Yodha collects 16.25 cr in 3 days; Bastar - The Naxal Story collects 30 lakhs on day 1

Yodha Review: Insufferable Scrappy Thriller
Box Office India Trade Network

YODHA had a poor first day as it collected 4-4.25 crore nett as the target audience just did not come or lets say not they did not come in the numbers required. it was going to be about the metros as this zone of action holds more appeal for them rather than the mass markets but they have not collected. Basically action films for urban centres is always a tough ask at the box office.

A film like MARJAAVAAN with Sidharath Malhotra had opened around the 7 crore nett mark as it got an initial audience in mass pockets while A GENTLEMAN, which was was more in a similar zone to YODHA as it was also an action film targeting urban audiences, was less at 3.75 crore nett. But both these films were pre pandemic and its more difficult getting numbers now.

At the end of the day, the opening day is simply not good enough and now the film has the buy one get one free offer over the weekend; so, it remains to be seen what sort of growth comes. More than the offer, it needs public reports on side to help the film as only then there can be good weekend growth as eventually the audience comes for the film.

The other release BASTAR - THE NAXAL STORY could not do anything with collections likely to be around 30-35 lakhs nett which is a very dull result especially coming after the huge success of THE KERALA STORY which was from the same team.
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YODHA showed growth of around 40% on day two as it collected 5.50 crore nett to have a two day total of 9.50 crore nett. This growth has come with the buy one get one free offer which would have helped the film a little. But the offer can only propel a film to better numbers if the audience really has an interest in the film which does not look the case here.

The weekend of the film will just not be good enough and that's basically down to initial. Its not that the film needed a huge initial but you just cant be down at 4 or 5 or even 6 crore nett as the genre has limitations in the growth it can get after the first day.

The collections of YODHA for two days are as follows.
Friday - 4,00,00,000 apprx
Saturday - 5,50,00,000 apprx
TOTAL - 9,50,00,000 apprx
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YODHA had a dull weekend of 16 crore nett plus with the film not really getting the weekend trajectory it needed after a dull opening day. The film was aided by the buy one get one offer from Saturday but that also made a little difference though collections would have been less without it.

These type of action films, which hold appeal for the urban centres only, are always fighting a tough battle. It is actually difficult to remember one becoming a major HIT in the last 100 years or so though there will be a few here or there as there are always exceptions. Maybe the DON films can come into this bracket but even there, the numbers were not really good for Shah Rukh Khan starrers as they could not get good enough numbers in the circuits. 

2022's film ATTACK was similar and its fate was locked on day one. There was FIGHTER also earlier this year but that did not look like an urban film on the trailer as it had music and a cast to support. But the wider audience did keep away on release, curtailing its business. Irrespective of the fact action films that appeal to metros only have a battle at the box office, the numbers of YODHA still should have been higher than they have come out at least for the initial weekend.

The collections of YODHA for three days are as follows.
Friday - 4,00,00,000 apprx
Saturday - 5,50,00,000 apprx
Sunday - 6,75,00,000 apprx
TOTAL - 16,25,00,000 apprx

Shaitaan collects 104.08 cr in 10 days

Shaitaan Box office Collection Day 10: अजय देवगन की लगी लॉटरी, 10 दिन में शैतान ने बॉक्स ऑफिस पर बना डाला ये रिकॉर्ड
Box Office India Trade Network

SHAITAAN had another good day as it collected 6.50 crore nett on Tuesday and is a 12-13% drop from the previous day which is pretty much normal trending. There have been better holds post the Monday over the last year or so as films collect similar to Monday. But these films have been those where the weekend collections are lower or not as big as they should have been.

SHAITAAN has now collected over 68 crore nett in five days and the week is heading for around the 80 crore nett mark. The numbers on Tuesday remain good in mass pockets outside Gujarat and even here, it did not drop much but the big fall had come on Monday.

It is now about where the second Friday number lands for the film which will determine where the film will go. The film is basically a lottery for Ajay Devgn and the makers as recovery will be around 200 crore form all revenue sources and there will be a UK rebate to come also.

The collections of SHAITAAN till date are as follows
Friday - 15,00,00,000 apprx
Saturday - 19,00,00,000 apprx
Sunday - 20,50,00,000 apprx
Monday - 7,50,00,000 apprx
Tuesday - 6,50,00,000 apprx
TOTAL - 68,50,00,000 apprx
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SHAITAAN was rock steady on Wednesday as it collected 6.25 crore nett which is pretty much similar to the day before and the film took its total to almost 75 crore nett. This hold now sets up the film for a very good second week.

