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From Disney’s Snow White to Dwayne Johnson’s The Smashing Machine, several high-profile Hollywood films failed to meet box-office expectations in 2025. Despite a number of global hits, many anticipated releases underperformed, highlighting challenges for cinemas as audiences increasingly stay home. Marvel’s Thunderbolts earned nearly $400 million worldwide, less than half of Avengers: Endgame’s 2019 total, while Captain America: Brave New World also struggled. Both films were criticised for feeling like leftover parts of the Marvel saga, unlike Fantastic Four: First Steps, which performed better. Disney’s live-action Snow White failed to recover its budget amid controversies over casting and politics. Similarly, Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey 17, delayed for months after his hit Parasite, disappointed critics and audiences. Other flops included After the Hunt starring Julia Roberts, the Christy Martin biopic Christy, teen horror revival I Know What You Did Last Summer, Bruce Springsteen drama Deliver Me from Nowhere, and Pixar’s Elio, all of which underperformed despite high expectations. Sequels and reboots like M3GAN 2.0 failed to replicate the original’s success, while The Smashing Machine starring Dwayne Johnson did not attract audiences seeking lighter entertainment. Experts suggest that a combination of misjudged timing, audience fatigue, and creative missteps contributed to these box-office failures.   With inputs from BBC

Pakistani authorities have announced plans to produce a film titled Mera Lyari, citing what they described as Indian propaganda in the portrayal of Karachi’s Lyari area in the Bollywood film Dhurandhar. The Sindh Information Department said the upcoming film aims to present what it termed an accurate depiction of Lyari, contrasting with how the area was shown in Dhurandhar, which is set partly in Lyari between 1999 and 2009. The Indian film, released on December 5, depicts the area as being affected by gang violence, police operations, drug trafficking and militancy. Although Dhurandhar was not released in Pakistan, it has drawn attention there following its commercial success in India. The film was directed by Aditya Dhar and stars Ranveer Singh. In a post on X, the Sindh Information Department said Lyari represents “culture, peace and resilience” and rejected what it called attempts to portray the area through propaganda. It said Mera Lyari is scheduled for release in January 2026. Lyari, a densely populated neighborhood in Karachi, has historically been associated with gang-related violence, particularly during the early 2000s, a period depicted in Dhurandhar. The film includes characters based on real-life figures linked to criminal activity and law enforcement operations in the area. Officials said the new Pakistani film will focus on Lyari’s social and cultural identity. Further details about the cast and production have not been disclosed.   With inputs from NDTV

Rajinikanth is celebrating his 75th birthday, with fans and well-wishers from around the globe joining in the festivities, especially as his film Padayappa re-releases in theatres today. Amid the celebrations, an old post by Dharmendra featuring a scene from their 1984 film Insaaf Kaun Karega has resurfaced. The ClipIn the video, Dharmendra and Rajinikanth’s characters engage in a heated exchange, which leads to a playful fight scene, ending with the two actors hugging. In the clip, Rajinikanth says, "Dekh. Mujhe Kung Fu, Karate sab aata hai. Tumko kya aata hai?" to which Dharmendra humorously responds, "Aloo parathe aate hain." Sharing the clip earlier, Dharmendra wrote, "Rajini, a darling friend, a great actor… A funny scene with him… Hope you will enjoy it." He also reminisced, "Lovely clip, full of fun… Kakoli, those were beautiful days… and some of my comedy scenes… I used to write myself. I hope they will understand my mixture of Hindi, Punjabi…" Dharmendra and Rajinikanth had also collaborated in Farishtay (1991). Rajinikanth Remembers DharmendraDharmendra passed away in Mumbai on November 24 at the age of 89. The legendary Bollywood actor, known as the iconic ‘He-Man’ and star of over 300 films, died shortly after being discharged from Breach Candy Hospital. He was cremated at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai under tight security. Rajinikanth shared a heartfelt post on X, saying, "Farewell, my friend. I will always remember your golden heart and the moments we shared. Rest in peace, Dharam ji. My deepest condolences to his family." Dharmendra’s Prayer MeetingsA prayer meeting was held in New Delhi by veteran actor, BJP MP, and Dharmendra’s second wife, Hema Malini, at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre. The first prayer meeting took place on November 27 at Taj Lands End in Mumbai, hosted by the Deol family, drawing a large turnout from the film industry.  source NDTV 

