Bollywood

1 day ago

1644 views

Yami Gautam Calls Out Paid Negative PR Against Director Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar

Mumbai, December 4 - Actress Yami Gautam has taken a bold stand by calling out what she describes as a dangerous and growing trend of paid PR manipulation within the film industry. In a strongly worded statement, she revealed that certain groups demand money under the garb of "marketing," promising hype in return, and threatening continuous negativity if not paid. Calling it nothing short of extortion, Yami said this practice has become a plague that could seriously damage the future of Indian cinema. The actress warned that this new "normal" is far from harmless and could eventually "bite everyone." She highlighted how fabricated hype and planted negative press have distorted perceptions of success over the past few years, hinting that many uncomfortable truths remain buried. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Yami contrasted this with the South Indian film industries, where, she said, such unethical practices are not tolerated because the industry stands united on many fronts. Expressing her concern as both an industry member and the wife of director Aditya Dhar, Yami defended Dhurandhar, stressing that Dhar and his team have poured honesty, vision, and relentless hard work into the film. She emphasised that no film should be forced into toxic PR games and that the audience should be allowed to decide the film's fate without manipulation. Her appeal reflects not just personal frustration but a broader plea for integrity within the industry. Yami urged producers, directors, and actors across Bollywood to unite and stop this "termite of a culture" before it grows further. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Yami's statement has sparked a wave of conversations online, with many applauding her courage. Hrithik Roshan, while commenting under the actress's post on X, amplified her concerns by highlighting how this trend harms not just filmmakers but journalism itself. He wrote that the biggest loss is the "journalist's true voice," which gets drowned out by paid agendas. He stressed that genuine opinions are essential for filmmakers to grow, adding that without freedom of expression and honest feedback, "what job satisfaction can they or any of us hope for?" There is something iv been wanting to express since really long, I feel today is that day & I must . This so called trend of giving money, in the disguise of marketing a film, to ensure good "˜hype"™ for a film is created or else "˜they"™ will continuously write negative things"¦— Yami Gautam Dhar (@yamigautam) December 4, 2025 Stay tuned...

Bollywood

2 days ago

890 views

Dhurandhar On Your Mind? Here Are 7 Spy Universes You Need To Add To Your Watchlist Now