SHAITAAN continues to do well across most circuits and in some of these, it could still be leading on Friday when the new films release if the Friday hold is there. The film is heading for an 80 crore nett first week which will the sixth highest ever for an Ajay Devgn film.

The film is less than DRISHYAM 2 but the genre here is different and that was a franchise which became successful post theatrical on satellite. SHAITAAN did well enough to be just 10% short of DRISHYAM 2 in the weekend as due to the genre, the holds were never going to be like DRISHYAM 2. Also DRISHYAM 2 was huge in Gujarat while this film is a remake of Guajrati film. Hence, it hasn't got big numbers in the state.

The collections of SHAITAAN till date are as follows
Friday - 15,00,00,000 apprx
Saturday - 19,00,00,000 apprx
Sunday - 20,50,00,000 apprx
Monday - 7,50,00,000 apprx
Tuesday - 6,50,00,000 apprx
Wednesday - 6,25,00,000 apprx
TOTAL - 74,75,00,000 apprx
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SHAITAAN did very good business of over 80 crore nett in its first week and has seen solid holds solid holds post Monday. It is the second highest first week of the year after FIGHTER which did 130 crore nett but the figures of SHAITAAN will be much closer from here on. Also the film is a much smaller film and yet, it is coming out with numbers similar to FIGHTER in some circuits.

The film is a solid HIT and it remains to be seen where the lifetime of the film goes. The film is an established film and is bound to hold well for the next few weeks  The film may well be the leading film on its second Friday and if not it is sure to lead in some of circuits at least.

The film has healthy numbers overseas of around $2.5 million giving the film 120 crore worldwide in the first week. The chances are that it could do 200 crore worldwide if the second Friday holds up well enough which is a big number for a film like this.

The collections of SHAITAAN till date are as follows
Friday - 15,00,00,000 apprx
Saturday - 19,00,00,000 apprx
Sunday - 20,50,00,000 apprx
Monday - 7,50,00,000 apprx
Tuesday - 6,50,00,000 apprx
Wednesday - 6,25,00,000 apprx
Thursday - 5,75,00,000 apprx
TOTAL - 80,50,00,000 apprx
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SHAITAAN saw a superb hold on its second Friday despite competition from new releases as it collected a solid 5-5.25 crore nett. This takes the film to over 85 crore nett in eight days and it will be comfortably over the 100 crore nett mark.

The film fell a little short of the highest second Friday of the year as FIGHTER was a little higher. But if we take out South, then across the core circuits, SHAITAAN is higher in practically every circuit. In Rajasthan, FIGHTER was around 20 lakhs on the second Friday and here SHAITAAN is sure to go over 25 lakhs nett.

The film now probably has the chance to go to 150 crore nett if it continues to on this trend and with Holi in the third week, it further has chances to score. If the film holds well on Monday, then the 150 crore nett mark will be pretty easy due to the holiday benefit to come post the second week.

The collections of SHAITAAN till date are as follows
Friday - 15,00,00,000 apprx
Saturday - 19,00,00,000 apprx
Sunday - 20,50,00,000 apprx
Monday - 7,50,00,000 apprx
Tuesday - 6,50,00,000 apprx
Wednesday - 6,25,00,000 apprx
Thursday - 5,75,00,000 apprx
Week One - 80,50,00,000 apprx
Friday - 5,15,00,000 apprx
TOTAL - 85,65,00,000 apprx
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SHAITAAN jumped 70% on its second Saturday as it collected 8.50 crore nett and now has a total of 94 crore nett. The film is easily the top film this week despite being in its second weeeknd. Mumbai circuit is doing excellent despite a lackluster Gujarat. Even Mumbai city could have been better but Pune and Thane are driving the film in the circuit. 

It is the Thane area that bringing the circuit back to life and unlike Mumbai city, there has to be some mass appeal for films to work here. Now the circuit just needs Gujarat to do better generally and then, it can be pack to pre pandemic levels. For this film, there is an excuse in Gujarat but that is not the case for others in the last 6 months or so. 

