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Ever dreamed of flying through the skies on a dragon’s back? The new live-action How to Train Your Dragon offers just that—though safely from a movie seat, albeit with a thrill that might make your heart race. This adaptation brings audiences along for a breathtaking ride with teenage Viking Hiccup and his dragon companion Toothless. The film delivers such an immersive experience that it’s easy to forget you’re still in a theater. Much of the credit goes to seasoned cinematographer Bill Pope, known for his work on The Matrix and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, who captures the fantasy world with flair. Thug Life Box Office Collection Day 4: Kamal Haasan's Film Witnesses A Dip The story remains largely faithful to the original animated version, down to familiar scenes and plot points. Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick the Vast, and newcomer Mason Thames, playing Hiccup, even echoes the voice of Jay Baruchel. Yet unlike many live-action reboots that feel unnecessary or fall flat, this one manages to retain the heart and wonder of the source material. That might be thanks to director Dean DeBlois, who helmed the original animated trilogy and returns to guide this remake. His understanding of the story and world—originally created by author Cressida Cowell—helps him know exactly where live-action could enhance rather than diminish the film’s magic.

Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Mani Ratnam, has seen a sharp drop at the box office, earning Rs 36.90 crore in four days, much lower than their past hits. Mani Ratnam's gangster thriller Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan in the lead, is struggling to make the expected impact at the domestic box office.  What ▪️The film opened at just half of what Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam's recent films have earned on their debut, and has since seen a steady decline in collections. ▪️On Sunday, its fourth day at the box office, Thug Life collected Rs 6.50 crore in India.  This figure is lower than its earnings on Friday and Saturday, which stood at Rs 7.15 crore and Rs 7.75 crore, respectively. ▪️The downward trend was first noticeable on Friday, as the film's earnings dropped to half of its opening day collection of Rs 15.5 crore. ▪️According to Sacnilk, the film's total domestic box office collection across all languages after four days stands at Rs 36.90 crore.  ▪️While it has crossed the Rs 35 crore mark, the number is modest when compared to the performance of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam's earlier hits, which earned similar amounts in under two days. Background  Kamal Haasan's last release, the vigilante action film Indian 2, directed by S Shankar, opened to Rs 30.25 crore across all languages and collected Rs 62.5 crore in its first four days.  Source: NDTV

Latvian Oscar-winning animated feature Flow has officially surpassed the $50 million mark at the global box office, its sales company Charades said on Friday. According to AP, this milestone cements Flow as one of the most commercially successful independent animated Oscar nominees in recent years. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis and produced by Sacrebleu Productions, Dream Well, and Take Five, the film defied expectations for a dialogue-free story made on a modest €3.5 million ($3.7 million) budget. Flow follows a cat who survives a massive flood and finds companionship on a boat with other displaced animals. With no humans in sight, the animals navigate a desolate world in search of hope and safety. Unlike many international animated films that receive critical acclaim without strong box office results, Flow has broken the mold. Aside from Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron, it stands as the highest-grossing indie animated Oscar nominee in recent years. ‘Naruto’ set for theatrical debut in India with first-ever cinema release For comparison, 2024’s Robot Dreams made $4.7 million globally, while 2023’s Marcel the Shell with Shoes On earned $6.9 million. Regionally, the film saw notable success, $5.9 million in France (UFO Distribution), $2.7 million in the UK (Curzon), $2.5 million in Germany, and $2.1 million in Latvia, where it became the most-viewed film ever with over 255,000 admissions. In North America, Janus Films and Sideshow grossed $4.8 million. Latin America contributed $14.6 million, including over $7 million from Mexico alone. In Asia, China brought in $3.91 million, with South Korea, Hong Kong, and others boosting the total. Zilbalodis said, “The global response to Flow has shattered even our most optimistic expectations… I hope that now many more people will have opportunities to make unique and boundary-pushing films.”

