cinema
Ahaan Panday's 'Saiyaara' emerges as ablockbuster, crosses Rs 150 crore mark
Saiyaara, marking the debut of Ahaan Panday, has firmly established itself as one of the biggest box office successes of the year. Directed by Mohit Suri and featuring two fresh faces, the musical drama collected Rs 21 crore on Wednesday alone, pushing its total earnings to Rs 153.25 crore.
According to Sacnilk, the film saw a slight dip in earnings mid-week but maintained strong momentum, thanks in part to discounted ticket prices offered by several national cinema chains on Tuesday, July 22. The film actually saw greater footfall on Tuesday than on Monday, showcasing its growing popularity.
Saiyaara made a stellar start with an impressive Rs 83 crore in its opening weekend, ranking it among the top five highest-grossing opening weekends of 2025. By its fourth day, the film had already crossed the Rs 100 crore milestone — a benchmark even Salman Khan’s much-anticipated Sikandar failed to reach this year.
Adding to the intrigue is the fact that lead actors Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda did not participate in any pre-release promotions, sparking curiosity and buzz around the film’s organic success.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh praised the film’s box office performance, noting, “Tuesday’s collections exceeded Monday’s, which were already higher than Friday’s. Achieving such figures during a non-holiday weekend and working weekdays is commendable. While Tuesday's discounted pricing helped, the film’s momentum speaks for itself.”
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About the FilmBacked by Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara is a poignant tale exploring themes of love, loss, and heartbreak. The story follows Krish Kapoor, a struggling musician played by Ahaan Panday, and Vaani Batra, portrayed by Aneet Padda, a young writer battling early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
OutlookWith strong word-of-mouth and consistent box office numbers, Saiyaara shows no signs of slowing down. Having already surpassed the Rs 150 crore mark within five days, the film is now well on track to cross the Rs 200 crore milestone soon.
#With inputs from NDTV
4 months ago
‘Superman’ tops box office again with $57.3 million in second weekend
James Gunn’s “Superman” continued to dominate the North American box office in its second weekend, raking in $57.3 million and retaining its No. 1 position, according to studio estimates released Sunday.
The superhero film from Warner Bros. and DC Studios saw a 54% drop from its domestic opening, a standard decline for big summer releases. So far, “Superman” has grossed $406.8 million globally, an encouraging starts for a film seen as pivotal to DC’s cinematic reboot.
“Superman” is expected to pave the way for DC Studios’ new 10-year plan under co-heads Gunn and Peter Safra. The studio’s future slate includes “Supergirl” and “Clayface,” scheduled for release in 2026. A major box office test waits next weekend with the launch of Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” by Walt Disney Co.
Meanwhile, Universal’s Jurassic World: Rebirth came in second with $23.4 million in its third week. The Scarlett Johansson-starrer has already amassed $648 million worldwide.
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Brad Pitt’s racing drama F1: The Movie, from Apple Studios and Warner Bros., earned $9.6 million domestically and $29.5 million overseas in its fourth weekend, pushing its global total to $460.8 million.
Among new releases, Sony’s I Know What You Did Last Summer debuted with $13 million. Despite its franchise roots, the film received poor reviews (38% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a “C+” CinemaScore.
Paramount’s Smurfs, featuring Rihanna as Smurfette, opened with $11 million domestically and $22.6 million internationally, facing negative critical reception.
A24’s Eddington, a pandemic-era Western starring Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal, opened with $4.2 million and also received a “C+” CinemaScore.
Despite some underperforming debuts, Comscore reports the 2025 summer box office is up 15.9% year-on-year, with $2.6 billion in domestic sales to date.
4 months ago
New Korean Drama Lineup for August 2025 : 10 Binge-worthy Releases
When it comes to Korean drama, every release feels like stepping into a world layered with unexpected turns. The August releases span a wide range: family tales, romances, fantasy, legal showdowns, and fast-paced action. Each title carries an unparalleled storyline laced with suspense, often leaving audiences marvelling at its depth. Let’s uncover the 10 Kdrama gems August 2025 has in store, each one worth watching closely.
