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After decades of redefining spy cinema, Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible saga prepares to launch the franchise’s boldest adventure yet. Arriving in theatres on May 23, 2025, the 8th installment officially claims the title of the longest runtime in the history of the film series. With tension and daring action at its peak, the next mission is poised to leave an enduring mark. Let’s dive into how Mission: Impossible (M:I) 8 - The Final Reckoning elevates the thrilling legacy to new heights. Direction, Cast, and Plot of Mission: Impossible 8  Subtitled ‘The Final Reckoning,’ this spy action film thrives under the direction of Christopher McQuarrie, who co-wrote its screenplay with Erik Jendresen. Picking up the pieces after ‘Dead Reckoning Part One,’ the next chapter in the M:I saga dives deeper into Ethan Hunt’s high-stakes battle against the formidable AI known as the Entity. Armed with vital knowledge, Hunt races to reunite his loyal team and track down the sunken Russian submarine rumoured to hold the Entity’s source code — the only hope to dismantle it. Read more: China's Ne Zha 2 Stays Atop Hollywood's ‘A Minecraft Movie’ at the Worldwide Box Office Cruise once again leads the charge, joined by returning forces Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Henry Czerny, and Angela Bassett. Alongside them, Pom Klementieff adds new energy, while Vanessa Kirby returns to continue her arc from the first Reckoning film. McQuarrie and Cruise drive production under the banner of Skydance Media and TC Productions, respectively. Franchise’s Latest Film 'The Final Reckoning' with the Longest Runtime According to Paramount Pictures, The Final Reckoning is set to deliver an epic runtime of 2 hours and 49 minutes (169 minutes). This marks a major jump from the first Mission: Impossible film (1996), which kept things tight at just 110 minutes, the shortest in the entire saga. Even ‘Dead Reckoning Part One’ slightly trailed behind, clocking in at 2 hours and 43 minutes (163 minutes). Read more: South Indian Films Releasing in May 2025: Must-watch Lineup M:I 2 (2000) ran for 124 minutes, M:I 3 (2006) stretched to 126 minutes, and Ghost Protocol (2011) reached 133 minutes. Rogue Nation (2015) slightly dipped to 131 minutes, while Fallout (2018) expanded to 147 minutes. Aside from the small exception of Rogue Nation, each installment has steadily grown in length. Now, the Reckoning duology has formed a two-part story. Fans gearing up for this grand finale should set aside a combined 5 hours and 2 minutes (332 minutes) of pulse-pounding adventure. Longest Film of Ethan Hunt’s, Not Tom Cruise’s Despite its impressive length, MI’s eighth installment does not claim the title of Cruise’s longest film. That distinction belongs to Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia, the 1999 psychological drama. It unfolds over a sweeping 3 hours and 8 minutes (188 minutes). Read more: Kesari Chapter 2 Review: Akshay Kumar Fronts a Bold Patriotic Courtroom Saga Still, this M:I movie secures a strong second place in Cruise’s filmography, edging just ahead of Dead Reckoning Part One.

Sunny Deol’s action film Jaat continues to perform steadily at the box office, collecting ₹1.25 crore on its 17th day, as per a report by Sacnilk. The film’s total domestic earnings now stand at ₹82.85 crore and are expected to cross ₹85 crore soon. Directed by Gopichand Malineni, Jaat stars Randeep Hooda as the antagonist Ranatunga. On its third Saturday, the movie recorded an average Hindi occupancy rate of 13.27%, with audience attendance rising throughout the day—from 6.27% in morning shows to nearly 19% at night. The film also stirred controversy earlier when a police complaint was filed at Jalandhar's Sadar Police Station under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The complaint, lodged by Vikalp Gold from Pholriwal village, accused the makers and actors of hurting Christian sentiments. The issue centered on a scene showing Hooda's character in a crucifix-like pose inside a church, resembling the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In response, the filmmakers promptly removed the scene and issued a public apology. Despite not being a massive blockbuster, Jaat has secured a sequel. Sunny Deol announced Jaat 2 on Instagram just a week after the film's release, teasing a new mission for his character. Jaat follows the story of an enigmatic stranger (played by Sunny Deol) who arrives in the fictional village of Chirala. The villagers are oppressed by the ruthless Ranatunga and his wife Bharathi (played by Regina Cassandra), until Deol’s character steps up to help them reclaim their freedom.

