Cinema
'Sinners' surges past 'Minecraft' to lead box office
Brand names, not filmmakers or stars, are said to rule the box office these days. But Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” led by twin Michael B. Jordans, proved a bloody exception to modern movie rules, launching with $45.6 million in ticket sales in U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday.
“Sinners,” a Warner Bros. release that cost about $90 million to produce, was a bold gamble on originality — albeit with genre elements — and one of the most bankable American directors in Coogler. The “Creed” and “Black Panther” director wrote and produced “Sinners,” a 1932-set vampire movie about bootlegging brothers (both played by Jordan) who open a juke joint in their Mississippi hometown.
“A Minecraft Movie,” the year’s biggest Hollywood hit, followed close behind in second, collecting $41.3 million in its third week of release. That gave Warner Bros., after a handful of disappointments, an enviable one-two punch at the box office with one original, director-driven movie and one IP-based property.
“A Minecraft Movie,” which Warner Bros. co-produced with Legendary Pictures, has amassed $720.8 million worldwide in three weeks of release.
Pam Abdy and Mike De Luca, co-chairs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, celebrated the two films’ resonance with moviegoers. The studio accounted for a remarkable 64% of the domestic box office for the Easter weekend.
“Movies have the power to transport us to worlds only seen on the big screen, and Warner Bros. Pictures remains committed to bringing singular in-theater experiences to audiences looking for bold movies, both original and those based on beloved existing properties,” Abdy and De Luca said in a statement Sunday.
But all eyes were on the performance on “Sinners,” which Warner Bros. went to extreme lengths to secure. Abdy and De Luca agreed to give Coogler not just a cut of gross ticket sales but ownership of the film after 25 years — a virtually unheard of concession.
But Coogler and Jordan, whose collaborations stretch back to “Fruitvale Station,” make up one of the industry’s most potent director-actor duos. Reviews (98% “fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes) were stellar for “Sinners” and audiences, too, were enthralled by its supernatural twists. The film earned an “A” CinemaScore from moviegoers.
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Overseas, “Sinners” faced a more uphill battle. It collected $15.4 million in 71 international markets. Domestically, “Sinners” attracted a diverse audience: 38% Black, 35% white, 18% Hispanic and 5% Asian.
Before “Sinners,” dual roles had been rough business for Warner Bros. The studio saw flops in both “The Alto Knights” (a period gangster film featuring a doubled Robert De Niro) and “Mickey 17” (a sci-fi movie with two Robert Pattinsons).
But the strong opening for “Sinners,” which should be sustained in the coming weeks given the strong word of mouth, cements Coogler’s place as one of a handful of filmmakers whose name draws big audiences. Another would be Jordan Peele, whose “Nope” (2022) debuted similarly with $44.3 million.
Angel Studios’ “The King of Kings,” an animated tale of Jesus’ life aimed at Christian audiences, capitalized on the Easter weekend, grossing $17.2 million in its second week of release. That was nearly equal to its opening weekend ($19.1 million), and brought “The King of Kings” to a domestic total of $45.3 million.
Bleecker Street’s “The Wedding Banquet,” Andrew Ahn’s reimagining of Ang Lee’s 1993 queer comedy of errors, opened on 1,142 North American screens with $922,906 in ticket sales. “The Wedding Banquet,” a hit at the Sundance Film Festival, stars Lily Gladstone, Bowen Yang, Kelly Marie Tran and newcomer Han Gi-chan.
1 day ago
Kesari Chapter 2 Review: Akshay Kumar Fronts a Bold Patriotic Courtroom Saga
Breaking away from the war-soaked legacy of its predecessor, Kesari Chapter 2 carves its path through the high-stakes world of courtroom drama. Released on April 18, 2025, this Akshay Kumar-led film places its strength in sharp dialogues, layered emotions, and legal confrontations. Let’s evaluate the filmmaking finesse, star appeal, and box office trajectory of the Bollywood historical drama Kesari Chapter 2.
Narrative Depth of Kesari Chapter 2
Subtitled ‘The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh,’ this chapter revisits one of colonial India’s darkest hours, seldom explored on screen. Inspired by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat’s The Case That Shook The Empire, the film leans into its charting of familiar territory with dignity rather than daring.
