Dhamaal 4 collects 89 cr in 6 days
10:36 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
DHAMAAL 4 collected 6.75 crore nett on Wednesday which is a drop from the previous day but still a good collection. The Wednesday drop seems to be coming irrespective of what is done on Tuesday. The ticket prices were not dropped on Tuesday but the film still dropped while a WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE, which did drop prices, also saw a similar Wednesday drop.
The film now stands at 89 crore nett and it will be a 95 crore nett first week total for the film and then its about what the second Friday will bring in competition with the big Hollywood release THE ODYSSEY which is sure to open very well going by the advances. But it will a different audience compared to DHAMAAL 4. So, it should not drop too much on Friday.
DHAMAAL 4 is doing well pretty much all over apart from circuits where comedies fare less. The collections in the circuits are very similar to WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE with main difference likely to be Mumbai where DHAMAAL 4 will be 10-15% better over the first week.
The collections of DHAMAAL 4 till date are as follows.
Friday - 14,00,00,000 apprx
Saturday - 22,50,00,000 apprx
Sunday - 28,00,00,000 apprx
Monday - 8,25,00,000 apprx
Tuesday - 9.50,00,000 apprx
Wednesday - 6,75,00,000 apprx
TOTAL - 89,00,00,000 apprx
After Comic-Con and Delhi launch, Ramayana makers plan to host a special preview at TIFF in September
10:30 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 17, 2026)
Even before ‘Ramayana: Part 1’ begins its global promotional tour with its much-anticipated trailer launch in Delhi and a showcase at the San Diego Comic-Con next week, the makers are planning their next international stop.
Industry sources have told mid-day that producer Namit Malhotra and his team have initiated conversations about hosting a special preview and press conference at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). They are tentatively considering the window of September 10 to 11 for the event.
The move would align with the ambition of positioning the Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash-starrer, helmed by Nitesh Tiwari, as a global cinematic event. However, unlike film premières that are included in TIFF’s official programme, this event will apparently showcase only highlights of the epic. With the preview, the makers intend to leverage the presence of international media, buyers, and exhibitors at the prestigious film gala.
A source said, “The idea is to build ‘Ramayana’ as a global event. Toronto offers access to international media, distributors, and the wider film community. Conversations are in the early stages; a lot depends on schedules and logistics.”
mid-day reached out to the film’s production team, which didn’t respond till press time.
Pata nahin kaun meri marriage kara raha hai-Rachit Singh
10:29 AM
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 17, 2026)
Actor Rachit Singh is currently enjoying the positive response to his recently released film Baby Do Die Do and is now focused on what lies ahead. But alongside discussions about his performance, the actor says he has been flooded with calls and messages over rumours of his wedding with friend and co-star Huma Qureshi.
Reacting to the speculation, Rachit laughs, “Pata nahin kaun, kahan meri marriage kara raha hai!”
Reports that the two were dating began after they attended actor-couple Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal’s wedding reception in 2024 and only grew stronger with their frequent public appearances.
Ahead of the film’s release, Huma’s heartfelt Instagram post praising Rachit’s journey, from a small-town boy in Banaras to making it in Mumbai, was also seen by many as a “hard launch” of their relationship. “When I first met Rachit, what struck me wasn’t just his talent — it was his patience. His quiet grit,” she wrote.
Recent reports have even claimed that the two are set to marry in October. However, Rachit reacts to the buzz with humour. “Main soch raha hoon apni mummy ka number de doon. Sab log mujhe phone karke pooch rahe hain,” he says, adding with a smile that he’ll announce his wedding himself and send an invitation whenever the day comes.
Having spent a decade as an acting coach, Rachit says his experience on film sets has added a new dimension to his teaching. “I always connected with them (acting students) whether I was working as an actor or not, but now, with the experience of working on sets, it gives me a lot of perspective.”