The buzz around Aamir Khan’s upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par continues to grow, and fans now have something new to look forward to — the trailer is all set to release alongside Ajay Devgn’s Raid 2, which hits theatres on May 1, 2025. The trailer, which runs for 3 minutes and 29 seconds, has officially received a UA certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Film journalist Himesh Mankad confirmed the news on X, sharing that the trailer has been cleared and will be attached to the theatrical prints of Raid 2. Warner Bros secures dismissal of ‘Superman’ foreign copyright lawsuit A spiritual follow-up to Aamir’s critically acclaimed 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, this new project takes a completely different tone. Aamir recently revealed that his character this time, named Gulshan, is a stark contrast to the sensitive teacher Nikumbh from the earlier film. Describing Gulshan as brash, rude, and politically incorrect, Aamir noted that the story will follow his personal transformation as he learns life lessons from people on the autism spectrum. Directed by RS Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par also stars Darsheel Safary, who returns in a key role, and Genelia Deshmukh. While the film’s official release date is yet to be confirmed, the trailer’s debut next week has certainly added to the excitement.      

Fantasy animation movie ‘Ne Zha 2,’ released on January 29, 2025, is running successfully at the worldwide box office. It now fends off fresh competition from the live-action fantasy comedy ‘A Minecraft Movie,’ which debuted on April 4 this year. Their cinematic face-off brings new energy to global screens. Let’s dive into how a mythical hero from the East keeps building victories over a pixel-powered quest from the West. Ne Zha Universe at a Glance The ‘Ne Zha’ universe, delicately woven from ancient Chinese mythology, is brought vividly to life by writer-director Jiaozi (Yang Yu). The saga began with ‘Ne Zha’ (2019), a groundbreaking fantasy animation inspired by Xu Zhonglin’s 16th-century epic ‘Investiture of the Gods’. It introduced a fiery yet misunderstood boy born from a spirit bead, destined to battle evil while carrying the weight of society’s fear and rejection. Amidst chaos and heroism, Ne Zha’s clash with Ao Bing ended in sacrifice, though their souls endured. In the direct sequel, ‘Ne Zha 2: The Devil Boy Churns the Sea’, the narrative rises again, this time with Taiyi Zhenren’s mystical plan. The deity aims to restore the two fallen warriors using the sacred seven-coloured lotus. Read more: South Indian Films Releasing in May 2025: Must-watch Lineup Ne Zha 2’s Journey From Mainland China to Hollywood With a production budget soaring to 600 million yuan, 'Ne Zha 2' stands as a creative milestone and China’s most expensive animated film to date. The figure is more than USD 80 million, based on an exchange rate of 1 Chinese Yuan = USD 0.14. Within just three days of its domestic release, the film surged past 1.1 billion yuan (USD 150.95 million). With the figure, it gets the fastest title ever to cross the 1-billion threshold in the Chinese movie industry. By its eighth day, it had already eclipsed 5 billion yuan (USD 686.15 million), overtaking the lifetime total of its predecessor. Meanwhile, it solidifies its place as the highest-grossing animated feature in mainland China. As of February 8, 2025, ‘Ne Zha 2’ had amassed over 7.2 billion yuan (USD 988 million), earning the historic title of the top-grossing Chinese film of all time. In doing so, it became the first non-Hollywood production to break the 7-billion mark globally. It even outperformed the single-territory box office record of the 2015 film Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Read more: Kesari Chapter 2 Review: Akshay Kumar Fronts a Bold Patriotic Courtroom Saga Within weeks, ‘Ne Zha 2’ outpaced the global lifetime earnings of Inside Out 2 (2024), becoming the highest-earning animated film in history. The fantasy epic crossed the USD 2 billion mark on March 9, becoming only the seventh film in history to achieve this feat. It stands as the first animated feature from outside the United States to reach that level. Remarkably, it’s also the first non-English-language animation to do so and only the second ever not produced by Disney. Its overseas debut at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles sold out instantly, with the film pulling in USD 7.2 million on its U.S. opening weekend. The English dub, now rolling out across theatres in Australia and the United States, promises to reignite its momentum. Ne Zha 2 vs. A Minecraft Movie Helmed by Jared Hess, 'A Minecraft Movie' opened strong in China, delivering the most impressive debut in the country this year. Between April 4 and 6, the Legendary and Warner Bros.