one of the most steadfast pairings of Hindi cinema, are set to reunite onscreen in 

's upcoming feature. The film, according to reports, goes on floors today (January 20) in Mumbai. In addition to Kumar and Balan, Raashii Khanna and Vijay Raaz are also part of the cast. 

Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan have starred together in several memorable films, including 

(2007). They were also seen together in the space-faring drama 

Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan To Reunite in Anees Bazmee's Next: Reports

has announced a sequel to his 2017 breakout hit 

. The actor, composer, rapper and director revealed the news mid-performance during a recent concert in Malaysia, where he told fans that 

According to reports, popular YouTuber Harshath Khan is expected to be part of the sequel. Harshath Khan drew wider attention last year with his supporting role in 

. Casting details, however, are yet to be formally announced.

debut as a lead actor and went on to become a surprise box-office success. Co-written by 

, the film followed the journey of a music-loving youngster who enrols in an engineering college in southern Tamil Nadu, blending campus comedy with romance and music. Its soundtrack continues to enjoy a strong fan following.

also confirmed that the sequel is currently in the production phase, with shooting expected to begin later this year. Reports suggest that 

 will retain the themes of friendship and love that resonated with audiences in the original film.

 (both 2024), which received mixed critical and box-office responses. His 2023 superhero film 

, however, emerged as a commercial success.

, directed by his frequent collaborator Sundar C. The film’s screenplay is co-written by Venkat Raghavan and Sundar C, with cinematography by Gopi Amarnath, editing by Fenny Oliver and production design by Gururaj.

Backed by Ishari Ganesh’s Vels Film International and co-produced by Avni Cinemax, Rowdy Pictures and Ivy Entertainment, 

 has completed shooting and is currently in post-production. Apart from Nayanthara, who led the first film, Sneha and Khushbu Sundar are also expected to feature in the sequel. Release details are yet to be announced.

HipHop Tamizha Adhi Announces 'Meesaya Murukku 2' During Malaysia Concert

In an interview with the Telugu YouTube channel 

 spoke about how the script of her Salman Khan-starrer 

 evolved over the course of production. Speaking in Telugu, Mandanna said that the version of the film she was initially narrated was “indeed quite a different script” from what eventually made it to the screen.

She added that such changes are commonplace in filmmaking. “When you listen to a story, it is one version of it,” she said. “But over the making of a film, things change — according to performances, edits, and even the time of release. That’s very common. That happened with 

Directed by A.R. Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, 

 starred Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna and Sathyaraj. The film released late last year to mixed-to-negative reviews and went on to underperform at the box office.

The film’s troubled reception was followed by controversy after Murugadoss spoke publicly about the challenges of accommodating Khan’s shooting schedule. In an interview with the Tamil YouTube channel 

, given ahead of the release of his other 2025 film 

, the filmmaker said, “It’s not easy to shoot with a star. Even day scenes, we had to shoot at night because he would come to the sets only by 8 pm.”

Murugadoss added that the altered schedule often took a toll on the rest of the cast and crew. “We are used to shooting from early mornings, but that’s not how things work there,” he said. Recalling a specific instance, the director noted, “If there were four children in a scene, we would be shooting with them at 2 am — even if the scene was meant to show them returning from school. By then, they were exhausted and would often fall asleep.”

Despite being one of the most anticipated Hindi releases of last year, 

 failed to find favour with critics or audiences.

Rashmika Mandanna Says That The Original Script of Salman Khan’s 'Sikandar' Was “Quite Different”

 has seen its re-release postponed yet again, marking the second delay in under a month.

The Atlee-directed film was originally being lined up for a Pongal-season re-release after 

 failed to make its planned theatrical debut on January 9. With fans expecting what is widely believed to be Vijay’s final on-screen appearance before his full-time entry into politics, producer Kalaipuli S. Thanu had planned 

’s return to theatres as a stopgap festive offering.

The re-release was first expected on January 15, but was deferred after producers of other Pongal releases requested Thanu to move the date to avoid a crowded window. A revised release date of January 23 was subsequently announced.

However, the plan has now been pushed once more following an exchange on social media platform X. Director Mohan G, who is backing 

, publicly appealed to Thanu to postpone 

’s release so that his film could secure better screen availability. In his post, Mohan G cited Thanu’s long-standing reputation for supporting smaller films and first-time filmmakers, urging him to extend the same consideration.