The collections of SHAITAAN till date are as follows
Friday - 15,00,00,000 apprx
Saturday - 19,00,00,000 apprx
Sunday - 20,50,00,000 apprx
Monday - 7,50,00,000 apprx
Tuesday - 6,50,00,000 apprx
Wednesday - 6,25,00,000 apprx
Thursday - 5,75,00,000 apprx
Week One - 80,50,00,000 apprx
Friday - 5,15,00,000 apprx
Saturday - 8,50,00,000 apprx
Second Weeeknd - 13,65,00,000 apprx
TOTAL - 94,15,00,000 apprx
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SHAITAAN dominated the box office in the second week also as it collected 24 crore nett apprx to takes its ten day total to 104 crore nett. The film remained the top film despite the release of YODHA and that too by a margin. The film looks to be going towards the 150 crore nett mark especially if it can see good holds on the weekdays of the second week.

After this week, the film will get benefit of Holi and Easter which will add to the momentum of the film in the next couple of weeks. The film is going strong in Mumbai circuit which is standing at around 35 crore nett and it is sure to do 50 crore nett in the circuit. 

Even though Mumbai has done well, the biggest difference between SHAITAAN and DRISHYAM 2 will be this circuit as DRISHYAM 2 was simply phenomenal in Mumbai with 92 crore nett. The DRISHYAM 2 number can be put into perspective that it was more than films like BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN and KABIR SINGH.

The collections of SHAITAAN till date are as follows
Week One - 80,18,00,000 
Friday - 5,15,00,000 apprx
Saturday - 8,75,00,000 apprx
Sunday - 10,00,00,000 apprx
Second Weekend - 23,90,00,000 apprx
TOTAL - 1,04,08,00,000 apprx

Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya collects 82.64 cr in 5 weeks

Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya Song Akhiyaan Gulaab: The Love Song Of Shahid Kapoor-Kriti Sanon
Box Office India Trade Network

TERI BAATON MEIN AISA ULJHA JIYA collected well in its fifth week maintaining a steady run till date. The film collected 2.25 crore nett in week which now takes the film to almost 83 crore nett. It will finish with a lifetime of 83-84 crore nett.

The number is good for the genre and it means the 100 crore nett number is possible for the regular romcoms. There were films that went over this mark like TU JHOOTHI MAIN MAKKAAR and ROCKY AUR RANI KII PREM KAHAANI but those films had heavy budgets (for the genre) and its pretty certain that sort of budgets will not be allotted to the romcoms for a few years at least.

TERI BAATON MEIN AISA ULJHA JIYA had also done around $4.75 million overseas which means that it will end with a worldwide haul of 140 crore GROSS. TU JHOOTHI MAIN MAKKAAR had scored around 195 crore worldwide but it was well over double the cost of this film.

The collections of TERI BAATON MEIN AISA ULJHA JIYA till date are as follows.
Week One - 42,66,00,000
Week Two - 21,71,00,000
Week Three - 10,67,00,000
Week Four - 5,27,00,000
Week Five - 2,25,00,000 apprx
TOTAL - 82,64,00,000

Hrithik Roshan to have an action sequence set in a Japanese monastery in War 2

The samurai spy

Sources say War 2 makers built set of a Japanese monastery in Andheri studio for ambitious martial arts sequence that sees Hrithik take on warrior monks
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; March 19, 2024)

In War (2019), Hrithik Roshan’s R&AW agent-gone-rogue Kabir Dhaliwal’s covert operations took him from Morocco to Portugal and Italy. So, which countries will the globe-trotting super spy tick off his list in War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji? For starters, Japan. Only this time, instead of Roshan heading to the country, it has come to him.

Sources say that last week, the actor shot an ambitious set-piece for which an elaborate set of a Japanese monastery was built at the YRF Studios in Andheri. The action sequence was choreographed by Se-yeong Oh, who previously worked with the production house on Pathaan (2023).

With War 2, the latest offering in the YRF spy universe, producer Aditya Chopra wanted to up the ante in action, and hence, roped in 12 action directors. The makers were scrambling for ideas to bring something new to the table when it struck them that they haven’t explored the Orient at all in the franchise. It was then decided that an action sequence would be set in a Japanese monastery.

A source reveals, “A huge set was constructed, along the lines of a 300-year-old heritage monastery on a hilltop, by art designer Rajat Poddarr and his team. In the set-piece, Hrithik’s character takes on warrior monks specialised in martial arts. Before shooting the portion, the actor not only trained in martial arts for weeks, but also learnt to use a katana, a Japanese sword. The scene sees him employ hand-to-hand combat as well as katanas.”

Mukerji kicked off the first schedule of War 2 in Spain last October, while the superstar began work on the spy thriller this month. Jr NTR, who plays the antagonist, and leading lady Kiara Advani have yet to join the shoot. Word is that the two superstars will unite in front of the camera sometime in April.

