(Crisp) Movie Review: SUPERGIRL by FENIL SETA
4:07 PM
Supergirl starts on an interesting note, setting the mood neatly and providing a prime reason for the protagonist to pursue the villain. The story of her past adds a nice touch, while the character of Lobo (Jason Momoa) contributes to the madness. On the flipside, the humour is limited and the film gives a been-there-done-that feeling. It looks like a poor man's Guardians Of The Galaxy and another plot point gives a déjà vu of Mad Max. Milly Alcock (Kara aka Supergirl) delivers a performance which is authentic, subtle and yet effective. Eve Ridley (Ruthye) also puts her best foot forward. Jason Momoa is very entertaining. Matthias Schoenaerts (Krem) suffers from weak characterization; the villain is one-dimensional. David Corenswet (Superman) is decent and one wishes he had more to do. David Krumholtz (Zor-El) and Emily Beecham (Alura In-Ze) do very well as Supergirl's parents. All in all, Supergirl is a disappointing film.
My rating - ** out of 5!
My rating - ** out of 5!
(Crisp) Movie Review: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE by FENIL SETA
10:54 PM
Welcome To The Jungle belongs to the Tees Maar Khan-style brainrot category. Films of this kind are rarely made and hence, it arrives at the right time. The plot is bizarre and logic takes a backseat. However, the makers’ aim is to make you laugh, and the film succeeds on that front. Moreover, a few characters come with outrageous quirks, and the humour often borders on the offensive. Thankfully, it lands well; again, we haven’t seen this kind of humour in a long time, and that adds to its appeal. A surprise in the second half also keeps the interest going. On the flipside, the plot is like a bhel puri of too many films, and some of them are unjustified. A few actors are also forced into the story for the heck of it. An important track in the first half is bad and weakens the pre-interval portion. Speaking of performances, Akshay Kumar is in top form, as expected. Suniel Shetty and Arshad Warsi come next. Disha Patani looks stunning and delivers a decent performance, though she hardly mouths any dialogues. Jacqueline Fernandez raises some laughs. Jackie Shroff and Vindoo Dara Singh are able as villains. Raveena Tandon leaves a mark, while Lara Dutta is very disappointing. Johny Lever, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav and Shreyas Talpade are dependable. Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Mukesh Tiwari and Yashpal Sharma are wasted, while Daler Mehndi delivers an embarrassing performance. Late Pankaj Dheer, Feroze Khan and Puneet Issar are entertaining. Urvashi Rautela, Jeetu Verma (Dominic) and Sudesh Berry (Vikrant Singh) are fine in small roles. Lastly, Farida Jalal and Kiran Kumar are the surprise packages of the film; see it to believe it! All in all, Welcome To The Jungle is not the perfect comic caper, but it manages to raise laughs and give audiences a paisa-vasool time.
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 940
2:26 PM
WILL WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE EMERGE AS ANOTHER HIT FOR AKSHAY KUMAR AFTER BHOOTH BANGLA?
From today, 7:30 pm onwards, the paid previews of Welcome To The Jungle will begin across the country. The film has been in the news ever since it got launched, thanks to the popularity of the series, mainly the first part. Moreover, the film is arguably the biggest multi-starrer of all time.
Welcome To The Jungle stars Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Farida Jalal, Johny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Aftab Shivdasani, Mukesh Tiwari, Yashpal Sharma, Kiran Kumar, Zakir Hussain, Vindu Dara Singh, Urvashi Rautela, Hemant Pandey, Brijendra Kala, Feroze Khan, Late Pankaj Dheer, Puneet Issar, Sudesh Berry and many more. It is directed by Ahmed Khan, while the first two parts – Welcome and Welcome Back – were directed by Anees Bazmee.
The teaser and trailer of Welcome To The Jungle have been entertaining and it looks like a grand, fun-filled entertainer. However, the challenges remain. The trailer hasn’t wowed the audience. The songs, though quirky, have not worked as intended.
