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A security vehicle escorting Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar was involved in a road accident in Mumbai on Monday evening (January 19, 2026) while the actor and his wife Twinkle Khanna were returning home from the airport. According to preliminary information, a car hit an auto-rickshaw from behind, causing the three-wheeler to overturn and crash into Akshay Kumar’s escort vehicle. The impact led to the security car toppling onto its right side on the road. Read more: Race 4 casting update: Akshaye Khanna not part of new film Police and emergency officials reached the spot shortly after the incident and brought the situation under control. No serious injuries were reported. Videos circulating on social media showed the escort vehicle lying on its side, while the auto-rickshaw appeared badly damaged. Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna were travelling back to their Juhu residence after returning from abroad, where they had marked a personal milestone. The couple recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Further details about the accident were awaited. Read more: James Cameron shuts down Titanic raft debate, says Jack could not have survived With inputs from NDTV

Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar continues its record-breaking run at the Indian box office, surpassing ₹871.9 crore in domestic earnings 43 days after its release. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the spy action thriller opened on December 5, 2025, and has been steadily raking in collections. On Day 43 alone, the film earned ₹2.1 crore, following a cumulative ₹869.8 crore over the previous 42 days, according to Jio Studios. Read more: The Raja Saab Box Office Day 8: Prabhas’ film earns Rs 3.50 crore The film’s weekly domestic breakdown shows strong sustained performance: ₹218 crore in Week 1, ₹261.5 crore in Week 2, ₹189.3 crore in Week 3, ₹115.7 crore in Week 4, ₹56.35 crore in Week 5, and ₹28.95 crore in Week 6. Bollywood veteran Suniel Shetty praised the performances, particularly highlighting Ranveer Singh’s nuanced portrayal. “Ranveer Singh is 100 out of 10… showing patriotism while restrained in another country is very difficult, and the audience believes it,” Shetty said. He also commended Akshaye Khanna, describing him as “10 out of 10.” Dhurandhar draws inspiration from major real-life events, including the 1999 IC-814 hijacking, the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and Operation Lyari. Fans can look forward to Dhurandhar 2, scheduled for release on March 19, 2026, promising another chapter in the blockbuster spy thriller franchise. Source: NDTV Read more: Matthew McConaughey trademarks voice and image to block AI misuse

Aamir Khan and Gauri Spratt, along with Imran Khan and Lekha Washington, were spotted arriving hand-in-hand at the screening of Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, which releases in theatres on January 16. Ahead of the film’s release, a grand premiere was held in Mumbai on Wednesday evening. Aamir Khan drew attention as he arrived with his girlfriend Gauri Spratt, the two posing together for photographers while twinning in coordinated outfits. The evening was also special as Aamir’s cousin Imran Khan marked his return to films after a decade. He attended the screening accompanied by his partner, Lekha Washington. Several members of Aamir’s family and close associates were present, including his daughter Ira Khan with husband Nupur Shikhare, his son Junaid Khan, and filmmaker Kiran Rao, who came to support Aamir despite their divorce. Arhaan Khan, son of Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora, was also among the guests. In the lead-up to the release, the makers unveiled a humorous promotional video featuring a comic face-off between Aamir Khan and Sunil Grover. The clip shows Aamir being escorted out of his office after security staff mistakenly identify Sunil Grover as the real Aamir Khan. The video follows Aamir Khan’s public praise of Sunil Grover’s spot-on impersonation of him. Sunil’s mimicry was recently featured on The Great Indian Kapil Show episode starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday. Reacting to the performance, Aamir told Bollywood Hungama that it went beyond mimicry, saying it felt so real that he thought he was watching himself. He added that the clip left him laughing uncontrollably and appreciated that it was done without any malice. Dhurandhar’s unprecedented 40-Day Box Office rampage Directed by Vir Das, Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos releases this Friday, January 16. The film stars Vir Das, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Sanjay Dutt, Sharib Hashmi, and Imran Khan, with Aamir Khan appearing in a cameo and also serving as the producer. Source: NDTV        