Anchored by the tireless resolve of C. Sankaran Nair, it delves deep into his courtroom quest for justice following the brutal Jallianwala Bagh massacre. As legal proceedings unmask imperial deceit and media manipulation, Nair’s defiance ignites both a legal and emotional uprising.
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Filmmaking: Direction and Screenplay in Harmony
When storytelling meets sincerity, it leaves a lasting imprint, and this film does just that under the assured vision of Karan Singh Tyagi. His approach isn’t weighed down by the need to sensationalise history but rather to let the gravity of its truth speak for itself. Each frame feels like it was carved with both reverence and restraint. It offers a cinematic experience that balances commercial storytelling with historical depth.
Even the few dramatised moments stay rooted in emotional honesty, never tipping into artificiality. What’s especially refreshing is its resistance to the typical post-interval slump; the pacing remains taut and engaging throughout.
The dialogues, shaped meticulously by Sumit Saxena, feel less like scripted lines, deliberate truths waiting to strike. Credit also flows to Tyagi and Amritpal Singh Bindra’s subtle strength in co-shaping the screenplay. With this creative collaboration, the drama avoids overblown patriotism, opting instead for quiet, piercing dignity.
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Star Cast Led by Akshay Kumar
Akshay delivers a performance that transcends his usual action-packed persona. Stepping into the shoes of C. Sankaran Nair, he masterfully portrays the transformation of a British loyalist into a passionate truth-seeker. His ability to channel the inner conflict of a man torn between loyalty and morality introduces a unique depth to his character. Every monologue, carefully crafted and executed, is a moment of defiance and a raw human reaction to the forces of manipulation.
In contrast, R. Madhavan, as Neville McKinley, serves as the perfect foil to Akshay’s stoic intensity. His portrayal of an eloquent, somewhat eccentric opposing counsel presents a refined complexity to their courtroom clashes. These verbal duels are poised as ideological battlegrounds, where each word carries the weight of colonial repression and personal belief.
Ananya Panday shines as Dilreet Kaur, a co-counsel whose quiet determination adds gravitas to her role. She navigates her character’s legal prowess and personal pain with remarkable maturity.
Meanwhile, Regina Cassandra’s portrayal of Nair’s wife, Palat Kunhimalu Amma, anchors much-needed support to Nair's tumultuous journey.
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Finally, Simon Paisley Day brings a chilling presence as General Dyer, whose backstory adds a layer of tragic complexity to his villainous role. His portrayal sheds light on the dark psychology driving colonial violence.
Visual Brilliance and Score: Production Set, Cinematography, and Music
The production design by Rita Ghosh flawlessly brings the pre-Independence era to life. It extends from the bustling streets of Amritsar to the bloodied grounds of Jallianwala Bagh. The colonial courts, the grandeur of the Viceroy’s parties feels genuine yet not overly staged. Every single detail is meticulously crafted to evoke the period’s oppressive atmosphere.
Debojeet Ray’s cinematography, paired with Tyagi's direction, adds a visual depth that enhances the emotional weight of the story.
The music elevates the experience further with Shashwat Sachdev’s stirring compositions, like ‘O Shera’ and ‘Kithe Gaya.’ Azeem Dayani’s background score underscores the tension and drama. A poignant moment arrives with the nostalgic revisit of ‘Teri Mitti,’ an emotional callback to the first film, binding the narrative together beautifully.
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Box Office Strength and Audience Verdict
Bankrolled by the collaborative strength of Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films, the film’s box office journey began with steady momentum. Its opening day pulled in Rs 7.75 crore, which is around BDT 11.02 crore (Rs. 1 = BDT 1.42); a respectable start. The second day witnessed a healthy uplift, recording Rs 9.5 crore (BDT 13.51 crore), 22.58 percent growth from day 1.
As of midday on April 20, the third-day earnings stood at Rs. 0.6 crore (BDT 0.8 crore), pushing the total to Rs. 17.85 crore (BDT 25.38 crore).
Despite stiff competition from Sunny Deol’s roaring comeback in Jaat, the movie’s hold remains promising. Audience reception shines brightly too, with an IMDB rating of 8.6- a testament to its impact beyond mere numbers.