With Aditya Dhar preparing to take us on another covert mission in his upcoming film Dhurandhar, curiosity is naturally building around what the filmmaker has in store for us next. We all appreciate a solid espionage drama where the stakes are high and the patriots are fearless. But while we wait for that cinematic experience to hit the screens, it is the perfect time to revisit the best spy thrillers Bollywood has offered us so far. We have dug into the archives to bring you the ultimate watchlist, decoding the box office numbers of India"™s most notable covert operations"”from the gritty realism of Raazi to the high-octane action of War. We start our list with the film that proved you don't need heavy artillery to make a Blockbuster; sometimes, you just need a brilliant script and Alia Bhatt. Released on May 11, 2018, Raazi was a massive return on investment. Made on a controlled Budget of ₹ 37.00 Cr, the film worked purely on emotion and thrill, earning a Verdict of BLOCKBUSTER. It went on to collect an impressive India Net Collection of ₹ 123.74 Cr and a Worldwide Gross Collection of ₹ 195.00 Cr. With an Overseas Collection of ₹ 37.00 Cr, this film showed that a female-led spy drama could rule the box office. Next on the watchlist is the Neeraj Pandey directorial that redefined the cool factor of Indian intelligence. Released on January 23, 2015, Baby was a no-nonsense, song-less thriller that kept us on the edge of our seats. The film secured a HIT Verdict, raking in a Total Net Collection of ₹ 95.57 Cr domestically. Against a Budget of ₹ 59 Cr, the film managed an India Gross Collection of ₹ 129.02 Cr and a Worldwide Gross of ₹ 142.98 Cr. It remains a cult favorite for its realistic take on counter-terrorism. Turning up the heat, we have Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif's Christmas gift from 2017 -Tiger Zinda Hai. This wasn't just a movie; it was a box office hunt. With a massive Budget of ₹ 210 Cr, the film roared loud with an India Net Collection of ₹ 339.16 Cr and a staggering Worldwide Collection of ₹ 558.00 Cr. The film was declared a BLOCKBUSTER, largely thanks to its massive mass appeal and a huge Overseas Collection of ₹ 124.23 Cr. When Tiger is on the prowl, records are meant to be broken. Then came the King. Shah Rukh Khan returned to the big screen and rewrote history with Pathaan. This film is the biggest money-spinner on our list, earning the verdict of ALL TIME BLOCKBUSTER. With a lavish Budget of ₹ 250 Cr, the film decimated records with an India Net Collection of ₹ 543.09 Cr and an India Gross Collection of ₹ 657.5 Cr. The scale was truly global, evident from its Overseas Collection of ₹ 397.5 Cr, pushing the Worldwide Collection to a colossal ₹ 1055 Cr. It was the comeback of the decade. Taking a detour from the massy entertainers, we land on the gritty and intelligent Madras Cafe. Starring John Abraham, this film was ahead of its time. Made on a distinct Budget of ₹ 34.00 Cr, it earned a Total Net Collection of ₹ 42.47 Cr and an India Gross of ₹ 57.33 Cr. While the trade gave it an AVERAGE Verdict due to its niche appeal, the Worldwide Gross of ₹ 66.71 Cr and its critical acclaim make it a must-watch for true cinema lovers who enjoy geopolitical drama over flying cars. Before Pathaan, there was War. This stylish face-off between Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff set the benchmark for action aesthetics in Bollywood. The film was a visual spectacle with a Budget of ₹ 150.00 Cr, and the audience loved it, crowning it a BLOCKBUSTER. It collected a massive India Net Collection of ₹ 318.01 Cr and an India Gross Collection of ₹ 375.00 Cr. The film also performed exceptionally well internationally, with an Overseas Collection of ₹ 96.00 Cr, bringing its Worldwide Collection to ₹ 471.00 Cr. To complete our Top 7, we have to tip our hat to the one that started the spy universe craze. While we focused on the sequels and spin-offs above, the original Ek Tha Tiger deserves the final spot. It laid the foundation for the Blockbusters that followed (Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan). It established the formula of romance mixed with high-stakes espionage, making it the perfect movie to binge-watch to see where it all began! So, there you have it! From the gritty realism of Madras Cafe to the high-flying stunts of Pathaan, Bollywood has given us a spy thriller for every mood. With such a strong legacy behind the genre, Aditya Dhar certainly has a high bar to match with Dhurandhar. .video-container { position: relative; width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; /* 16:9 aspect ratio */ height: 0; overflow: hidden; } .video-container iframe { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }

Bollywood

7 days ago

1422 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

21 days ago

1022 views

Rewriting the Verdict The Decades-Long Journey of Bollywoods Most Misunderstood Masterpieces