A wave of bold storytelling swept through the industry in 2025, as filmmakers from Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada pushed South Indian cinema to new heights. It has been the movie year of suspense and thrills. As the months unfolded, the most loved genre was blended with action and engaging drama. Let’s take a look at the list of top 10 South Indian thrillers released in 2025 that shaped the year’s most exciting moments. Top 10 South Indian Thriller Films Released in 2025 So Far . Kaantha | Tamil | November 14, 2025 | IMDB: 8.5 Fictionalized on the life of M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, ‘Kaantha’ is a joint production of Wayfarer Films and Spirit Media. The producers are Rana Daggubati, Prashanth Potluri, Jom Varghese, and Dulquer Salmaan. Besides directing the thriller film, Selvamani Selvaraj also wrote it with Thamizh Prabha. Samuthirakani, Dulquer Salmaan, Ravindra Vijay, Bhagyashri Borse, Gayathrie Shankar, and Rana Daggubati lead the cast. Read more: Golden Globes 2026 announces full list of film and TV nominees Set in 1950s Madras, the narrative follows famed director Ayya and his tense bond with film star T. K. Mahadevan, whose growing ego begins to disrupt their work. When a renamed film spirals into chaos after an on-set murder, Inspector Devaraj launches an investigation with Ayya and Mahadevan as the main suspects. Kantara: (A Legend) Chapter 1 | Kannada | October 2, 2025 | IMDB: 8.3 Backed by Chaluve Gowda and Vijay Kiragandur for Hombale Films, ‘Kantara: (A Legend) Chapter 1’ boasts Rishab Shetty as its writer and director. Long before the events of Kantara (2022), this tale travels back to ancient times, exploring the mysterious world of Buta Kola. It’s an old Hindu tradition filled with legends, village protectors, and a long-standing family struggle that shaped the story told in the original film. Headlining the movie cast are Rishab Shetty, Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah, Rukmini Vasanth, and Pramod Shetty. Read more: 'Raat Akeli Hai: Bansal Murders' trailer brings back Nawazuddin as Inspector Jatil Rekhachithram | Malayalam | January 9, 2025 | IMDB: 7.9 In the forest area of Malakkappara, Officer Vivek returns to duty and begins looking into the strange death of Rajendran, a man who confessed to a hidden crime from years earlier. The case grows even more puzzling when a young girl suddenly goes missing near the shooting spot of the film Kathodu Kathoram. With this plot, ‘Rekhachithram’ is a joint production of Kavya Film Company and Ann Mega Media. Jofin T. Chacko takes on the directorial role, while John Manthrikal was in charge of the screenplay based on a story written by Ramu Sunil. Anaswara Rajan and Asif Ali embody the protagonists, supported by Manoj K. Jayan, Jagadish, Siddique, Saikumar, Indrans, and Harisree Ashokan. Thudarum | Malayalam | April 25, 2025 | IMDB: 7.5 Bankrolled by M. Renjith through Rejaputhra Visual Media, ‘Thudarum’ flourishes with the direction of Tharun Moorthy, who contributed to the screenplay with K. R. Sunil. In the peaceful hill town of Ranni, a taxi driver named Shanmughan cares deeply for his old but beloved Ambassador car. When unexpected trouble arrives, he faces a tough challenge that shows how much courage and heart one person can hold. Read more: Top 10 Hindi Movies Debuting December 2025: Bollywood’s Year-End Blast Mohanlal and Shobana portray the lead characters. Binu Pappu, Prakash Varma, Farhaan Faasil, Amritha Varshini, Aarsha Chandini Baiju, Maniyanpilla Raju, Thomas Mathew, Irshad Ali, Krishna Prabha, and Sangeeth Prathap round out the supporting roles. Bazooka | Malayalam | April 10, 2025 | IMDB: 7.5 Featuring Gautham Vasudev Menon and Mammootty in leads, ‘Bazooka’ takes shape under the writing and directing of Deeno Dennis in his directorial debut. The ensemble also includes Divya Pillai, Sidharth Bharathan, Iswarya Menon, and Binu Pappu, with Babu Antony, Shine Tom Chacko, and Arattu Annan appearing in cameos. The action thriller follows a clever police officer and a sharp-minded businessman who join forces to stop a dangerous criminal. Their mission turns into a tense cat-and-mouse chase filled with tricky clues and bold strategies as they try to outsmart a ruthless psychopath. Dolwin Kuriakose, Jinu V. Abraham, Vikram Mehra, and Siddharth Anand Kumar helm the production, bringing together Yoodlee Films and Theatre of Dreams. Read more: 12 must-watch films this December