Verdict
Kesari Chapter 2 Movie Review reflects a gripping courtroom journey wrapped in patriotic depth and emotional weight. Akshay Kumar’s compelling portrayal of C. Sankaran Nair marks one of his most restrained yet stirring performances. The historical drama arrived with an impressive box office turnout, holding audience attention despite its creatively mixed echoes. A fine blend of storytelling and purpose, Karan Singh’s direction emerges as a dignified sequel worth watching.
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1 day ago
Top Pakistani Dramas in 2025 Showcasing Strong Female Leads
Pakistani dramas led by dynamic, resilient women are shaping the television landscape like never before. Blending drama, romance, and light-hearted humour, this content wave continues to capture audiences with its emotional depth. Streaming freely on YouTube, these gripping narratives have turned casual viewers into devoted followers. Let’s explore the standout Pakistani dramas led by strong women, capturing both hearts and headlines alike.
Must-Watch Pakistani Dramas Led By Powerful Women Characters
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Aas Paas
At the core of this romantic series is Arshia, whose world is built on hope and resilience. She dreams of piecing together the fragments of her broken family after her father walks away. In the midst of her struggle, fate introduces her to Dr. Saham, a man balancing personal sacrifices with professional dedication. Their lives intertwine, testing both their loyalty to loved ones and their capacity for personal joy.
Behind her composed strength, Arshia quietly fights an uphill battle against a world quick to judge a daughter’s hope. Her journey is about both family and carving space for herself in a world fractured by betrayal.
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Helmed by Mohammad Iftikhar Iffi and written by Samra Bukhari, this drama headlines Laiba Khan and Ali Ansari as the central characters.
Since its debut on March 2, 2025, HarPalGeo TV’s YouTube platform has aired the binge-worthy series every day.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZNFVCDo_1fl-kRzohA6tAAXHCk8P4Df
Judwaa
Two faces, one bond, and a future shaped by difference- this narrative threads through the lives of twin sisters portrayed by Aina Asif. While one radiates quiet grace and caution, the other thrives on defiance and bold choices. Destiny, however, writes its own script, steering them through life-altering surprises.
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The gentle sister silently wrestles with the weight of being overlooked in favor of her outspoken twin. Meanwhile, the fearless one bears the scars of her impulsive decisions. Their individual struggles shape a story where survival is as much about the heart as it is about fate.
Penned by Orooj Binte Arsalan and Fizza Jafri, this series flourishes with Furqan Adam as its director.
Adnan Raza Mir, Sabreen Hisbani, Zhalay Surhadi, and Shahood Alvi assume supporting roles.
Marking its start on February 6, 2025, the marathon-worthy show continues to be aired every day on Hum TV’s YouTube.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbVdwtmx18suuF0meUSymnXvbc6yCtoQd
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Dastak
Crafted under the direction of Marina Khan, this drama series boasts Sarwat Nazir as its writer.
In this emotionally layered tale, Sohai Ali steps into the shoes of a woman left to rebuild her life post-divorce. She is determined to shield her son’s future from the shadows of her past. With society's judgement pressing in, her path to independence becomes her quiet rebellion.
She stands at the crossroads of survival and dignity, refusing to let the world define her by loss. Every step forward is a hard-won reminder that identity is not inherited or gifted; it is earned through courage.
Feroz Kadri, Ali Raza, and Momina Iqbal round out the lead cast.
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Launched on January 24, 2025, “Dastak” finds its audience every Friday and Saturday on the ARY Digital YouTube Network.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb2aaNHUy_gGJruANTdvOM5HBVpvmXySY
Dayan
Shattered by a cruel twist of fate, Nihaal’s once-simple life collapses overnight. The tragedy leaves her altered—no longer the same girl, but a woman shaped by resolve, fuelled by a hunger for justice.
Beneath her quiet strength lies a heart scarred by betrayal yet unwilling to surrender. Her journey is about both healing alone and confronting the very people who reduced her world to ruins.
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With this plot, “Dayan”, scripted by Amber Azhar and Fatima Faizan, excels with Siraj ul Haq as its director.
Mehwish Hayat embodies the protagonist role, while Ahsan Khan and Hira Mani play the other pivotal roles.