Kiara Advani has delighted her fans by sharing the first glimpse of her five-month-old daughter, Saraayah. The actor posted a short video on her Instagram Stories on Monday evening, January 5, offering a sweet peek into a quiet moment with her baby. In the clip, Kiara is heard affectionately talking to Saraayah while leafing through a magazine that features her own photographs. “Do you want to read mama’s magazine? Okay, let’s see where mama is,” she says as she turns the pages. When her photo appears, Saraayah’s tiny fingers briefly come into view. Kiara captioned the video, “Me and my mini enjoying our Monday magazine read.” Leonardo DiCaprio on the importance of creating cinema over content at Palm Springs Film Festival Kiara and her husband, actor Sidharth Malhotra, welcomed their daughter on July 15, 2025, at Reliance Hospital in Mumbai. The couple publicly announced their baby’s name in November through a joint Instagram post. Kiara Advani’s upcoming projects On the work front, Kiara is gearing up for the release of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, directed by Geetu Mohandas and starring Kannada actor Yash in the lead role. The film is slated for theatrical release on March 19, 2026. Shot in both Kannada and English, Toxic will also be dubbed into multiple Indian languages. Kiara essays the role of Nadia, while the film also stars Nayanthara as Ganga and Huma Qureshi as Elizabeth. The ensemble cast includes Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, Akshay Oberoi and Sudev Nair. Kiara was last seen on screen in War 2, where she appeared alongside Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. Source NDTV

In Bollywood’s latest spectacle, ‘Baaghi 4 (2025)’ with Tiger Shroff, arrives as a much-anticipated continuation of a franchise known for its thrilling energy. Released on September 5, 2025, the action thriller promises to blend raw intensity with mainstream entertainment and mass appeal. Let’s dive into how the fourth installment of the Baaghi franchise holds up in depth and what its box-office performance signals. Cast and Crew of the Film Baaghi 4 (2025)  A. Harsha makes his Hindi debut with this high-octane movie, stepping into a franchise already heavy with expectations. It comes under Sajid Nadiadwala’s trusted banner, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, and carries the responsibility of being the fourth entry of the Baaghi franchise. Interestingly, this one isn’t an entirely original outing; it borrows heavily from an unofficial remake of the Tamil feature Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu from 2013. Sonam Bajwa and Sanjay Dutt join Shroff, along with Harnaaz Sandhu, who steps into Bollywood for the first time. Shreyas Talpade, Upendra Limaye, and Saurabh Sachdeva round out the ensemble. Read more: Lokah Chapter 1 – Chandra: Female-Led Malayalam Superhero Blockbuster Music duties fall to Sanchit and Ankit Balhara, whose score tries to fuel the momentum with equal parts energy and tension. Tiger Shroff On Full Beast Mode Like its predecessors, Baaghi 4 carries an A certificate, and there is no attempt to soften the blows. Shroff once again transforms into Ronnie, though this time the character feels more volatile, more unhinged. There’s intensity in his performance, and for stretches, he manages to push beyond the action-hero image that usually limits him. At 160 minutes, the relentlessness begins to wear down even patient viewers. The carnage doesn’t arrive in moderation; impalements, dismemberments, and bullets tearing through flesh all play out with little restraint. What starts as occasional bare-fist skirmishes escalates into endless brawls armed with knives, rods, and anything sharp enough to pierce through. There’s undeniable craft in staging such spectacles, but the barrage of violence overshadows everything else. For some, that sheer excess will feel like the franchise living up to its name. For others, it may come across as fatigue dressed up as adrenaline. Read more: Wednesday Season 2 Part 2: Jenna Ortega Fronts Netflix's