The source adds, “Ayan will begin Jr NTR’s shoot with a deadly face-off between him and Hrithik. It has been planned as a nine-day schedule in India and international locations. Hrithik has allotted the next three months to the thriller as both Aditya and Ayan want to ready it before the year-end.”

Anees Bazmee will announce if Madhuri Dixit will be a part of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3

Anees ‘will announce’ if Madhuri will be a part of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 19, 2024)

The cast of Kartik Aaryan-starrer Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has been only getting bigger. After roping in actor Vidya Balan, the makers also managed to bring actor Triptii Dimri on board. And now rumours are rife that actor Madhuri Dixit Nene will be a part of the film too.

When we ask director Anees Bazmee about this development, he says, “[When we took on] Triptii and Vidya, it was announced; there are many more left (to be finalized). Some are being signed on; with others, we’re still in talks. We’ll announce whatever happens soon.” The filmmaker insists on not divulging any more details.

Meanwhile, Bazmee, who is currently wheelchair-bound due to leg surgery, believes the show must go on. “I [realised] the pain is less when I’m shooting,” he tells us, adding that he has learnt how to operate the wheelchair and goes around the set mostly by himself, only seeking help “when I need to climb some place or get down”. 

On the work front, Bazmee will start shooting for No Entry 2 next year.

Anees ‘will announce’ if Madhuri will be a part of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3

JNU’s Rashtriya Kala Manch cancels screening of JNU: Jahangir National University

The poster of the film

JNU’s Rashtriya Kala Manch cancels the screening of Jahangir National University; students’ union writes to VC seeking legal action against film that ‘slanders’ institution
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 19, 2024)

On March 13, a pre-release screening of Bastar - The Naxal Story was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru University’s (JNU) Convention Centre auditorium. The screening, organized by the Rashtriya Kala Manch, led to widespread uproar as the varsity’s election committee had not granted permission for it. Moreover, Sudipto Sen’s directorial venture—which focuses on the Maoist insurgency, and alleges that students at JNU had ‘celebrated’ the killing of 76 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans—was viewed by many as a means to influence the JNU Students’ Union elections that is slated for March 22. 

In the latest development, the screening has evoked such polarizing response that the Rashtriya Kala Manch has pre-emptively cancelled the screening of another controversial movie, JNU: Jahangir National University. 

The title of director Vinay Mishra’s upcoming movie— starring Ravi Kishan, Piyush Mishra and Urvashi Rautela—is a blatant wordplay on the prestigious university in Delhi.

A student, on condition of anonymity, tells mid-day, “It has been unanimously decided that the film won’t be screened. Regardless of which party wins the student election, slander against the university’s name will not be tolerated.” 

The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) has written to Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit to pursue the matter legally. Mid-day got an excerpt from the letter that reads, “This film’s [poster] has a saffron image of the country with the text [reading], ‘Can one educational institution break the nation?’ This shows exactly what the film intends to portray. They want to parrot the popular line of calling JNU as anti-national and against the people of the country… We are with the vast majority of secular and democratic-minded citizens of our country. We request the Vice Chancellor to take action against this movie.”

Pandit has yet to respond on the matter. Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) that has allegiance to the RSS has stayed mum. The student adds, “They won’t come out and condemn this movie and its narrative that seeks to demonize this university’s students. For now, the film screening being [cancelled] is a win, but something needs to be done against this defamation.”

Mukesh Khanna takes down video criticizing Ranveer Singh's casting as Shaktimaan

Mukesh Khanna takes down video criticising Ranveer Singh's casting as 'Shaktimaan'

MID-DAY (March 19, 2024)

Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, best known for his iconic portrayal of the superhero Shaktimaan, recently posted on his social media about rumoured Shaktimaan project casting that is doing the rounds with Bollywood star Ranveer Singh.

The video was first uploaded on YouTube and then posted on his Instagram. Both have now been taken down by Khanna. The video which has now been deleted had remarks about the upcoming Shaktimaan movie. The reports have long been making rounds on the casting for the reported superhero film however, no confirmation has come. Reacting to the reports, Khanna made a video and shared on his social media, which didn’t make Singh’s fans happy.

Back in 2022, Sony Pictures India announced it would back the film adaptation of Mukesh Khanna-starrer TV show 'Shaktimaan'. "After the super success of our many superhero films in India and all over the globe, it's time for our desi Superhero," a tweet read on the official X page. The announcement was made via video, teasing Gangadhar's iconic specs, his camera, and finally the big reveal: the costume of Shaktimaan. According to the makers, the film will be headlined by "one of India's superstars". Reportedly, the film will be helmed by Basil Joseph of 'Minnal Murali' fame. 