A filmmaker behind another film also slated for a January 23 release echoed the request on X.

Responding to Mohan G, Thanu reiterated his production house’s commitment to supporting smaller films and newcomers, and confirmed that 

’s re-release would be moved to a later date. Mohan G subsequently thanked Thanu for the decision and also expressed gratitude to Vijay’s fans for their support.

 in Hindi) remains one of the most anticipated Tamil films of the year, as it is expected to mark Vijay’s final screen appearance before his political plunge.

Vijay’s 'Theri' Re-release Delayed Again After Kalaipuli S Thanu Agrees to Make Way for Smaller Films

There is a major release date reshuffle happening in the Hindi film industry. According to reports, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming magnum opus 

won't release in 2026, with the team eyeing a new 2027 release date. The film is headlined by Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal.

While the film has been in production since last year, the makers had initially announced a March 2026 release date, which got pushed as the film was still being shot.

stated that the makers of the film  are looking at a January (Republic Day) or February (Valentine's Day) 2027 release.

Since a significant portion of the film is still pending, the makers are now looking to wrap up the film by June, which will be followed by an extensive post-production phase. According to the report, the scale of 

—featuring VFX-heavy aerial action sequences—will take time and hence the team won't get a suitable release window this year.

What also adds to the makers looking for a 2027 outing is the fact that Ranbir Kapoor will have the release of 

in November. As the mega-budget film is on track for a grand Diwali release, 

team didn't want the two films to release so close to each other. 

"The makers are keen to space out the two tentpole releases, keeping a healthy gap between the two and understandably so. This will ensure that each film gets adequate breathing space and focused marketing," the report claimed.

marks Vicky Kaushal’s first collaboration with Bhansali, while both Kapoor and Bhatt have previously worked with the celebrated auteur—Kapoor made his debut in Bhansali’s 

(2007), and Bhatt won acclaim for her titular role in 

 (2022). A new release date will only be locked once the film completes production.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Love And War' Pushed to 2027; Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal Starrer To Wrap in June: Reports

) has been officially selected in the Forum sidebar of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival. The film is directed by debutant R. Gowtham and produced by Tamilarasan Kalidass. Actor Karuththadaiyaan, who starred in the acclaimed drama 

The selection is being described as historic, as it is the first time a debut feature by a director from Tamil Nadu has been chosen for the Berlinale Forum. It is the fourth Tamil feature film ever to be screened in the prestigious section, following Mani Ratnam’s 

In their citation, the Berlinale selection committee praised the film’s emotional and thematic rigour, stating:

“A man dies young. Funeral rites – yes; mourning – not so much. A death that stirs and shakes things up. A film that shows the violence of family relationships with uncanny subtlety and verve, the pendulum of void and solace. What a debut feature!”

Delighted with the selection, director R. Gowtham said in a statement: “It is a moment of immense pride that a film conceptualised and shot within a very short span and on a limited budget, starting in 2025, has been selected for the Berlin International Film Festival. For a debut director like myself, to have my very first film selected is a true reflection of the vibrant artistic ecosystem currently thriving in Tamil Nadu. Following in the footsteps of 

, the inclusion of my film suggests that the journey of Tamil cinema from South Asia to the global stage is becoming a consistent phenomenon."

The 76th Berlin International Film Festival will be held from February 12 to February 22, 2026. 

Berlinale 2026: Tamil Film ‘Members Of The Problematic Family’ Selected For Forum Section

Mumbai’s Jio World Garden was filled to capacity on Saturday, 17 January, for 

2026, an annual concert held on the barsi of the late Padma Vibhushan Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan. What unfolded over the evening was an act of remembrance, as four of his most celebrated students, A.R. Rahman, Hariharan, Sonu Nigam and Shaan, came together on stage for the first time.

Presented by Namrata Gupta Khan and Rabbani Mustafa Khan of NR Talent and Event Management, Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan’s daughter-in-law and son, 

marked its fourth edition this year. Conceived as a meeting point between classical discipline, Sufi devotion and popular song, the concert returned to the central idea that shaped Khan Sahab’s life and teaching: music as offering.

