) 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 

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.

(₹114 Cr), which became the highest-grossing Gujarati film of all-time, Gujarati cinema witnessed a staggering 189 per cent growth, from ₹84 Cr in 2024 to ₹242 Cr in 2025.

On the flip side, Punjabi (₹116 crore gross) and Marathi (₹96 crore gross) cinema saw the steepest declines, dropping 43 per cent and 46 per cent respectively, with both languages losing box-office share year-on-year. Additionally, Assamese film 

grossed ₹42 crore, contributing single-handedly to the 131 per cent growth for ‘Others’.

Rising Ticket Prices, Dwindling Footfalls

Despite the revenue highs, footfalls told a more cautious story. The year 2025 recorded an overall 83.2 crore admissions, a 6 per cent decline from 2024, reinforcing the industry’s increasing dependence on the box office driven by rising Average Ticket Prices (ATP) in recent years.

In terms of industry-specific footfalls, only Hindi and Kannada recorded growth. Hindi cinema’s footfalls grew by 11 per cent in 2025, with over 25 crore admissions (but lesser than 2023's footfall, which stood at 27.5 crore). Despite the growth in 2025, they continued to be significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels of more than 30 crore.

, footfalls saw a steep increase of 35 per cent in 2025, rising above the 3.5 crore mark, but still less than half the 2022 (

 continued to see a decline for the second consecutive year, underlining that the increase in ATP, especially of tentpole films, was the driver for sustained box office collections for Telugu cinema in 2025. The total footfall for the industry stood at 18.1 crore.

Footfalls in Tamil cinema witnessed a sharp decline of more than 15 per cent, with 2025 recording the lowest footfalls (16 crore) for the Tamil film industry since 2016, excluding the two pandemic-affected years. Even Malayalam cinema saw a decline in footfalls, recording 10 crore admissions, which was less than what it did in 2024 (12.6 crore).

Meanwhile, the average ticket price jumped 20 per cent—from ₹134 to ₹161 all India, its steepest increase in four years. The shift was driven by a higher box office share for Hindi and International films—traditionally higher-ATP segments—alongside elevated ticket pricing for several big-ticket South Indian releases.

The highest ATP was led by Hollywood titles (at ₹267), followed by Hindi at ₹215. The ATP for South Indian languages stood at ₹123.

Indian Box-Office Crosses Historic ₹13,000 Crore as Bollywood Hits Record ₹5,504 Crore, But How Did Other Industries Fare in 2025?

, is the actor’s upcoming film with director Puri Jagannadh, was officially announced alongside the release of its first poster, marking Sethupathi’s birthday with a flourish of grit and provocation.

The poster offers a clear statement of tone. Sethupathi stands amid crates of cash, a blood-smeared machete in hand, sunglasses firmly in place—a visual that leans unapologetically into menace and moral ambiguity. It is an image designed to announce a character forged in violence and survival, aligning neatly with Jagannadh’s long-standing fascination with outsiders, rage and power structures.

Produced under the Puri Connects banner and presented by Charmme Kaur in association with JB Motion Pictures, 

 is being mounted as a large-scale, multi-language release, set to arrive in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam. The partnership with JB Motion Pictures, according to the makers, is intended to amplify the film’s scale without diluting its raw edge.

Samyuktha stars opposite Sethupathi in the female lead, with Tabu and Vijay Kumar playing significant supporting roles. Industry sources suggest Samyuktha’s character is far from ornamental, with substantial emotional weight built into the narrative—an approach that may counterbalance the film’s promise of heightened action and spectacle. Tabu’s involvement, meanwhile, adds a layer of gravitas, hinting at morally complex territory rather than straightforward hero-villain binaries.