The HarPalGeo YouTube network reserved Monday and Tuesday slots for the saga after its debut on February 24, 2025.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZNFVCDo_1egEMTIHT4pl8uPq2Wyef_P
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Umme Ayesha (Season 2)
Directed by Saleem Ghanchi, the drama highlights the creative writing of Huma Hina Nafees.
In the series, a life steered by devotion and unshakeable belief, Umme Ayesha walks a path where faith lights every choice she makes. Her world, disciplined and peaceful, collides with Azmeer, a spirited soul unbound by tradition, living life by modern codes. One careless act on his part tears through her serene existence, forcing her to battle both circumstance and inner doubt.
Behind her composed demeanour, Ayesha’s strength is stretched thin as the world tests the depth of her convictions. Holding firm to her values becomes both her greatest shield and her heaviest burden.
Taking centre stage, Kanwal Khan stars as the titular character, with Farhan Ahmed Malhi playing Azmeer.
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Fresh episodes have found their way to YouTube via Hum TV since its kick-off on March 2, 2025.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZNFVCDo_1fbyTV0rfKFS7GOuoJmRKxb
2 days ago
Ibrahim Al Hajjaj to star in sequel to Saudi IMAX comedy 'Ambulance'
Saudi actor and comedian Ibrahim Al Hajjaj is set to reprise his role in a sequel to the comedy film Esaaf (Ambulance), the first Arabic-language feature to be released in IMAX format.
The follow-up will again be helmed by British director Colin Teague, known for his work on Doctor Who and Torchwood, according to Variety.
Ambulance debuted on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone as IMAX’s inaugural Arabic release. The screwball comedy centres on two quarrelling Saudi paramedics who discover a briefcase containing SAR 2 million (approximately $533,300), inadvertently drawing them into a dangerous kidnapping and ransom scheme.
The film follows Al Hajjaj’s box office hit Sattar (2023), a wrestling-themed comedy that grossed over $30 million, largely within Saudi Arabia. Sattar remains the highest-grossing Saudi film since the country lifted a 35-year ban on commercial cinemas in 2017.
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Penned by Alberto Lopez (Rupture), Ambulance is co-produced by Al Hajjaj’s House of Comedy, Talal Anazi’s Black Light Operations, and Peter Smith, former head of MBC Studios, in collaboration with Saudi Media Company.
The film premiered to a full house at Muvi Cinemas’ IMAX screen in U Walk, Riyadh on April 15, attended by media, celebrities, and industry professionals.
It is set to compete at the upcoming Saudi Film Festival—the Kingdom’s longest-running film event—and will soon roll out across the Gulf and Middle East.
2 days ago
Kesari Chapter 2 Box Office Collection Day 1: Akshay Kumar's new film opens with modest earnings
Akshay Kumar's latest film, Kesari Chapter 2, had a quiet start at the box office, bringing in ₹7.5 crore on its first day, as reported by Sacnilk. The movie, which also features R Madhavan and Ananya Panday, is a historical courtroom drama centered around the life of renowned lawyer C. Sankaran Nair.
Despite being made on an estimated budget of ₹150 crore, the film saw limited footfall on Friday, with overall theatre occupancy averaging 20%. Attendance picked up slightly throughout the day—from 12.67% in the morning to 27.80% for the night shows.
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Kesari Chapter 2 delves into the events surrounding the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, a tragic episode in India’s colonial history that took place on April 13, 1919, during Baisakhi in Amritsar. Thousands had assembled at Jallianwala Bagh to peacefully protest the Rowlatt Act and demand the release of leaders Dr. Satyapal and Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew.
The peaceful gathering turned deadly when Brigadier General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to open fire without warning. According to the Ministry of Culture, 1,650 bullets were discharged until the ammunition was depleted. British reports claimed 291 deaths, while Indian accounts estimate the death toll exceeded 500.
This film serves as a spiritual sequel to the 2019 release Kesari, which portrayed the Battle of Saragarhi where 21 Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army stood against 10,000 Pashtun fighters. The original film featured Parineeti Chopra in a pivotal role.
Source: NDTV
2 days ago
'Star Wars' fans wave lightsabers as an upcoming film gets announced in Japan
The Force was with many Japanese, as well as visitors from abroad, at a “Star Wars” event on Friday where Lucasfilm announced that the next installation in the franchise will hit theaters in May 2027 starring Ryan Gosling.