Star-Studded Mayhem Story Lags Behind Action Ronny’s arc in the plot of this movie begins at rock bottom. He survives a brutal train crash that was never meant to leave him breathing, but survival brings no relief. Grief gnaws at him, guilt takes root, and his descent into self-destruction feels both personal and punishing. The woman he loved may or may not have survived, and that uncertainty fractures his mind. As the line between memory and reality blurs, those around him begin to wonder if his world is real at all. The script is designed with such a heavy hand on spectacle that the director barely seems to need an action choreographer. Rajat Aroraa’s dialogues, usually tuned to win easy applause, are toned down to match the story’s darker beats. Still, the makers lean too hard on action and a one-note love track. For every kinetic set-piece, narrative depth is sacrificed, leaving the film’s dramatic foundation shaky. When the story dips into the second half, predictability sets in. Promising tension dissolves into routine plotting. By the time the movie drags to its conclusion, it is the slick visuals and elaborate stunts, not the story, that carry it across the finish line for action enthusiasts. Read more: Param Sundari Film Review, Ratings, Earnings: Cross‑Cultural Romance in Bollywood Acting in Rhythm with the Action Tiger plays a dual shade of Ronnie, violent avenger on one end, vulnerable naval officer on the other. The former feels familiar, almost recycled from his past outings, but the latter carries more weight. His portrayal of a man battling trauma and possible PTSD lends some rare dimension to a character otherwise built on fists and fury. Harnaaz Sandhu, in her debut as Alisha, surprises. There’s a quiet confidence in her screen presence, never raw, never forced. She slips into the romance with ease, giving Ronnie’s broken edges a softer counterpoint. Sanjay Dutt looms large, menacing in frame, and his presence during key action sequences lifts their impact. Among the supporting cast, Saurabh Sachdeva stands out with a villainous smile that unsettles more than the bloodshed does. Sunit Morarjee adds bite as the deputy, while Upendra Limaye steals several moments, grounding the chaos with sharp screen presence. Direction and Music: Controlled but Limited Director A. Harsha doesn’t get much room to shape the film into his own. Sajid Nadiadwala, steering the story, screenplay, and production, keeps a firm grip, leaving Harsha little chance to leave a personal stamp. Still, the production value and technical polish are intact. Read more: The Voice of Hind Rajab (2025): Gaza’s Cry Echoes Through Cinema The soundscape, however, is kept deliberately loud, almost to a fault. The songs are a mixed bag, as some lyrics stand out for their plain sincerity, even if the compositions themselves don’t linger long. Jagdeep Warring-Josh’s Guzaara and Danish Sabri-Paradox’s Akeli Laila bring fleeting freshness. Sameer Anjaan’s Marjaana and Yeh Mera Husn lean on formula, though the latter, set to Tanishk Bagchi’s tune, feels like a deliberate echo of Pathaan’s Besharam Rang. The resemblance is no accident; Shilpa Rao, who lent her voice to the Shah Rukh Khan hit, reprises her place here. Box Office: An Early Surge Commercially, the Nadiadwala production, completed with a Rs 25 crore budget, is off to a striking start. Pre-release sales suggested momentum, crossing Rs. 5 crore gross even before accounting for blocked seats. With those included, the figure jumped past Rs 7.75 crore, and that was still with an hour left before showtime. For perspective, this easily outstripped Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par, which had closed its opening-day pre-sales at Rs. 3.31 crore gross. The first-day collections told a similar story. Around Rs. 12 crore net from India alone put the film ahead of Aamir’s recent outing, which had opened at Rs. 10.70 crore. Read more: Vash Level 2 (2025) Movie: Review, Ratings, Earnings Piling Up ‘Baaghi 4 (2025)’ starred by Tiger Shroff, Harnaaz Sandhu, and Sanjay Dutt has triggered considerable hype across Bollywood, riding on both star power and franchise memory. Sajid Nadiadwala’s production and pen, however, leave the story uneven and often predictable. What it does deliver without restraint is action at full throttle and unsettled music. Advanced bookings underline its staggering pull at the box office. That momentum alone proves how spectacle can outweigh storytelling lapses.