-backed live-action fantasy comedy collected 105.5 million yuan (USD 14.7 million). While this performance marked a domestic triumph, it wasn’t enough to challenge ‘Ne Zha 2’ on the international stage. Read more: Top Pakistani Dramas in 2025 Showcasing Strong Female Leads In its tenth weekend, ‘Ne Zha 2’ continued its financial ascent with another USD 10 million, raising its global haul to USD 2.11 billion. The Cococartoon-produced mythological animation remains the top-grossing film of 2025 by a comfortable margin. With support from premium screening formats like IMAX, its momentum shows few signs of slowing, even in the face of new releases. On the contrary, the Jason Momoa and Jack Black-starrer film finished its opening weekend with USD 162.8 million in domestic earnings and USD 313 million worldwide. Its timing, arriving over two months later, meant it faced a global market already captivated by the Chinese fantasy epic. As of now, ‘Ne Zha 2’ leads the box office with USD 2.15 billion, while ‘A Minecraft Movie’ stands at USD 729.2 million. Read more: Popular Indian Universities and Institutes to Learn AR-VR Technology Critical reception reflects this divide: the Mandarin movie holds an IMDb rating of 8.2 and scores 95% from critics and 99% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. In contrast, the Hollywood film sits at 5.9 on IMDb, with a critic score of 48% and an audience score of 86%. This is a respectable showing but far from rivalling the acclaim of its Eastern counterpart. What’s So Special About Ne Zha 2 The mythology-based movie stands as a brilliant fusion of cultural authenticity and universal storytelling. The movie’s themes are confronting institutional prejudice, challenging destiny, and carving one’s own path. All these resonate deeply across cultures, yet are rooted in Chinese traditions and folklore. Read more: May 2025 Bollywood Releases: 10 Most Hyped Hindi Films To Watch The movie’s opening, featuring the Grand Song of the Dong ethnic group, highlights China’s rich cultural heritage. It also pays homage to a music form inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This gesture serves as a poignant reminder of the nation’s deep-rooted traditions while offering a window into its diversity. Behind The Screen The film’s graphics, meticulously crafted under the expert direction of Shi Chaoqun. It captures the essence of Chinese landscapes and mythological realms with striking precision. The battle sequences are nothing short of a visual masterpiece, blending cultural symbols and folklore. The timeless action sequences are beautifully rendered in the visuals. They showcase the artistry of Chinese animation, brought to life by over 4,000 professionals from 138 studios across five years. Read more: May 2025 Amazon Prime Video Originals Streaming Lineup: Movies, Series, Shows The production credit goes to Liu Wenzhang and Wang Jing. Lending the voices are Lu Yanting, Han Mo, Lu Qi, Zhang Jiaming, Wang Deshun, and Zhuo Yongxi. Verdict The ongoing box-office clash between ‘Ne Zha 2’ and ‘A Minecraft Movie’ continues to captivate audiences worldwide. While the Hollywood film had a strong debut, the Mandarin one remains a powerful force, steadily building global dominance. Whether the live-action adventure can sustain its momentum or if the animated epic will reclaim its crown is yet to be determined. What’s certain is that this cinematic rivalry is poised to leave lasting marks on the box office landscape. Read more: 10 Best Films, Documentaries on Palestine That Everyone Should Watch