The makers of Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders released the trailer of the crime thriller on Tuesday, bringing Nawazuddin Siddiqui back as Inspector Jatil. Directed by Honey Trehan and written by Smita Singh, the film stars Chitrangda Singh, Rajat Kapoor, Radhika Apte and Sanjay Kapoor alongside Nawazuddin. The movie will stream on Netflix from December 19. The trailer shows a wealthy family found murdered inside their locked mansion, with every survivor hiding fear and secrets. Nawazuddin’s character is called in to investigate a bigger and more complex case, as several witnesses add confusion to the probe. Chitrangda appears as one of the survivors, while suspicion also shifts to Sanjay Kapoor, according to the trailer. Netflix shared the video on Instagram on Tuesday. Nawazuddin said returning to the character was exciting. “Jatil may have evolved in every way, but his resolve is the same. His objectivity, sharp eye for detail and his ability to cut through noise remain his greatest weapons,” he said in a press note. Chitrangda said her role was layered and challenging. “Meera’s character carries fragility and toughness at once. She lives in emotional and psychological shadows. I am thankful for the chance to play a character like this,” she said.   With inputs from NDTV

Hema Malini shared an emotional message on what would have been Dharmendra’s 90th birthday, saying it has been “two weeks since you left me heartbroken.” Their daughters Sunny Deol and Esha Deol also posted touching tributes in memory of their father. On December 8, Dharmendra’s birth anniversary, Hema posted several photos along with a heartfelt note. The legendary actor passed away on November 24, leaving fans across the country stunned. “Dharam ji, happy birthday my dear heart,” she began. “It’s been more than two weeks since you left me shattered, trying to piece my life back together, knowing you will always be with me in spirit.” She continued, “The joyful memories of our life together can never fade. Reliving those moments brings me comfort and strength. I thank God for the beautiful years we shared, for our two wonderful daughters who reflect our love, and for all the cherished memories that will stay in my heart forever.” On his birth anniversary, she offered prayers for him, writing, “May God bless you with eternal peace and happiness, which you so richly deserve for your humility, kindness, and love for humanity. Happy birthday, my dearest love.” Hema ended her post by sharing two photos with Dharmendra, captioning them, “Our happy ‘together’ moments.” Earlier in the day, Sunny Deol shared a video tribute, while Esha Deol posted a set of photos remembering their father. Dharmendra passed away at his Mumbai residence on November 24. He had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital with breathing complications but was discharged on November 12. Source: NDTV