On August 29, 2025, Maddock Films' Param Sundari, directed by Tushar Jalota, hit the silver screens. This 136-minute "North-meets-South" romantic comedy highlights cultural discovery, family conflict, and fate that is determined by algorithms. Let's take a look at the first review of the movie Param Sundari and the box office earnings. Casting & Performances The key roles are played by Sidharth Malhotra as Param Sachdev and Janhvi Kapoor as Sundari Damodaram Pillai.  Janhvi Kapoor emerges as the emotional anchor in this film. The critics laud the sincerity and grounding effect in her performance. She kept the film afloat despite its uneven pacing. The narrative flourishes when she is on screen. She gave a romantic feel with a touch of sorrow. Sidharth Malhotra's charm and physicality are entertaining. However, his comic timings lack deeper emotional engagement. Malhotra and Kapoor's chemistry on screen is "electric" or "breezy". Read more: The Voice of Hind Rajab (2025): Gaza’s Cry Echoes Through Cinema Among the supporting cast of Param Sundari, Sanjay Kapoor, Manjot Singh, Renji Panicker, and Inayat Verma contribute commendably. They added emotional heft, comic flair, or narrative drive in the film where needed. Plot & Storyline Besides direction, Tushar Jalota contributes to the screenplay of the Param Sundari film. He shared writing credits with Aarsh Vora. The story is further enriched by Gaurav Mishra and Vora.  The storyline follows Param (starred by Sidharth Malhotra), a tech entrepreneur and son of a wealthy businessman. Several failed startups lead him to a dating app that matches soulmates through an algorithm. This app connects Param with Sundari (starred by Janhvi Kapoor), a Malayali homestay owner. Thus, Param starts his journey in pursuit of love. The storyline leads to cultural differences and romantic possibility. In the film, the lush backdrop, rolling backwaters, vibrant festivals, and charming village corners of scenic Kerala enthral the audience. Read more: Vash Level 2 (2025) Movie: Review, Ratings, Earnings But the narrative feels well‑worn. Critics pointed out its thin emotional texture. Some people might get bored with the story because of the forced cultural stereotypes and lazy writing. Tone, Pacing & Overall Reception The tone is breezy and light‑hearted, aiming for rom‑com comfort. However, in the second half, the storyline drags, diminishing earlier charm. Bollywood Hungama praised it as a "pleasant rom‑com" with a youth‑friendly emotional hang‑up, rating it 3.5/5. Positive early reception on social media similarly highlights its feel‑good energy. On the other hand, critics like News18 explained this film as nostalgic, safe, and without surprise. Some others criticise it for lacking depth, unreal romance, or artificial humour. Read more: Top 10 Korean Dramas Releasing in September 2025 Musical Tunes This music of the Param Sundari (2025) has got praise. The soundtrack by Sachin–Jigar, with standout lyrics from Amitabh Bhattacharya, features catchy tracks like “Pardesiya”, already earning acclaim, and “Bheegi Saree”. Reviews frequently cite music as a highlight; its energy, mood‑setting skills, and emotional resonance underscore many of the film’s better moments. Box‑Office Buzz & Early Booking Momentum Bookings for the Pram Sundari (2025) film started 3 days before release. It got over 10,000 tickets sold within 24 hours. It was anticipated that opening day net will be around Rs 7 to 10 crore, backed up by positive buzz and social media traction. The film has since been cleared by the CBFC, though with muted dialogue in select spots. As for streaming, an OTT release is expected roughly eight weeks post‑release, tentatively landing on Amazon Prime Video around late October 2025. Param Sundari collected Rs. 7.37 crores on its opening day (August 29, 2025). Conclusion The Param Sundari (2025) is a film of two halves. First, it offers majestic visuals, entertaining music, and the introduction of two leads. Second, the predictable story, intermittent pacing, and occasional cultural clichés hold the film back from becoming a memorable drama. Read more: 9-1-1: Nashville - What we know so far about Season Nine For viewers looking for a light, visual delight, scenic splendour, catchy tunes and easy charm, this film can be enjoyable. However, for those who prefer depth in storytelling or a romance that leaves them truly moved, Param Sundari may feel a little too surface‑level.