Years of hard work can’t be judged on a weekend-Huma Qureshi
10:28 AM
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; July 17, 2026)
Before diving into Baby Do Die Do, Huma Qureshi knew one thing for certain: that it won’t be a film whose opening numbers could be tom-tommed about. Instead, she viewed her production as a “film that people should discover”. Now, as director Nachiket Samant’s action thriller that began on a slow note is entering its third week, the actor and producer’s vision has become a reality.
“We live in a culture where people are quick to write you off. Unfortunately, today the first 72 hours determine how big or successful your film is. Years of somebody’s hard work cannot be judged on a weekend. Sometimes we need a little time and word of mouth,” Qureshi told mid-day.
That’s exactly what drove Baby Do Die Do, centred on Qureshi’s hitwoman. Not only has the audience praised the thriller, but also filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap and Sudhir Mishra have supported it by organising screenings. That’s a big win for Qureshi and her brother Saqib Saleem.
Qureshi recalled, “It was a massive risk that we took with our eyes wide open. A lot of people tried to dissuade us. Beyond a point, I stopped discussing with people because the only difference between genius and stupidity is our success.”
The actor was convinced about putting her might behind this story for a bigger reason. “We are on the path to give a fighting chance to ourselves and people like us who don’t have a lot of opportunities. Now, people are making safe films and those without backing don’t fit into those films because there is no proof of concept. But how will you have proof of concept if we don’t get an opportunity?”
‘Baby Do Die Do’ was inevitably compared to ‘Alpha’ that released on the same day. How does Huma Qureshi react to the comparisons? “I can make my film shine without bringing down another human. I know how difficult it is for a woman to have projects mounted around them. So, it’s amazing that two distinct films, headlined by women, came on the same date,” she said.
Bhagyashree on Varanasi lassi row: "Are they upset that I didn’t drink it in front of them? Did my video harm anyone"
10:25 AM
Neha Maheshwri (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 10, 2026)
Bhagyashree recently found herself at the centre of an online debate after a video of her visiting and promoting a local lassi shop in Kashi went viral. Some social media users alleged that she chose not to drink the lassi after filming because of its sugar and fat content, questioning the authenticity of the endorsement. While others defended her, pointing out that personal dietary preferences need not undermine support for local businesses, the actress says the criticism has not changed her perspective on promoting local food and vendors.
Responding to those who questioned her intentions, Bhagyashree says, “Are they upset that I didn’t drink it in front of them? Did my video harm anyone? That’s what I would like to ask. Kuch achha karne jao, toh kuch logon ki itni chhoti soch hoti hai ki unhe har cheez mein bura hi dikhta hai. It’s hilarious to read comments like, ‘Yeh paise ke liye kiya hai.’ Wouldn’t it have been a paid advertisement then, as is the norm even on social media? But if I let a few people like this affect what I do, it would be a shame. My #TuesdayTipsWithB has been liked and followed by millions over the last four years. Countless people have told me how these simple tips have helped them, whether with their health or by offering emotional support. It feels wonderful to know that I could be a guiding part of someone’s journey.”
Bhagyashree’s intent has always been to encourage support for local communities and small businesses. She reiterates, “I have always advocated supporting small businesses when we travel. Even the simple act of buying a souvenir from a Tier-II or Tier-III town gives local artisans and vendors an opportunity to grow economically. Tasting local food allows us to experience the diversity of our cuisine. Similarly, budding designers often ask me to wear their creations so that more people discover their work. It’s all interconnected. This is the kind of support we, as Indians, should extend to one another.”
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 943
10:34 PM
DHAMAAL 4 IS A HUGE SUCCESS; DEFIES ALL PRE-RELEASE EXPECTATIONS
The box office is on a high right at present. After Welcome To The Jungle, Dhamaal 4 has now rocked the box office. In fact, it's doing way better than Welcome’s third part. The film was expected to open around Rs. 10-12 crores. But it managed an opening of Rs. 14 crores. However, it’s the Saturday jump which was the most impressive. The film accumulated a whopping Rs. 22.50 crores on day 2 and Rs. 28 crores on Day 3.