Top 10 Must-watch Korean Dramas Launching This August
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Mary Kills People / Black Comedy / August 1, 2025
A bold remake of the 2017 Canadian series arrives under the same name, this time shaped by writer Lee Soo-ya and director Park Joon-woo.
The medical thriller stars Lee Bo-young, Kang Ki-young, and Lee Min-ki.
At its centre is a renowned doctor who clandestinely assists terminal patients in ending their lives. A determined detective picks up the trail, triggering a gripping psychological chase.
The MBC TV project is produced by Mr Romance Co., Moving Pictures Co., and Studio Anseillen.
Read more: South Indian Movies Launching in August 2025: 12 Must-watch Films Hitting Screens
Beyond the Bar / Legal Drama / August 2, 2025
Netflix brings this original legal drama, written by Park Mi-hyun and directed by Kim Jae-hong.
Jung Chae-yeon, Lee Jin-wook, Jeon Hye-bin, and Lee Hak-joo lead the cast.
At Yeolim Law Firm, newcomer Hyo Min navigates legal challenges and social awkwardness. Guided by Seok Hoon, brilliant, yet distant, she steadily finds her footing.
The drama series is bankrolled by SLL and B.A. Entertainment.
Read more: August 2025 Bollywood Movies: Top 10 Must-watch Hindi Film Releases
My Lovely Journey / Romantic Drama / August 2, 2025
From Big Ocean ENM comes a gentle journey based on Mahiro Harada's 2012 novel Welcome Back, Traveler.
Scripted by Jung Hoe-hyun, the romantic series flourishes with Kang Sool as its director.
Kim Jae-young, Gong Seung-yeon, and Yoo Jun-sang portray the major characters.
The storyline follows former idol Kang Ha-tang, now a travel writer, as he curates life-changing trips for others. Through their stories, he slowly pieces together his own.
Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Streaming Slate For August 2025: Exclusive Films and Series
Love, Take Two / Family Drama / August 4, 2025
A 43-year-old single mother and her 23-year-old daughter, a medical student, find themselves starting over in rural Korea. What begins as an escape quickly turns into a lesson-filled journey as they meet eccentric neighbors and face comical mishaps.
Leading this heartfelt tale are Yum Jung Ah, Choi Yoon Ji, Park Hae Joon, and Kim Min Kyu.
Supporting roles are brought to life by Kim Sun Young, Yang Kyung Won, Kim Mi Kyung, Kang Ae Shim, Jung Young Joo, and Park Soo Young.
Helmed by Yoo Je Won, ‘Love, Take Two’ excels with the rising talent Sung Woo Jin as the writer.
Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Releasing in August 2025
Our Golden Days / Family Drama / August 9, 2025
A touching drama arrives under the direction of Kim Hyung-seok. Written by screenwriter So Hyun-kyung, the story bridges generational divides.
It brings together older and younger characters as they learn to face shared sorrows and redefine the meaning of family.
Jung In-sun, Jung Il-woo, Lee Tae-ran, and Chun Ho-jin anchor the cast with emotional depth.
This drama is backed by Studio Coming Soon, Studio Bom, and Monster Union.
Read more: Top 10 Hindi Films Releasing in Bollywood in July 2025
4 months ago
Emraan Hashmi acknowledges wife's concerns over intimate scenes, says it keeps audiences engaged
Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi has acknowledged that his wife, Parveen, has had concerns about the intimate scenes he's performed on screen throughout his career. However, he says such scenes have become a trademark part of his roles and are something audiences have come to expect.
In a past interview with Rediff, the actor—known for his roles in Murder, Zeher, Jannat, Gangster, and Raaz: The Mystery Continues—reflected on the long-standing "serial kisser" label associated with him. “I've realised that the serial kisser tag has become synonymous with me, and I'm not going to fight it,” he said.