The film has been generating curiosity since shooting began last July, with reports of elaborate action sequences filmed during an intensive schedule last October. While plot specifics remain tightly under wraps, the project is being positioned as a mass entertainer shaped by Jagannadh’s abrasive, confrontational style and Sethupathi’s ability to inhabit morally unstable characters with unnerving ease.

 appears to extend his ongoing interest in roles that resist easy classification. For Jagannadh, it represents another opportunity to return to themes of rage, ambition and social friction.

Vijay Sethupathi and Puri Jagannadh Unite for ‘Slumdog – 33 Temple Road’

There's just a week to go for the release of

, directed by Advaith Nair, and the film’s trailer has already opened to a blockbuster opening. The trailer ends with what appears to be a cameo of a godfather-like character named Walter, with many hinting that the role could be played by Megastar 

 himself. In a recent interview clip that’s going viral, actor Arjun Ashokan neither confirmed nor denied the megastar’s presence when asked about it. When asked if the capital ‘M’ in the teaser was hinting at a Mammootty cameo, he said, “Shouldn’t that ‘M’ stand out? Of course, the capital ‘M’ will stand out. Whatever it is, the M’s entry will be at another level!”

, Arjun goes a step further by confirming the megastar's cameo in his film. The actor, known to be a big Mammootty fan, spoke about the nervousness that he still experiences while shooting with him. He says, “I think that nervousness will remain when you’re shooting with him (Mammootty), no matter who you are. I don’t think it’s fear… it’s more the respect that comes out of your affection for him. That’s how it is for me, and I don’t ever want to change that. Let that be a personal trait I hold on to when it comes to my love for Mammukka!”

Arjun's most recent collaboration with the acting legend was in 

The actor was speaking on the sidelines of the film’s shoot. 

 is also rumoured to be one of the first sets Mammootty joined after a longish break from acting related to his health. When asked about this break and what Arjun felt like returning to the sets of a film in which Mammootty’s presence loomed large, he said, “There are no changes in him at all! It’s all the same energy and love for his craft. When you see him, either on-screen or in-person, it’s full power, and that’s why we're his fans!”

 co-stars Arjun Ashokan, Roshan Mathew, Vishak Nair, and Siddique.

Exclusive | Arjun Ashokan Confirms Mammootty Cameo in 'Chatha Pacha': 'Mammukka Is Just The Same'

The debut edition of Flare Cinematography Film Festival culminated on January 13 and 14, 2026 in Mumbai with leading artists and filmmakers like Sriram Raghavan and Anil Mehta in attendance. This unique initiative, dedicated to celebrating the exceptional work of women cinematographers, has quickly established itself as a landmark meeting place for the community.

Over two action-packed days, the festival sought to democratise the field of cinematography by providing a platform for both seasoned veterans and emerging talent. Supported by industry giants like Sony India, Aputure, Tiyana Incorporation, Bridge PostWorks, with PVR as a venue partner, the event successfully brought the global cinematography community under one roof. The programming was diverse, spotlighting talent from around the world, and featured 26 short films from India, the UK, USA, Germany, France, Belgium, and the Czech Republic. With many of these cinematographers being present for the screenings, the interactive Q&A sessions added a layer of intimacy and professional exchange that is rare in the festival circuit.

The event opened with a poignant tribute to the late DOP Saurabh Suman. Following a screening of the opening short film, 

, veteran DOP Kiran Deohans shared a heartfelt tribute to Suman’s craft.

Beyond the screenings, the festival hosted three intensive panel discussions that served as masterclasses in cinematography and storytelling. Renowned DOPs including Swapnil Sonawane, Neha Parti Matiyani, Mitesh Mirchandani, and Nusrat F. Jafri engaged in deep dives regarding their craft. They were joined by acclaimed directors and producers like Nupur Asthana, Subhadra Mahajan, and Aparna Purohit.

In a statement, Festival Director Pooja Gupte (DOP of 

) reflected on the success of the inaugural year: “The first edition of Flare Cinematography Film Festival has been a powerful beginning. Our aim was to honour cinematography and create a shared platform where cinematographers across career stages can meet, exchange ideas, and inspire each other—and the response has been truly encouraging. We hope to build on this momentum and grow Flare into a one-of-its-kind meeting ground for cinematographers in our country.”