Appearing on stage before a lightsaber-waving crowd at Makuhari Messe center outside Tokyo, Gosling showed a photo of his childhood bedsheets, plastered with illustrations from the space epic created by George Lucas, AP reports.
“I guess I was dreaming about ‘Star Wars’ even before I saw the film,” Gosling said.
Shawn Levy, who will direct the movie, told the crowd that “Star Wars: Starfighter” will not be a prequel or a sequel, but a new standalone adventure with new characters set several years after “Episode Nine.” Filming starts later this year, he said.
Levy, who also directed the 2006 film “The Pink Panther” and the recent Netflix series “Stranger Things,” said little else, noting: “I can’t say much about it because I understand the rules.”
Only the title was shown on a giant screen, although that was enough for the crowd to burst into cheers.
The event, called Star Wars Celebration, which runs through Sunday, is full of "Star Wars"-themed merchandise including T-shirts, toys, books, manga comics, AC chargers, cellphone covers, autographs, posters and more.
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The Lego booth featured a man wearing the ominous black mask and cloak of Darth Vader, made out of Legos. The deep-breathing villain also appeared as traditional Japanese lacquerware decorating earphones in a limited edition of 10, each selling for 990,000 yen ($7,000). Darth Vader T-shirts were more affordable at 8,000 yen ($56).
“It makes me so happy to think everyone here loves ‘Star Wars,’” said Yoshiki Takahashi, 26, who was holding a remote-controlled R2-D2 miniature robot.
“I love the directing, the sound of the gun and the lightsaber, but above all the story, with great fight scenes and, of course, human drama,” he added.
Another Japanese man, who said he goes only by Hiro, was dressed as the “Star Wars” character Mandalorian, in a detailed costume he made himself, complete with a plastic sword and armor.
Also present were “Star Wars” fans from around the world, including a robed Raul Herrera, a computer science teacher from Chile, who was there with friends.
“All of them,” said Herrera, when asked which ‘Star Wars’ films he’d seen. “The sense of commitment of the characters, I really like it.”
With offshoot stories spanning generations and literally the cosmos, “Star Wars” is one of the highest-grossing franchises of all time since its 1977 debut, starring Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker.
It may be natural that “Star Wars” appeals to Japanese: Its story about a samurai-like hero who befriends various characters along his journey echoes the nation’s fables, as well as legendary Akira Kurosawa films.
3 days ago
Kesari Chapter 2 Advance Bookings: Akshay Kumar’s courtroom drama off to a steady start, collects ₹1.86 crore
Kesari Chapter 2, the much-awaited courtroom drama starring Akshay Kumar, is all set to release in theatres on Friday, April 18. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, the film also features Ananya Panday and R Madhavan in key roles.
Ahead of its theatrical debut, the film has generated considerable buzz among audiences, with advance ticket sales picking up pace. As per data from Sacnilk, Kesari Chapter 2 has sold 24,935 tickets across 3,503 shows so far, bringing in ₹82.85 lakh from advance bookings alone. Including blocked seats, the total pre-release collection has reached ₹1.86 crore.
On Tuesday, the makers hosted a grand premiere in Delhi at a cinema in Chanakyapuri. The special screening was attended by several high-profile political figures and dignitaries, with Akshay Kumar and R Madhavan personally greeting guests at the event.
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Before the screening began, Akshay Kumar addressed the audience, urging them to stay off their phones during the film. “I humbly request you all to please keep your phones in your pockets and listen to every dialogue of this film. It will mean a lot. If you try to check your Instagram during the movie, it will be a humiliation for the film. So I request everyone to keep their phones away,” he said.
Set in the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Kesari Chapter 2 is a thematic successor to Akshay Kumar’s 2019 film Kesari. While the original, directed by Anurag Singh, focused on the legendary Battle of Saragarhi in 1897, the sequel continues the narrative of valor and sacrifice with a fresh perspective.
The film also stars Regina Cassandra, Simon Paisley Day, and Alexx O'Nell in prominent roles.
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Kesari Chapter 2 is jointly produced by Hiroo Yash Johar, Aruna Bhatia, Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Amritpal Singh Bindra, and Anand Tiwari under the banners of Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films.
