Bollywood

8 days ago

3268 views

Pan-India Power Report 2025: Kantara Ch 1 Mints 223 Cr in Hindi; A Reality Check for Southern Dubs in 2025

2025 has been the year of the Pan India Reality Check. The Hindi audience has become ruthless embracing authentic rooted stories like Kantara with open arms while coldly rejecting generic mass actioners, even those starring heavyweights like Pawan Kalyan and Kamal Haasan. While Rishab Shetty emerged as the undisputed king of the Hindi box office this year, other highly anticipated projects like Lokesh Kanagaraj's Coolie and Suriya's Retro posted numbers that fell short of their astronomical pre release hype.From folklore to gangster dramas, here is the ultimate report card of how South Indian films performed in the Hindi belt this year. Movie Industry Hindi Net Collection Kantara: Chapter 1 Sandalwood ₹223.79 Cr Coolie Kollywood ₹37.23 Cr Game Changer Tollywood ₹32.93 Cr Mirai Tollywood ₹16.86 Cr Baahubali: The Epic Animation ₹6.94 Cr HIT: The Third Case Tollywood ₹4.11 Cr Kannappa Tollywood ₹3.98 Cr Lokah: Chapter 1 Mollywood ₹3.78 Cr They Call Him OG Tollywood ₹3.36 Cr L2: Empuraan Mollywood ₹2.59 Cr Thug Life Kollywood ₹1.70 Cr The Girlfriend Tollywood ₹ 0.60 Cr Madharasi Kollywood ₹0.50 Cr Retro Kollywood ₹ 0.49 Cr Daaku Maharaaj Tollywood ₹ 0.40 Cr Hari Hara Veera Mallu Tollywood ₹ 0.33 Cr Bad Girl Kollywood ₹0.06 Cr 1. Kantara:Chapter 1 Industry:Sandalwood (Kannada) Director:Rishab Shetty Star Cast:Rishab Shetty,Rukmini Vasanth"¨ The prequel to the 2022 divine blockbuster Kantara shattered ceilings. Delving deeper into the origins of the Panjurli Daiva during the Kadamba era, the film offered a visual spectacle that was both raw and grandiose. The Divine climax once again became a cultural talking point, driving repeat audiences in Maharashtra and the Hindi belt. It stands as the only true All Time Blockbuster from the South in Hindi this year. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 2. Coolie Industry:Kollywood (Tamil) Director:Lokesh Kanagaraj Star Cast:Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir."¨ The union of Thalaivar Rajinikanth and director Lokesh Kanagaraj was expected to set the screens on fire. A stylish gangster drama involving a gold-smuggling syndicate, the film had massive hype. However, the Hindi numbers (₹ 37.23 Cr) suggest it played more to the gallery of existing fans rather than breaking out to the neutral Hindi audience like Vikram or Jailer. 3.Game Changer Industry:Tollywood (Telugu) Director:S. Shankar Star Cast:Ram Charan, Kiara Advani."¨ Coming off the global high of RRR, Ram Charan teamed up with the showman Shankar. While the film's political theme resonated in the South, the Hindi audience found the narrative slightly dated. ₹ 32.93 Cr is a respectable total but falls short of the expectations set for a Ram Charan and Shankar collaboration. 4.Mirai Industry:Tollywood (Telugu) Director:Karthik Ghattamaneni Star Cast:Teja Sajja, Ritika Nayak. "¨The surprise package of the year. After HanuMan, Teja Sajja cemented his position with Mirai. Based on the legend of Ashoka's 9 secret books, this Super Yodha film connected well with kids and families, earning nearly ₹ 17 Cr purely on concept strength without a Tier-1 star. 5. Baahubali:The Epic Industry:Pan India (Re-release/Edit) Director:S.S. Rajamouli Star Cast:Prabhas,Anushka Shetty"¨ To celebrate the franchise's legacy, the makers released a special Single Film edit of the two part saga with remastered visuals.While die hard fans turned up, the ₹ 6.95 Cr collection proves that the audience prefers new content over nostalgia trips in theaters. 6. HIT:The Third Case Industry:Tollywood (Telugu) Director:Sailesh Kolanu Star Cast:Nani, Srinidhi Shetty."¨ Nani entered the HIT universe as Arjun Sarkar. While the film was a critical success in Telugu, the dark, gritty thriller genre has a limited ceiling in the Hindi dubbed market unless backed by massive marketing, reflected in its niche ₹ 4.11 Cr collection. 7. Kannappa Industry:Tollywood (Telugu) Director:Mukesh Kumar Singh Star Cast:Vishnu Manchu,Preity Mukhundhan (Cameos: Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal)."