As a result, as it usually happens, people have decided to wait for the response and then book tickets. This is also reflected in the advance sales, though the bookings until now are decent. There was hope that Welcome To The Jungle would emerge as Akshay Kumar’s highest opener by crossing the earnings of Mission Mangal (Rs. 28.45 crores). However, it seems like it's not going to happen. At best, the hope is that the film will open in the range of Rs. 17 crores and Rs. 20 crores on Friday. As for paid previews, Bhooth Bangla collected Rs. 3.50 crores and Welcome To The Jungle should aim at crossing this figure.
Meanwhile, Main Vaapas Aaunga collected more than the first week’s collections in the second weekend. While Week 1 earnings were Rs. 11.23 crores, its second week collections were Rs. 11.50 crores. It is rock-steady on weekdays as well. The film is expected to cross the Rs. 30 crore mark by the end of its second week.
As for Cocktail 2, it opened at Rs. 12.25 crores and went on to earn Rs. 15.50 crores and Rs. 16.50 crores on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. But it dropped to Rs. 5.25 crores on Monday, while Tuesday's jump was limited, when it earned Rs. 5.50 crores. The film has earned Rs. 55 crores in 5 days. As of now, a lifetime of Rs. 100 crore seems like a remote possibility.
From today, 7:30 pm onwards, the paid previews of Welcome To The Jungle will begin across the country. The film has been in the news ever since it got launched, thanks to the popularity of the series, mainly the first part. Moreover, the film is arguably the biggest multi-starrer of all time.
Welcome To The Jungle stars Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Farida Jalal, Johny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Aftab Shivdasani, Mukesh Tiwari, Yashpal Sharma, Kiran Kumar, Zakir Hussain, Vindu Dara Singh, Urvashi Rautela, Hemant Pandey, Brijendra Kala, Feroze Khan, Late Pankaj Dheer, Puneet Issar, Sudesh Berry and many more. It is directed by Ahmed Khan, while the first two parts – Welcome and Welcome Back – were directed by Anees Bazmee.
The teaser and trailer of Welcome To The Jungle have been entertaining and it looks like a grand, fun-filled entertainer. However, the challenges remain. The trailer hasn’t wowed the audience. The songs, though quirky, have not worked as intended.
As a result, as it usually happens, people have decided to wait for the response and then book tickets. This is also reflected in the advance sales, though the bookings until now are decent. There was hope that Welcome To The Jungle would emerge as Akshay Kumar’s highest opener by crossing the earnings of Mission Mangal (Rs. 28.45 crores). However, it seems like it's not going to happen. At best, the hope is that the film will open in the range of Rs. 17 crores and Rs. 20 crores on Friday. As for paid previews, Bhooth Bangla collected Rs. 3.50 crores and Welcome To The Jungle should aim at crossing this figure.
Meanwhile, Main Vaapas Aaunga collected more than the first week’s collections in the second weekend. While Week 1 earnings were Rs. 11.23 crores, its second week collections were Rs. 11.50 crores. It is rock-steady on weekdays as well. The film is expected to cross the Rs. 30 crore mark by the end of its second week.
As for Cocktail 2, it opened at Rs. 12.25 crores and went on to earn Rs. 15.50 crores and Rs. 16.50 crores on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. But it dropped to Rs. 5.25 crores on Monday, while Tuesday's jump was limited, when it earned Rs. 5.50 crores. The film has earned Rs. 55 crores in 5 days. As of now, a lifetime of Rs. 100 crore seems like a remote possibility.
Main Vaapus Aaunga collects 22.73 cr in 10 days
9:33 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
MAIN VAAPAS AAUNGA has done well in the second weekend as it collected a similar amount to what it collected in the whole first week. The film collected around 11.50 crore nett in the second weekend which takes the film to almost 23 crore nett in ten days. Despite the strong second weekend the collections still remain low due to the disaster initial of the film though slowly, it is covering ground.