Fawad Khan’s upcoming Bollywood film Abir Gulaal, which marks his return to the Indian film industry after several years, is facing calls for a boycott in India following a recent attack. The movie is scheduled for release in Indian cinemas on  May 9. However, opposition to its release is growing, particularly from prominent industry figures. On Thursday, Ashoke Pandit, president of the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association, voiced his disapproval of the film's release. "We, as a federation, have requested [filmmakers] with folded hands to not work with Pakistanis," he told NDTV. BN Tiwari, president of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, had earlier declared that their union would "not let the film release in India" and warned of action against the film's producers if it goes ahead. In response to the recent violence in Kashmir, Khan shared an Instagram story on Wednesday condemning the attack, describing it as a "heinous" and "horrifying incident." Despite this, public anger directed at the film has not eased. Khan rose to popularity in India after starring alongside Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor in a 2014 film. His Bollywood career paused in 2016 amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Uri attack on an Indian army base. Such tensions between the two countries frequently disrupt cultural, film, and sports events. Source: BBC      

The South Indian film industries—Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada—continue to hold their place as cultural powerhouses on the silver screen. Adding to their dynamic legacy, the May 2025 slate introduces a fresh wave of thrillers, mysteries, comedies, horrors, action, and fantasy. Teasers have already ignited a wave of excitement, with sharp dialogues and high-octane sequences raising expectations. Let’s check out this May’s most anticipated with South Indian movies promising cinematic diversity on every frame. Top 12 South Indian Movies Being Released This May . HIT: The Third Case | Telugu Thriller | May 1, 2025 The third movie in the HIT franchise, continuing the saga from HIT: The Second Case (2022), this action film flourishes with Sailesh Kolanu as writer and director.  The plot follows Arjun Sarkaar, a HIT Special Police officer from Visakhapatnam, assigned to track a ruthless group of serial killers in Jammu and Kashmir. Read more: Kesari Chapter 2 Review: Akshay Kumar Fronts a Bold Patriotic Courtroom Saga Srinidhi Shetty and Nani assume the lead roles, while Surya Srinivas, Adil Pala, Brahmaji, Maganti Srinath, and Rao Ramesh round out the supporting cast. Prashanti Tipirneni and Nani helm the production, bringing together Wall Poster Cinema and Unanimous Productions. Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 | Telugu Historical Action | May 9, 2025 Headlined by Pawan Kalyan, this period drama unfolds in the 17th-century Mughal Empire. It chronicles the daring exploits of Veera Mallu, an outlaw tasked with stealing the famed Koh-i-Noor diamond. Besides directing the action movie with A. M. Jyothi Krishna, Krish Jagarlamudi crafts its screenplay with Sai Madhav Burra. Read more: Top Pakistani Dramas in 2025 Showcasing Strong Female Leads Appearing in the crucial roles are Bobby Deol, Dalip Tahil, Nargis Fakhri, Nora Fatehi, Nidhhi Agerwal, Sachin Khedekar, and Jisshu Sengupta. Produced by Mega Surya Production, this historical saga is enhanced by the music of Oscar-winning M. M. Keeravani. Eleven | Tamil-Telugu Bilingual Thriller | May 16, 2025 This AR Entertainment production features Naveen Chandra in the lead role, along with Reyaa Hari, who also produces the movie in association with Ajmal Khan. The supporting cast also includes Abhirami, Shashank, Dileepan, Aadukalam Naren, and Riythvika. Lokkesh Ajls’ direction and writing elevate the Tamil-Telugu bilingual movie. Read more: May 2025 Bollywood Releases: 10 Most Hyped Hindi Films To Watch The narrative revolves around a fearless officer whose unmatched investigative skills have cracked the department’s most complex cases. He now faces his toughest challenge yet, a chilling serial murder investigation. Retro | Tamil Romantic Action | May 1, 2025 Backed by 2D Entertainment and Stone Bench Creations, this romantic movie boasts Karthik Subbaraj as its writer and director. The story traces Parivel Kannan’s journey to reclaim his lost love, Rukmini, as he confronts emotional trials and unforeseen hurdles along the way. Pooja Hegde and Suriya embody the lead characters, with the additional cast of Joju George, Jayaram, Nassar, and Prakash Raj. Read more: May 2025 Amazon Prime Video Originals Streaming Lineup: Movies, Series, Shows The soundtrack is composed by Santhosh Narayanan, who also makes a cameo in the track “Kanimaa,” while Shriya Saran appears in a special sequence for another song. Tourist Family | Tamil Drama | May 1, 2025 Helmed and written by Abishan Jeevinth, this family drama features Simran, M. Sasikumar, Kamalesh, and Mithun Jai Sankar in central roles. M. S. Bhaskar, Yogi Babu, Ramesh Thilak, Elango Kumaravel, Bagavathi Perumal, and Sreeja Ravi portray the other key roles. Set in post-COVID