First Edition of Flare Cinematography Film Festival Empowers Women Cinematographers Around the World


Prime Video has confirmed 30 January as the global premiere date for 

, its upcoming Hindi psychological crime thriller, marking the platform’s latest attempt to push Indian genre storytelling into darker, more introspective territory. Set against the uneasy rhythms of Mumbai, the series stars Bhumi Pednekar as a senior police officer navigating both a brutal investigation and her own unresolved past.

 is directed by Amrit Raj Gupta and created for television by Suresh Triveni, who also produces alongside Vikram Malhotra. Adapted from Vish Dhamija’s bestselling novel 

, the series moves away from conventional procedural beats to focus on the emotional and psychological wreckage left in the wake of violent crime.

Pednekar plays DCP Rita Ferreira, newly appointed to the Mumbai Crime Branch and immediately confronted with a case that tests the limits of her authority and resilience. The killer she is hunting is methodical and grotesque, leaving behind scenes designed to disturb rather than merely shock. But 

 resists framing violence as spectacle. Instead, it positions each crime as a symptom of deeper damage, forcing Rita to confront questions of culpability, bias and moral compromise—both within the force and within herself.

Pednekar described Rita as a character built around stillness rather than swagger. “She doesn’t speak as much as she acts,” the actor said, adding that the role demanded she communicate through physical tension rather than dialogue. She called it one of the toughest preparations of her career, especially because the character is written with what she termed “anti-hero” shades rarely given to women on screen.

The supporting cast includes Samara Tijori and Aditya Rawal in pivotal roles, while the writing team—Sreekanth Agneeaswaran, Rohan D’Souza, Priya Saggi and Hussain Haidry—constructs a narrative that leans heavily into atmosphere and psychological unease. 

The series will stream simultaneously in India and across more than 240 countries and territories. 

‘Daldal’ Teaser: Bhumi Pednekar's Psychological Crime Thriller Sets January Premiere

In his Pongal wishes for fans, actor-filmmaker RJ Balaji said that the festival season would not bring any special update about his upcoming film 

 starring Suriya. He joked about how every festival comes with a new updated poster of a star’s new film, but the poster does not always bring any new information with it. He said the release date announcement of 

 will come out with the launch of the film’s second single, although he did confirm when the second song would be out. 

The first song from the film ‘God Mode’ was out over two months ago, and it has already amassed 31 million views on YouTube. The film was initially hinted at a Pongal release, but was later pushed. It remains to be seen when the film will be released next. He ended his message by saying, “Whenever the movie comes out, I’m sure it will entertain the audience. We have been working very hard for a long time to make sure that happens.” 

The team behind Suriya’s 45th film chose the star’s 50th birthday to release the film’s teaser earlier last year. Directed by RJ Balaji, the teaser promises a full-fledged action drama with a glimpse of the actor playing a lawyer again after his hit OTT release 

 (2021). One can also spot a few callbacks to his classics in the 10-second teaser. One of these is the way he replicates the iconic watermelon sequence from his old film Ghajini. We also see him introducing himself as ‘Saravannan’, with the line ‘ennakku innoru per irukku’, translating to ‘I have another name too’, borrowed from the famous dialogue in Rajinikanth’s 

 (1995). Not only is Suriya the actor’s stage name, but Saravannan is his real, given name. “A Feast By TEAM RJB” is how the teaser concludes.

It is being shot by GK Vishnu, who was the cinematographer behind films such as 

 is written by Ashwin Ravichandran, Rahul Raj, T. S. Gopi Krishnan and Karan Aravind Kumar and produced by Dream Warrior Pictures. Apart from Suriya and Trisha Krishnan, the film features actors Swasika, Indrans, Yogi Babu, Sshivada, Natty Subramaniam and Supreeth Reddy. 

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