The film has found appreciation mainly in NCR and Punjab. The film has collected over 4.50 crore nett in East Punjab and this is mainly on the strength of Gurgaon, Chandigarh and the big cities of Punjab (political). The circuit which today is less than 10% is more than 20% for this film but going forward the key will be Mumbai city which needs to do better. Obviously it can do better in Central and Eastern India but that is unlikely to happen. This makes Mumbai city important as its a big center and can do better as the film is for the gentry audience.
The biggest issue for the film are its costs. The film should really be a success if it does business similar to the likes of THE KERALA STORY 2: GOES BEYOND or MARDAANI 3 but the costs of this film are far more than those films. The film still has time and it remains to be seen where it can finally reach.
The collections of MAIN VAAPAS AAUNGA till date are as follows.
Week One - 11,23,00,000
Friday - 2,00,00,000 apprx
Saturday - 4,25,00,000 apprx
Sunday - 5,25,00,000 apprx
Second Weekend - 11,50,00,000
TOTAL - 22,73,00,000 apprx
Cocktail 2 collects 44.25 cr in 3 days
9:30 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
COCKTAIL 2 has had good first weekend of 44 crore nett plus though the real collections will be lower due to the adds to the business over the weekend. If we allow for that then still its a good weekend for the film but the trend is a concern. The trend is probably a little better than the collections show but no way can it said to be a good trend.
The film does not have to do much from here to succeed as even a fall which is a little more than 50% will be enough for the film but on the weekend trend, that looks like a tough ask. Obviously a trend can be manufactured over the weekdays but that is a different story and eventually how long do you keep on manufacturing remains to be seen.
The limited Saturday growth means the film is unlikely to become a HIT but it can emerge a successful film depending on how it holds up from here and the weekdays are crucial for the film. A success is more than good enough for this genre at present and time will tell if COCKTAIL 2 can get there. There is rejection in the core Hindi circuits, That can be seen even with the feeding as MAIN VAAPAS AAUNGA has also seen rejection in these parts and COCKTAIL 2 was looking weaker on Sunday and that is with the former being clean.
The collections of COCKTAIL 2 are as follows.
Friday - 12,25,00,000 apprx
Saturday - 15,50,00,000 apprx
Sunday - 16,50,00,000 apprx
TOTAL - 44,25,00,000 apprx
Love & War resumes shoot with enhanced safety audits and inspections after the tragedy
9:26 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 23, 2026)
Five days after a tragic accident claimed the life of a crew member on the set of Love & War, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali resumed the period drama’s shoot at Royal Palms in Goregaon on June 22. We’re told the latest schedule, which already faced months of delays, commenced under heightened safety measures.
In the wake of the accident that happened around 3 am on June 17, Bhansali Productions has apparently put an immediate stop to all night shoots of the Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal-starrer until further notice.
The demise of carpenter Chandradhari Yadav, 42, who was working on the film’s set when he allegedly suffered an electric shock, has naturally affected the crew.
A source from the set told mid-day, “The electric wire was loose and he got a shock. After the accident, the makers have decided that no night shoots will be conducted going forward. They have also ordered additional electrical inspections, mandatory safety audits before every shift, and stricter monitoring of on-set work conditions to prevent such an incident in the future.”
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S Farah Rizvi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 23, 2026)
Following an accident that led to the death of a carpenter on the sets of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film Love & War on June 17, Bhansali Productions has offered compensation of Rs. 40 lakh to the victim’s family.
The incident took place in the early hours of June 17 at Royal Pump Studio in Mumbai’s Film City, where 42-year-old carpenter Chandradhari Singh Yadav died after suffering a severe electric shock. Preliminary findings suggest a short circuit may have caused the electrocution.