As the monsoon ends and the festive season arrives, Bollywood gears up to deliver a dynamic cinematic buffet in September 2025. This line-up offers Hindi cum pan-Indian films blending pulse-pounding action, courtroom hilarity, historical exploration, rural drama, supernatural chillers, indie storytelling, and gangster thrillers. Here’s a closer look at the most hyped Bollywood movies coming this September that are set to light up theatres, film festivals and OTT platforms.  Top Bollywood movies scheduled to release in September 2025 Baaghi 4 (September 5) Baaghi 4 is going to be the 4th instalment of the action franchise. This film will present jaw-dropping stunts, loyalty, vengeance, and intense global espionage. It’s slated to hit theatres on September 5, 2025.  A. Harsha makes his directorial debut in Bollywood through this film. It brings a fresh perspective to the action genre while retaining mass appeal. The film is produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment under Sajid Nadiadwala’s banner. Tiger Shroff (reprising his role as Ronnie) appears as a cyber-terrorist antagonist. He is joined by Sanjay Dutt as the menacing antagonist. Sonam Bajwa and Harnaaz Sandhu both star in leading roles. Harnaaz is making her Bollywood debut through this film. The detailed plot elements remain under wraps. In this grittier and globally inclined narrative, Ronnie (Tiger Shroff) faces a deadly adversary played by Sanjay Dutt. Ronnie appears to be recruited by a covert international agency to eliminate a global terror threat. Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Premiering in September 2025 The film is written by Tasha Bhambra and Sparsh Khetarpal. Its cinematography is done by Santhana Krishnan Ravichandran and editing by Tammiraju. The musical lineup of the film is expansive. Songs are composed by artists like Badshah, Tanishk Bagchi, and Payal Dev. Sanchit and Ankit Balhara handle the background composer. The Bengal Files: Right to Life On the very same date, The Bengal Files will release. It is a bold historical-political drama representing the grim realities of events such as the Noakhali genocide and Calcutta’s Direct Action Day. The narrative is poised to spark conversation with its unflinching portrayal of a forgotten chapter of history. Directed and written by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, The Bengal Files (2025) film is going to be the 3rd and concluding chapter of his Files Trilogy, following The Tashkent Files (2019) and The Kashmir Files (2022). Though the film was initially titled 'The Delhi Files: The Bengal Chapter', it was later renamed 'The Bengal Files: Right to Life'. Veteran actors like Mithun Chakraborty and Anupam Kher star in this film. Notably, Anupam Kher’s first look as Mahatma Gandhi attracted the audience. Pallavi Joshi takes on the extraordinary challenge of portraying a 100-year-old woman in the film. Read more: Saswata Chatterjee on ‘The Bengal Files’: Says fact-checking not his job The cast line also includes Darshan Kumar, Simrat Kaur, Saswata Chatterjee, Namashi Chakraborty, Rajesh Khera, Puneet Issar, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Sourav Das, and Mohan Kapur.  Madharasi Madharasi is also arriving on September 5. It is a pan-Indian collaboration written and directed by A. R. Murugadoss and produced by N. Srilakshmi Prasad under the Sri Lakshmi Movies banner.  Vidyut Jammwal stars in this film (in the role of Sivakarthikeyan) as the antagonist. Rukmini Vasanth makes her Tamil debut through this film. The ensemble cast also features Biju Menon, Vikranth, and Shabeer Kallarakkal. The technical crew includes Sudeep Elamon on cinematography and National Award winner A. Sreekar Prasad as editor. The action sequences are choreographed by Kevin Kumar, and Anirudh Ravichander does the music composition. The film Madharasi brings a blend of romance and action. The teaser trailer released on Sivakarthikeyan’s 40th birthday features a dramatic sequence with a high-speed car crash and a glimpse of him facing off against armed adversaries. These sequences signal intense visuals and creative storytelling. Though it has a unique narrative twist, a comparison to Ghajini can be drawn. Murugadoss describes the film as an “action thriller with a love story at its heart”.   Read more: Rajinikanth’s Coolie (2025) Movie Review and Updates Bayaan  Bayaan marks its world premiere on September 7 at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in the prestigious Discovery section. Written and directed by Bikas Ranjan Mishra, it is the only Indian film featured in that category this year. Though not a theatrical release in India that month, the film's festival debut makes it a standout September event. Bayaan centres on Roohi Kartar (played by Huma Qureshi), a rookie detective dispatched from Delhi to a remote Rajasthani town. In her first case, she investigates allegations against a revered cult leader accused via an anonymous letter of sexual misconduct. As she digs deeper, she grapples with entrenched power structures, institutional complicity, and cultural resistance. This female-led police procedural film is produced by Platoon One Films, led by Shiladitya Bora. The co-producers include Summit Studios (Madhu Sharma), Kunal Kumar, Anuj Gupta, and Switzerland-based Guidant Films (Sadik Keshwani). It has also received support from the Hubert Bals Fund of the International Film Festival Rotterdam and was developed through Film Independent’s Global Media Makers LA Residency. Read more: Coolie vs War 2 vs Dhumketu: Which Movie Tops Advance Booking Charts?