¨ Despite a star-studded lineup of cameos including Prabhas and Akshay Kumar, this mythological drama starring Vishnu Manchu failed to generate buzz in the Hindi belt, collecting a meager ₹ 3.98 Cr. 8. Lokah:Chapter 1 - Chandra Industry:Mollywood(Malayalam) Director:Dominic Arun Star Cast:Kalyani Priyadarshan, Naslen, Sandy. "¨Malayalam cinema's ambitious entry into the superhero genre! Starring Kalyani Priyadarshan, the film was praised for its VFX and unique world-building. For a Malayalam film without a traditional Mass Hero, earning ₹ 3.78 Cr in Hindi is a positive sign of growth. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 9.They Call Him OG Industry:Tollywood (Telugu) Director:Sujeeth Star Cast:Pawan Kalyan, Priyanka Mohan."¨ The biggest shocker of the list. Pawan Kalyan's gangster drama, despite featuring Emraan Hashmi as the antagonist, crashed in Hindi with just ₹ 3.36 Cr. It highlights that Pawan Kalyan's stardom is still strictly regional compared to peers like Prabhas or Allu Arjun. 10. L2:Empuraan Industry:Mollywood (Malayalam) Director:Prithviraj Sukumaran Star Cast:Mohanlal, Manju Warrier,Prithviraj. The sequel to Lucifer. While a massive blockbuster in Kerala, the complex political drama of Empuraan proved too dense for the mass Hindi audience, collecting just ₹ 2.59 Cr. 11. Thug Life Industry:Kollywood (Tamil) Director:Mani Ratnam Star Cast:Kamal Haasan, Trisha Krishnan,Silambarasan TR."¨ The reunion of legends Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan after decades was a cinematic event, but sadly, only for Tamil Nadu. The Hindi version was a non-starter (₹ 1.7 Cr), proving that Class Classics rarely translate to Mass Hindi Box Office. 12.The Girlfriend"¨ Industry:Tollywood (Telugu)"¨ Director:Rahul Ravindran"¨ Star Cast:Rashmika Mandanna, Dheekshith Shetty."¨ "¨A solo lead thriller by Rashmika Mandanna. While she is a National Crush, the film's niche subject matter restricted its appeal, leading to a washout in the Hindi dubbed version."¨ 13.Madharasi"¨ Director:A.R.Murugadoss"¨ Star Cast:Sivakarthikeyan, Vidyut Jammwal."¨ "¨Despite being directed by A.R.Murugadoss (known for Ghajini) and starring Vidyut Jammwal (a known face in Hindi), this film was a disaster in Hindi. It seems the audience has moved past the 2000s style of commercial filmmaking."¨ 14.Retro Industry:Kollywood (Tamil) Director:Karthik Subbaraj Star Cast:Suriya, Pooja Hegde."¨ Also known as Suriya 44, this stylish actioner by Karthik Subbaraj was expected to be Suriya's big theatrical comeback in Hindi. The shocking collection of less than ₹ 50 Lakhs indicates a complete failure in marketing or release strategy in the North. 15.Daaku Maharaaj"¨ Industry:Tollywood (Telugu)"¨ Director:Bobby Kolli"¨ Star Cast:Nandamuri Balakrishna, Bobby Deol"¨"¨ Even the presence of Bobby Deol (fresh off Animal fame) couldn't save this Balakrishna mass entertainer in Hindi. The over the top action style of NBK clearly has zero takers in the Hindi belt in 2025."¨ 16. Hari Hara Veera Mallu"¨ Industry:Tollywood (Telugu)"¨ Director:Krish Jagarlamudi,Jyoti Krishna"¨ Star Cast:Pawan Kalyan, Bobby Deol."¨ "¨A delayed period drama that felt stale upon arrival. With collections of just ₹33 Lakhs, it stands as a significant commercial underperformer for a star of Pawan Kalyan's stature."¨ (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) 17.Bad Girl Industry:Kollywood (Tamil) Director:Varsha Bharath Star Cast:Anjali Sivaraman."¨ A small budget coming of age drama produced by heavyweights like Vetrimaaran. While critically acclaimed in festivals, it was virtually non-existent at the Hindi box office. Ultimately, 2025 will be remembered as the year the Hindi market transitioned from being a star reliant territory to a landscape defined by audience discernment. The staggering gap between Kantara (₹223 Cr) and generic mass entertainers highlights a significant shift in viewer preferences. When highly anticipated projects featuring legends struggle to gain traction while a rooted folklore thriller creates history, the trend is undeniable.The era of blind loyalty to formulaic tropes is fading, making way for a new chapter of content supremacy.