In the unforgiving world of Bollywood, the Friday box office verdict is often seen as the final word. Yet, history is littered with cinematic gems that were dismissed upon arrival, only to be resurrected by a generation of viewers who saw the magic that critics and initial audiences missed. These are the films that failed to make money but went on to make history, transitioning from box office disasters to beloved cult legends. Their journeys prove that a film's true worth isn't always measured in opening weekend collections but in its enduring ability to connect, entertain, and provoke thought long after the "flop" label has faded. Here"™s a look at some of Bollywood's most celebrated phoenixes that rose from the ashes of commercial failure. Mera Naam Joker (1970): The Magnum Opus That Broke Its Creator Raj Kapoor's four-hour epic was a financial catastrophe that nearly bankrupted him. Audiences rejected its melancholic tone. Years after its failure, its ultimate cult status was cemented when television allowed viewers to watch the full director's cut at their own pace. This home-viewing experience allowed audiences to finally appreciate the profound, autobiographical masterpiece that was too overwhelming for a single theatrical viewing. Mera Naam Joker: Fact File Director: Raj Kapoor Starring: Raj Kapoor, Simi Garewal, Manoj Kumar, Rishi Kapoor The Turning Point: Home viewing of the full director's cut on television. Defining Legacy: Considered Raj Kapoor's most personal, ambitious, and autobiographical project. Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983): The Satire That Was Ahead of Its Time Released in just four theaters, Kundan Shah's biting satire on corruption sank without a trace. The film's legacy was built through its circulation on home video (VHS tapes) and its broadcast on Doordarshan, India's national television network. This brought its genius to a wider audience, and the legendary Mahabharata scene is now considered a textbook example of satire in film schools across the country. Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro: Fact File Director: Kundan Shah Starring: Naseeruddin Shah, Ravi Baswani, Om Puri, Pankaj Kapur The Turning Point: Broadcasts on Doordarshan & circulation on VHS tapes. Defining Legacy: The chaotic and legendary Mahabharata climax scene. Andaz Apna Apna (1994): The Comedy That Laughed Last A shocking commercial failure upon release due to poor marketing, this comedy masterpiece found its second life in a way no one could have predicted. Its true resurrection came via satellite television, where endless reruns on channels like Sony Max turned it into a national phenomenon. Its quirky characters and endlessly quotable dialogues became ingrained in India"™s pop culture, ensuring its legacy not in theaters, but in the living rooms of millions. Andaz Apna Apna: Fact File Director: Rajkumar Santoshi Starring: Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Raveena Tandon, Karisma Kapoor The Turning Point: Constant reruns on satellite television. Defining Legacy: The characters of Crime Master Gogo and Teja; dialogues becoming everyday slang. Swades (2004): The Understated Gem That Found Its Home Considered too slow and didactic upon release, this Shah Rukh Khan starrer was a box office disappointment. The film's incredible turnaround is quantified by its massive success on television, where it has consistently garnered huge TRPs (Television Rating Points) with every broadcast. This overwhelming response proved that the film's heartfelt patriotism resonated deeply, confirming its status as a classic that simply needed a different medium. Swades: Fact File Director: Ashutosh Gowariker Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Gayatri Joshi The Turning Point: Consistently high television ratings (TRPs) during broadcasts. Defining Legacy: The song "Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera" becoming an unofficial anthem for Indians living abroad. Lakshya (2004): The Coming-of-Age Story That Found Its Target Despite critical acclaim, Farhan Akhtar's film underperformed commercially. Its powerful legacy is marked by its enduring influence on Indian youth; the film is widely credited with inspiring a surge of interest in joining the armed forces. Its adoption as a motivational anthem has cemented its place as a film whose cultural impact far outweighs its box office numbers. Lakshya: Fact File Director: Farhan Akhtar Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Amitabh Bachchan The Turning Point: Adoption by youth as a go-to motivational film. Defining Legacy: Credited with inspiring a renewed interest among youth to join the Indian Army. Tumbbad (2018): The Horror That Rewrote Its Own Fate This visually stunning folk tale had a quiet run at the box office. Its resurrection was driven by streaming platforms, leading to a theatrical re-release in 2024 where its first week's collection surpassed the lifetime earnings of its original run. This is a powerful modern example of how a passionate fanbase can directly rewrite a film's financial and critical history. Tumbbad: Fact File Director: Rahi Anil Barve Starring: Sohum Shah The Turning Point: Word-of-mouth phenomenon on streaming platforms. Defining Legacy: Its 2024 re-release out-earning its entire original theatrical run. These films serve as a vital reminder that the Friday verdict is not always final. True cinematic art often requires time to find its audience, proving that while box office numbers fade, the impact of a great story is eternal.

Bollywood

28 days ago

86285 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

41 days ago

3370 views

Shah Rukh Khan's Cameo Buzz As Pathaan Sparks Excitement For Alia Bhatt's Spy Universe Film Alpha

Mumbai, October 25 - The YRF Spy Universe continues to evolve, and the next chapter, Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt, Sharvari Wagh, and Bobby Deol, is shaping up to be bigger than expected after the latest cameo buzz of Shah Rukh Khan took the internet by storm. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, producer Aditya Chopra of Yash Raj Films has approached Shah Rukh Khan to reprise his iconic role of Pathaan for a special cameo appearance in Alpha. It is said that this decision comes after the studio was reportedly taken aback by the poor result of War 2, which was released recently. In an effort to amplify the buzz and strengthen the cinematic continuity of the Spy Universe, Chopra is keen to bring back SRK's Pathaan to add star power and connect the dots between the existing characters. Chopra has reportedly designed a special cameo for SRK, which will lead to Pathaan 2, the next film in the Spy Universe after Alpha. However, Shah Rukh Khan has reportedly asked for some time before making a final decision. Interestingly, Alpha, which is scheduled to release on December 25, 2025, will also feature Hrithik Roshan in a cameo as agent Kabir, marking another major crossover moment for the franchise. If SRK comes on board, Alpha could become the most interconnected YRF Spy Universe, paving the way for an eventual ensemble crossover film. With Alia Bhatt leading the charge as the first female spy of the universe, and potential appearances by both Pathaan and Kabir, Alpha is already generating immense excitement among fans. Stay tuned...