Bringing a lively burst of humour to the spotlight, ‘Jolly LLB 3’ unveiled its teaser on August 12, 2025. Scheduled to hit theatres on September 19, 2025, this Hindi comedy-drama movie promises an engaging blend of wit and light-hearted tension. The brief preview offers a glimpse of a hilarious courtroom face-off between the two Jollys. Let’s explore the ensemble cast, creative minds, and the early reactions sparked by the teaser of the upcoming Bollywood film Jolly LLB 3. On-screen Faces and the Team Behind the Scenes The upcoming comedy legal drama comes from the pen and direction of Subhash Kapoor. Serving as the third chapter in the Jolly LLB series, it builds on its predecessors and follows the events of ‘Jolly LLB 2’. In a unique twist for this instalment, Arshad Warsi first brought Jolly to life in the debut film. He now shares the screen with Akshay Kumar, the face of the second part. Both return to the courtroom together for the first time in the franchise. Read more: Coolie vs War 2 vs Dhumketu: Which Movie Tops Advance Booking Charts? The cast further reunites familiar faces, with Huma Qureshi, Amrita Rao, Annu Kapoor, and Saurabh Shukla stepping back into their established roles. For Amrita Rao, the project also signals her return to films after a six-year break. Alok Jain and Ajit Andhare helm the production, bringing together Star Studios and Kangra Talkies. Jolly vs Jolly: Decoding the Teaser’s Plot At the heart of the story lies a clash between two iconic lawyers, each set on taking on the judicial framework to uphold justice. This courtroom is set to witness twice the drama and twice the laughter. Akshay Kumar returns as the fiery Jolly Mishra, facing off against Arshad Warsi’s crafty Jolly Tyagi. Their sharp exchanges and playful rivalry already have audiences amused. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Lineup for September 2025: Top 10 New and Returning Shows The teaser brings back Judge Tripathi, played by Saurabh Shukla, who once again finds himself trapped between the two. Banter, clever comebacks, and spirited arguments keep testing his patience as the legal duel unfolds. Teaser Reaction The much-awaited teaser made an immediate splash online in just six hours. It racked up over 25 million views, eventually soaring to 100 million across social platforms within a day. YouTube alone accounted for more than 21.6 million of these views. Read more: Will Zee TV’s long-running daily soap Kumkum Bhagya end soon? Social media is buzzing with hashtags like #JollyLLB3 and #JollyVsJolly. Fans are flooding timelines with memes and clips highlighting the funniest moments, fuelling even greater curiosity about the film. For audiences, the showdown between Jolly vs Jolly – and the chaos it brings for Judge Tripathi – promises to be nothing short of a delightful headache. Final Words ‘Jolly LLB 3’ brings Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi together in a black comedy legal drama with familiar faces returning. The teaser’s witty courtroom exchanges and Judge Tripathi’s exasperation have struck a chord with audiences. Its viral run, trending hashtags, and flood of memes show rising anticipation, with fans hailing it as one of the most entertaining previews recently. Read more: Raihan Rafi, Siam Ahmed join forces with famous musicians for horror film 'Andhar'

Box office currents are already surging, with ‘Coolie’, ‘War 2’, and ‘Dhumketu’ drawing fierce attention ahead of their clash. All three storm theatres on August 14, 2025, carrying the same action thriller essence, yet each fused with its own distinct flavour. Early buzz hints at a seismic showdown in presales. Let’s see how the numbers shape this cinematic battlefield. Rajinikanth-Aamir Khan’s Coolie A Tamil action spectacle, ‘Coolie’ comes under the vision of director Lokesh Kanagaraj and the banner of Sun Pictures, led by producer Kalanithi Maran. The cast is a powerhouse, uniting Rajinikanth, Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, and Upendra in commanding roles. The story steps into a coastal port town ruled by a corrupt syndicate, where coolies endure relentless patterns of mistreatment and hardship. A mysterious man rises against their oppressors, challenging the system’s grip with unyielding resolve. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Lineup for September 2025: Top 10 New and Returning Shows Hrithik Roshan-NTR Jr.’s War 2 Directed by Ayan Mukerji and backed by Aditya Chopra’s Yash Raj Films, War 2 continues the adrenaline-fueled legacy of the YRF Spy franchise. It follows directly from the events of War (2019), raising the stakes for the franchise. Hrithik Roshan, N. T. Rama Rao Jr., and Kiara Advani headline the film, joined by Ashutosh Rana and Anil Kapoor. The plot thrusts rogue agent Kabir into a dark new place, making him India’s most dangerous adversary. To stop him, the nation unleashes its deadliest weapon – Agent Vikram. Read more: Will Zee TV’s long-running daily soap Kumkum Bhagya end soon? Dev-Subhashree’s Dhumketu Blending intense action with romance, Dhumketu is crafted by Kaushik Ganguly, who serves as both writer and director. The production is led by Rana Sarkar and Dev under Dag Creative Media and Dev Entertainment Ventures. Dev stars alongside Subhashree Ganguly, reuniting with her after their memorable pairing in Khoka 420 (2013). The narrative follows a tea estate manager in the hills who faces unemployment amid a crisis, struggling with limited means to sustain himself. Determined, he fights through financial hardship to rebuild his life. The journey of the film itself has been turbulent, as filming began in October 2015 and wrapped in January 2017. Production then stalled for years due to unforeseen hurdles. After nearly nine years, the project has been revived and completed, sparking fresh anticipation among audiences. Read more: New Korean Drama Lineup for August 2025 : 10 Binge-worthy Releases Coolie, War 2, and Dhumketu Face Off in Advance Booking Race Advance ticket sales for ‘Coolie’ ignited global momentum the moment they opened on 22 July. In the United States, Rs. 15 lakh (USD 18,000) worth of tickets disappeared within minutes. Dallas alone saw 600 seats snapped up instantly. The North American market responded with remarkable speed—over 10,000 tickets sold in just a few days, covering 438 shows. By 25 July, international pre-sales had already crossed Rs. 2.5 crore amounting to USD 300,000. The figure climbed to Rs. 4.2 crore (USD 500,000) within three days. As of 31 July, earnings touched Rs. 5.9 crore, equivalent to USD 700,000. Trade analysts confidently predicted the Rs. 8.5 crore (USD 1 million) mark would fall, and it did – boosted by the trailer release on 2 August. With these numbers, ‘Coolie’ cemented its position among the highest-grossing Indian films in North American advance sales history. Three days before release, ‘Coolie’ maintained a clear lead over ‘War 2’ in North America. The Tamil and Telugu versions together accounted for 73,228 tickets (USD 1.86 million), from 500 locations and 1,565 shows. In comparison, ‘War 2’ had moved 16,226 tickets, earning USD 435,000 from 763 locations and 1,977 shows. In India, the contrast remained striking. ‘War 2’ recorded Rs. 4.71 crore in advance bookings (Rs. 9.1 crore including block seats), covering 1,44,081 tickets across 8,716 shows. Meanwhile, ‘Coolie’ had already crossed Rs. 20 crore in pre-sales. Read more: South Indian Movies Launching in August 2025: 12 Must-watch Films Hitting Screens Yet, an unexpected twist came from West Bengal. Here, the Bengali movie ‘Dhumketu’ disrupted the pattern, delivering a spirited challenge to both big-budget rivals. As of Monday, 11 August, 11:00 am, it had sold nearly 21,000 tickets, and demand kept climbing by the hour. ‘War 2’, by contrast, had sold around 5,500 tickets in the state. The response to ‘Dhumketu’ left its makers astonished. Several shows across West Bengal, especially in Kolkata, were either filling fast or nearly sold out. This surge was extraordinary for a film that completed production 9-10 years ago. Delays often dull a movie’s appeal, yet here, anticipation has only intensified. Audiences know the film’s long journey, but that hasn’t dimmed their enthusiasm. In fact, it has made this moment feel historic. Verdict ‘Coolie (2025)’, ‘War 2 (2025)’, and ‘Dhumketu (2025)’ are steering toward a box office clash with distinct momentum in their favour. While ‘Coolie’ dominates globally and in most Indian territories, ‘War 2’ maintains steady traction in its key markets. In West Bengal, ‘Dhumketu’ has defied expectations, capturing audience excitement despite its decade-old production. Each film carries its own pull, shaping a dynamic and unpredictable race. However, the post-release showdown will decide who truly owns the stage. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Streaming Slate For August 2025: Exclusive Films and Series