Recalling a humorous moment during a screening of his film Tum Mile, Emraan shared, “There was a scene where Soha (Ali Khan) and I were alone, and I didn’t kiss her. Someone sitting next to me said, ‘Was Emraan Hashmi sick in this film?’” The remark, though made in jest, reinforced how strongly the image had stuck with his audience.
“It’s like Salman Khan not taking his shirt off—people feel something’s missing,” he added. According to Emraan, actors often carry symbolic traits that audiences come to expect. “Every actor has these signature things. For me, it's the kiss. It keeps the audience happy—and honestly, it’s more fun than taking off your shirt!”
When asked about how his family reacts to his on-screen image, the actor revealed that while they may not always be comfortable with it, they understand the professional choices he's made. “My wife and father do have issues with the intimacy in my films, but they know it’s part of the job and helps sustain my career,” he said.
On the work front, Emraan Hashmi was last seen in Ground Zero.
Source NDTV
4 months ago
James Gunn says letting go of Henry Cavill as ‘Superman’ was ‘really unfortunate’
James Gunn has spoken candidly about the difficult decision to part ways with Henry Cavill as Superman, calling the situation “really unfair” and “a total bummer.”
Appearing on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, the Superman director revealed the awkward timing around the transition at DC Studios.
While it was publicly announced that Cavill would return as the Man of Steel, Gunn said the plan had already been finalised behind the scenes to reboot the character with a new actor, reports Variety.
“The day our deal closed, all of a sudden, they were announcing that Henry was back,” Gunn recalled. “And I’m like, ‘What is going on?’ We know what the plan is. The plan was to come in and do Superman. So it was really unfair to him and a total bummer.”
Gunn suggested the confusion stemmed from factions within the studio trying to “force” a different direction.
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“That was really unfortunate,” he said. “So Peter and I [thought] the right thing to do was to sit down with [Cavill] and talk to him. And we sat down and we talked to him. He was an absolute gentleman, a great guy about it. He said, ‘The only thing I ask is that I’m able to reveal it myself as opposed to it coming from you guys.’”
When asked by host Josh Horowitz if Cavill might be cast in a different DCU role, Gunn replied, “Absolutely not,” indicating it wouldn’t be confusing at all. “I talked to him about it on that day. I would love to put Henry in something.”
Cavill starred as Superman in three DC films between 2013 and 2017. David Corenswet has since taken over the role in Gunn’s DCU debut film Superman, which released on July 11.
The cast also includes Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, among others.
4 months ago
South Indian Movies Launching in August 2025: 12 Must-watch Films Hitting Screens
From the vibrant worlds of Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema, South Indian movies stand out with genre-rich narratives and striking visual craft. The August lineup arrives with an exciting mix of action, thrillers, romance, comedy, sci-fi, and horror. Teasers and first-look promos have already stirred the crowd with powerful dialogues and stunning visuals. Let’s dive into the top 12 Pan-Indian movies set to make their mark on August 2025’s cinematic milestones.
Top 12 South Indian Films Debuting This August
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Mirai / Telugu Sci-Fi Thriller / August 1, 2025
A mythical energy pulses at the core of this sci-fi saga. A lone warrior carries the burden of protecting nine ancient scriptures. Each one holds the power to turn a mortal into a god.
Karthik Gattamneni directs with visual flair from a screenplay he co-wrote with Manibabu Karanam.
Jagapathi Babu, Shriya Saran, Jayaram, Manoj Kumar Manchu, and Teja Sajja portray the key characters.
Read more: This week’s top 10 OTT and Theatrical releases: action, drama, comedy & more
Every frame moves with the rhythm of Gowra Hari’s immersive score. Krithi Prasad and T.G. Vishwa Prasad handle the production under People Media Factory.