Source: With input from NDTV
4 days ago
May 2025 Bollywood Releases: 10 Most Hyped Hindi Films To Watch
Bollywood’s cinematic universe has always been a vibrant mosaic of emotions and larger-than-life narratives that echo across generations. As May 2025 approaches, the diverse slate of Hindi film releases covers crime, thrillers, romance, comedy, horror, historical epics, and action-packed sagas. With a mix of celebrated stars and promising new talents gracing the screen, fans are eagerly counting down the premiere days. Here’s the list of most-anticipated Bollywood movies coming in this May.
10 Must-watch Bollywood Films Debuting this May
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Raid 2 | Crime Thriller | May 1, 2025
A direct successor to the 2018 movie Raid, this thriller thrives under the direction of Raj Kumar Gupta, who co-wrote the movie with Ritesh Shah, Karan Vyas, and Jaideep Yadav.
The narrative sharpens its lens on Amay Patnaik, an Indian Revenue Service officer. His unyielding pursuit of black money has already led to the recovery of over Rs. 4,200 crores. Now, he prepares for his landmark 75th raid, locking horns with Dada Manohar Bhai, a formidable figure entrenched in white-collar crime.
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The major cast members are Riteish Deshmukh, Vaani Kapoor, and Ajay Devgn. The film showcases item songs featuring special cameos by Tamannaah Bhatia, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Yo Yo Honey Singh.
Headlined by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Honey Singh, the soundtrack brings together an ensemble featuring White Noise Collectives, Sachet-Parampara, Rochak Kohli, and Amit Trivedi. Trivedi also orchestrates the background score.
The production credit goes to Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, and Abhishek Pathak.
The Bhootnii | Horror Comedy | May 1, 2025
Initially slated for premiere on April 18, this Sanjay Dutt-fronted action-horror spectacle is now set to make its theatrical debut on May 1.
Alongside Dutt, “The Bhootnii” stars Sunny Singh, Mouni Roy, Palak Tiwari, Aasif Khan, Beyounick, and Navneet Malik in crucial roles.
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Besides directing and writing the movie, Sidhaant Sachdev contributes to its screenplay along with Vankush Arora.
The narrative unwraps with St. Vincent College’s Virgin Tree awakening a love-starved spirit every Valentine’s Day. When Shantanu's wish stirs her obsession, 27 days of eerie love and growing horror unfold. As dread grips the campus, a parapsychicist, Baba, faces a force beyond his lifetime of ghost-hunting.
The horror-comedy makes its way to theatres courtesy of producers Deepak Mukut, Hunar Mukut, Sanjay Dutt, and Maanayata Dutt.
Costao | Crime Drama | May 1, 2025
This film draws inspiration from the real-life grit of customs officer Costao Fernandes, who, in the 1990s, dismantled Goa’s most entrenched smuggling empire. This crime drama charts Fernandes’ lone-wolf crusade against one of India’s largest gold trafficking syndicates.
The directing of Sejal Shah and the writing of Bhavesh Mandalia and Meghna Srivastava elevate the drama.
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Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Priya Bapat, Kishore Kumar G., and Davina Colaco portray the main characters.
Kamlesh Bhanushali, Vinod Bhanushali, Bhavesh Mandalia, Sejal Shah, Faizuddin Siddiqui, and Shyam Sunder oversee the production.
Bhool Chuk Maaf | Comedy Drama | May 9, 2025
Bankrolled by Dinesh Vijan, this joint production of Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios highlights the writing and directing prowess of Karan Sharma.
The lead cast consists of Wamiqa Gabbi, Rajkumar Rao, and Seema Pahwa, supported by Sanjay Mishra and Zakir Hussain.
The storyline drifts through the narrow places of Varanasi, where the charm of small-town love meets the twists of destiny. Ranjan, a lovestruck dreamer, lands a secure government post to marry his beloved Titli. But as wedding bells near, fate traps him in an inexplicable time loop.
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Abir Gulaal | Romantic Comedy | May 9, 2025
Flourished with Aarti S. Bagdi as the director, this romantic movie headlines actors Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan.