Kollywood

18 days ago

4787 views

Year Ender 2025: Top 10 Kollywood Films by Box Office Performance

It's a wrap on 2025, and the Kollywood box office has set new benchmarks with a HUGE cumulative total from its top contenders. The ten highest-grossing films of the year alone have raked in over ₹ 1600 crores worldwide, signaling a massively successful run for the industry. While Coolie led this charge with a historic ₹ 518 Cr, the year also saw a healthy number of films crossing the coveted ₹ 100 crore milestone, including GoodBadUgly, Dragon, Vidaamuyarchi and Dude. From big-ticket action extravaganzas to unique concepts, the audience has given a clear verdict. Here's a deep dive into the top 10 Tamil films that made the biggest impact at the box office in 2025. table td { word-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word; } @media (max-width: 480px) { table td:first-child { width: 40% !important; /* give more breathing room */ } } Coolie Director Lokesh Kanagaraj Lead Cast Superstar Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Aamir Khan Worldwide Gross ₹ 518 Cr Verdict Commercial Success Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → When his friend is murdered by a ruthless smuggling syndicate, a former union leader named Deva is forced to confront his violent past and infiltrate the gang to protect his friend's daughter and expose a global human trafficking ring. The story of Coolie's box office is one of two halves. The primary driver for its No. 1 spot was the explosive combination of Rajinikanth's unparalleled star power and Lokesh Kanagaraj's modern filmmaking style, which guaranteed a historic opening weekend. However, the film's biggest hurdle was its own monumental budget. A collection of ₹518 Cr, while huge, was not enough to generate the theatrical profits needed for a clean Hit or Blockbuster tag. In essence, Coolie was a front-loaded success"”a commercial win for its producers thanks to pre-release deals, but a theatrical performer that couldn't fully outrun its massive cost. Good Bad Ugly Director Adhik Ravichandran Lead Cast Ajith Kumar, Arjun Das, Trisha Krishnan Worldwide Gross ₹ 248.25 Cr Verdict Hit Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → The plot centers on Ajith Kumar, a retired and notorious gangster known as Red Dragon, who is forced to return to his violent past after his son is wrongfully framed and arrested in Spain. The film's impressive ₹250 Cr worldwide collection stands as a strong testament to Ajith Kumar"™s enduring star power. His ability to pull massive audiences ensured the film debuted high on the year-end charts. Powered by solid pre-release buzz and a strong fan following, the movie enjoyed a successful overall run and is regarded as a clear hit. Dragon Director Ashwath Marimuthu Lead Cast Pradeep Ranganathan, Anupama Parameswaran, Kayadu Lohar Worldwide Gross ₹ 150.52 Cr Verdict Blockbuster Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → After being branded a failure by his ex-girlfriend, Ragavan uses forged documents to secure a high-paying job. This deception allows him to live a seemingly successful life until his actions lead to a former classmate's misfortune. Overwhelmed by guilt, Ragavan confesses the truth, goes to prison, and upon release, rebuilds his life honestly as a food delivery agent, ultimately finding redemption and true love. While the top two spots on the list are held by industry titans, the story of the year's most profitable and resounding success belongs to Dragon. Collecting over four times its budget, the film is a bonafide Blockbuster. Vidaamuyarchi Director Magizh Thirumeni Lead Cast Ajith Kumar, Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Sarja, Regina Cassandra Worldwide Gross ₹ 135.65 Cr Verdict Flop Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → Vidaamuyarchi is a thriller about a couple, Arjun and Kayal, whose road trip in Azerbaijan to visit Kayal's parents turns terrifying when she is abducted after a car breakdown. The film follows Arjun as he navigates a dangerous journey to rescue his wife, facing deception and a ruthless gang along the way. While Vidaamuyarchi landed in the year's top 5 thanks to Ajith Kumar's massive opening, it was a significant commercial failure. Its colossal budget of over ₹225 Cr dwarfed its final ₹135.65 Cr collection, leading to substantial losses. The film failed to sustain its run beyond the initial fan-fueled weekend, as negative word-of-mouth about a convoluted screenplay halted its momentum. Dude Director Keerthiswaran Lead Cast Pradeep Ranganathan, Mamitha Baiju, R. Sarathkumar Worldwide Gross ₹ 113.25 Cr Verdict Blockbuster Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → Dude is a romantic comedy about cousins Agan and Kural, whose relationship is complicated when Agan confesses his love for Kural, but then an arranged marriage for Kural with someone else throws their lives into chaos. Agan must then decide between his own love for Kural and Kural's happiness. The year 2025 will be remembered for the phenomenal rise of Pradeep Ranganathan, and Dude is the film that cemented his status as the industry's new golden boy. Following the massive success of Dragon, this film proved his box office draw was no fluke. Collecting nearly four times its modest budget, Dude is another resounding Blockbuster, making Pradeep the only actor of the year to deliver two such profitable ventures. Madharaasi Director A. R. Murugadoss Lead Cast Sivakarthikeyan, Rukmini Vasanth, Vidyut Jammwal Worldwide Gross ₹ 98.48 Cr Verdict Flop Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → An NIA officer recruits Raghuram, a suicidal man suffering from Fregoli delusion, to infiltrate a gun-smuggling syndicate. The film blends high-octane action with Raghuram's psychological struggle as he is manipulated into stopping a dangerous crime lord. Despite the powerhouse combo of A.R. Murugadoss and Sivakarthikeyan, Madharaasi collapsed under its massive ₹180 Cr budget. Failing to cross even the ₹100 Cr mark, it stands as a major commercial disaster, proving that big names cannot save a project when the costs outweigh the content's appeal. Thug Life Director Mani Ratnam Lead Cast Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan Worldwide Gross ₹ 97.25 Cr Verdict Flop Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → Presumed dead, notorious mafia kingpin Rangaraya Sakthivel returns to confront a violent past involving his brother and his adopted son, Amar. The narrative explores a complex father-son dynamic driven by power, betrayal, and revenge. The highly anticipated reunion of the Nayakan duo, Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan, turned into a colossal box office disaster. Burdened by an astronomical ₹250 Cr budget, the film failed to cross even the ₹100 Cr mark. Despite a star-studded cast including Simbu and Trisha, the film faced outright rejection from the audience. Idly Kadai Director Dhanush Lead Cast Dhanush, Nithya Menen, Arun Vijay, Shalini Pandey Worldwide Gross ₹ 71.86 Cr Verdict Hit Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → Murugan, a third-generation vendor, fights to protect his family's humble legacy, Sivanesan's Idli Kadai, when a corporate gourmet chain opens across the street. It is a battle of tradition and dignity against aggressive commercialism in a small hill town. Dhanush's fourth directorial venture earned strong critical praise for its grounded storytelling and also performed decently at the box office. Despite its steep ₹100 Cr budget, the film"™s ₹71.86 Cr gross ensured a respectable run driven by word of mouth. It stands as a well-made film that found its audience and delivered a fair commercial outcome. Retro Director Karthik Subbaraj Lead Cast Suriya, Pooja Hegde Worldwide Gross ₹ 96.97 Cr Verdict Commercial Success Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → Set in the 1990s, former enforcer Paari attempts to leave his violent past behind for a peaceful life with his wife. However, when his history catches up to him, he is forced into exile on a remote island, where he eventually embraces his fighting skills to save the locals from a tyrant. Despite the exciting pairing of Suriya and Karthik Subbaraj, Retro underperformed at the box office. With a modest ₹60 Cr budget, the film grossed ₹96.97 Cr, falling just short of the ₹100 Cr milestone. While the controlled budget prevented a financial disaster, the theatrical returns were minimal for investors. Tourist Family Director Abishan Jeevinth Lead Cast Sasikumar, Simran Worldwide Gross ₹ 86.25 Cr Verdict Blockbuster Check Out the Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown → A Sri Lankan family living illegally in India attempts to build a new life while evading authorities. Their fresh start is threatened when a past connection to a bombing resurfaces, jeopardizing their acceptance in the neighborhood. The Sleeper Hit That Stole the Show - The year's most profitable venture, earning over ₹86 Cr on a meager ₹7 Cr budget. Relying purely on glowing word-of-mouth rather than star power, this grounded drama proved that compelling storytelling and strong performances can triumph over high-budget spectacles.