Among the most anticipated titles of the season, ‘Dhadak 2’ has finally landed in cinemas, stirring conversation across Bollywood circles. Released on August 1, 2025, this romantic thriller blends emotional intensity with suspense. With Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi at the forefront, expectations have soared. Let’s dive into the movie review, early earnings, and hints about its OTT release. Key Cast and Creative Team Behind the Screen Directed by Shazia Iqbal, who wrote it with Rahul Badwelkar, the film is brought to life by Cloud 9 Pictures, Dharma Productions, and Zee Studios. Siddhant Chaturvedi embodies Neelesh, and Triptii Dimri portrays Vidhi, the protagonists of the movie. Hesham Abdul Wahab, Rochak Kohli, Javed-Mohsin, Shreyas Puranik, and Tanishk Bagchi steer the music composition. Siddharth-Garima, Rashmi Virag, Ozil Dalal, and Gurpreet Saini crafted the lyrics. Read more: Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2: Return of Star Plus's Popular Soap Opera Review of Dhadak 2 Movie A remake of the 2018 Tamil film ‘Pariyerum Perumal’, ‘Dhadak 2’ also stands as a spiritual sequel to the original ‘Dhadak’. What sets this instalment apart is how closely several moments align with the emotional weight of the characters. One moment that stands out is the ‘fake father’ setup. Originally portrayed with semi-comic flair in ‘Jawani Diwani’ (1972). Here it takes on a new tone, humorous, but with deeper emotional undercurrents. Equally notable is the portrayal of Neelesh’s father, portrayed by Vipin Sharma. A folk dancer in drag, his character quietly embraces social constraints while displaying unflinching pride in his art. There's a faint echo of a key figure from Karan Johar’s (one of this film’s producers) ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’. A particularly powerful scene features the principal pushing Neelesh toward agency, not surrender. In contrast, the graphic murder of a dog adds shock value, yet it transitions into a meaningful follow-up sequence that doesn't feel misplaced. Read more: New Korean Drama Lineup for August 2025 : 10 Binge-worthy Releases The character of the contract killer intrigues with his eerie commitment. Claiming he’s on a divine mission, not a crime spree, he stages deaths as accidents or suicides. Vidhi’s fierce response during the final standoff avoids melodrama and delivers impact. Other emotionally charged scenes, like her earlier eruption at home or the tense quiz with her sister’s would-be in-law, land with quiet strength. The dialogues stay sharp and sparse, powerfully avoiding moral lectures. In the lead cast, Siddhant Chaturvedi completely disappears into the role of Neelesh. His expressive eyes and grounded presence capture the inner fire of an underdog chasing justice for both himself and his community. Rather than drifting into campus politics, Neelesh clings to his dream of becoming a lawyer. Triptii Dimri is no mere glam presence here. As Vidhi, she brings both spark and depth, portraying a young woman suffocated by regressive norms with striking honesty. Read more: South Indian Movies Launching in August 2025: 12 Must-watch Films Hitting Screens Vipin Sharma delivers strongly as Neelesh’s father, especially in scenes of humiliation. Anubha Fatehpura and Harish Khanna offer quiet strength as the parents, while Saurabh Sachdeva adds menace as Shankar. Among the younger cast, Priyank Tiwari and Aditya Thakare shine with sincerity. But it’s Zakir Hussain as the principal who lingers, effortlessly balancing wit and weight in every scene. Shazia Iqbal proves herself a director of rare balance, merging emotion and entertainment without losing grip on either. ‘Dhadak 2’ feels more focused and evolved than its 2018 predecessor. Her command over tone, whether in moments of sorrow, wit, or conflict, marks her as a filmmaker with serious promise. The music does its part, though most tracks lack staying power. Still, ‘Bas Ek Dhadak’, ‘Preet Re’, and ‘Duniya Alag’ impress with their lyrical depth. The clever inclusion of the 1987 ‘Muqaddar Ka Faisla’ number and ‘Hum Jo Kaam Karte Hain’ adds seamless resonance to the narrative. Read more: August 2025 Bollywood Movies: Top 10 Must-watch Hindi Film Releases Box Office Earnings The movie opened to a modest start, earning Rs 2.48 crore on its first day across India. This, despite the pre-release buzz around its intense storyline and fresh lead pair. Much now depends on word-of-mouth. The next few days will reveal whether it gains momentum or stays steady. Dhadak 2 OTT Release After a 60-day theatrical run, the movie is slated for its digital debut in early October 2025. And, the streaming home will be none other than Netflix India. Endnote Dhadak 2, led by Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, delivers a romantic thriller with powerful performances. The film balances emotion, drama, and social commentary with finesse. Despite a slow start at the box office, it holds promise through word of mouth. Its digital release on Netflix India could provide a significant boost. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Streaming Slate For August 2025: Exclusive Films and Series