 Dhallywood megastar Shakib Khan has described ‘Taandob’, the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha release directed by Raihan Rafi, as the filmmaker’s best work to date. Speaking at a press conference held Thursday night at a city hotel, Shakib praised Rafi’s filmmaking style and his dedication to the project, which he said will leave a lasting impact on the audience. “Rafi is a meticulous filmmaker with excellent pre-production planning. This is my second project with him; from what I saw during the dubbing, I was amazed by what he had created. ‘Taandob’ is the result of tremendous hard work,” Shakib told reporters. He further said the film would stir up a storm in viewers’ minds and lauded the team’s collective effort in making something extraordinary. Director Raihan Rafi, known for his experiments in storytelling and production, said the audience is yet to experience what the film truly offers. “Nothing about this film has been revealed so far. Just one more day, and audiences will see for themselves what we have tried to do differently,” said Rafi. Addressing the buzz and speculations circulating on social media, Rafi said, “If we disclose surprises in advance, they cease to be surprises. What people are expecting may not be in the film — or perhaps they are — but that’s for viewers to find out on screen.” One of the film’s major highlights is the song 'Lichur Bagan', which has already garnered significant attention. Rafi shared that the team aimed to present a local song in a refreshing new way. Actress Sabila Nur, who performs in the song opposite Shakib Khan, received praise for her performance. “She has truly set the screen ablaze with 'Lichur Bagan', and we will work together in the future again,” said Shakib. ‘Taandob’ is produced by SVF Alpha-i Entertainment Ltd and co-produced by OTT platform Chorki, with support from Deepto TV. Producer Shahriar Shakil urged audiences to visit cinemas to experience ‘Taandob’ on the big screen. Co-producer Redoan Rony emphasized the importance of teamwork in creating a film of this scale, saying, “We must all contribute to a cinematic storm in Bangla cinema.” The film also marks the return of Shakib Khan and Jaya Ahsan on screen together after over a decade. Reflecting on the collaboration, Jaya said, “Audiences won’t have to wait long to see what we’ve created after 12 years. It was wonderful working with such a professional and organized team.” Veteran actor Afzal Hossain, who also stars in the film, admitted he initially hesitated to take the role. However, after joining the project, he realised it offered new and valuable experiences. Actress Sabila Nur, one of the film’s key attractions, shared that despite acting opposite a megastar like Shakib Khan, she didn’t feel pressured thanks to the supportive environment on set. Among others present at the press conference were Gazi Rakayet, Salahuddin Lavlu, Mukit Zakaria, Subrata, and Adnan Adib Khan. ‘Taandob’ is scheduled for its nationwide release this Eid-ul-Azha.

Deepika Padukone, who recently embraced motherhood, is reportedly facing professional turbulence. After being dropped from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit, new reports suggest the actress may also be replaced in Kalki 2, starring Prabhas. According to Bollywood.mobi, Deepika’s request for reduced working hours post-childbirth has led to tension on set, prompting the filmmakers to consider her removal from the project. However, neither Deepika nor the Kalki 2 team has issued an official statement. Earlier, Deepika’s alleged exit from Spirit was attributed to disputes over remuneration and contractual terms. A source told Bollywood Hungama that the actress, through her agency, had demanded additional compensation for filming beyond 100 days, insisting on changes to her contract. Moreover, she reportedly refused to work beyond six hours per day. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga later made cryptic remarks on X (formerly Twitter), seemingly addressing the fallout. Without naming Deepika directly, he criticized what he perceived as betrayal and questioned the actress’s integrity, saying, "You’ve 'DISCLOSED' the person that you are... Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?" He also commented on media speculation, saying, "Next time, tell the full story... because I really don't care. #dirtyPRgames." In the wake of Deepika’s reported exit from Spirit, actress Triptii Dimri—who previously collaborated with Vanga in Animal—has been announced as the new female lead. Dimri shared the film’s title poster across social media, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and writing, "Still sinking in... So grateful to be trusted with this journey." Source: NDTV