Kollywood

21 days ago

2845 views

Love Insurance Kompany Postponed, Sets Up Potential 2026 Clash with Suriya's Karuppu

A major shift in the Kollywood release calendar has set the stage for a potential blockbuster clash in 2026. Pradeep Ranganathan's highly anticipated film, Love Insurance Kompany (LIK), has been postponed from its December 18, 2025 release, and is now reportedly eyeing a 2026 debut, potentially pitting it against Suriya's upcoming action-drama, Karuppu. Love Insurance Kompany, a futuristic romantic comedy directed by Vignesh Shivan, has been one of the most talked-about projects, especially after the phenomenal success of Pradeep Ranganathan's Love Today.The film, which also stars Krithi Shetty and S.J. Suryah with music by Anirudh Ravichander, has seen several release date changes.Initially slated for September and then Diwali 2025, the makers settled on a December 18 release to avoid a clash with Pradeep's other film, Dude. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) However, the latest reports indicate the film has been pushed again, this time to February 2026.This move is reportedly to avoid a conflict with the Hollywood behemoth Avatar: Fire and Ash, which is releasing on December 19, 2025.This strategic shift now places LIK directly in the 2026 release corridor. This postponement has sparked excitement among fans as it sets up a potential box office showdown between the new-age sensation Pradeep Ranganathan and the veteran superstar Suriya. Suriya's next major release, Karuppu, is also scheduled to hit theatres in 2026. Directed by RJ Balaji, Karuppu is a rural action-drama that will see Suriya paired with Trisha Krishnan.The film, which explores local traditions and beliefs, was initially planned for a Diwali 2025 release but was postponed to 2026 due to extensive visual effects work. With both films now likely to release in the same year, the stage is set for a fascinating clash between two generations of stars. Pradeep Ranganathan, who has become a youth icon, will be taking on the might of Suriya, an actor with a massive and loyal fanbase. As Kollywood gears up for 2026, all eyes will be on the official release date announcements for what could be one of the year's most exciting box office battles.