What Mukesh Khanna said: 
Mukesh took to Instagram and wrote in Hindi, “For several months, social media has been filled with rumours of Ranveer playing Shaktimaan, which has upset everyone. I have been quiet, but ever since channels have begun declaring that he has been signed, I have to break the silence. I have said that a person with this image, no matter how big of a star, cannot be Shaktimaan.”

He also shared a video on YouTube and said that Ranveer should take up films in other countries where he can do nude scenes. “I have told the producers, that your competition is not with Spider-Man, Batman, Captain Planet. Shaktimaan is not just a superhero, he has also become a super teacher. Now, the actor who takes on the role should have the quality that when he speaks, people will listen. There are big actors, but their image comes in the middle,” said Khanna.

Tiger Shroff, Akshay Kumar to perform at the IPL opening ceremony on March 22

IPL opening set to be a starry affair!

Soumya Vajpayee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 19, 2024)

As cricket lovers get ready for a two-month-long celebration with the Indian Premier League starting on March 22 in a highly-anticipated face-off between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore, there’s a lot in store for music and film lovers too.

We have learnt that a grand opening ceremony has been planned at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium aka Chepauk Stadium, where musicians A R Rahman and Sonu Nigam will perform live. Actors Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff will also take the stage. 

A source close to the development shares, “The opening ceremony of the IPL will be a grand affair with a lot of Bollywood stars in attendance. This also marks Sonu’s debut performance at the event. He will be opening the show with a patriotic act. Then there will be a collaboration with Rahman.”

The insider adds that Rahman will also present a separate act with his group. “The duration of the entire show, including Akshay and Tiger’s performance, will be about 30 minutes. Sonu and Rahman will also present some Bollywood hits together. Besides the musical act, there will also be a never-before-seen AR (augmented reality) technology display at the opening ceremony,” informs the source.

Vicky Kaushal breaks silence on Sam Bahadur-Animal box office clash

Vicky Kaushal breaks silence on Sam Bahadur-Animal box office clash
HINDUSTAN TIMES (March 19, 2024)

Actor Vicky Kaushal has finally opened up on the clash between his film, Sam Bahadur and the Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal, acknowledging the inherent differences between the two films by bringing the reference to a test match. 

Last year, on December 1, the Meghna Gulzar film on Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and the Sandeep Reddy Vanga directorial were released. 

During an interview with The Week Magazine, Kaushal explained, “With Sam, we always knew it was a test match; we knew it was not the quintessential masala film that Animal was; it had the shock value, and one knew it would create waves at the box office.”

He added, “If Sam Bahadur would not click with people, it would not do well no matter when it was released. People started talking about it more and more as the weeks went by. We saw that through January, Sam shows kept going on, and that gives me tremendous happiness.”

Kaushal further expressed that Gulzar too mentioned that audience connection ultimately determines a film’s success, regardless of its release date. “If it did not click with people, it would not do well no matter when it was released. People started talking about it more and more as the weeks went by,” the actor added.

Vicky Kaushal breaks silence on Sam Bahadur-Animal box office clash

Ramzan is special for me as I embraced Islam during this period-Vivian Dsena

‘Ramzan is special for me as I embraced Islam during this period’
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 19, 2024)

It was last year when actor Vivian Dsena shared with the world that he embraced Islam in 2019. Now, he opens up about why Ramzan is a special time for him. 

“I embraced Islam during Ramzan, which is why the auspicious period is very close to my heart,” the 35-year-old tells us, adding, “This year marks my sixth Ramzan and by God’s grace, I have been fasting every year. I [try to] observe 30 days of roza unless there is something like an illness that makes me break the fast.”

The actor, who is married to Egyptian journalist Nouran Aly and has a daughter with her, adds that he tries to spend this time with his family in Bahrain.

“I can’t deny that I was initially worried about observing the fast because water and coffee are necessities for me; even my family and friends keep wondering how I manage to stay without water or caffeine for 13 or 14 hours! But God has been kind so far and my fasting journey has been smooth,” says Dsena.

Ask him to name a favourite Ramzan delicacy, and Dsena replies, “If I have to choose, it would be basbousa and kunafa. Otherwise, I love all kinds of home-cooked food. I’m blessed with a family and a wife who make every day of Ramzan a food festival.”

Before Aly, Dsena was married to actor Vahbiz Dorabjee for eight years. The couple got divorced in 2021.