Chart-topper punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh continues to expand his cinematic journey. Known for his landmark appearance at Coachella, this globally recognised actor remains a defining figure in contemporary entertainment. He now returns with the next installment of his widely popular horror comedy franchise. Titled ‘Sardaarji 3,’ the upcoming film is slated for release on June 27, 2025. The recently revealed first look has already sparked comparisons to a well-known genre hit. Let’s break down the poster and its nationwide fans' reaction. ‘Sardaarji 3’ Poster Teases Vibes of ‘Stree’ Diljit Dosanjh took to Instagram to announce his next big-screen outing with a motion poster reveal. At the centre stands Diljit, wearing his signature grin, while a circle of veiled women surrounds him. Their faces hidden under traditional ghoonghats add an eerie stillness to the otherwise vibrant frame. The setup hints at an offbeat ride packed with energy, humour, and a fantastical edge. Viewers were quick to pick up on the familiarity. The imagery sparked instant comparisons with ‘Stree’ (2018), known for blending supernatural suspense with quirky charm. From the veiled female figures to the comedic undertone, the parallels felt unmistakable. Read more: Pakistani Drama Tere Bin Emerges as an All-Time Audience Favourite Diljit’s caption deepened that impression. He playfully hinted that ghosts might shiver and witches could demand kisses. He sums it all up with three simple cues: goosebumps, laughter, and love. His words suggest a chaotic mix of romance, comedy, and spooky fun, much like Stree’s winning formula. Audience Reaction The unveiled poster has stirred anticipation across social media. Its eerie composition hints at more than just light-hearted fun. Shadows, mystery, and hidden identities suggest a darker twist woven into the familiar comic framework. The poster marks a significant moment for the beloved Punjabi franchise’s third chapter. The announcement came with the promise of an upcoming teaser, further intensifying the buzz. Read more: Aditya Roy Kapur on reuniting with Anurag Basu for Metro In Dino: "Every Day Brings Something New" With visuals pointing to a ghostly edge, audiences are now awaiting what appears to be a bold return to the genre’s spooky roots. A Brief Journey to the Sardaarji franchise The franchise began its journey in 2015 with a mix of fantasy, horror, and comedy, an unusual blend for Punjabi cinema at the time. Directed by Rohit Jugraj, the first installment starred Dosanjh, Neeru Bajwa, and Mandy Takhar in key roles. Its imaginative storyline and genre-defying tone marked it as one of the pioneering fantasy ventures in the regional film industry. The second chapter arrived just a year later, in 2016. Though set in the same universe, it functioned as a standalone sequel. Dosanjh took on a triple role, showcasing his comic timing and screen presence with support from Monica Gill and Sonam Bajwa. Rohit Jugraj Chauhan returned to direct, continuing the blend of absurdity and thrill that defined the original. Read more: Maalik Teaser: Gangster Rajkummar Rao becomes "Hero" of his own tale The upcoming third part signals a new chapter with director Amar Hundal taking the reins. The cast expands to include familiar and fresh faces: Neeru, Manav Vij, Saleem Albela, Nasir Chinyoti, and Monica Sharma. Initial speculation surrounded the involvement of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. Dosanjh later addressed it quietly, indicating her absence from the project. Adding to the anticipation is the reunion of Dosanjh and Neeru, coming on the heels of their recent success ‘Jatt & Juliet 3’ (2024). Their dynamic has consistently drawn audiences, and their return promises yet another engaging on-screen pairing. Read more: Eid-ul-Azha 2025 Bengali TV Drama Preview: Top Upcoming Bangladeshi Natoks Set to Spark the Festival Wrap Up ‘Sardaarji 3’ first look vibing Stree's horror comedy sparked instant excitement. Audiences responded with enthusiasm as the poster teased suspense and humour. While Hania Aamir’s rumoured role was ruled out, Neeru Bajwa returns, reprising her part from the original film. With Diljit Dosanjh at the centre, the franchise gears up for another thrilling entry. The film series is poised to bear an influential imprint on the Punjabi film industry.

Five more films scheduled for release this Eid-ul-Azha have received clearance from the Bangladesh Film Certification Board on Wednesday, paving the way for their theatrical debut during the festive season. The films are 'Taandob', 'Insaaf', 'Togor', 'Utshob', and 'Esha Murder'. Earlier, 'NeelChokro' received its censor approval back in February. With this, all six films are now officially set for nationwide release during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, one of the peak seasons for the country’s film industry. According to sources at the Film Certification Board, all six films have been granted uncut approval with a 'U' certificate, making them suitable for viewers of all ages. In terms of runtime, 'Insaaf', directed by Sanjoy Somadder, is the longest among the Eid releases, with a duration of 2 hours 29 minutes and 26 seconds. Conversely, 'Utshob', directed by Tanim Noor, is the shortest at 1 hour 52 minutes and 39 seconds. The much-anticipated film 'Taandob', directed by Raihan Rafi and starring Shakib Khan, Sabila Nur, and Jaya Ahsan, runs for 2 hours 9 minutes and 52 seconds. 'NeelChokro', featuring Arifin Shuvoo and Mandira Chakraborty, has a runtime of 1 hour 53 minutes and 32 seconds. 'Togor', starring Ador Azad and Puja Cherry, is 2 hours 23 minutes and 46 seconds long. Meanwhile, 'Esha Murder', featuring Azmeri Badhon and Puja Cruz, runs for 2 hours 26 minutes and 25 seconds. Film enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting this diverse lineup, which is expected to draw large audiences to cinemas across the country during Eid.

Prabhas’ “The Raja Saab” has locked its theatrical release for December 5, with the teaser set to drop on June 16. According to Variety, this marks the Indian superstar’s first horror entertainer, signalling a departure from his usual action-packed roles. Directed by Maruthi, known for blending humour with genre elements, the film is a supernatural thriller produced by TG Vishwa Prasad under People Media Factory. Karthik Palani is the cinematographer and Thaman S is composing the music. 'Lilo & Stitch' passes 'Sinners' to become 2nd highest grossing film of 2025 The cast features Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Ridhi Kumar alongside Prabhas. “The Raja Saab” will release in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. December has become a competitive window for Indian cinema releases, with “The Raja Saab” aiming to capitalise on the year-end theatrical market. The horror-comedy hybrid represents Prabhas’ continued genre experimentation following his pan-Indian success with the “Baahubali” franchise and recent actioners.