Bollywood

60 days ago

1978 views

Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde's Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai Gets A New Release Date

Mumbai, October 31 - Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan reunited with his director father David Dhawan for a romantic comedy Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, co-starring Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde. The film marks the fourth collaboration between father-son, who have worked earlier in Main Tera Hero (2014), Judwaa 2 (2017) and Coolie No. 1 (2020). On Friday (October 31), the makers announced the release date. Produced by Tips Films Pvt. Ltd, the much-awaited romantic comedy will be hitting worldwide cinemas on June 5, 2026. Earlier, the film was supposed to hit the big screens on April 10, 2026. The announcement was made through a simple social media post, with a caption, "Drama bhi hona hai, comedy bhi "” kyunki jab'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' in cinemas on 5th June 2026". HJTIHN also features Mouni Roy, Chunky Panday, Maniesh Paul, Jimmy Shergill, Rakesh Bedi, and Ali Asgar in pivotal roles. Drama bhi hona hai, comedy bhi "” kyunki jab'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' in cinemas on 5th June 2026 🎬✨#DavidDhawan @RameshTaurani #Maximilian@Varun_dvn @hegdepooja @manishpaul03 @jimmysheirgill@ChunkyThePanday @Roymouni @kingaliasgar @Rajesh_rosesh pic.twitter.com/7rXmnppyEk— Mrunal Thakur (@mrunal0801) October 31, 2025 Meanwhile, Varun Dhawan was last seen in Maddock Films' Thamma, in which he reprised his Bhediya role for an electrifying cameo, alongside Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead. The actor's last full-fledged release was Dharma Productions' Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, which underperformed at the box office. Mrunal, on the other hand, was last featured alongside Ajay Devgn in the comedy-entertainer, Son of Sardaar 2, while Pooja played the female lead in Suriya's actioner, Retro, which was released earlier this year in May. Stay tuned...

Kollywood

66 days ago

1949 views

Karuppu Gears Up for January Launch After Pongal Sidestep

The buzz is back for the eagerly anticipated new film starring Suriya, titled Karuppu. After initial considerations for a festival-release during Pongal, the team now seems to be locking in a late-January 2025 launch instead "” the shift reportedly driven by the need to complete extensive visual-effects work. Initially the production had its eyes on the Pongal window, but with two major contenders already confirmed for that slot, the makers appear to be opting for a less crowded moment on the calendar. This strategy could give Karuppu the breathing room for a grander rollout "” both in terms of marketing and screen availability. The teaser, unveiled on Suriya"™s 50th birthday, took the internet by storm with its intense tone, dual-avatar reveal, and subtle nods to Ghajini, instantly raising expectations among fans. Karuppu stars Suriya alongside Trisha Krishnan, reuniting the pair after years, with Indrans, Sshivada, Swasika, Yogi Babu, and Natty Subramaniam in pivotal roles. On the musical front, the film"™s first single "œGod Mode" has already dropped, introducing Suriya"™s character, Saravanan "” a seemingly plain lawyer by day who transforms into a mythic force by night. Crafted by composer Sai Abhyankar with folk-inspired rhythms, modern electronic textures and vocals by Gana Muthu, the track has aligned excitement among fans ahead of the full launch. Before Karuppu, Suriya starred in Kanguva (2024), directed by Siva and produced by Studio Green in association with UV Creations. The historical-fantasy action drama featured Suriya in dual roles and marked Disha Patani"™s Tamil debut. The film was praised for its grand visuals, intense battle sequences, and Devi Sri Prasad"™s music. However, despite these strengths, audience word-of-mouth was mixed, with critiques aimed at pacing, narrative coherence, and loud sound design. Kanguva had a massive production budget reportedly around ₹300"“350"¯crore, but its worldwide gross of approximately ₹106.64"¯crore fell far short of covering costs and meeting the high expectations set for the film. With Karuppu, Suriya now carries the responsibility of surpassing these expectations, delivering a film that resonates with audiences both critically and commercially, and reaffirming his reputation as one of Tamil cinema"™s most reliable stars. With the visuals in the final stages and the release date now tentatively set for the end of January, the expectation is for Karuppu to step in as a standout entertainer "” rather than a competitor in the already-packed Pongal period. Until the official announcement, the race is on to see how the makers will position this high-voltage spectacle for a big splash.