Vibe / Telugu Romantic Action / August 15, 2025
Swaroop RSJ brings a gentle yet gripping tale to the screen. He also co-wrote the romantic film with Divya Narayanan. The heartfelt tale celebrates a friendship that refuses to break. It’s a bond that bends but never folds, no matter the storm.
Harish Palakurthi and Shruti Sharma embody this quiet resilience with sincerity. This Swadharm Entertainment production excels with Rahul Yadav Nakka as its producer.
Masood Khan (Part 1): The Rage / Telugu Horror / August 22, 2025
Long ago, the Shaithans lived in shadows—restless, greedy, never satisfied. Now, they walk among humans, their hunger unchanged. Masood Khan never asked to be a hero. But when fate drags him into these Jinns’ trap, he doesn’t flinch. Caught in a world ruled by ancient evil, he must fight to live, to rise, and to defy.
Read more: August 2025 Bollywood Movies: Top 10 Must-watch Hindi Film Releases
Produced by Ashoka Cinematic Universe, this horror movie flourishes with Ashoka as its director.
Puja Sharma, Reddi Bhanu Prasad, and Sai Chandra carry the weight of this dark myth with bold performances.
Surrender / Tamil Crime / August 1, 2025
This layered tale of law, power, and consequence is written and directed by Gowthaman Ganapathy. The crime movie plot is set five days before the polls, when tension simmers. What starts as routine duty turns into chaos for a police unit. On the other end, a gangster finds his world disrupted by the same election. Their paths cross, and nothing stays the same.
Sujith Shanker, Lal, Padine Kumar, Mansoor Ali Khan, Munishkanth, and Tharshan Thiyagarajah assume the key roles.
Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Streaming Slate For August 2025: Exclusive Films and Series
The atmosphere is sharpened by Vikas Badisha’s brooding score. VRV Kumar produces under Upbeat Pictures.
Vidupatta Kutrangal / Tamil Thriller / August 4, 2025
Helmed and penned by K. Muthu Kumar, this thriller boasts production by VSR Ajay and Umamakeshwari under VSR Creation.
Set on a rural pulse, the movie revolves around a stranger and his cow who walk into a village with nothing but hope. One small incident turns that hope into hardship. In a place that’s not home, survival becomes the story.
The pivotal cast comprises Mahana, VSR Ajay, Nizhalgal Ravi, Singampuli, and Birla Bose.
Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Releasing in August 2025
Murali Krishnan’s music mirrors the land: raw, simple, and stirring.
Coolie / Tamil Action / August 14, 2025
Starring Rajinikanth, this action movie thrives under the direction of Lokesh Kanagaraj. He co-wrote the screenplay along with Chandhru Anbazhagan.
The narrative focuses on a man shaped by revenge who walks a path forged in fire. He’s waited years, held grudges, and now, he’s ready.
The supporting cast members are Nagarjuna, Upendra, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, and Reba Monica John.
‘Coolie’ features a surprise cameo of Aamir Khan, who reunites with Rajinikanth after three decades. This duo was last seen together in the 1995 movie ‘Aatank Hi Aatank’.
Read more: Top 10 Hindi Films Releasing in Bollywood in July 2025
Furthermore, Pooja Hegde lights up the screen in a special song appearance. Anirudh Ravichander’s score pulses through each frame like a heartbeat.
Kalanithi Maran’s Sun Pictures oversees the production.
4 months ago
This week’s top 10 OTT and Theatrical releases: action, drama, comedy & more
A fresh week brings a diverse slate of films and web shows catering to every kind of viewer—from emotional family dramas and gripping thrillers to nostalgic comedies and hard-hitting documentaries. Here are the top 10 OTT and theatrical releases to watch out for this week:
1. Son of Sardaar 2 – In Theatres | July 25Ajay Devgn returns in the action-packed sequel to his 2012 hit. Directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, this film blends Punjab’s vibrant energy with fast-paced comedy and stunts. Mrunal Thakur plays the female lead.
