The second-largest worldwide opening weekend for a new Spider-Man movie

Spider-Man: Brand New Day exceeded its expected $225 million production budget with $927 million (£687 million) in ticket sales worldwide, making it the second-biggest opening weekend ever. The superhero film, which stars real-life husband and wife Tom Holland and Zendaya, trails behind Avengers: Endgame, which made over $1.2 billion on its first weekend of release in 2019. With $335 million in box office receipts, Brand New Day also set a second-best North American record.After a spate of underperforming Marvel films in recent years, the film's good performance gives Marvel Studios a much-needed lift ahead of the much awaited release of Avengers: Doomsday in December. A few years after Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021, Brand New Day, which debuted in theatres this week, follows Peter Parker as he fights crime in a society that has forgotten he is the masked superhero. Reviews for the most recent installment of the wildly successful franchise were overwhelmingly positive, with several praising Holland's performance as Spider-Man to date. According to distributor Sony Pictures, Brand New Day earned $572 million from over 73,000 screens outside of the US, including $121 million from China. Over the weekend, $49 million worth of tickets were sold in the UK. Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, described the debut of Brand New Day as "truly phenomenal" and expressed gratitude to viewers for "coming out and experiencing our film the way it was meant to be seen."Before Doomsday, the eagerly anticipated conclusion of several superhero story arcs following Avengers: Endgame, the movie represents Marvel's final big-screen production. Since Endgame, Marvel films have not been able to draw the same wide crowds as they did during their heyday. Although they were among the studio's lowest-grossing films, big-budget productions like The Marvels and The Thunderbolts recovered their production expenses. No Way Home has sold about $2 billion in tickets, making Spider-Man one of Marvel's most profitable franchises. Since the Covid-19 outbreak, moviegoing has decreased, hastening the transition to home-streaming services like Netflix. However, the big screen has made a sort of comeback this year, with box office receipts in North America expected to surpass $10 billion for the first time since 2019. Blockbuster hits like Toy Story 5, Michael, and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie—all of which have generated over $1 billion—helped with that. Brand New Day, which opens in July, and Christopher Nolan's adaptation of the great Greek poem, The Odyssey, are also expected to surpass $1 billion.  

Trailer for Batwara 1947 Sunny Deol battles Pakistan once more, this time for the religion of Maa.

The trailer of Batwara 1947 has created a strong buzz among movie lovers and marks Sunny Deol’s return in another powerful role set against the backdrop of India’s Partition. While many viewers are comparing the film to Gadar, the trailer makes it clear that this story is not only about India and Pakistan but also about humanity, sacrifice, and the unconditional love of a mother. Sunny Deol plays a fearless man who stands up against violence and hatred during one of the most painful periods in history. His powerful dialogues, intense action scenes, and emotional expressions remind audiences why he is still one of Bollywood’s most loved action stars. The film is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, reuniting him with Sunny Deol after many years, a combination that has earlier delivered memorable films. One of the biggest highlights of the trailer is its emotional message about the “religion of Maa.” Instead of focusing only on conflict, the film shows how the love, care, and sacrifices of a mother rise above every religion, border, and political divide. Veteran actress Shabana Azmi plays a central role, and her emotional scenes with Sunny Deol leave a lasting impact. The trailer also features Preity Zinta, Ali Fazal, and Karan Deol in important roles, making the story feel even more powerful. Beautiful visuals, strong background music, and heartfelt performances add depth to the film and suggest that it will be an emotional journey rather than just an action drama. Fans have reacted positively to the trailer on social media, praising Sunny Deol’s commanding screen presence and the film’s emotional storytelling. Many viewers feel that the movie carries a meaningful message of peace, compassion, and unity while portraying the pain and suffering caused by Partition. Ahead of the trailer launch, Sunny Deol also dedicated the film to his mother, saying, “Meri Maa hi mera Rab hain,” which perfectly matches the film’s emotional theme. Batwara 1947 is scheduled to release in theatres on August 14, 2026, and expectations are already high for what could become one of the biggest patriotic and emotional films of the year.  

Jana Nayagan Box Office Collection Day 4 Updates: Vijays film struggles on Monday following an opening weekend of almost Rs 200 cr.

Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan had a powerful opening weekend, collecting more than ₹200 crore worldwide in just four days. The film enjoyed a strong response from fans, especially in Tamil Nadu, helping it cross ₹124.75 crore net at the Indian box office and around ₹217 crore worldwide gross by the end of Day 4. However, the film faced its first real challenge on Monday. After the excitement of the opening weekend, ticket sales slowed down, which is common for most big releases. While the collections were lower than Sunday, the movie still managed to hold its ground and continued to attract audiences in several key markets. Trade experts believe the Monday performance was decent enough to keep the film on a steady path. Despite mixed reviews from critics, Vijay's star power and loyal fan base have played a major role in the film's box office success. The political action drama has performed particularly well in Tamil-speaking regions and has also received a good response in overseas markets. Strong weekend earnings have given the film a solid foundation for the days ahead. The coming weekdays will be important in deciding how far Jana Nayagan can go at the box office. If it continues to maintain stable collections before new releases arrive, the film could end its theatrical run as one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of the year. Industry observers will now be watching its weekday trend closely to see whether it can keep its momentum going.

Review of Jana Nayagan The pressure of being Vijays final film causes it to fall apart

Actor-turned-politician Vijay bids farewell to cinema with Jana Nayagan, a political action drama directed by H. Vinoth. As Vijay's final film before focusing on politics, expectations were extraordinarily high. While the film delivers several whistle-worthy moments, emotional fan service, and a strong political message, many critics believe it struggles to balance storytelling with its role as a farewell tribute. The story follows a fearless leader who stands up against corruption and injustice while protecting his people. The screenplay is packed with action sequences, emotional speeches, and political symbolism. However, reviewers note that the narrative often pauses to celebrate Vijay's screen persona rather than develop the plot, making the film feel more like a farewell campaign than a tightly written political thriller. Vijay's performance is widely regarded as the film's biggest strength. His commanding screen presence, powerful dialogues, emotional scenes, and action sequences remind audiences why he remains one of Tamil cinema's biggest stars. The climax, in particular, has been described as an emotional goodbye that resonated strongly with fans. Co-stars Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, and Mamitha Baiju deliver solid performances, though some critics felt their characters were underutilized. Early critical reception has been mixed. Some reviewers praised the film as an emotional send-off and a celebration of Vijay's legacy, while others criticized its predictable screenplay, lengthy runtime, and excessive fan service. Audience reactions on social media have also been divided, with many fans calling it a fitting farewell and others describing it as a missed opportunity for a stronger final film. Overall, Jana Nayagan succeeds more as a tribute to Vijay's remarkable career than as a consistently engaging political action drama. For longtime fans, it offers plenty of memorable moments and emotional satisfaction. For general audiences, however, its storytelling may feel uneven, weighed down by the pressure of delivering the perfect farewell.  

Kartik Aaryan visits the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain with his parents after winning his first national award.

Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan visited the sacred Mahakaleshwar Temple with his parents after winning his first National Film Award. The actor offered prayers and participated in the temple's Shayan Aarti, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. His visit came just days after he received the Best Actor award at the 72nd National Film Awards for his performance in Chandu Champion. Photos and videos from the temple visit quickly spread across social media, showing Kartik dressed in a simple pink shirt, praying with folded hands alongside his parents. He also shared a picture from the temple on Instagram with the caption, "Jai Mahakal." Fans praised the actor for celebrating his achievement with gratitude and spirituality rather than with a lavish celebration. Kartik won the National Award for portraying India's first Paralympic gold medallist, Murlikant Petkar, in the biographical sports drama Chandu Champion. His performance received widespread appreciation from critics and audiences, making the award a major milestone in his acting career. The Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, is considered one of India's most important pilgrimage sites. By visiting the temple with his parents after this career-defining achievement, Kartik expressed his gratitude and sought divine blessings for the future. His simple and heartfelt gesture has been warmly appreciated by fans across the country.  

In a passionate letter, Ram Gopal Varma states that Yami Gautams career has more impressed him than her National Award win for Article 370 The struggles, perseverance, risks.

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma shared a heartfelt message congratulating Yami Gautam after she won the Best Actress award at the 72nd National Film Awards for her performance in Article 370. While celebrating her achievement, Varma said he was even more impressed by her journey to success than the award itself. In his note, Varma praised Yami’s years of hard work, perseverance, and willingness to take risks in choosing meaningful roles. He said that success is not only about winning awards but also about the dedication, patience, and determination that lead to such achievements. According to him, Yami’s career reflects consistent effort and strong belief in her craft, making her journey truly inspiring. Yami Gautam also expressed her gratitude after receiving the National Award. She described the honour as the result of her 14-year journey in the film industry and said that Article 370 has a special place in her heart. She thanked her family, team, and supporters for standing by her throughout her career and dedicated the achievement to everyone who continues to believe in their dreams.  