Kollywood

69 days ago

2151 views

Friends(2001) Returns in 4K: A Nostalgic Festive Treat for Tamil Cinema Fans

The beloved 2001 Tamil blockbuster Friends, starring Vijay and Suriya, is all set to return to theaters in a fully remastered 4K version on November 21, 2025. Directed by Siddique, the film is remembered for its perfect blend of humor, emotion, and the iconic camaraderie between its lead actors, with Vadivelu's portrayal of 'Nesamani' remaining a fan favorite. This re-release, coming 24 years after the original debut, aims to rekindle nostalgia among longtime fans while introducing the classic to a new generation. The timing is particularly exciting as it leads into the Pongal 2026 season, where both Vijay and Suriya are set to clash at the box office with their respective films "” Vijay's Jana Nayagan, directed by H. Vinoth, and Suriya's Karuppu, directed by RJ Balaji. Jana Nayagan is scheduled for a January 9 release and has generated immense anticipation, reportedly featuring cameo appearances from directors Lokesh Kanagaraj, Atlee, and Nelson Dilipkumar as a tribute to Vijay"™s cinematic journey. Meanwhile, Karuppu, initially slated for Diwali 2025, will now release during Pongal 2026, promising a rural-themed role for Suriya. The 4K re-release of Friends not only celebrates the film"™s original box-office success but also offers audiences an opportunity to experience its timeless charm in enhanced visual and audio quality, setting the stage for an exciting festive season and a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of Tamil cinema.

Kollywood

70 days ago

3989 views

Sivakarthikeyan"™s Parasakthi Wraps Up: Sudha Kongara"™s Political Epic Set for a Pongal 2026 Clash with Vijay"™s Jana Nayagan

The highly anticipated Tamil film Parasakthi, directed by Sudha Kongara and starring Sivakarthikeyan, Jayam Ravi, and Atharvaa, has officially wrapped production and is gearing up for a grand Pongal release on January 14, 2026. The announcement came through the team"™s latest post on X, confirming that the film has completed its shoot and entered the final phase of post-production. Produced by Dawn Pictures and distributed by Red Giant Movies, Parasakthi is a large-scale political period drama set against the backdrop of the 1965 anti-Hindi imposition agitations in Tamil Nadu. Sivakarthikeyan plays a revolutionary student leader, while Atharvaa takes on the role of a fiery activist, and Jayam Ravi is rumoured to appear as the antagonist, with Sreeleela making her Tamil debut. Backed by an impressive technical crew featuring G. V. Prakash Kumar"”marking his 100th film as a music composer"”Ravi K. Chandran on cinematography, and Sathish Suriya handling editing, the film promises a compelling blend of social relevance and mass appeal. Shot across locations such as Madurai, Pollachi, and parts of Sri Lanka, the film is said to have been made on a speculative budget estimated between ₹150"“250 crore, making it one of the most ambitious Tamil productions of 2026.The Pongal window will witness a major box-office face-off as Parasakthi goes head-to-head with Vijay"™s Jana Nayagan, directed by H. Vinoth and releasing just days earlier. Both films carry strong political undercurrents"”Parasakthi rooted in historical rebellion, and Jana Nayagan exploring modern-day politics"”setting the stage for one of Tamil cinema"™s biggest festival face-offs.While Vijay"™s pan-Indian star power gives Jana Nayagan an early edge, Parasakthi"™s stellar lineup, guided by Sudha Kongara"™s direction and elevated by G. V. Prakash"™s milestone soundtrack, makes it a formidable contender. With such a high-profile festive clash on the horizon, it"™s insightful to look at the recent box-office performances of the leading actors to gauge the potential stakes for Parasakthi. It"™s worth looking back at the previous releases of the two leading actors to understand the stakes: Vijay"™s Leo (2023) emerged as a mammoth commercial success, reporting a worldwide gross of around ₹605.9 crore, including an overseas haul of about ₹204 crore. Meanwhile, Sivakarthikeyan"™s Madharaasi (2025) opened to good initial buzz but with more modest results: it collected approximately ₹98.75 crore worldwide (including about ₹25 crore overseas) Given this backdrop, Parasakthi appears to be stepping into a high-stakes arena. While Vijay"™s Leo sets a very high benchmark, Sivakarthikeyan"™s Madharaasi shows that although there is strong potential, sustaining performance is key. For Parasakthi, the challenge is dual: to out-perform Sivakarthikeyan"™s own recent benchmark and to hold ground against the lingering aura of Vijay"™s blockbuster success. The competition is real "” and the festival release adds further pressure. If Parasakthi wants to emerge not just as a hit but as a defining film of the season, it will need strong word-of-mouth, robust box-office momentum and favorable timing to overcome both past performance pressure and existing star-driven precedents.All eyes are now on Pongal 2026, as two of the industry"™s most awaited films prepare for a high-voltage cinematic showdown.