“Lilo & Stich” and “Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning” dominated the box office charts again after fueling a record-breaking Memorial Day weekend. Theaters in the U.S. and Canada had several new films to offer this weekend as well, including Sony’s family friendly “Karate Kid: Legends” and the A24 horror movie “Bring Her Back. ” According to studio estimates Sunday, it added up to a robust $149 million post-holiday weekend that’s up over 120% from the same timeframe last year. Disney’s live-action hybrid “Lilo & Stitch” took first place again with $63 million from 4,410 locations in North America. It was enough to pass “Sinners” to become the second-highest grossing movie of the year with $280.1 million in domestic ticket sales. Globally, its running total is $610.8 million. “Sinners,” meanwhile, is still going strong in its seventh weekend with another $5.2 million, bumping it to $267.1 million domestically and $350.1 million globally. The eighth “Mission: Impossible” movie also repeated in second place, with $27.3 million from 3,861 locations. As with “Lilo & Stitch,” that's down 57% from its opening. With $122.6 million in domestic tickets sold, it’s performing in line with the two previous installments. But with a reported production budget of $400 million, profitability is a ways off. Internationally, it added $76.1 million (including $25.2 million from China where it just opened), bringing its global total to $353.8 million. “This is the year of longterm playability,” said Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore’s senior media analyst. “The currency of word of mouth and the strong hold is more important than opening weekend dollars.” Leading the newcomers was Sony’s “Karate Kid: Legends,” with an estimated $21 million from 3,809 locations. The movie brings Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio together to train a new kid, the kung fu prodigy Li Fong ( Ben Wang ). Chan starred in a 2010 reboot of the 1984 original, while Macchio has found a new generation of fans in the series “Cobra Kai,” which just concluded a six-season run. Reviews might have been mixed, but opening weekend audiences gave the PG-13 rated film a strong A- CinemaScore and 4.5 stars on PostTrak. It also only cost a reported $45 million to produce and has several weeks until a new family-friendly film arrives. “Karate Kid: Legends” opened earlier internationally and has a worldwide total of $47 million. Fourth place went “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” which earned $10.8 million in its third weekend. The movie is the highest-grossing in the franchise, not accounting for inflation, with $229.3 million globally. The weekend’s other big newcomer, “Bring Her Back” rounded out the top five with $7.1 million from 2,449 screens. Starring Sally Hawkins as a foster mother with some disturbing plans, the film is the sophomore feature of twin filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou, who made the 2023 horror breakout “Talk to Me.” It earned a rare-for-horror B+ CinemaScore and is essentially the only new film in the genre until “28 Years Later” opens on June 20. A new Wes Anderson movie, “The Phoenician Scheme,” also debuted in New York and Los Angeles this weekend, where it made $270,000. It expands nationwide next weekend. The summer box office forecast remains promising, though there’s a long way to go to get to the $4 billion target (a pre-pandemic norm that only the “Barbenheimer” summer has surpassed). The month of May is expected to close out with $973 million – up 75% from May 2024, according to data from Comscore. Top 10 movies by domestic box office With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore: 1. “Lilo & Stitch,” $63 million. 2. “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” $27.3 million. 3. “Karate Kid: Legends,” 21 million. 4. “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” $10.8 million. 5. “Bring Her Back,” $7.1 million. 6. “Sinners,” $5.2 million. 7. “Thunderbolts,” $4.8 million. 8. “Friendship,” $2.6 million. 9. “The Last Rodeo,” $2.1 million. 10. “j-hope Tour ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ in JAPAN: LIVE VIEWING,” $939,173.

Bollywood power couple Ajay Devgn and Kajol have lent their voices in support of eight-hour work shifts for new mothers in the film industry. The actors addressed the growing demand for shorter working hours during the trailer launch of their upcoming film Maa, set to release on June 27. Speaking at the event, Kajol responded positively when asked whether it is fair for new mothers to request shorter shifts on set. “I love the fact that we could work less,” she said with a smile, subtly highlighting the importance of work-life balance, particularly for women navigating both motherhood and professional commitments. Weekend Binge: From Hera Pheri To Welcome - 70 Shades Of Paresh Rawal Ajay Devgn, standing beside her, firmly backed the idea. “It’s not that it’s not going well with people. People understand,” he said. “Most of the honest filmmakers, I would say, will not have a problem with this. Apart from that, being a mother and working for eight hours — usually people have started working eight to nine hours in a shift. So I think it’s person to person, but most of the industry does understand.” Their comments come amid a broader conversation within the Indian film fraternity about creating more inclusive and accommodating working conditions for women, particularly new mothers returning to work. Devgn and Kajol’s film, Maa, explores themes of motherhood and resilience — making the timing of their remarks especially significant. Source: With inputs from India Today