1 not only becomes the top-grossing film of 2025 but also joins the elite list of Indian films to cross 800 crore worldwide. The movie's theatrical run is still far from over, as the movie aims to finish around 875 crores worldwide. Stay tuned...

Bollywood

43 days ago

2632 views

Director Amar Kaushik Breaks Silence On Vicky Kaushal's Mahavatar Shoot Schedule and Key Developments

Mumbai, October 23: Maddock Films announced its most ambitious film yet, Mahavatar with Vicky Kaushal last year. Director Amar Kaushik, known for blockbusters like Stree and Stree 2, has been attached to helm this mega project, which was announced for a Christmas 2026 release. Recently, it was reported that Mahavatar wouldn't be ready by Christmas 2026 and was postponed to 2027, due to a delay in the shoot. During a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Amar Kaushik finally shared a major update on his upcoming magnum opus, as he admitted that Mahavatar is a major responsibility. Speaking about the project's scale and preparation, Amar revealed that the team has been deeply involved in pre-production for several months. "The prep is going on for 6-7 months. We have worked on the set design, weapon design, how every character would look, etc. The scripting is done. Yet, we need more time," he said. The filmmaker also confirmed that Vicky Kaushal will join the prep phase once he wraps up his ongoing commitments. "Vicky will finish his other commitments, and after that, he'll also start his preparation. Hence, we hope to go on floors by mid-next year," Amar added. Mahavatar marks Amar Kaushik"™s most ambitious venture yet, said to be a large-scale mythological action drama with a unique blend of spirituality and visual spectacle. With the director's proven storytelling finesse and Vicky Kaushal's commanding screen presence, expectations are sky-high for this collaboration. As of now, the team is taking its time to perfect every element "” from the look and design to the tone and world-building "” ensuring that Mahavatar lives up to its title. If all goes as planned, the film is expected to begin shooting by mid-2026, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated Hindi films in the coming years. Stay tuned...

Sandalwood

51 days ago

22122 views

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Vs Kantara Karnataka Box Office Comparison

Bengaluru, October 15 - In a remarkable feat, Rishab Shetty's period folk action thriller Kantara Chapter 1 has emerged as the highest-grossing movie ever in Karnataka, surpassing its predecessor Kantara, which itself had an extraordinary run back in 2022. The original Kantara started on a slow note at the box office but soon turned into a cultural and commercial phenomenon across Karnataka and other Indian markets, driven by exceptionally strong word of mouth. Kantara Chapter 1, serving as a prequel to that story, stands as a testament to the legacy the first film created. The latest blockbuster has not only rewritten box office history in the state but is also poised to become the first film to cross the 200 crore mark in Karnataka "” an unprecedented achievement. When comparing both films' state runs, it's clear that the prequel has dominated the early weeks by a massive margin. However, while the original Kantara displayed incredible longevity with minimal drops week after week, Kantara Chapter 1 is more front-loaded, owing to its record-breaking opening. The prequel is expected to drop around 55% in its second week "” still a solid hold "” whereas the first film had shown growth during the same period, maintaining its momentum through sustained audience love. Kantara Box Office Comparison Karnataka Box Office Comparison Between Kantara and Kantara Chapter 1 Week Kantara GBOC Kantara Chapter 1 GBOC 1st Week₹ 34.00 Cr₹ 130.75 Cr 2nd Week₹ 46.40 Cr (+36.47%)₹ 58.65 Cr (-55.14%)* expected 3rd Week₹ 39.40 Cr (-15.08%)₹ - Cr Note: Table will be updated in due time. Given the current trajectory, Kantara Chapter 1 is on course to collect over 250 crores at the Karnataka box office "” a record that may remain unbeaten for years to come. At the worldwide box office, the film is heading towards the 700 crores mark and will be aiming to outgross Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava (808 crores) to become the biggest Indian grosser of the year. Stay tuned...