Leonardo DiCaprio’s new film One Battle After Another has emerged as the frontrunner for this year’s Golden Globe Awards, securing nine nominations as Hollywood steps into its awards season. The film, centred on the abduction of a former revolutionary’s daughter, earned a spot in the best musical/comedy film category. DiCaprio and co-stars Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor, Benicio Del Toro and Chase Infiniti were all nominated for acting awards. Norwegian family drama Sentimental Value followed closely with eight nominations. Other major acting contenders this year include Dwayne Johnson, Timothée Chalamet and Wicked: For Good stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Despite its strong box office showing, the Wicked follow-up did not secure a best film nomination. Winners will be announced on January 11 in Los Angeles, a key milestone ahead of the Oscars in March. This year’s film lineup also includes nominations for Hamnet, Sinners, and Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein. Irish actors Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley were recognised for their roles in Hamnet, while Chalamet received a nod for portraying table tennis champion Marty Mauser in Marty Supreme. George Clooney earned his 14th Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Jay Kelly, while co-star Adam Sandler secured a supporting role nomination. Emma Stone was recognised for her role in the dark comedy Bugonia, which also brought a nomination for Jesse Plemons. International cinema has had a strong showing, with Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident receiving four nominations. Other foreign-language contenders, The Secret Agent and No Other Choice, earned three nods each. On the television side, British drama Adolescence scored four acting nominations — for Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Erin Doherty and Ashley Walters — and is competing for best limited series. Only The White Lotus, with six nominations, performed better among TV entries. The Pitt, Severance, Slow Horses, The Diplomat and Pluribus also made the shortlist for best TV drama. This year saw notable surprises, including Emily Blunt’s nomination for The Smashing Machine and indie actor Eva Victor’s unexpected best actress nod for Sorry, Baby. Director Chloé Zhao made history by becoming one of the few women nominated twice for a Golden Globe. Several actors, including Amanda Seyfried, Jacob Elordi and Jeremy Allen White, received double nominations across film and television categories. The ceremony, hosted for a second consecutive year by comedian Nikki Glaser, will also see competition for best original song, with nominees from Avatar: Fire and Ash and KPop Demon Hunters. Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood received a nomination for best score for One Battle After Another.   With inputs from BBC

Filmmaker Farah Khan has praised actor Akshaye Khanna’s performance in Dhurandhar, saying he “truly deserves an Oscar” for his role in Aditya Dhar’s new action drama released on December 5. The film, featuring Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Arjun Rampal and Sanjay Dutt, has earned strong reviews from critics and audiences since opening in cinemas. Among the ensemble cast, Akshaye’s intense portrayal of Rehman Dakait has drawn widespread acclaim, with social media flooded with praise for his performance. The track FA9LA, which highlights the character’s larger-than-life persona, has also gone viral, adding to the film’s popularity. On Monday, Farah Khan — who worked with Akshaye in Tees Maar Khan — shared a fan-made reel on Instagram that paired scenes of Akshaye from Dhurandhar with a moment from their earlier film. In the clip, actor Akshay Kumar is seen saying, “Woh raha mera superstar, mera Oscar,” a line fans linked to Akshaye’s latest performance. Posting the reel, Farah wrote: “Akshaye Khanna truly deserves an Oscar,” accompanied by laughter emojis. Meanwhile, the makers of Dhurandhar have confirmed a sequel. The second installment, teased in the first film’s post-credit scene, is set to release on March 19, 2026 — just three months after the original. The first film ran for 3 hours 34 minutes, though the runtime of the sequel has not yet been announced.   With inputs from NDTV

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, who recently welcomed their first child, Dua Singh Padukone, continue to charm fans with their adorable chemistry. Known as one of Bollywood’s most stunning couples, they often win hearts with their public displays of affection—whether it’s holding hands in public or leaving sweet comments on each other’s posts. Deepika’s latest remark on Ranveer’s Instagram is another addition to their endearing moments. On Sunday, Ranveer shared photos showcasing his striking look from the IFFI closing ceremony. Wearing a sleek black bandhgala paired with matching shoes and dark sunglasses, he looked every bit the style icon. Deepika couldn’t resist chiming in, commenting, “Oh soo edible.” You can see the post and her comment below. In terms of upcoming projects, Ranveer is gearing up for Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar, scheduled to hit theatres on December 5. The movie features an impressive ensemble, including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Sara Arjun, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal. Reports suggest that the film will be released in two parts. According to Bollywood Hungama, the first installment arrives on December 5, while the second is tentatively slated for a summer 2026 release, with May 29 being eyed as the preferred date—an empty slot that would allow for a solo opening, just like part one. The same report also noted the film’s hefty runtime: Part 1 is expected to run approximately 3 hours and 32 minutes, though the exact duration will be confirmed once the CBFC completes the certification process. Ranveer’s most recent appearance on screen was in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Source NDTV    