Sri Lanka, the film portrays a Tamil family’s desperate quest for safety and stability as they risk everything to escape deepening economic despair. The produced credit goes to Magesh Raj Pasilian, Nazerath Pasilian, and Yuvaraj Ganesan under MRP Entertainment and Million Dollar Studios. Read more: Sunny Deol's Jaat Movie Review: Is It Worth Watching DD Next Level | Tamil Comedy Horror | May 16, 2025 Subtitled as Devil's Double Next Level, the horror movie thrives with the writer and director S. Prem Anand at the helm. Bankrolled by Niharika Entertainment and The Show People, the film marks the fourth chapter in the Dhilluku Dhuddu franchise, serving as a sequel to “DD Returns” (2023). While the plot remains under wraps, early glimpses hint at a narrative woven around crime, action, and an unsettling, shadowy world. Led by Santhanam, the ensemble cast includes Selvaraghavan, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Geethika Tiwary, Kasthuri Shankar, Yashika Aannand, Rajendran, Nizhalgal Ravi, and Maaran. Read more: Farewell to ACP Pradyuman: Tribute to Sony TV Crime Drama CID's Legendary Character

The highspeed bullet train says Japan as much as Godzilla, sushi and Mount Fuji. And it takes center stage in Shinji Higuchi’s new film, “Bullet Train Explosion,” which premieres on Netflix Wednesday. Higuchi, the director of the 2016 “Shin Godzilla” (or “New Godzilla,") has reimagined the 1975 Japanese film “The Bullet Train," which has the same premise: A bomb will go off if the train slows down below 100 kph (62 mph.) That original movie also inspired Hollywood’s “Speed,” starring Keanu Reeves, which takes place mostly on a bus. Higuchi recalls being fascinated by the aerodynamically shaped bullet trains growing up as they roared by, almost like a violent animal. To him, as with many Japanese, the Shinkansen — as the trains are called in Japan — symbolize the nation’s efforts to become “top-rate,” superfast, precise, orderly and on time. “It’s so characteristically Japanese," Higuchi said in an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday. “To complete your work, even if it means sacrificing your personal life, is like a samurai spirit living within all Japanese." The film's realism was achieved by a smooth combination of computer graphics and miniature train models, built to one-sixth the size of the real thing. A huge LED wall was used on the set to project visuals of passing landscapes as seen from the train window, and those shots were juxtaposed seamlessly with footage shot on a real train. Shah Rukh, Salman Khan condemn Pahalgam terror attack The explosions are strangely exhilarating, and beautifully depicted with scattering sparks and smoke. Higuchi stressed that the filmmakers were careful to make sure the criminal act, as depicted, is not physically possible today. He said “Bullet Train Explosion” marked a challenging departure from his past movies that were about heroes and monsters. “I examined the question of evil, and how we pass judgment on a person,” he said. “That’s what my predecessors did as directors before me: Try to show what happens if you commit evil," he added. "And I tried to give my answer.” One departure from the original, which starred the late Ken Takakura as the bomber, is that Higuchi chose to focus on the train workers. Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, formerly a member of boys’ band Smap who portrayed a transgender woman in Eiji Uchida’s “Midnight Swan,” is convincing as a dedicated Shinkansen worker. “I always have fun working with the director,” Kusanagi said of Higuchi at a Tokyo premiere earlier this week. “I’ve loved him for 20 years.” Kusanagi starred in “Sinking of Japan,” Higuchi’s 2006 science-fiction thriller about a natural catastrophe that threatens Japan’s very existence. East Japan Railway Co., formed after the national railway was privatized, which operates the bullet train featured in Higuchi’s reboot, gave full support to the film. It allowed the use of real trains, railway facilities and uniforms, as well as helping train the actors to simulate its workers and their mannerisms. The bullet trains have long been a symbol of Japan’s blossoming as a modern economy and peaceful culture in the decades following World War II. The first leg, connecting Tokyo with Osaka, opened with much fanfare in 1964. The system now connects much of Japan, from the northernmost main island of Hokkaido through southwestern Kyushu. The train featured in Higuchi’s work connects Tokyo with northern Aomori.