FWICE general secretary Ashok Dubey says, “Humne Rs. 50 lakh kaha tha aur humne apni taraf se prayatna kiya hai for Yadav’s family to get maximum compensation. Unhone (production team) hume bataya hai that insurance se bhi Rs. 10-15 lakh direct victim ki family ko mil sakta hai.”
The film body’s chief advisor Ashoke Pandit adds that members are urging the administration to “form a joint committee to get an audit for old structures and check on safety measures”.
--------------------------------------------------
We’ve been in talks with the production team since the day of the accident. Humne apni taraf se prayatna kiya hai for Yadav’s family to get maximum compensation.
- ASHOK DUBEY, FWICE GENERAL SECRETARY
Many people will go for banners and co-stars, but Alia Bhatt is different-Soni Razdan
9:24 AM
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; June 23, 2026)
Alia Bhatt’s Alpha is set to hit the screens in less than a fortnight. The conversations at home then, we assumed, would be all about the movie.
Laughing at the thought, Soni Razdan, actor and Bhatt’s mother, revealed, “We talk about films less than people think we do. We talk about smaller domestic things, like babysitting Raha [Bhatt’s daughter] and what she’ll have for lunch. We talk a lot about food.”
Films surely can’t be far behind. In her 14-year career, Bhatt has become among the leading stars of Hindi cinema, building a filmography on stories that revolve around her characters — an exception for female stars. Razdan takes it all in with gratitude.
“She has been smartly intuitive in her choices. She probably gets offered many more [projects], but she chooses the ones her gut tells her to do. It’s remarkable because many people will go for banners and co-stars, but Alia is different and it’s paid off. You have to thank the universe for the good things that come your way.”
But with success also comes the trolling. For instance, last month, the actor was subjected to incessant negativity during her Cannes red carpet appearance, where online users alleged she wasn’t being clicked by photographers. Having been an actor for over three decades, Razdan understands that stardom comes at a price.
“You don’t need to react to everything. You can be objective. It’s a survival skill that you learn. If you can’t develop it, don’t be in this business. We get a lot of love. We don’t want to look at the other side at all.”
Pankaj Tripathi flies to Patna to be with brother after alleged attack
9:22 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; June 23, 2026)
Pankaj Tripathi landed in Patna on Monday morning (June 22) to be by his brother’s (Vijendranath Tiwari) side after the latter was allegedly attacked in Bihar in connection with a land-related dispute. The incident reportedly took place on Sunday in the actor’s ancestral village of Besland in Barauli, Gopalganj district.
According to reports, Tripathi’s brother, Vijendranath Tiwari, sustained multiple injuries after being assaulted with sticks and clubs. He was initially admitted to Gopalganj Model Hospital and was later shifted to a medical facility in Patna for further treatment.
A source close to the family says, “Pankaj Tripathi landed in Patna this morning to be with his brother and will stay there for a couple of days. Vijendranath has sustained multiple injuries but is stable and under medical supervision. The accused has been arrested, and the police are looking into the matter. Right now, the family’s entire focus is on his recovery.”
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The actor’s elder brother was attacked with sharp objects and is undergoing treatment after sustaining injuries
Vishakha Pandit (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 23, 2026)
On Monday, reports emerged that actor Pankaj Tripathi’s elder brother, Vijayendranath Tripathi, was attacked with a sharp object and seriously injured in Bihar’s Gopalganj district. HT City has learnt that the actor has since reached Patna to be by his brother’s side.
A source tells us, “Pankaj has reached Patna to see his brother. He is in no condition to speak right now given the situation.” Sharing an update on Vijayendranath’s health, the source adds, “He has sustained multiple injuries. But he is stable, nothing life-threatening at this point.”
As per local police officials, the attack took place on Sunday in their ancestral village, Belsand Tiwari Tola following a dispute over land. Vijayendranath was initially admitted to Gopalganj Model Hospital late that night before being referred to a medical facility in Patna for further treatment.
Gopalganj Superintendent of Police Vinay Tiwari said that the accused has been identified, arrested and is being sent to judicial custody. He added that the family has not yet filed a written complaint.