For Hariharan, the date itself carries weight. “January 17 is my Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Sahab’s barsi… the day he left us… and it’s a sad day for me. Memories with him go through me on that day,” he said speaking to 

“That’s the day we pay our respects to him through a musical offering, and we always feel his presence at ‘Haazri’.” Calling it a continuation of the guru-shishya parampara, Hariharan reflected on the depth of that bond. “The Guru not only teaches you music but also many things about life… and the philosophy of life itself,” he said, recalling advice that reshaped his outlook. “We are all really lucky to be musicians because we get to practise music. That it’s a very special way of life.”

Rahman opened the evening with a Sufi set that set the tone for what followed, turning the vast outdoor venue into something closer to a shared prayer. He was later joined by members of the Mustafa family, including Murtuza, Qadir and Rabbani Mustafa Khan, and Ustad ji’s grandsons Faiz Mustafa Khan and Zain Mustafa, reinforcing the sense of lineage that ran through the night.

 for me is and will always remain an intense emotion… a tribute, a day dedicated to my Guruji Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan,” he told 

. “For the past 3 years I missed being a part of it. But wherever I was, I would perform a bandish or a ghazal dedicated to Ustaad ji.” 

Sharing the stage again with his fellow disciples, he added, “This year I’m so glad and honoured to share stage with 3 of the greatest music icons and fellow Guru bhais.”

Shaan also spoke to the continuing relevance of live performance in an era dominated by AI and autotune technology. “Live performances are today the true test of vocal prowess,” he said. “On a day when the voice is not 100% there, it becomes very difficult for a singer to bring in his or her A game.” What carries singers through, he noted, is something no software can replicate. “The adrenaline and positive energies from the audience always work like magic.”

The final performances gave way to an onstage felicitation by Khan Sahab’s family, and Haazri closed as it began, with memory and reverence.

Haazri 2026: Four Masters Return as Students to Honour Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan

with the makers likely to release a special teaser, attached with the prints of 

According to reports, filmmaker Aditya Dhar has "re-edited" the end-credit sequence of 

which opens in cinemas on January 23. According to sources, the idea is to stamp the release date of 

, which is March 19, the same date when Yash's much-awaited 

, the team at Jio Studios wants to capitalise on the wave of patriotic dramas, with 

"The new cut of teaser from the end-credits of part one will be out digitally too, after a premiere on the big screen. For the beginners, it is a big screen exclusive," the publication reported.

While the new teaser will be out by the end of the week, the trailer of 

will be out in February, with Dhar and team working to lock the edit. The sequel will have no additional shoots, as was being speculated earlier, with Akshaye Khann also retuning in key flashback sequences as his character Rehman Dakait.

 is headlined by Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty. Inspired by the true events of the 1971 India-Pakistan War, the film is directed by Anurag Singh, who had also helmed the critically acclaimed 

starring Dosanjh and then Akshay Kumar-led war drama 

The film is a sequel to the 1997 war epic 

, which was directed by JP Dutta. Set during the India–Pakistan war of 1971, the film was based on the events of the Battle of Longewala. 

 also stars Mona Singh, Medha Rana, Sonam Bajwa and Anyaa Singh.

'Dhurandhar 2' Teaser Likely To Be Attached With 'Border 2'; Aditya Dhar Reiterates March Release Date and Clash With Yash's 'Toxic'

This week is yet another power-packed one, with a wide array of high-energy titles hitting screens just in time for the Republic Day long weekend. 

 is expected to dominate the box-office, Malayalam wrestling comedy 

 promises to have you on the edge of your seat.

Nearly three decades after J.P. Dutta’s epic 

, Sunny Deol returns to lead a new generation of soldiers, with the cast including Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty. Ahead of Republic Day, the film is expected to be a high-scale tribute to the Indian armed forces, featuring sweeping battlefield choreography, and a rousing soundtrack, reminiscent of the 1997 classic. 

 is a unique action-comedy that follows a group of scrappy misfits who come together to form a wrestling league. The film has already created significant buzz well before its release date, poised for a global release in a hundred screens around the world, featuring the regional debut of renowned trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, as well as a cameo from the iconic Mammootty himself.