After years of hinting at his interest in adapting the Mahabharata for the screen, Aamir Khan has officially confirmed that the monumental project is finally in motion. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, the actor-filmmaker announced that work on the much-anticipated adaptation will begin this year. “It is one of my biggest ambitions,” Aamir said, noting that the writing phase alone is expected to take several years. While he hasn’t confirmed whether he will act in the series, Aamir emphasized that his primary focus for now is producing the project. He also stated that casting decisions will be made based on who is “most appropriate” for each role. Given the vast scope of the Mahabharata, Aamir said the project might need multiple directors. He is considering a production model similar to The Lord of the Rings, where several units work simultaneously to speed up filming. “It’s too early to say, but we might need multiple directors. If we have to plan it in a certain timeline… because if you do one after another, it will take very long. Like they did in Lord of the Rings. So something like that — in that case, you will need more than one director,” he explained. Rumors about Aamir’s Mahabharata venture first surfaced in 2018, with reports citing a massive budget exceeding ₹1,000 crore. While he didn’t disclose financial specifics this time, Aamir’s deep connection to the project was evident. He even turned down another major film to devote himself entirely to this epic undertaking, reports the Indian Express. During the promotional run for Laal Singh Chaddha in 2022, Aamir had expressed his concerns about doing justice to the story. “When you are making a film on Mahabharata, you are not just making a film. You are performing a yagya. It is not just a film, it is much more. And, that is why I am not ready for it yet. I am scared of bringing it out. Mahabharata will never let you down, but you may let down Mahabharata,” he told Galatta Plus. In the meantime, Aamir is preparing to return to the screen in Sitaare Zameen Par, a spiritual follow-up to Taare Zameen Par, which is slated for a summer 2025 release. He recently described his role in the film as “rude and politically incorrect,” hinting at a departure from his earlier characters.