Kollywood

71 days ago

2725 views

Suriya"™s Karuppu Kicks Off with Power-Packed First Single "˜God Mode"™

The wait is finally over for fans of Suriya, as the first single from his upcoming film Karuppu "” titled "˜God Mode"™ "” has been released today. Composed by Sai Abhyankar, the track sets the stage for what looks to be an energetic and mass-loaded entertainer.Directed by RJ Balaji, Karuppu marks Suriya"™s 45th film and brings together a refreshing collaboration with Trisha, reuniting the beloved pair after nearly 20 years. The duo last shared screen space in the 2005 action drama Aaru, and their comeback has sparked huge excitement among fans. The single captures Suriya in a fierce and unstoppable avatar, perfectly matching the song"™s powerful beats and bold lyrics. Sai Abhyankar"™s composition, paired with vibrant visuals, gives fans a taste of the film"™s tone "” raw, confident, and larger-than-life. Social media is already buzzing with excitement, with fans praising the energy and style of God Mode.Karuppu explores themes of folk faith and traditions, with Suriya reportedly portraying a character named Saravanan, a lawyer by day and a savior by night. The film also features Indrans, Natty Subramaniam, Yogi Babu, and other supporting actors, promising a mix of style, strength, and substance. Originally slated for a Diwali 2025 release, the film has been delayed due to technical reasons, and the official release date has not yet been confirmed, with reports hinting at a possible Pongal 2026 release. Despite this, the teaser and first-look posters have already created significant buzz, highlighting Suriya"™s dynamic appearance and mass appeal.With God Mode setting the perfect mood, the hype for Suriya"™s 45th film is now at an all-time high, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further updates from the makers.

Kollywood

109 days ago

3383 views

Pongal 2026 Showdown: Sivakarthikeyan's Parasakthi Joins The Festive Race Against Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan

Chennai, September 12 - The Tamil cinema is bracing up for a major box office showdown on Pongal 2026 after Sivakarthikeyan's much-awaited period political drama film Parashakti confirms indirect clash with Thalapathy Vijay's swan song Jana Nayagan. Directed by Sudha Kongara, Parashakti is reportedly based on true events, revolving around the Anti-Hindi agitations in Tamil Nadu that happened in 1965. On Friday (September 12), the makers announced that this much-awaited movie will be hitting worldwide cinemas on January 14, 2026, coinciding with the Pongal festival. Produced by Dawn Pictures, Parashakti was initially supposed to be headlined by Suriya, who backed out for some reason. It has Sreeleela as the female lead, alongside Ravi Mohan, who plays the antagonist. The film also stars Rana Daggubati, Atharvaa, Basil Joseph, and others. Parashakti will be released four days after Thalapathy Vijay's final film Jana Nayagan, before his political entry. Both movies are political thrillers, which are expected to score big box office numbers, and might also invite criticism for their genre. 💥💥💥😊👍 pic.twitter.com/jrljjJv98U— Sivakarthikeyan (@Siva_Kartikeyan) September 12, 2025 Stay tuned...

Kollywood

124 days ago

2289 views

Anticipation is real! Which Tamil movie are you ready to watch on the big screen?

Tamil cinema fans, brace yourselves"”several highly anticipated releases are headed your way, and we"™re curious: which one are you most excited for? ##Idli Kadai, Dhanush"™s fourth directorial outing, hits theaters on October 1, boasting a vibrant rural backdrop, music by G. V. Prakash, and a stellar cast including Nithya Menen, Arun Vijay, Shalini Pandey, Sathyaraj, plus a cameo by R."¯Parthiban. ##Meanwhile, Parasakthi, directed by Sudha Kongara and starring Sivakarthikeyan, Ravi Mohan, Atharvaa, and Sreeleela, is a gripping political period drama set during the Anti"‘Hindi agitations of 1965. With music by G. V. Prakash Kumar and scenes shot across Chennai, Pollachi, Madurai, and Sri Lanka, it is slated for a grand Pongal 2026 release. Interestingly, the film takes inspiration from the iconic 1952 Parasakthi, honoring its legacy while telling a new, powerful story for today"™s generation. ##Then there"™s STR 49, starring Silambarasan TR and directed by Parking fame Ramkumar Balakrishnan, which aims to be a dark, stylish commercial entertainer set in a college backdrop. The cast includes Santhanam (reuniting with STR after a decade), Kayadu Lohar as the female lead, and Ravi Kishan in a supporting role. With cinematography by Manoj Paramahamsa, art direction by Subentar PL, and music by Sai Abhyankkar, the film explores a mysterious dual life"”hinted at in its first look, where STR is shown holding both an engineering book and a bloodied butcher"™s knife. Despite early production delays and rumors of creative friction, the film is now back on track, with the director recently confirming that script work is progressing toward a full-scale revival. ##Karuppu, directed by RJ Balaji and led by Suriya and Trisha, is a compelling courtroom drama exploring caste and social justice"”initially planned for Diwali, but now expected to release around Pongal 2026. ##Indian 3, the much-awaited sequel directed by S. Shankar and starring Kamal Haasan, SJ Suryah, Kajal Aggarwal, and Siddharth, continues its massive production journey and is expected to follow soon after Indian 2. ##Finally, Jananayagan, featuring Thalapathy Vijay, is still under tight wraps with no official details on its cast, crew, or plot revealed yet. ##So tell us"”which upcoming Tamil film has you counting down the days?