Directed by Arun Varma and written by acclaimed duo Bobby and Sanjay, 

 is expected to explore themes of conflict, morality and human frailty in a taut thriller format. Nivin Pauly plays a hospital attendant, opposite Lijomol, who plays the child's mother. The story follows the riveting case of the missing child, with Pauly on the run and Lijomol in pursuit.

 is one of the most anticipated international releases of the month. Starring Timothée Chalamet as a fictionalized version of a table tennis champion, the film promises the signature gritty textures the Safdie brothers are known for. Chalamet's performance has earned him both a Golden Globe and a Critic's Choice Award as Best Actor. With an eclectic supporting cast that includes Gwyneth Paltrow and Tyler, the Creator, this A24 production should be on your radar.

 is a thrilling, unsettling story about a beloved, domesticated chimpanzee who contracts rabies over the course of a family holiday. The film follows the family as they contend with this sudden shift in his behaviour, and devise various (unsuccessful) attempts at escape. This one’s a must-watch for the horror fans.

This web series by The Viral Fever (TVF) takes place after the failure of the Chandrayaan-2 mission, which rocked the nation. We get a deeper look into the lives of the ISRO space engineers, as they face intense pressure and criticism in its aftermath. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the team displays incredible resilience by reviving the mission despite a series of obstacles. The series is led by actor Nakuul Mehta, and includes Shriya Saran, Gopal Datt, Prakash Belawadi and Danish Sait.

This Telugu crime-thriller brought to you by Prime Video features Sobhita Dhulipala as a true-crime podcaster, who gets tangled in the web of a serial killer in Hyderabad. In addition to being an edge-of-your-seat suspense, 

 has been described as a layered, culturally relevant story that is as moving as it is gripping. The cast of the film also features Chaitanya Visalakshmi, Esha Chawla, Jhansi, Aamani, and Vadlamani Srinivas.

A prequel to the record-breaking HBO series 

 is the third instalment in creator George R. R. Martin's series, 

, taking place a century before the events that unfolded in Westeros. The story follows the unlikely heroes, 'Dunk' (Ser Duncan the Tall) and his comical squire, Egg.

 What to Watch This Week: ‘Border 2’, ‘Chatha Pacha’, and ‘Cheekatilo’

 and producer Danish Devgn have announced 

, an AI-powered origin story set in the world of 

 (2020). Set in the 'Unsung Warriors' universe created by Devgn, the narrative will focus on the formative years of Tanaji Malusare, tracing his transformation from a young boy to a legendary warrior. 

The makers released a minute-long teaser offering a glimpse into the title. Created entirely using generative AI tools, 

 is the first original from Lens Vault Studios, a next-gen entertainment studio founded by Ajay Devgn and Danish Devgn. Aimed at younger audiences, the original is said to push the franchise into unexplored narrative terrain, reimagining it for 'a generation that engages with stories far beyond theatrical screens'. 

Prismix Studios, Lens Vault Studios’ in-house Generative AI and creative technology engine, is powering the visual design and narrative scale of 

Ajay Devgn, Chairman, Lens Vault Studios, said that the studio's broader vision aims to move beyond conventional storytelling boundaries. "Our focus is on discovering formats and mediums that are still largely untapped, while applying the discipline and scale of mainstream cinema. Bal Tanhaji represents the beginning of this journey into future-ready content creation," Ajay Devgn, who essayed the role of Tanaji Malusare in the 2020 blockbuster, said. 

Speaking about the launch of the studio’s first IP, Danish Devgn, Founder & CEO, Lens Vault Studios, said, “With 

, we are redefining how legacy narratives can evolve through technology. Generative AI allows us to expand story universes in ways that were previously impossible, making them more immersive, scalable, and relevant for new-age audiences. This is the foundation on which Lens Vault Studios is being built.”

AI-generated full-length IPs are gaining popularity in India. Earlier, JioHostar had released 

, an adaptation of the Indian epic created entirely in AI. The series received largely negative reviews, with criticism aimed at the coarseness of the visuals. 

 ‘Bal Tanhaji’: Ajay Devgn Announces AI-Powered Origin Story of 'Tanhaji'

(which released for Christmas of 2025), Nivin Pauly has lined up the release of his film 

. It will release this Friday, the 23rd of January coinciding with the Republic Day Holliday weekend. The team also released a trailer, setting up the themes of the medico thriller which is set to take place inside a hospital. 