Brand names, not filmmakers or stars, are said to rule the box office these days. But Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” led by twin Michael B. Jordans, proved a bloody exception to modern movie rules, launching with $45.6 million in ticket sales in U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday. “Sinners,” a Warner Bros. release that cost about $90 million to produce, was a bold gamble on originality — albeit with genre elements — and one of the most bankable American directors in Coogler. The “Creed” and “Black Panther” director wrote and produced “Sinners,” a 1932-set vampire movie about bootlegging brothers (both played by Jordan) who open a juke joint in their Mississippi hometown. “A Minecraft Movie,” the year’s biggest Hollywood hit, followed close behind in second, collecting $41.3 million in its third week of release. That gave Warner Bros., after a handful of disappointments, an enviable one-two punch at the box office with one original, director-driven movie and one IP-based property. “A Minecraft Movie,” which Warner Bros. co-produced with Legendary Pictures, has amassed $720.8 million worldwide in three weeks of release. Pam Abdy and Mike De Luca, co-chairs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, celebrated the two films’ resonance with moviegoers. The studio accounted for a remarkable 64% of the domestic box office for the Easter weekend. “Movies have the power to transport us to worlds only seen on the big screen, and Warner Bros. Pictures remains committed to bringing singular in-theater experiences to audiences looking for bold movies, both original and those based on beloved existing properties,” Abdy and De Luca said in a statement Sunday. But all eyes were on the performance on “Sinners,” which Warner Bros. went to extreme lengths to secure. Abdy and De Luca agreed to give Coogler not just a cut of gross ticket sales but ownership of the film after 25 years — a virtually unheard of concession. But Coogler and Jordan, whose collaborations stretch back to “Fruitvale Station,” make up one of the industry’s most potent director-actor duos. Reviews (98% “fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes) were stellar for “Sinners” and audiences, too, were enthralled by its supernatural twists. The film earned an “A” CinemaScore from moviegoers. Ibrahim Al Hajjaj to star in sequel to Saudi IMAX comedy 'Ambulance' Overseas, “Sinners” faced a more uphill battle. It collected $15.4 million in 71 international markets. Domestically, “Sinners” attracted a diverse audience: 38% Black, 35% white, 18% Hispanic and 5% Asian. Before “Sinners,” dual roles had been rough business for Warner Bros. The studio saw flops in both “The Alto Knights” (a period gangster film featuring a doubled Robert De Niro) and “Mickey 17” (a sci-fi movie with two Robert Pattinsons). But the strong opening for “Sinners,” which should be sustained in the coming weeks given the strong word of mouth, cements Coogler’s place as one of a handful of filmmakers whose name draws big audiences. Another would be Jordan Peele, whose “Nope” (2022) debuted similarly with $44.3 million. Angel Studios’ “The King of Kings,” an animated tale of Jesus’ life aimed at Christian audiences, capitalized on the Easter weekend, grossing $17.2 million in its second week of release. That was nearly equal to its opening weekend ($19.1 million), and brought “The King of Kings” to a domestic total of $45.3 million. Bleecker Street’s “The Wedding Banquet,” Andrew Ahn’s reimagining of Ang Lee’s 1993 queer comedy of errors, opened on 1,142 North American screens with $922,906 in ticket sales. “The Wedding Banquet,” a hit at the Sundance Film Festival, stars Lily Gladstone, Bowen Yang, Kelly Marie Tran and newcomer Han Gi-chan.

Breaking away from the war-soaked legacy of its predecessor, Kesari Chapter 2 carves its path through the high-stakes world of courtroom drama. Released on April 18, 2025, this Akshay Kumar-led film places its strength in sharp dialogues, layered emotions, and legal confrontations. Let’s evaluate the filmmaking finesse, star appeal, and box office trajectory of the Bollywood historical drama Kesari Chapter 2. Narrative Depth of Kesari Chapter 2 Subtitled ‘The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh,’ this chapter revisits one of colonial India’s darkest hours, seldom explored on screen. Inspired by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat’s The Case That Shook The Empire, the film leans into its charting of familiar territory with dignity rather than daring. Anchored by the tireless resolve of C. Sankaran Nair, it delves deep into his courtroom quest for justice following the brutal Jallianwala Bagh massacre. As legal proceedings unmask imperial deceit and media manipulation, Nair’s defiance ignites both a legal and emotional uprising. Read more: Top Pakistani Dramas in 2025 Showcasing Strong Female Leads Filmmaking: Direction