Never Heard About It Growing Up Sana Saeed, Little Anjali of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Makes A Startling Admission

Actress Sana Saeed, who became famous as little Anjali in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, has shared a deeply personal story about her childhood and the health challenges she quietly faced for many years. In a recent social media post and video, Sana revealed that she struggled with bulimia, a serious eating disorder, from a young age. She admitted that while growing up, she had never heard of the condition and did not understand why she felt anxious about food. Because she had no knowledge of eating disorders, she believed there was "something wrong" with her instead of recognizing that she needed help. Sana said that the lack of awareness made it difficult for her to identify her condition, and she spent years dealing with the problem in silence before finally understanding what she was going through. Recalling those difficult years, Sana explained that she often worried about eating in front of others and feared people would judge her. She said that reading The Bulimia Help Method became a turning point in her recovery because it helped her understand that her struggles had a name and that she was not alone. Even after discovering the condition, she found it extremely difficult to accept that she had bulimia because of the shame and stigma attached to eating disorders. Sana's statement, "I never heard about it growing up. I wish I'd heard about it, so I would have gone straight to the problem," highlights the importance of mental health education and awareness from an early age. She hopes that by sharing her experience, others facing similar challenges will recognize the signs sooner and seek professional support without fear or embarrassment. The actress also shared an encouraging update about her life, saying that she has now fully recovered and feels happier and healthier than ever before. She emphasized that recovery is possible with the right guidance and support. Sana encouraged anyone struggling with an eating disorder or any mental health issue to speak to someone they trust and seek qualified professional help. Her honest confession has received appreciation from fans and mental health advocates, who praised her courage for speaking openly about a topic that is often misunderstood. Many people believe that her story will help spread awareness about eating disorders and encourage more open conversations about mental health, body image, and emotional well-being.  

Why you should get to the theatre half an hour early to see Christopher Nolans The Odyssey

Moviegoers planning to watch Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey are being advised to reach the theatre at least 30 minutes before the scheduled showtime. The recommendation comes as the film is expected to draw huge crowds, especially at IMAX and premium-format cinemas, where ticket demand has been exceptionally high. One of the biggest reasons to arrive early is the exclusive six-minute IMAX prologue, which is considered an important part of the overall cinematic experience. The prologue begins before the main feature and introduces key moments from the story, setting the tone for Nolan's epic adaptation of Homer's Odyssey. Missing it could mean losing an important part of the film's narrative. Theatres are also expecting long queues for ticket verification, security checks, concessions, and seat finding because advance bookings have been extremely strong. Some cinemas have even advised audiences to arrive 30–45 minutes early to avoid delays and ensure screenings start on time. Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is one of the most anticipated films of 2026. Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus alongside Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron, it is the first feature film shot entirely with IMAX 70mm cameras. The nearly three-hour epic is expected to be a major theatrical event, with industry analysts predicting a blockbuster opening weekend.  

A New Chapter Unfolds as Alia Bhatt enters the world of Tumbbad 2, according to Sohum Shah.

Alia Bhatt has officially joined the cast of Tumbbad 2, one of the most anticipated sequels in Indian cinema. The announcement was made today by actor-producer Sohum Shah, who welcomed Alia to the film with a social media post saying, "A new chapter unfolds. Welcome to #Tumbbad2." The news has generated significant excitement among fans, who have been eagerly waiting for updates on the sequel since the original Tumbbad became a cult classic. According to reports from multiple entertainment websites, Alia Bhatt will play a pivotal role in expanding the mysterious world of Tumbbad. While the makers have not revealed details about her character, reports suggest that her role will be crucial to the film's biggest twists and will further explore the dark mythology surrounding Hastar. Her addition is expected to bring a fresh dimension to the horror-fantasy franchise. Entertainment portals have also highlighted that Tumbbad 2 marks Alia Bhatt's first full-fledged venture into the horror genre. In her statement, the actress expressed excitement about joining a film universe that has fascinated audiences for years. She said that Tumbbad stayed with her long after watching it and that becoming part of its sequel is both exciting and creatively fulfilling. The sequel will reunite Sohum Shah with acclaimed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and is being directed by Adesh Prasad. Produced by Sohum Shah Films in association with Pen Studios, the film aims to build upon the mythology established in the original movie while introducing new characters and expanding its supernatural world. Industry experts believe that Alia Bhatt's casting significantly raises the profile of Tumbbad 2. The original film earned widespread appreciation for its unique storytelling, stunning cinematography, and blend of folklore and horror, eventually becoming a cult favorite. With Alia joining the franchise, expectations for the sequel have increased, and many believe it could become one of the biggest Indian horror films upon release.  

played at a nearby gurdwara after being pulled out of ZEE5. In Punjabi villages, Diljits Satluj is given a second chance at life.