Nivin Pauly appears to be playing an attendant at the hospital when a sudden medical case turns things around for him and the hospital. Lijomol Jose and Sangeeth Prathap can be seen too, playing the role a couple who appears to have just had a baby. Abhimanyu Thilakan is seen playing a police officer, perhaps investigating the mystery surrounding this baby. The trailer ends with cops monitoring every move of Nivin Pauly’s character as he moves from one place to another in what looks like a thriller set within the duration of one day. 

The film is being directed by Arun Varma, who had made 

. It is being produced by Listin Stephen. It is written by Bobby-Sanjay, the same duo who had written Traffic for the producer. That film is said to have changed Malayalam cinema’s trajectory when it first released. At the press event for the film’s trailer launch, Listin said that although Nivin Pauly can be called the film’s hero, it is better to call him one of the central characters driving forward the plot-driven film.” 

The movie is said to be set within a hospital. The badge of “Good Shepherd Hospital” can be seen on the right side of Nivin’s uniform and in his arms, he’s seen holding on to a baby with its face covered in the film’s first look. The intense look on his actor's face suggests that the film will have a serious tone, perhaps dealing with complex issues within the medical field.

The supporting cast includes Azees Nedumangad and Aswanth Lal in pivotal roles. The technical crew brings together a strong line-up: cinematography is by Faiz Siddik, editing by Shyjith Kumaran and music by Jakes Bejoy. Together, they promise to deliver the cinematic texture and intensity that have become hallmarks of contemporary Malayalam thrillers. 

 is continuing to hold strong in theatres even in its third week, earning over 

120 crore since its release for Christmas.

Nivin Pauly’s 'Baby Girl' Trailer: A Medico Thriller Set In Real Time? 

was launched late last week. The action-packed teaser featured several high voltage stunts that take place in what appears to be on the backdrop of poaching of the elephants for ivory. In one sequence, Pepe can be seen climbing atop an elephant while charging at it with an axe. Most of the teaser appears to be taking place within the forest, arguably in a period setting. Climbing of trees and a fight involving several villains, machine guns and grenades, make up the remaining duration, with Ajaneesh Loknath’s pulsating score adding to the drama. 

According to a press note from the team, the shoot of the action film was stalled because the lead actor suffered an injury. “The incident occurred during the shoot in Thailand, while filming a combat scene involving an elephant.” The film is being directed by first-time director Paul George, and the action sequences involving elephants are being choreographed by Kecha Khamphakdee, known for their work in international action thrillers, including the 

The film’s music is composed by Ajaneesh Loknath, with the script being written by Joby Varghese, Paul George, and Jero Jacob. The film's dialogue is by Unni R. Kattalan and will be released in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, with reports suggesting a May 2026 theatrical release.

Said to be in production with a massive budget, it’s being directed by first time director Paul George. Speaking about the film, he said, “It began with a modest budget. But at each stage, I was only encouraged to make the film bigger, in line with a huge vision. No expenses have been spared.” The director also said that this was fourth script for Antony Varghese having got his dates five years ago. 

, starring Unni Mukundan, was also produced by Shareef Muhammed. It emerged as the highest-grossing Hindi-dubbed Malayalam film of all time then, and Shareef Muhammed, the first-time producer behind the film, had spoken to 

Addressing its violence, he said, “The brutal scenes are key features of the film, and an integral part of its narrative. Our intention was to provide the audience with a cinematic experience that stayed true to the story we wanted to tell. Cinema is not reality, and we believe the audience has the maturity to understand this distinction. Just like every coin has two sides to it, there is always good and bad in any creative work.”

Anthony Pepe’s 'Kattalan' Gets An Action-Packed Teaser

 has fixed a release date, and it's not this year, as speculated. The anticipated Telugu film will land in theatres on March 5, 2027.

The film's first-look poster was recently released, giving us a glimpse at the main leads. The poster casts 

in a striking new avatar that feels entirely in sync with the filmmaker’s bruised, volatile world. It’s raw, provocative and unabashed, hallmarks of the director of 

. Yes, there’s a cigarette, and yes, a lighter cuts too. Stripped of excess and driven by mood, the restrained poster captures a wounded Prabhas with his back to the camera, attempting to light a cigarette as 

, eyes lowered, holds the lighter for him. Bandaged across his body, including his forehead, he looms like a towering movie star, with a bottle in hand. The film also co-stars Vivek Oberoi, Prakash Raj and veteran actress Kanchana.

is speculated to star Prabhas in the role of an angry young police officer who takes on a mighty mafia syndicate. It is also reported that the sons of Telugu cinema stalwarts, Trivikram Srinivas and Ravi Teja, Rishie Manoj and Mahadhan Bhupathiraju, are part of the film's direction team as assistant directors.