Bollywood

56 days ago

3153 views

Top 10 Biggest First Week Grossers of 2025 In Hindi: Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Fifth

Mumbai, October 10 - Amid the dominance of outright Bollywood films, a South Indian title has also made a noise as far as the biggest first earners of 2025 in Hindi are concerned. Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 has lived up to the expectations to score 100+ crores opening week in the dubbed Hindi version. The film's Hindi version has scored a good first-week collection of 107 crore net, making it the fifth biggest first-week grosser of 2025 in Hindi. The achievement is even more impressive considering it's a dubbed Kannada release competing with some of Bollywood's biggest franchises and star-studded blockbusters. Vicky Kaushal's mega blockbuster Chhaava is the biggest opening week grosser of 2025 in Hindi, with dominating numbers of 219 crore, setting a new benchmark for Hindi films this year. It's followed by Yash Raj Films' unexpected blockbuster Saiyaara, starring debutante Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda, with 173 crores, while Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR's War 2 is third in the list with 150 crores first week. Here are the top 10 biggest first-week net-grossers of 2025 in Hindi - 1. Chhaava "“ 219.25 crore 2. Saiyaara "“ 172.75 crore 3. War 2 "“ 150.40 crore 4. Housefull 5 "“ 127.25 crore 5. Kantara Chapter 1 "“ 106.95 crore 6. Raid 2 "“ 95.75 crore 7. Sitaare Zameen Par "“ 88.00 crore 8. Sky Force "“ 86.50 crore 9. Sikandar "“ 90.25 crore 10. Jolly LLB 3 "“ 74.00 crore While Chhaava continues to reign supreme with an extraordinary 219+ crore first week, Saiyaara did surprise one and all with a massive opening week. YRF's War 2, though it is the third in the list, largely underperformed considering the massive expectations had from it. Kantara 2 entering the 100 crores club within the first week is a solid result for a dubbed version. With multiple 100 crore openers and even mid-range films showing resilience, 2025 is set to hear for a solid end with a few potential blockbusters lined up to release in the remaining months. Stay tuned...

Bollywood

57 days ago

7364 views

2025"™s Biggest Box Office Showdowns: Chhaava, Saiyaara, Coolie, Kantara & War 2 Battle for Audience Glory

The year 2025 has already proven to be a landmark period for Indian cinema, with several films breaking box office records and capturing audiences"™ imaginations. Yet, the year is far from over, with more high-profile releases lined up in the coming months. Among the standout performers so far, Chhaava, a historical epic starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, has emerged as the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year, captivating viewers with its grand visuals, meticulous production design, and the compelling portrayal of a warrior king"™s valor and sacrifice achieving ₹17.89crore[With block Seats] in advance bookings, ₹37.25 crore[India gross] on its opening day.Meanwhile, Kantara: Chapter 1, helmed by Rishab Shetty, has reaffirmed the growing power of Kannada cinema, resonating deeply with audiences through its culturally rooted storytelling, captivating performances, and clever mix of suspense and drama, achieving ₹30.56 crore[With block Seats] in advance bookings, ₹74.25 crore[gross] on opening day while maintaining strong momentum weeks after release.Following closely is Saiyaara, a romantic drama featuring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, whose fresh storytelling, strong on-screen chemistry, and youthful charm made it an unexpected hit, especially in urban centers, generating ₹12.49 crore[With block Seats] in advance bookings, an opening day of ₹25.75 crore[gross] .In the regional sphere, Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and headlined by superstar Rajinikanth, has taken the Tamil box office by storm, blending high-octane action sequences with the enduring charisma of its lead, and setting new benchmarks with over ₹75 crore[With block Seats] in global advance bookings, an opening day collection of ₹77 crore[Gross]. Even films with massive expectations, such as War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, have shown that scale and star power do not automatically guarantee box office dominance,registering ₹32.21 crore [With block Seats] in advance bookings,₹ 62.60 Cr crore [gross] on opening day highlighting how audience engagement, word-of-mouth, and narrative appeal are critical factors in determining a film"™s success. Across these releases, the combination of strong content, regional appeal, dynamic marketing campaigns, and pre-release buzz through trailers, songs, and social media chatter has defined 2025"™s cinematic landscape so far, creating significant commercial milestones, record-setting premieres, and lively fan conversations, while leaving ample anticipation for the remaining releases of the year that are poised to further redefine the benchmarks for Indian box office performance. Take a glance at the top grossers of 2025 2025"™s Biggest Box Office Hits So Far (Worldwide)MovieIndia NetIndia GrossWorldwide CollectionChhaava₹ 601.54 Cr₹ 716.91 Cr₹ ₹807.91 CrSaiyaara₹329.2 Cr₹398.25 Cr₹569.75 CrCoolie₹ 285.01 Cr₹ 337.5 Cr ₹518 CrKantara: Chapter 1₹ 319.76 Cr(est)[As of Now]₹378.25 Cr(est)[As of Now] ₹444.75 Cr(est)[As of Now]War 2₹ 236.55 Cr₹ 282.6 Cr ₹ 364.35 Cr