and Screenplay in Harmony When storytelling meets sincerity, it leaves a lasting imprint, and this film does just that under the assured vision of Karan Singh Tyagi. His approach isn’t weighed down by the need to sensationalise history but rather to let the gravity of its truth speak for itself. Each frame feels like it was carved with both reverence and restraint. It offers a cinematic experience that balances commercial storytelling with historical depth. Even the few dramatised moments stay rooted in emotional honesty, never tipping into artificiality. What’s especially refreshing is its resistance to the typical post-interval slump; the pacing remains taut and engaging throughout. The dialogues, shaped meticulously by Sumit Saxena, feel less like scripted lines, deliberate truths waiting to strike. Credit also flows to Tyagi and Amritpal Singh Bindra’s subtle strength in co-shaping the screenplay. With this creative collaboration, the drama avoids overblown patriotism, opting instead for quiet, piercing dignity. Read more: May 2025 Bollywood Releases: 10 Most Hyped Hindi Films To Watch Star Cast Led by Akshay Kumar Akshay delivers a performance that transcends his usual action-packed persona. Stepping into the shoes of C. Sankaran Nair, he masterfully portrays the transformation of a British loyalist into a passionate truth-seeker. His ability to channel the inner conflict of a man torn between loyalty and morality introduces a unique depth to his character. Every monologue, carefully crafted and executed, is a moment of defiance and a raw human reaction to the forces of manipulation. In contrast, R. Madhavan, as Neville McKinley, serves as the perfect foil to Akshay’s stoic intensity. His portrayal of an eloquent, somewhat eccentric opposing counsel presents a refined complexity to their courtroom clashes. These verbal duels are poised as ideological battlegrounds, where each word carries the weight of colonial repression and personal belief. Ananya Panday shines as Dilreet Kaur, a co-counsel whose quiet determination adds gravitas to her role. She navigates her character’s legal prowess and personal pain with remarkable maturity. Meanwhile, Regina Cassandra’s portrayal of Nair’s wife, Palat Kunhimalu Amma, anchors much-needed support to Nair's tumultuous journey. Read more: May 2025 Amazon Prime Video Originals Streaming Lineup: Movies, Series, Shows Finally, Simon Paisley Day brings a chilling presence as General Dyer, whose backstory adds a layer of tragic complexity to his villainous role. His portrayal sheds light on the dark psychology driving colonial violence. Visual Brilliance and Score: Production Set, Cinematography, and Music The production design by Rita Ghosh flawlessly brings the pre-Independence era to life. It extends from the bustling streets of Amritsar to the bloodied grounds of Jallianwala Bagh. The colonial courts, the grandeur of the Viceroy’s parties feels genuine yet not overly staged. Every single detail is meticulously crafted to evoke the period’s oppressive atmosphere.  Debojeet Ray’s cinematography, paired with Tyagi's direction, adds a visual depth that enhances the emotional weight of the story. The music elevates the experience further with Shashwat Sachdev’s stirring compositions, like ‘O Shera’ and ‘Kithe Gaya.’ Azeem Dayani’s background score underscores the tension and drama. A poignant moment arrives with the nostalgic revisit of ‘Teri Mitti,’ an emotional callback to the first film, binding the narrative together beautifully. Read more: Sunny Deol's Jaat Movie Review: Is It Worth Watching Box Office Strength and Audience Verdict Bankrolled by the collaborative strength of Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films, the film’s box office journey began with steady momentum. Its opening day pulled in Rs 7.75 crore, which is around BDT 11.02 crore (Rs. 1 = BDT 1.42); a respectable start. The second day witnessed a healthy uplift, recording Rs 9.5 crore (BDT 13.51 crore), 22.58 percent growth from day 1. As of midday on April 20, the third-day earnings stood at Rs. 0.6 crore (BDT 0.8 crore), pushing the total to Rs. 17.85 crore (BDT 25.38 crore). Despite stiff competition from Sunny Deol’s roaring comeback in Jaat, the movie’s hold remains promising. Audience reception shines brightly too, with an IMDB rating of 8.6- a testament to its impact beyond mere numbers. Verdict Kesari Chapter 2 Movie Review reflects a gripping courtroom journey wrapped in patriotic depth and emotional weight. Akshay Kumar’s compelling portrayal of C. Sankaran Nair marks one of his most restrained yet stirring performances. The historical drama arrived with an impressive box office turnout, holding audience attention despite its creatively mixed echoes. A fine blend of storytelling and purpose, Karan Singh’s direction emerges as a dignified sequel worth watching. Read more: 10 Best Films, Documentaries on Palestine That Everyone Should Watch