Written, edited and directed by Vanga, the film is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Pranay Reddy Vanga, Krishan Kumar, and Prabhakar Reddy Vanga. Billed as a global entertainer, with a release in multiple languages. 

Triptii Dimri stars in a role that was initially offered to 

, who was the film's female lead, before she exited the project, citing work-hour issues. In response to the controversy, Vanga shared his perspective on social media without naming Padukone, expressing his frustration over creative disagreements and accusing the actor of sharing details about the project prematurely.

'Spirit': Prabhas and Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Film Aims For March 2027 Release

After several deliberations and changes, the director of 

’s 366th film will be Tharun Moorthy, who had directed last year’s 

. The film is being produced by Ashiq Usman, and it was originally meant to be directed by first-time director Austin Das Thomas. The initial poster even featured a police officer uniform hanging on one side, with rumours confirming that he will be seen playing a cop after a long gap. The film’s director, Tharun Moorthy, posted a photo of X of the film’s script book confirming the film. A photo of the film’s team at the Vaikom Temple was also released. The film is expected to go on the floors soon, with reports of Binu Pappu too joining the film as a co-director.

Tharun Moorthy’s film with Mohanlal had become the second-highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time after its release. It currently holds the record for being the highest-grossing 

, before the film’s release, Tharun had said, “I started feeling tense about the process of shooting, [of saying] ‘Action and cut!’, to a stalwart like Mohanlal,” he said in an interview with 

. “Even giving suggestions to an actor like him gave me an inferiority complex.”

The project, initiated by veteran producer Rejaputra Renjith after watching Moorthy’s 

, came with both opportunity and baggage. The script, which had been in development for nearly eight years, was now being entrusted to a relatively new director. “They could have gone to any filmmaker,” Moorthy said. “I still don’t have a clear answer to ‘why me?’” But he suspects it was partly because of his ability to write and direct with emotional depth. “Renjith felt that younger directors weren’t handling emotions well. He liked how I dealt with them.”

 as his upcoming projects, which he will move on to after 

Mohanlal’s 'L366' To Be Directed by ‘Thudarum’ Director Tharun Moorthy

Music composer and Oscar winner AR Rahman

 posted a 95-second video on his social media handles on Sunday morning, after clips from a recent interview of his started to go viral.

In the recent video, he begins by calling India, his “inspiration, my teacher and my home.” He went on to add that his intentions may have been misunderstood and that his purpose has always been to “uplift, honour and serve through music.”

“I have never wished to cause pain,” he said, adding, “I hope my sincerity is felt. I feel blessed to be Indian which enables to create a space, which always allows freedom of expression and celebrates multi-cultural voices.”

He also went on to add how he presented Jhaala, which he presented at the Waves Summit in from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RoHiNoor, in which he collaborated with Naga musicians to create a string orchestra. Rahman also spoke about Secret Mountain, India’s first multi-cultural virtual band, apart from 

, along with Hans Zimmer. “I remain grateful to this nation and committed to music that honours the past, celebrates the present and inspires the future,” he said by concluding with his signature, “Jai Hind and Jai Ho!”

Rahman has been the subject of outrage online after a clip from a recent interview he gave to BBC News Asian Network, began to go viral. In the 90-minute interview, he spoke of how opportunities had begun to reduce for him in the north, in the past eight years. When the interviewer asked him about feeling alienated in the 90s as a Tamil composer working in Bollywood, Rahman replied, “(In the 90s) Maybe I didn’t get to know about all that stuff (discrimination), maybe God concealed all that from me. But in the past eight years... because the power shift has happened. People who are not creative have the power now to decide things. It might have been a communal thing also, but (nothing has happened) to my face. But I hear through Chinese whispers that this happens. I’ve heard people say, 'They booked you, but then the music company funded the movie and got their five composers.' So I said, 'That’s great! Now I get to spend time with my family.'"