2. Happy Gilmore 2 – Netflix | July 25Adam Sandler reprises his role as the fiery golfer in this long-awaited sequel. Set years later, Gilmore returns to the golf course to fund his daughter Vienna’s ballet dreams.
3. Justice on Trial – Prime Video | July 21Judge Judy leads this compelling docuseries exploring whether legal verdicts always align with justice. Her team re-examines real-life cases where outcomes were lawful but left moral questions unanswered.
4. The Steve Harvey Show – Netflix | July 21The beloved '90s sitcom makes a streaming comeback. Whether revisiting or discovering it for the first time, fans can enjoy the charm of Steve Hightower and his hilarious journey as a high school music teacher.
5. Shiny Happy People: A Teenage Holy War – Prime Video | July 23The new season focuses on Teen Mania, a once-popular youth ministry that used music and purity pledges to draw crowds. But behind its lively image was a troubling organization driven by a leader with far-reaching ambitions.
6. The Fantastic Four: First Steps – In Theatres | July 25Set in a stylish 1960s-inspired Manhattan, this reboot introduces Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the iconic superhero team. Facing new threats under the looming presence of Galactus, the film promises retro-futuristic action.
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7. Trigger – Netflix | July 25In a South Korea where guns are banned, illegal firearms are flooding the streets. A tenacious detective must confront a cunning arms dealer in this tense crime thriller featuring Kim Nam Gil, Kim Young Kwang, Woo Ji Hyun, and Kim Won Hae.
8. Trainwreck: P.I. Moms – Netflix | July 22This documentary revisits a chaotic 2000s reality show about mothers moonlighting as private investigators. What began as gripping TV spiraled into scandal when a drug controversy rocked the cast and crew.
9. Letters From The Past (July 23) – Netflix
When a young woman stumbles upon a hidden secret from her past, a stack of old letters becomes her only clue. To find the truth, she sets out to track down the people who wrote them.
10. The Warning Try (July 25) – Netflix
After his career takes a hit, a former rugby star returns to his roots to coach his old school's team. Along the way, he helps the boys find their game and finds a second chance for himself too.
With such a wide-ranging mix of genres and stories, viewers can find something to suit their taste on both streaming platforms and in theatres this week.
#With inputs from NDTV
4 months ago
Nepali film ‘Missing: Keti Harayeko Suchana’ premieres in Dhaka
For the first time, a Nepali film is being released in theatres across Bangladesh, as ‘Missing: Keti Harayeko Suchana’ hits Star Cineplex and other screens on Friday.
On the eve of its official release, Star Cineplex hosted a premiere screening of the film on Thursday evening at its Uttara Centerpoint branch in the capital.
The event was graced by the film’s cast and crew, including lead actor Nazir Hussain, who is visiting Bangladesh to promote the film. Expressing his excitement, the actor said, “I am very happy to be here in Dhaka. ‘Missing: Keti Harayeko Suchana’ is releasing in Cineplex this Friday, and I’m thrilled that this is the first-ever Nepali film to get a theatrical release in Bangladesh.”
The premiere was also attended by the film’s director Dipendra Gauchan, other cast and crew members, and the Ambassador of Nepal to Bangladesh, Ghanashyam Bhandari.
A group of Nepali students currently studying in Bangladesh also joined the screening.
Speaking about the film, actor Nazir Hussain said, “The story revolves around a missing girl. What happened, how, and why—everything unfolds through the film. It released in Nepal a few months ago and received positive responses. The film is culturally rich, and Dipendra Gauchan has done a remarkable job with its direction. I hope Bangladeshi audiences will enjoy it too.”
‘Missing: Keti Harayeko Suchana’, which runs for 2 hours and 40 minutes, stars Shristi Shrestha alongside Nazir Hussain in lead roles. The film, set in Nepali language, explores themes of love between different communities, rooted in the country's indigenous culture.