The story unfolds as fate entwines the lives of two wounded hearts, each carrying silent scars of their past. Through shared moments of vulnerability, their companionship deepens, slowly blossoming into a love rooted in solace.
The supporting cast members are Riddhi Dogra, Lisa Haydon, Farida Jalal, Soni Razdan, and Parmeet Sethi.
With Amit Trivedi composing the music, this movie is a collaborative production of Vivek B. Agrawal, Avantika Hari, Rakesh Sippy, and Firuzi Khan.
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4 days ago
Akshay backs Salman amid ‘Sikandar’ setback: ‘Tiger Zinda Hai, Hamesha Rahega’
Amid criticism over the poor box office performance of Salman Khan’s latest film Sikandar, fellow actor and longtime friend Akshay Kumar has come out in support of the star.
During a special screening of his upcoming film ‘Kesari Chapter 2’ in Delhi, Akshay dismissed claims that big stars are losing their box office pull.
“Dekhiye yeh galat baat hai. Aisa hai, aisa ho nahi sakta hai. Tiger Zinda hai aur hamesha rahega. Salman aisi nasal ka tiger jo zindagi mein kabhi marr nahi sakta,” he said.
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["Look, this is wrong. This can't be. The tiger is alive and will always remain alive. Salman is the kind of tiger who can never die in his lifetime," he said.]
Akshay and Salman, who began their film careers around the same time, have shared screen space in popular films such as Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Jaan-E-Mann, and continue to share a strong camaraderie.
With inputs form Hindustan Times
6 days ago
New twist in Saif Ali Khan case: 19 out of 20 fingerprints don’t match main accused
In a dramatic turn of events in the high-profile Saif Aali Khan case, forensic evidence has raised fresh questions about the involvement of the prime accused, Mohammad Shariful Islam.
According to the recently submitted chargesheet, 19 out of 20 fingerprint samples collected from the crime scene do not match Shariful's prints, despite previous claims of solid evidence against him.
Mumbai Police submitted a voluminous chargesheet—spanning over a thousand pages—to the Bandra Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court on 8 April.
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The document outlines testimonies, forensic reports, and digital evidence purportedly linking Shariful to the murder of actor Shehzad Saif.
The chargesheet, now accessed by media outlets, contains bombshell revelations that could shift the direction of the investigation.
Shariful, a 30-year-old man, had earlier applied for bail—a request Mumbai Police strongly opposed, citing multiple pieces of incriminating evidence.
But, a new forensic report has cast doubt over the prosecution’s claims. Fingerprint samples were collected from several locations within the actor’s Bandra apartment, including bathroom handles, wardrobes, and doors. Shockingly, only one fingerprint out of twenty matched with the accused.
The rest did not correspond to Shariful's prints.
The CID’s Fingerprint Bureau handled the analysis, revealing that 19 samples failed to match any of Shariful’s fingerprints.
Police now claim that the unmatched prints could belong to others who were present at the scene, suggesting that Shariful’s prints may have been overwritten or wiped off during the course of events.
"Such discrepancies are not uncommon in investigations," a senior police officer stated. "Often, only one in a thousand fingerprints lead to a conclusive match. However, the one fingerprint retrieved from the eighth-floor room directly links the accused to the scene."
The chargesheet also delves into Shariful’s financial dealings, alleging he was involved in illegal money transfers to Bangladesh. Police claim that Shariful sent money to his family through an associate named Abdul Alim—his brother-in-law—using his assistant, Amit Pandya, as a conduit. These transactions were reportedly routed via a bank account in Bengaluru, raising suspicions of cross-border financial misconduct.
Further details reveal that the police recorded statements from 48 individuals out of 111 potential witnesses.
Notably, it has been claimed that Shariful remained inside the building—Sadguru Sharan Bhavan—for nearly an hour even after stabbing the victim. He was later seen leaving through the neighbouring Bharti Villa.
This startling twist has sparked speculation: was Shariful truly the mastermind behind Saif’s murder, or is someone else pulling the strings? With growing gaps in forensic alignment and the complexity of financial trails, the case appears far from closed.
Legal analysts suggest that this new development could open the door for the defence to challenge the credibility of the evidence presented. Whether the prosecution can still build a watertight case remains to be seen.
The investigation continues.
Source: With inputs from anandabazar.com
6 days ago