Bollywood

62 days ago

17865 views

Hrithik Roshan, Jr. NTR's Box Office Shocker War 2 OTT Release Update

Mumbai, October 4 - After the shocking theatrical run, Yash Raj Films' much-hyped spy thriller War 2 is now gearing up for its digital premiere, with a hope to change its fortune. The film, which was touted as one of the biggest events of the year, is scheduled to begin streaming on Netflix from October 8, 2025, in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil. As a rule, War 2 will debut on digital platforms after completing its 8-week theatrical window, which is a must for a Bollywood film, unlike South Indian titles, which normally get available on OTT after 4 weeks, irrespective of their box office outcome. Despite sky-high expectations, War 2 failed to deliver at the box office. Being part of YRF's blockbuster Spy Universe and boasting a star-studded cast that includes Hrithik, Jr. NTR, and Kiara Advani, the sequel couldn't replicate the success of its predecessor and ended up as a box office shocker. With an estimated budget of over 400 crores, War 2 could only manage to gross around 365 crores worldwide, falling short of recovery and being tagged as a box office dud. The film opened to good numbers, but negative reviews and mixed word of mouth led to a steep drop in collections after the first weekend. While the Hindi version managed some numbers, the Telugu dubbed version underperformed drastically despite Jr NTR's presence. Now, with its Netflix release, War 2 will look to find a new life among home audiences who may have skipped its theatrical watch. Fans of the Spy Universe are still expected to tune in, especially as the film ties into the larger franchise storyline. Stay tuned...

Sandalwood

74 days ago

3949 views

Stars Unite To Launch Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Trailer Across Languages

Bengaluru, September 22 - The much-awaited trailer of Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 is all set to be launched today, with some of the biggest names from Indian cinema unveiling it across multiple languages. Hombale Films ensured a truly pan-India celebration, roping in superstar icons from different industries to present the prequel to the 2022 cultural blockbuster Kantara. In Telugu, the trailer has been unveiled by Pan-India superstar Prabhas, while Hrithik Roshan took charge of the Hindi launch. For the Tamil audience, the trailer released by Sivakarthikeyan and Prithviraj Sukumaran did the honours in Malayalam. Staying true to its roots, the Kannada version was launched by the audience and fans themselves, symbolising the deep connection the franchise shares with its home state. The film is carrying good buzz, and the trailer is expected to boost it further, promising a raw, powerful, and visually rich cinematic journey that dives into the origins of the folklore explored in Kantara. With Rishab Shetty returning as writer, director, and lead actor, the film is expected to push boundaries once again, combining divine mysticism with intense human drama. Given the scale of the launch and the star power attached, anticipation for Kantara Chapter 1 is now soaring across all corners of the country. The film is scheduled to release on October 2 in multiple languages, also in IMAX format. Stay tuned...