Diljit Dosanjh's film Satluj has received a new life in Punjab, even after being removed from the OTT platform ZEE5 in India. The film was taken down just two days after its release, leading to disappointment among fans who were eager to watch it online. However, instead of allowing the film to disappear, people in Punjab have started organizing public screenings in villages, gurdwaras, school grounds, and community halls. These screenings are being arranged by local sports clubs, youth groups, and Sikh organizations, which are using projectors, LED screens, and sound systems so that everyone can watch the film together.Many people believe that Satluj tells an important chapter of Punjab's history and should be available for the public to watch. Because of this, the community has come together to ensure that the film reaches as many people as possible. In several villages, volunteers have donated money, equipment, and their time to organize these events. Families, young people, and elderly residents have gathered in large numbers to watch the movie, turning the screenings into community events. Some participants have even described these efforts as a form of "seva" (selfless service) because they feel they are helping preserve an important story.The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has also announced that it will hold public screenings of the film in gurdwaras and organize educational seminars about the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, whose story inspired the movie. The committee believes that people should have the opportunity to learn about this part of history despite the film's removal from the streaming platform. Similar screenings are now being planned in several states, including Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Jammu, showing the strong public support for the film.The controversy over Satluj has also sparked legal and public debate. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, asking for the film to be restored on ZEE5. The petition argues that removing the film without a clear public explanation raises concerns about freedom of expression and transparency. Meanwhile, Diljit Dosanjh has said that he was not surprised by the film's removal, as it had already faced several delays and challenges before its release. Despite these obstacles, the overwhelming support from local communities has given Satluj a second life, proving that audiences are determined to keep its story alive.  

Shreya Kalras revelation that Akanksha Chamola is bisexual is criticized by Sreshta Iyer as not her story.

The controversy around Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa has intensified after Sreshta Iyer criticized fellow contestant Shreya Kalra for revealing Akanksha Chamola's bisexuality on national television without her consent. In a recent interview following her eviction from the reality show, Sreshta said that Akanksha's sexual orientation was never Shreya's story to tell and that such deeply personal information should only be shared by the individual concerned.Sreshta explained that the conversation about Akanksha's sexuality originally took place privately between Akanksha and the show's makers. Although she and Shreya happened to overhear parts of the discussion backstage, Sreshta stressed that overhearing a conversation did not give anyone the right to make it public. She remarked that if Akanksha had wanted everyone to know, she would have shared it herself. The incident became one of the biggest talking points on the show after Shreya allegedly disclosed Akanksha's bisexuality during a conversation with another contestant. Many viewers criticized the move, calling it an invasion of privacy and accusing Shreya of using sensitive personal information as part of the game's strategy.Following the controversy, Akanksha herself spoke openly about her past. She confirmed that she had identified as bisexual before her marriage and had relationships with women. However, she became emotional while explaining that she wanted the decision to reveal such a personal aspect of her life to be hers alone, not someone else's.Support for Akanksha has come from several members of the entertainment industry. Former contestant Nehal Chudasama publicly condemned Shreya's actions, describing it as "deeply unfair" to expose someone's identity without permission. Actress Shiny Doshi also expressed solidarity with Akanksha, praising her courage for speaking her truth after the incident.  

Day 4 box office receipts for Alia Bhatt and Sharvaris spy thriller Alpha reach Rs 63.64 crore globally on Monday.

Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, continued its theatrical run on its first Monday despite the usual weekday slowdown. The female-led spy thriller earned an estimated ₹3.85 crore net in India on Day 4, taking its total India net collection to ₹37.85 crore. Worldwide, the film has now grossed ₹63.64 crore, crossing the ₹60 crore milestone within just four days.The film had a strong opening weekend, driven by positive advance bookings, curiosity around the first female-led film in the YRF Spy Universe, and action-packed promotions. However, like many big-budget releases, collections witnessed a sharp drop of around 70% on Monday, which is considered a key test for a film's long-term box office performance.Trade analysts believe that positive word of mouth is helping Alpha maintain steady occupancy in multiplexes, particularly in metro cities. Overseas markets have also contributed significantly to the worldwide total, supporting the film's overall box office performance. The coming weekdays will be crucial in determining whether Alpha can sustain its momentum before the next wave of releases. If collections remain stable through Tuesday and Wednesday, the film could comfortably cross the ₹100 crore worldwide mark during its second weekend.The film has received praise for the performances of Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, its stylish action sequences, and its connection to the larger YRF Spy Universe. Audience reactions have been mixed to positive, with many appreciating the fresh female-led approach while others have expressed reservations about the screenplay.