On Sunday, Kangana Ranaut too had posted a story on Instagram about how Rahman had disagreed to listen to a narration of her film

, calling it divisive. She wrote, “Dear AR Rahman, I face so much prejudice and partiality in the film industry because I support a saffron party, yet I must say I have not come across a man more prejudiced and hateful than you, I desperately wanted to narrate my directorial 

 to you, forget narration, you even refused to meet me. I was told you don't want to be a part of a propaganda film.”

AR Rahman Posts Clarification Video After Outrage: 'Never Wished To Cause Pain'

None of the box-office projections for 2025 foresaw what the year would ultimately deliver: Indian box-office history rewritten as long-held benchmarks were shattered to emerge as the industry’s highest-grossing year ever. The surge was powered by blockbuster runs from homegrown tentpoles such as 

, alongside Hollywood heavyweights including 

The Ormax box-office report for the year underscored several defining trends, chief among them Hindi cinema clocking its best-ever performance in 2025. The industry surpassed the towering benchmark set in 2023—driven by Shah Rukh Khan’s historic comeback—to command 41 per cent of the total box-office share, the highest contribution by any single film industry.

 also sustained its momentum beyond critical acclaim, clocking in a consecutive ₹1,000 crore-plus gross in 2025.

The report further flagged a steady rise in average ticket prices (ATP) across all Indian film industries, even as footfalls declined across markets. What follows is a detailed numerical breakdown of how the year unfolded at the box office.

With a gross box office of ₹13,395 crore, 2025 became the first-ever year to cross the ₹13,000 crore mark at the Indian box-office, surpassing the record held by 2023 (₹12,226 crore), the report stated. 2025 also marked the fifth year to surpass the ₹10,000 crore mark, following 2019, 2022, 2023  and 2024.

The surge was not just about a handful of tentpoles either. As many as 37 films crossed the ₹100 crore milestone, a sharp jump from 22 in 2024.

At the heart of that growth was Hindi cinema’s strongest-ever showing. Bollywood films clocked a record ₹5,504 crore, its highest annual gross to date, and did so on the back of original Hindi-language films. In a telling shift, 93 per cent of Hindi box-office collections came from original Hindi 

releases, with reliance on dubbed South Indian films dropping dramatically — from 31 per cent in 2024 to just 7 per cent in 2025.

, which emerged as the year’s highest-grossing title at ₹950 crore, setting a new benchmark as the highest-grossing Hindi-language film of all time, comfortably surpassing 

were the only films to surpass the ₹500 crore mark at the Indian box-office. 

were the other three films to gross above ₹300 crore.

What Were The Box-Office Contributions of Each Industry?

Hindi cinema’s share remained steady, while the combined share of the four South languages witnessed a four percentage-point drop in comparison to 2024 (48 per cent to 44 per cent), 

 was the dominant contributor, accounting for 41 per cent of the total box office share in 2025, followed by Telugu cinema with an 18 per cent share. Tamil cinema contributed 13 per cent, while International films, including all language versions, made up 10 per cent of the box-office. Malayalam cinema held a 9 per cent share, while Kannada films accounted for 4 per cent. 

In terms of gross box office, Hindi cinema remained the industry’s anchor, growing from ₹4,679 crore in 2024 to ₹5,504 crore in 2025, an 18 per cent rise. Its market share also inched up from 40 per cent to 41 per cent when compared to 2024.

The second spot was bagged by the Telugu film industry, which saw a marginal growth—from ₹2,348 crore to ₹2,377 crore (1 per cent)—in 2025, but its market share dipped from 20 per cent to 18 per cent, indicating relative saturation after several blockbuster-heavy years. 

, meanwhile, registered a slight contraction, recording a gross of ₹1,805 crore in 2025, which was less than what it did in 2024 (₹1,829 crore). Its box-office contribution share also fell from 15 per cent to 13 per cent last year.

The most striking gain came from international films, which surged 49 per cent in 2025 to record a gross of a whopping ₹1,403 crore in India, taking the fourth spot.

The fifth spot was bagged by the Malayalam film industry. After witnessing a steep 104 per cent growth in 2024, Malayalam cinema managed to register the same number in 2025, confirming that 2024 was not an aberration and can be called a watershed year for the Malayalam film industry, the report noted. The gross collection stood at ₹1,1164 crore.

Kannada cinema also posted strong growth, jumping 73 per cent to put up an annual gross of ₹528 crore, with its share rising from 3 per cent to 4 per cent, signalling renewed momentum after a relatively subdued 2024.

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