With the quintessential blend of scale, emotion, and cultural resonance, the Bollywood industry continues to command attention. The biggest Bollywood film releases in December 2025 deliver one of its most ambitious lineups yet: thrillers, dramas, comedies, romances, biographies, and explosive action. The long-awaited premieres unite newcomers, rising talents, and marquee stars in a single month of cinematic celebration. Let’s watch out for the 10 most-hyped Hindi movies releasing in Bollywood in December 2025 and close the year with flair. 10 Must-see New Bollywood Films Set to Dominate This December . Laptein (Flames) | Thriller Drama | December 2, 2025 Shaded on a fractured family forced into a brutal journey of survival, ‘Flames’, the thriller, focuses on Mahesh, a migrant farmworker branded ‘low caste’ his entire life. Everything collapses when his wife is murdered by the village chief, Pradhan Ji, leaving their young son, Mohit, adrift in rage and grief. Schoolyard taunts push the boy toward a violent altercation, a blood-soaked shirt marking the moment he crosses an invisible line. When the local girl, Pradhan’s own daughter, goes missing, the villagers seize on Mohit as the easy scapegoat. Produced by Cult Digital and Alankritaa, the thriller thrives under the direction and writing of Ravi Shankar Kaushik. Read more: December 2025 South Indian Movie List: Top 12 Releases Creating Buzz Vajid Ali, Garvit Mudgil, and Vikram Kochhar play the pivotal characters. Dhurandhar | Action Thriller | December 5, 2025 Backed by Jyoti Deshpande, Lokesh Dhar, and Aditya Dhar for B62 Studios and Jio Studios, ‘Dhurandhar’ leans on astonishing true events and embraces the underworld’s coarse textures. Against a backdrop of fiery patriotism, the story stitches together high-adrenaline action, whispered espionage manoeuvres, and betrayals worthy of Shakespeare. Aditya Dhar writes, directs, and co-produces the action film. The ensemble includes Ranveer Singh, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Akshaye Khanna, joined by Rakesh Bedi and Sara Arjun in supporting roles. Mere Raho | Romantic Drama | December 12, 2025 Starring Sai Pallavi in her Hindi movie debut, ‘Mere Raho’ flourishes with Sunil Pandey as its director. This remake of the Thai film One Day (2016) features Junaid Khan as the main co-artist of Pallavi. Aamir Khan and Mansoor Khan from Aamir Khan Productions bring the romantic drama to vibrant life. Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Releasing in December 2025 An ordinary office romance turns strangely miraculous when Rohan, hopelessly smitten yet paralysed by nerves, longs to confess his feelings to his colleague Nisha. A company trip feels like his final chance, and in a moment of desperation, he wishes for just one day with her, no matter the cost. Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 | Comedy Drama | December 12, 2025 Kapil Sharma returns with ‘Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2’, carrying forward the madness that first exploded in the 2015 original, his debut into cinema. A dizzying romantic circus spins around Karan, a man balancing three relationships at once, only to find himself buried under misunderstandings, close calls, and comedic disasters. Anukalp Goswami directs and pens the dramedy. Joining Sharma are Tridha Choudhury, Hina Warina, Manjot Singh, Ayesha Khan, and Parul Gulati. Abbas-Mustan, Ganesh Jain, and Ratan Jain helm the production, bringing together Star Studio18, Venus Worldwide Entertainment, and Abbas-Mustan Films Production. Read more: Upcoming South Indian Movies in November 2025: Top 12 Releases Super Dhamaal.com | Comedy | December 15, 2025 Bankrolled by NK Teamworks, ‘Super Dhamaal.com’ boasts Mandeep Chaahal as its director and Kishen Dev Sharma and Shekhar Ramesh Mishra as writers. The pivotal cast members are Prakash Sagar, Aditya Rajput, Arya Babbar, Sayali Bhagat, Rajpal Naurang Yadav, Govardhan Asrani, Mansi Dovhal, Darshan Jariwala, Manoj Joshi, Shakti Kapoor, and Om Puri. Inside a small-town police station, Pyare, Mohan, and Raju barricade themselves in to escape furious victims they once conned. Meanwhile, Chaudhary, leader of the angry mob, waits outside like a ticking fuse. The inspector in charge eyes a promotion; the havaldar pockets bribes without blinking. Tense negotiations drag on until a bombshell complaint drops about a missing truck loaded with gold and cash. Read more: New Bollywood Movie List for November 2025: 10 Best Hindi Films