Sandalwood

55 days ago

72958 views

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Storms Past 500 Crore At The Indian Box Office; Second Film of 2025 To Do So

Mumbai, October 12 - There is no stopping Kantara Chapter 1, which continues to wreak havoc at the box office. The period folk action thriller has stormed past the 500 crores milestone domestically and 600 crores worldwide through the second weekend, becoming only the second film of the year to do so. Written, directed, and headlined by Rishab Shetty, Kantara Chapter 1 has an excellent second weekend with over 100 crores gross at the Indian box office. On its second Sunday, the movie is looking to score around 45 crores, which takes its total domestic gross to over 500 crores. The prequel is expected to reach around 520 crores at the end of the day, making it the second Indian film of the year, after Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava, to breach the 500 crores mark. It has also topped 600 crores worldwide on the same day, which is the second biggest of 2025 behind Kaushal-starrer. Kantara 2 is the 15th Indian film and 8th South Indian title of all-time to hit the milestone of 500 crores domestically. The last film to achieve the feat was Chhaava, while among the South Indian titles, it was Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2 - The Rule, which set the box office on fire. With the Diwali holidays, Kantara 2 is expected to stay strong, and if the momentum continues, the film stands a chance to become the biggest Indian grosser of the year, beating Chhaava. All eyes are now on how it fares during the crowded festive period at the box office. Stay tuned...

Bollywood

57 days ago

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Kantara: Chapter 1 and Rishab Shetty "” The Cultural Blockbuster That Surpassed Vicky Kaushal"™s Chhaava

In 2025, Indian cinema has been defined by a spectacular clash of narratives and audience passions, exemplified by the extraordinary journeys of Kantara: Chapter 1 and Chhaava, two films that, while radically different in style and storytelling, have both captured the imagination of viewers nationwide and across the globe; Chhaava, the historical epic led by Vicky Kaushal, entered theatres with a thunderous wave of anticipation, leveraging meticulously crafted visuals, grand set pieces, heroic storytelling, and the magnetic pull of its star, immediately commanding packed advance bookings, buzzing premieres, and sold-out screenings in India and key overseas markets, culminating in an India gross of approximately ₹290.75 crore and a worldwide total nearing ₹338.75 crore by its eighth day, a feat fueled by audience fascination with its scale, historical depth, and cinematic spectacle, while Kantara: Chapter 1, the mythological action-drama rooted in Karnataka"™s rich folklore, cultural traditions, and spiritual themes, carved out a different but equally remarkable path to triumph, achieving an India gross of ₹403.25 crore and worldwide earnings approaching ₹475.25 crore in the same timeframe,propelled not by conventional stardom but by storytelling that resonated deeply with viewers, glowing word-of-mouth, repeat theater visits, and pan-India engagement through Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil dubbed versions, and, in contrast, succeeded through authenticity and emotional resonance, its depiction of folklore, spiritual themes, and rural conflict turning theaters into communal experiences where audiences became ambassadors for the film; unlike big-budget spectacles, Kantara grew through word-of-mouth, repeat viewings, and sustained weekday occupancy, with its eighth-day earnings highlighting its staying power, and its cultural relevance and pan-India appeal have made it not just a regional hit, but a nationwide phenomenon, demonstrating that a story rooted in tradition can rise above even the largest epics to achieve unprecedented commercial success The clash between Kantara: Chapter 1 and Chhaava highlights two very different but equally powerful forces in Indian cinema. One thrives on cultural authenticity, emotional storytelling, and organic audience love; the other commands attention through scale, stardom, and spectacle. Both films have demonstrated that success can take many forms "” whether through mythology or history, folklore or grandeur, emotional resonance or star power. In the ongoing battle of the box office, Kantara has established itself as a force to be reckoned with, proving that grounded, heartfelt storytelling can compete with even the biggest cinematic spectacles. Meanwhile, Chhaava reaffirms that larger-than-life narratives and star charisma still have unparalleled drawing power. Together, they define the cinematic landscape of 2025, offering audiences both depth and drama, soul and spectacle.