cinema
From Happy Gilmore 2 to action hero: Boban Marjanovic sets sights on Hollywood career
Former NBA star Boban Marjanovic is aiming to become Hollywood’s next action hero. The 7-foot-4 Serbian appeared in Happy Gilmore 2 with Adam Sandler and says he wants to follow in the footsteps of Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool—but in his own style.
“Action always appeals to me because everyone wants to be a tough guy,” Marjanovic told the AP. “I want to be like Deadpool but in my way.” He calls acting his second love after basketball and is open to learning from every role.
Marjanovic started acting while playing for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2018-19, when producers cast him in John Wick: Chapter 3. He starred in a fight scene with Keanu Reeves, inspired by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s legendary fight with Bruce Lee. The experience boosted his confidence and led to roles in commercials and movies, including Hustle and Self Reliance. He recently reunited with Sandler for Happy Gilmore 2 and is currently filming the TV series Robin Hood.
Outside of acting and basketball, Marjanovic is pursuing music as a DJ. He performed at Berlin Love Parade and released his debut single I Just Wanna last year, with more music planned for release soon.
Marjanovic, who lives in Dallas with his wife Milica and sons Vuk, 14, and Petar, 10, says family life remains a priority. He also hasn’t ruled out a return to the NBA, keeping in top shape with a body fat of 4.5%.
“My goal is to get back in the NBA—my door is open because this is where I belong,” he said.
6 months ago
Jackie Chan’s The Shadow’s Edge (2025) Review, Ratings, Release Date
The Shadow’s Edge (2025) film debuted in China on August 16, 2025. The gifted martial artist, veteran actor, and creative filmmaker Jackie Chan makes a striking welcome departure through this brooding, high-intensity crime thriller. This film portrays a gritty renaissance in Chan’s storied career. Far removed from his trademark action-comedy roots, this film stakes out Jackie's acting territory for a serious and formidable role. Let's take a look at the details of the film Shadow’s Edge (2025).
Production Details
The Shadow’s Edge is both directed and written by Larry Yang. He returns to helm this film after his collaboration with Jackie Chan on the 2023 action-comedy Ride On.
The film is made through the co-production of Hong Kong and mainland China. Besides this, the movie got financial support from some other reputed production companies.
Nicolas Errèra composed the music of this film. Her evocative compositions made the film’s tense and suspenseful atmosphere both realistic and enjoyable. Tiantian Qian skilfully did the cinematography of this film. He captured both the neon-lit modernity and ancient charm of Macau’s cityscape. Zhang Yibo edited the film’s pacing and tension in a disciplined way.
Read more: September 2025 South Indian Movies: 12 Biggest Releases
Cheng Ka Ban was responsible for the fight and action choreography. The realistic martial sequences influenced the film's grounded tone.
Glimpse of Storyline
The story is a partial remake of the Hong Kong film 'Eye in the Sky' (2007). With new narratives, the Shadow's Edge (2025) film adapted some key plots of the original with contemporary technological themes.
According to the main theme of Shadow's Edge (2025), a retired surveillance expert, namely Wong Tak-chung (starred by Jackie Chan), is put into action by the Macau Judiciary Police. Wong works against a sophisticated thief syndicate, combining traditional tracking methods with cutting-edge surveillance technology. Fu Longsheng (played by Tony Ka-Fai Leung) is the principal antagonist opposite to Chang. Thus, Chan and Leung reunite on the silver screen again after nearly two decades since their collaboration in the film The Myth (2005).
At the core of The Shadow’s Edge is the psychological duel between Wong and Fu. One scene, with a home-cooked dinner doubling as a tension-charged interrogation, ranks among the year’s most impressive in sustained suspense.
Read more: Best Bollywood Movies Releasing in September 2025: Theatrical and OTT Releases
The finale erupts into bone-chilling combat across varied Macau locales, creating emotional upheaval amid chaos.
Choreography & Acting Performances
What sets the film's choreography apart is how successfully it tailors its action to Chan’s current age (71). It focuses on psychological tension, martial discipline, and inventive choreography over acrobatic bravado.
Choreographer Su Hang crafts combat sequences that emphasise joint locks, close-quarters intensity, and emotional weight. The audience will enjoy the bloody teahouse showdown between Chan and Leung.
Leung, not traditionally known for action, delivers a performance that astonishes. Especially, his knife-wielding menace is both believable and riveting. Jackie himself praised Leung's rapid mastery of the required physicality, joking that even the actor was nervous wielding a real blade. Their staggering chemistry makes the reunion more potent (after the 2005 film The Myth) with renewed emotional and agnostic stamina.
Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Premiering in September 2025
The supporting cast includes a bunch of emerging talents. Zhang Zifeng portrays a bright cyberanalyst. In a compelling role, Ci Sha will astonish the audience with emotional depth and layered fight work. K-pop star Jun plays in a dream role opposite Chan, bringing fandom buzz.
The film’s efficient choreography made the settings vivid. The audiences will enjoy Macau’s sleek Cotai Strip as well as the atmospheric alleys of its old town. At nearly 142 minutes, the runtime is generous, but the pacing rarely falters, as Yang deftly balances character development, suspense, and arena-scale action.
Box Office Responses
Reception has been overwhelmingly strong. As one reviewer says, “Jackie Chan finally gets serious.” The viewers are praising the renowned actor's disciplined and commanding presence. According to another reviewer, “At 71, Jackie Chan has shown that legends don’t fade quietly; they fight, adapt, and sometimes surprise us all over again.”
Up to August 2025, the gross earnings of the film is about $27 million.
The film has got 7.8/10 ratings at IMDb so far.
Read more: Rajinikanth’s Coolie (2025) Movie Review and Updates
Conclusion
On the whole, The Shadow’s Edge (2025) film is not just a comeback of the veteran actor Jackie Chan; rather, it is a reinvention of his acting talent to a new dimension. The film wraps the evolving legacy of the martial arts legend Chan through dark, muscular, and elegant sequences. For those seeking something edgier, more cerebral, and undeniably powerful from Jackie Chan, this is the one to watch.
6 months ago
September 2025 South Indian Movies: 12 Biggest Releases
South Indian film industries—Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam—continue to assert their creative force with a dynamic lineup ready for audiences. The September 2025 slate encompasses romance, thriller, action, comedy, fantasy, and drama—a vivid mix of genres. Teasers and first looks are already soaring high, with big dialogues and intense action fueling fans’ anticipation. Let’s delve into the 12 best Pan-Indian movies poised to redefine September 2025 with cinematic power.
Top 12 South Indian Films Hitting Theatres This September
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Ghaati | Telugu Action Crime | September 5, 2025
Presented by UV Creations, ‘Ghaati’ boasts Krish Jagarlamudi as the director and Chintakindi Srinivas Rao as the writer. The crime film comes from First Frame Entertainments, with production by Saibabu Jagarlamudi and Yeduguru Rajeev Reddy.
Anushka Shetty takes the central role, supported by Vikram Prabhu, Jagapathi Babu, Jisshu Sengupta, and Chaitanya Rao Madadi.
At its core, the story traces the arc of a victim who turns to crime and, in time, rises as a legend.
The score, composed by Nagavelli Vidya Sagar, underlines the drama with intensity.
Read more: Best Bollywood Movies Releasing in September 2025: Theatrical and OTT Releases
Akhanda 2: Thaandavam | Telugu Action | September 25, 2025
Boyapati Srinu leads both direction and writing, shaping the vision behind ‘Akhanda 2’.
The cast is headlined by Nandamuri Balakrishna, with Samyuktha Menon, Ayyappa P. Sharma, Aadhi, Saswata Chatterjee, and young Harshaali Malhotra.
The action film brings together children’s innocence, the beauty of nature, and the force of spiritual faith. It reflects on how communities strive for progress while holding onto their roots.
S. Thaman provides the musical score, with production helmed by 14 Reels Plus and Sarke Studio.
Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Premiering in September 2025
OG | Telugu Gangster Thriller | September 25, 2025
Backed by D. V. V. Danayya for DVV Entertainment, ‘OG’ flourishes with Sujeeth as its writer and director.
The story follows Ojas Gambheera, known as OG, a feared don returning to Mumbai after ten years. His mission is clear – end the reign of another crime boss, Omi Bhau.
Pawan Kalyan embodies OG, with Priyanka Mohan, Emraan Hashmi in his Telugu debut, Subhalekha Sudhakar, and Prakash Raj in key roles.
The soundtrack is crafted by Thaman S, adding grit and tension to the background.
Read more: Rajinikanth’s Coolie (2025) Movie Review and Updates
Bad Girl | Tamil Romantic Drama | September 5, 2025
Music scored by Amit Trivedi, ‘Bad Girl’ showcases the directing and writing prowess of Varsha Bharath.
Anjali Sivaraman anchors the film, joined by Hridhu Haroon, Shantipriya, and Teejay Arunasalam.
The drama charts Ramya’s passage from school to college and then into a restless adulthood. Her search for the right partner is tangled in family pressures, unspoken affections, and the unruly stirrings of her own mind.