Short film ‘Sole Mate’ to compete at Antares Int’l Film Festival in Moscow
Though Bangladesh previously engaged in co-productions with Nepal, this marks the first standalone Nepali film to be officially released in the country.
The release has been facilitated under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement.
Bangladeshi distributor Show Motion Limited has imported the film, while in return, Tanim Rahman Angshu’s ‘No Dorai’, starring Sariful Razz and Sunerah Binte Kamal, will be screened in Nepal.
4 months ago
Short film ‘Sole Mate’ to compete at Antares Int’l Film Festival in Moscow
Bangladeshi short film ‘Sole Mate’ has been officially selected for competition at the Antares International Film Festival, a new film festival taking place in Moscow, Russia.
Directed by debutant Adel Imam Anup, ‘Sole Mate’ will compete in the official documentary film competition segment of the festival, which will be held from August 6 to 10 in Moscow.
The film has a runtime of four minutes and has already drawn praise for its unique narrative approach.
The festival authorities confirmed the film’s selection via email, describing it as an “outstanding achievement” for the ‘Sole Mate’ team. They noted that more than 2,400 films were submitted from various countries, out of which 104 films from 29 countries were chosen for the final competition.
‘Sardaar Ji 3’ sees strong global performance without India release
Speaking about the film, Anup said, “As an independent filmmaker, it’s truly an honour to have my first work selected for an international film festival. Honestly, it feels unbelievable.”
“Filmmaking here is often challenging due to various limitations, but I’m deeply grateful to those who believed in me and supported the project,” he added.
The film narrates the story of a pair of shoes — exploring what emotions they might express and what their journey would be if they could speak.
Notably, no human faces appear in the film; instead, it was shot by showing only feet. Konok Khandakar participated in the filming, and the narrative was told through a voiceover delivered by Rezwan Kabir Kallol.
'Sole Mate’ has so far been screened twice, both times in Dhaka. Its premiere took place at the first season of the "Friendly Neighbourhood Filmmaker Fest (FNF)" held at the National Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
The story of ‘Sole Mate’ was co-written by Adel Imam Anup and Rezwan Kabir Kallol. The screenplay was done by Sheikh Qorashani, while the cinematography and editing were handled by Asaduzzaman Abir, with Fazle Rabbi assisting in cinematography.
4 months ago
‘Sardaar Ji 3’ sees strong global performance without India release
Sardaar Ji 3, starring popular Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, was released globally—excluding India—on June 27, and has since stirred controversy over its casting and distribution strategy.
Directed by Amar Hundal, the film came under fire after its trailer release, mainly for casting Pakistani actress Hania Amir. The backlash intensified following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting criticism of the film’s timing and casting choices.
Despite the decision to withhold the film’s release in Indian cinemas, Sardaar Ji 3 has been performing exceptionally well in overseas markets. According to a report by entertainment portal KoiMoi, the film has grossed approximately Rs 55 crore at the international box office by the end of its third weekend, with Pakistan and Canada emerging as top markets.
A recent Instagram post from Team Diljit Dosanjh hinted at the film’s “global rush,” highlighting that the horror-comedy had already earned Rs 52 crore within just two weeks of its release.
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Addressing the controversy in an interview with BBC Asian Network, Diljit Dosanjh clarified that when the film was shot in February 2025, the geopolitical situation was stable.
“After that, many serious developments occurred, beyond our control. So the producers chose not to release it in India and opted for an international release instead,” he said. “They understand the financial loss involved in skipping an entire market, but I support their decision.”
Director Kabir Khan, best known for the 2015 blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan, which marked its 10th anniversary on July 17, also defended Diljit. He said it was “unfair to target” the actor, noting that external circumstances changed after the film’s production was completed.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan itself centered around cross-border themes, telling the story of a mute Pakistani girl who is reunited with her family with the help of an Indian man.
Sardaar Ji 3 is jointly produced by Gunbir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu, and Diljit Dosanjh. C
#With inputsfrom NDTV
4 months ago