Bollywood

84 days ago

8049 views

YRF Spy Universe Footfalls Ranking: Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan Leads, Hrithik Roshan, Jr. NTR's War 2 Trails Behind

Mumbai, September 12 - Yash Raj Films' Spy Universe has been one of the biggest crowd-pullers over the year. From Salman Khan's Ek Tha Tiger, which shattered records back in 2012, to Shah Rukh Khan's record-breaking Pathaan, Spy Universe has proved its stamina in attracting audiences to theatres. However, just like a coin has two sides, Spy Universe too is showing the sign of fatigue after peaking with Pathaan in 2023. It has been over a decade since the franchise kicked off, but over the past few years, the cinema has evolved, which has started reflecting in the Spy Universe with the underperformance of Tiger 3 and War 2. The biggest downfall for the YRF Spy Universe came with the recently released War 2. The Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR-fronted failed to score even half the admissions of Ek Tha Tiger at the domestic box office, despite a much bigger scale and a bigger market. YRF Spy Universe Films and Their Domestic Theatrical Performance All Languages (Est.) Movie Title Domestic GBOC Domestic Footfalls/Admissions Ek Tha Tiger (2012) ₹ 263.00 Cr 2.47 Cr Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) ₹ 433.75 Cr 3.09 Cr War 2 (2019) ₹ 375.00 Cr 2.10 Cr Pathaan (2023) ₹ 657.50 Cr 3.49 Cr Tiger 3 (2023) ₹ 339.50 Cr 1.60 Cr War 2 (2025) ₹ 283.00 Cr 1.20 Cr Note: Pathaan admits are subject to revision Directed by Ayan Mukerji, War 2 has finished as the least-watched Spy Universe film domestically, with all language footfalls of just around 1.20 crores. Ek Tha Tiger, despite only releasing in Hindi, sold a huge 2.47 crores tickets in India, and is the third most-watched Spy Universe film in theatres after Tiger Zinda Hai and Pathaan. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan, meanwhile, remains the path-breaker film in the series. It is not only the most-watched film with approximately 3.50 crores admissions, but also the first and the only film in the Spy Universe to gross over 1000 crores gross at the worldwide box office. The record is likely to remain intact until Pathaan 2, which is expected to start after the upcoming Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt, Sharvari Wagh, and Bobby Deol. Stay tuned...

Bollywood

84 days ago

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Hrithik Roshan, Jr. NTR's War 2 Final Worldwide Box Office Collection, Verdict, and Records

Mumbai, September 12 "“ Yash Raj Films' ambitious spy action thriller War 2 has ended up as one of the major box office disappointments of recent times. It was one of the most-awaited films of the year, carrying the legacy of 2019's blockbuster War. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the movie promised high-octane action, cutting-edge visuals, and the first-ever collaboration between Hrithik Roshan and Telugu superstar Jr. NTR. However, despite the hype and sky-high expectations, War 2 massively underperformed, not just at the domestic but also the overseas box office, wrapping up its run on a disappointing note as the second-lowest-grossing film in the YRF Spy Universe. It is the costliest film in the famous Spy Universe, with over 400 crores. War 2 started struggling with the advance sales itself as it failed to build the moment despite the star power of Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, along with the brand value of the franchise. The pre-sales trend was clearly reflected in the opening, which was also affected by the negative reviews. Here Is The Final Worldwide Box Office Breakdown of War 2 (expected) India Net Box Office Collection₹ 237.00 CrHindi Net Box Office Collection₹ 178.00 Cr India Gross Box Office Collection₹ 283.00 Cr Overseas Box Office Collection₹ 82.00 Cr Worldwide Box Office Collection₹ 365.00 Cr India Footfalls/Admits1.20 Cr approx. Box Office VerdictFlop The Hindi version, which was expected to lead the charge, finished below 200 crores net as the lowest in the Spy Universe and far below the benchmarks set by other spy universe outings like Pathaan and War. However, the big letdown was the Telugu version, which couldn't even cross 100 crores domestically despite the presence of one of the biggest stars of South Indian cinema. As a result of poor collections, War 2 finished below 300 crores gross domestically. In the overseas market, the collections were also not up to the level the franchise has set over the year, reaching 82 crores gross, a low figure for a film of this scale. It has also been the least-watched movie in the Spy Universe. Despite its lavish scale, budget, star power, and action-packed marketing campaign, War 2 failed to resonate with audiences beyond the initial buzz. Weak storytelling, mixed word-of-mouth, and high expectations worked against it. For YRF"™s spy universe, which has otherwise delivered record-smashing successes, War 2 serves as a reminder that brand value alone cannot guarantee box office glory. Stay tuned...