My wife asked me to go away, says Raakh actor Akash Makhija
9:19 AM
S Farah Rizvi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 23, 2026)
With the recently released OTT crime thriller Raakh gaining attention, actor Akash Makhija is surprised by how his portrayal of serial killer Babu has left some viewers genuinely intimidated.
Recalling a recent incident, he says, “A group of people in public were so scared of me that they backed away. I was like, ‘Arre, I just played Babu, I am not him!’”
The 31-year-old’s Instagram, too, has been flooded with hate messages. “I never thought Babu would scare people to this extent, but it’s making me feel like sahi kaam kiya hai,” he adds.
Describing his wife’s reaction, Akash shares, “She binge-watched the show and cried uncontrollably. She even asked me to just go away!”
The actor, who was also seen in Bhool Chuk Maaf (2025), reveals he nearly missed out on the role: “I auditioned with around 800 people… After six rounds, I was told nahin hoga. I started looking for other things, then suddenly I got a call: ‘Aaja tu, you are finally selected’.”
Akash is now focused on building on this success with more substantial projects. “Sabko dara liya, now I want the recognition to fetch me more work as soon as possible,” he signs off.
No film set can compare to a locker room or a sports field-Aparshakti Khurana
9:18 AM
The actor opens up about his love for football, the ongoing World Cup and his take on the sport
Vishakha Pandit (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 23, 2026)
As football fever grips fans across the globe with the FIFA World Cup in full swing, actor and avid football enthusiast Aparshakti Khurana reveals his deep passion and enthusiasm for the sport.
“Despite my hectic professional commitments, just the adrenaline that football carries keeps bringing me back to it,” he shares, adding that the sport is his “biggest stress buster”.
MATCH DAY RITUAL
With excitement building for the ongoing World Cup, the 38-year-old shares his match-day ritual: “I try to keep my day easy at work so I’m fresh enough to watch the match... you need a lot of energy as a fan too.”
Aparshakti also adds how it fascinates him to witness the standard of football on display. He says, “The quality of football has gone up so much in the past few years — the fitness, the competition and the intensity.”
FAVOURITE FOOTBALLER
While among Indian footballers, the actor reserves a special admiration for former player Sunil Chhetri and calls him a “legend”, on the global stage, Argentina’s Lionel Messi remains his favourite. “He’s inspired generations while remaining grounded, and his journey reflects what football is all about — passion, perseverance and teamwork,” he says.
INDIA AND FOOTBALL
While the actor feels Indian football is progressing positively, he stresses the importance of investing in grassroots development: “More investment in youth academies and football infrastructure would help. Consistent success from the national team and stronger domestic leagues can inspire a larger fan base and create a long-term football culture.”
B’WOOD AND THE SPORT
Having played several matches for All Stars FC, a celebrity football team dedicated to raising money for charity, Aparshakti is quick to name actor Tiger Shroff as the best footballer in the team. “His fitness is unmatchable.”
Comparing football dressing rooms with film sets, Aparshakti adds, “Even though I haven’t played football at the highest level, I know one thing for sure — no film set can compare to a locker room or a sports field. That’s where we find the real heroes. We make only films on them.”
Rapid Fire
The underdog of this FIFA season?
Croatia: Technically strong, disciplined and capable of surprising bigger nations
A footballer whose mentality inspires you?
Argentina’s Lionel Messi
One stadium on your bucket list?
Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain
One football memory you’ll never forget?
Argentina lifting the World Cup in 2022
Favourite football documentary?
Sunderland ’Til I Die (2018)
One actor who’d make a surprisingly good footballer?
Jason Statham (Hollywood actor). From Bollywood, I’d say Ranbir Kapoor and Tiger Shroff
If not football, then which sport?
Badminton
Your prediction for this FIFA World Cup final?
Argentina vs Spain with Argentina emerging as winners
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