The coming-of-age movie is bankrolled by Vetrimaaran’s Grass Root Film Company, with Anurag Kashyap presenting.
Read more: Coolie vs War 2 vs Dhumketu
Kaantha | Tamil Period Drama | September 12, 2025
Directed and written by Selvamani Selvaraj, ‘Kaantha’ places Dulquer Salmaan, Bhagyashri Borse, and Samuthirakani in central roles.
Production comes through Spirit Media by Rana Daggubati and Wayfarer Films by Dulquer Salmaan, combining two strong creative forces.
The narrative unfolds in 1950s Madras, centred on the fragile bond between Ayya and Chandran. Ayya is a legendary filmmaker, and Chandran is a rising star he once mentored. Tensions grow when Chandran alters the name of a women-orientated project from Shaantha to Kaantha to fit his own image. It sends the period drama in a striking new direction.
The background score comes from composer Jhanu Chanthar.
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Thandakaaranyam | Tamil Drama thriller | September 19, 2025
Starring Attakathi Dinesh and Kalaiyarasan, ‘Thandakaaranyam’ thrives under the direction and writing of Athiyan Athirai.
The supporting ensemble includes Riythvika, Aruldoss, Shabeer Kallarakkal, Vinsu Sam, and Bala Saravanan, enriching the dramatic layers of the story.
Pa. Ranjith produces for Neelam Productions in collaboration with Learn and Teach Production Private Limited, headed by Sai Devanand S and Sai Venkateswaran.
Justin Prabhakaran provides the music, weaving through the emotions of the narrative.
Read more: Will Zee TV’s long-running daily soap Kumkum Bhagya end soon?
6 months ago
Coolie vs War 2 Box Office: No Saiyaara-like boom for Rajinikanth or Hrithik Roshan
Despite high expectations and Independence Day releases, both Rajinikanth’s Coolie and Hrithik Roshan-Jr NTR’s War 2 underperformed at the box office, falling short of the benchmark set by the recent hit Saiyaara. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh told NDTV that content — not star power — determines success, and War 2 simply lacked substance.
First Week Earnings
After completing their first week in theaters (released August 14), both films managed to surpass the ₹200 crore mark domestically but failed to sustain strong momentum, especially considering their massive budgets:
War 2 collected ₹204.25 crore.
Coolie, which opened as Rajinikanth’s biggest debut ever, grossed ₹229.75 crore.
While War 2 had a strong start in Hindi (₹29 crore on day 1 and ₹44 crore on day 2 — Independence Day), it experienced a sharp decline in the following days.
The film marked Jr NTR’s Hindi film debut. Though the Telugu version opened well, its performance tapered off due to mixed audience and critical reactions.
A Divided Market
Experts had predicted a split audience due to the simultaneous release of two star-heavy South Indian films, and that prediction came true. The competition impacted the earnings of both movies.
Trade Analyst Taran Adarsh’s Take
Adarsh was blunt in his assessment:
“War 2 is a flop. It’s the first failure in the YRF Spy Universe,” he said. “Coolie did well in Tamil-speaking regions but failed to leave a mark in the Hindi belt.”
He emphasized that strong storytelling is more crucial than star power:
“War 2 is a weak film. Content always makes the difference.”
On whether Saiyaara impacted their performance, Adarsh said that film’s dominance was already fading after Mahavatar Narsimha released.
The Saiyaara Phenomenon
Released on July 18, Saiyaara — a romantic drama starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda — broke all records for the genre. With no major releases competing for two weeks, the film had an uninterrupted run and massive box office success. It even caused Son of Sardaar 2 to postpone its release. Other films that couldn’t match Saiyaara’s numbers include:
Housefull 5 – ₹183 crore
Raid 2 – ₹173 crore
Sitaare Zameen Par – ₹163 crore
Ahaan and Aneet have already been named IMDb’s breakout stars of the year.
About the Films
Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, is Rajinikanth’s 171st film. It stars Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, and Sathyaraj, with a cameo by Aamir Khan. Produced by Sun Pictures.
War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji, is a sequel to the 2019 hit War. It stars Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani, and is part of YRF’s spy universe.
Source: NDTV
6 months ago
Best Bollywood Movies Releasing in September 2025: Theatrical and OTT Releases
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?
6 months ago
Thama teaser: Ayushmann, Rashmika team up for a dark love tale
Romance takes a sinister turn in Thama, a horror-romance featuring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna together on screen for the first time.
Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, the film’s teaser dropped today following the unveiling of character posters yesterday. Billed as the first love story in the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe, Thama blends passion with supernatural thrills.
The teaser opens with Khurrana and Mandanna’s characters immersed in an unusual romance, only to face chilling obstacles as horror elements begin to unfold. Nawazuddin Siddiqui adds menace as Yakshasan, the “King of Darkness,” while Paresh Rawal lightens the narrative with his comic timing as Ram Bajaj Goyal. Viewers also get glimpses of dramatic forest chases and a dazzling dance number featuring Malaika.
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The story follows Alok (Ayushmann), a historian investigating the mythological roots of vampirism in Indian folklore. Rashmika plays Tadaka, who becomes both his guiding light and emotional anchor amid chaos. The plot moves between two timelines—modern India and the ancient Vijayanagar kingdom—promising a saga where horror and unfulfilled love collide.
Backed by producer Dinesh Vijan, Thama is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 theatrical release.
Source: NDTV
6 months ago
Param Sundari faces backlash over Church scene
The upcoming film Param Sundari, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, has sparked controversy over a romantic scene set in a church featured in its trailer. A Christian organization, Watchdog Foundation, has raised objections, accusing the filmmakers of disrespecting religious sentiments.
What’s the Issue?
The trailer opens with a flirtatious interaction between Sidharth’s character Param and Janhvi’s Sundari, set inside a church. The Watchdog Foundation has expressed strong criticism of the scene, claiming it violates the sanctity of a Christian place of worship. In response, they have sent formal complaints to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Mumbai Police, the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, and the Maharashtra government.
Advocate Godfrey Pimenta, speaking on behalf of the group, stated that the CBFC should ensure films respect religious sentiments, as mandated by the Cinematograph Act, 1952. He further called the scene “indecent” and offensive to the Catholic community.
Demands and Threats
The group has demanded that the church scene be removed from all promotional materials and the final film. They have also threatened to hold public protests and filed a request for an FIR against the lead actors, director Tushar Jalota, and the film’s producers.
About the Film
Param Sundari is a cross-cultural romantic drama that marks the first on-screen collaboration between Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor. Sidharth plays a Punjabi man who falls in love with Janhvi’s character, a South Indian woman. The film is directed by Tushar Jalota and includes Rajeev Khandelwal, Aakash Dahiya, and Manjot Singh in supporting roles.
Param Sundari is set for a theatrical release on August 29, 2025.
6 months ago
Rajinikanth’s Coolie (2025) Movie Review and Updates
Coolie is a 2025 Tamil-language action thriller featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Aamir Khan in a cameo role. The main theme centres around a former coolie union leader who stands against a corrupt syndicate exploiting port workers. The film was released worldwide on August 14, 2025.
This 170-minute film is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures. Music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, reuniting with Lokesh Kanagaraj once again; the score includes three notable singles, "Chikitu," "Monica," and "Powerhouse." The dance hook step from “Monica”, performed by Pooja Hegde, went viral on social media, boosting anticipation.
Read more: Jolly LLB 3 Teaser: Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi in Hilarious Jolly vs Jolly
Early Reviews and Reactions of Fans
The advance booking number of the Coolie (2025) ticket broke records worldwide. The fans are excited to watch Rajinikanth’s comeback on the silver screen. The ensemble cast, including Aamir Khan's cameo, also earned attention.
Rajinikanth’s dazzling smile, charismatic acting and vintage swag are being praised on social media once again.
However, there are mixed reactions. While many celebrated the action and energy, others criticised the second half of the film for its uneven pacing and lack of originality. Some viewers labelled certain scenes clichéd or derivative, going as far as tagging the film with #CoolieDisaster on X.
Read more: Coolie vs War 2 vs Dhumketu: Which Movie Tops Advance Booking Charts?
Kannada-language reactions highlighted Rajinikanth's powerful performance but noted that Lokesh’s direction and story structure didn't meet expectations.
Selective Critic Reviews
Pinkvilla summarised the film as a “stylish action entertainer” that unfortunately “fails to live up to the hype.”
India.com celebrated Rajinikanth’s “power-packed” performance, calling it a triumphant return.
The Indian Express spotlighted Shruti Haasan’s role, with impressions that her performance, portraying Preethi, might be among the “finest of her career,” and highlighted a strong “feminine quotient”.
Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Lineup for September 2025: Top 10 New and Returning Shows
6 months ago
Jolly LLB 3 Teaser: Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi in Hilarious Jolly vs Jolly
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'
6 months ago
Coolie vs War 2 vs Dhumketu: Which Movie Tops Advance Booking Charts?
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.
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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.
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