Tollywood

158 days ago

42194 views

Hari Hara Vaara Mallu Day 1 Collection: Biggest Opening For Pawan Kalyan But A Tough Road Ahead

Hyderabad, July 25 - Power star Pawan Kalyan's long-awaited period action adventure Hari Hara Veera Mallu - Part 1 Sword vs Spirit finally hit the big screens on July 24 amid huge fanfare. The film delivered a solid opening day performance at the worldwide box office, living up to the pre-release hype, at least in terms of opening day numbers. ## Directed by Krish Jagarlamudi and A. M. Jyothi Krishna, the film benefited from one of the strongest advance bookings for a Telugu film. With pre-sales collections of around 45 crore gross worldwide, Hari Hara Veera Mallu opened with a bang, riding on the superstar's mass appeal and a long buildup of anticipation. ## Hari Hara Veera Mallu Scored Biggest Opening For Pawan Kalyan ## Backed by Mega Suriya Production, the film held paid domestic premieres on July 23, raking in an estimated 15 crore gross from them. Its first official day on July 24 added another 38"“40+ crore gross at the domestic box office, bringing the total India gross to 53"“55+ crore. ## However, the film's overseas performance was underwhelming, grossing an estimated 10"“12 crore, including premieres. This total mostly matched its earlier pre-sale estimates of 6"“7 crore (corrected in previous articles), showing minimal walk-in traction on Day 1. ## In total, Hari Hara Veera Mallu registered a worldwide opening day gross in the 65 crore range, marking the biggest ever opening for a Pawan Kalyan film, surpassing Bheemla Nayak's 57 crore debut in 2022. ## Big Opening But A Tough Road Ahead For Hari Hara Veera Mallu ## Despite the huge opening at the box office, the road ahead for HHVM appears uncertain. The film has been met with harsh reviews from critics and largely mixed to negative word of mouth from early audiences. Advance bookings for Day 2 and the remainder of the weekend are reportedly poor, with no signs of a bounce back in demand. While the film might manage decent footfalls over the weekend, sustaining beyond Sunday seems difficult. ## This situation echoes a growing pattern in the Telugu film industry, where even massive openings fail to translate into sustained runs when content fails to connect with audiences. Despite the record-breaking opening, the box office success of HHVM is far from guaranteed. With word of mouth spreading fast, the film now faces the real challenge, which is surviving beyond the opening weekend. ## Stay tuned...

Kollywood

159 days ago

16033 views

Is Rajinikanth's 'Coolie' Part of Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU)?

Chennai, July 24 - Director Lokesh Kanagaraj helmed cinematic universe "” popularly known as the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) "” has already delivered major hits with Kaithi, Vikram, and Leo. With stars like Karthi, Kamal Haasan, and Thalapathy Vijay headlining these blockbusters, expectations for what's next in the LCU are at an all-time high. ## While Lokesh previously confirmed that he would be focusing solely on LCU projects, he surprised fans by collaborating with superstar Rajinikanth for a gangster action drama titled Coolie. At the time of announcement, many speculated that Coolie could also be part of the LCU; however, the filmmaker clarified in interviews that it would be a standalone film with no connection to his cinematic universe. ## But recent developments have reignited rumours about a potential LCU connection. According to new media reports, Kamal Haasan "” who headlined LCU's Vikram (2022) - has been approached to lend his voice for Coolie. Notably, Haasan's voice was featured in the post-credit scene of Vijay's Leo, hinting at interconnected storylines within the LCU. ## Although it is not confirmed yet, if the rumours about Kamal Haasan lending his voice for Coolie are true, this could mark a significant step forward in the evolution of LCU, further solidifying it as Indian cinema's one of the most ambitious interconnected franchise, featuring powerhouse names like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Vijay, Suriya, and Karthi. ## About Coolie ## Produced by Sun Pictures, Coolie stars Rajinikanth in the lead, supported by a star-studded ensemble including Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Sathyaraj, and a special cameo by Aamir Khan. Music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, whose soundtrack has already become a rage among fans.## The film is set for a worldwide theatrical release on August 14, and will be available in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada. ## Stay tuned...