Usually, films drop by 50% on Monday compared to Friday. But Dhamaal 4’s drop was minimal on day 4, when it collected Rs. 8.25 crores. A mini-miracle happened on Tuesday when the film earned more – Rs. 9.50 crores. This is the norm now, but it occurs because Tuesday tickets are sold at a discount. In Dhamaal 4's case, the makers didn’t sell tickets at cheaper rates since the film was doing so well. Yet, it saw a rise in the collections.
Dhamaal 4 has collected Rs. 82.25 crores in 5 days and is expected to earn around Rs. 95 crores in Week 1. On its second Friday, the film will cross the Rs. 100 crore mark. It’ll now certainly go past the lifetime numbers of Welcome To The Jungle. The aim of Dhamaal 4 is to cross the lifetime earnings of Total Dhamaal – Rs. 150.07 crores. That shouldn’t be a problem, though the drop on the eighth day will give a fair idea about it.
The box office is on a high right at present. After Welcome To The Jungle, Dhamaal 4 has now rocked the box office. In fact, it's doing way better than Welcome’s third part. The film was expected to open around Rs. 10-12 crores. But it managed an opening of Rs. 14 crores. However, it’s the Saturday jump which was the most impressive. The film accumulated a whopping Rs. 22.50 crores on day 2 and Rs. 28 crores on Day 3.
Usually, films drop by 50% on Monday compared to Friday. But Dhamaal 4’s drop was minimal on day 4, when it collected Rs. 8.25 crores. A mini-miracle happened on Tuesday when the film earned more – Rs. 9.50 crores. This is the norm now, but it occurs because Tuesday tickets are sold at a discount. In Dhamaal 4's case, the makers didn’t sell tickets at cheaper rates since the film was doing so well. Yet, it saw a rise in the collections.
Dhamaal 4 has collected Rs. 82.25 crores in 5 days and is expected to earn around Rs. 95 crores in Week 1. On its second Friday, the film will cross the Rs. 100 crore mark. It’ll now certainly go past the lifetime numbers of Welcome To The Jungle. The aim of Dhamaal 4 is to cross the lifetime earnings of Total Dhamaal – Rs. 150.07 crores. That shouldn’t be a problem, though the drop on the eighth day will give a fair idea about it.
If Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was made today, it would be about three girls going on a trip-Kalki Koechlin
3:55 PM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; July 16, 2026)
Travel cult classic Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) turned 15 yesterday, and Natasha Arora, the fiancée audiences loved to argue about, continues to spark conversations. Kalki Koechlin doesn’t defend the character’s flaws. Instead, she believes those very imperfections made Natasha memorable.
She shares, “I don’t think she is a perfect character. I do think she is a problematic character,” adding, “Natasha absolutely stands up for herself. If she’s not okay with something, she says so and decides not to be with her fiancé. So, absolutely, she takes control of her life. That’s what makes the character lovable. Even though she’s quite insane, you understand where she’s coming from.”
Beyond the character’s personality, Kalki admits Natasha also left an imprint on her personal style. She says, “What I took from Natasha is my sense of style. She was always outfitted so well. I felt good in those clothes. There’s a certain personality... your spine straightens up when you wear certain clothes.”
If Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara were made today...
On the topic of why Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara has endured, Kalki reaches for a broader thesis about friendship on screen. She says, “I think a lot of films about friendship really stand the test of time. There’s something about friendship that really sticks because it’s what carries us through all the ups and downs. You marry, divorce, have a child, lose a parent... and when all these things happen, only a few friends see you through all those stages. Your friends are almost like a mirror to the person you become.”
Asked what a present-day version of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara might explore, she says, “Maybe if it were made today, it would be about three girlfriends going on a trip, and the boys are having trouble with control.”
‘In Spain, we could just be ourselves’
Apart from Natasha, what has stayed with Kalki are memories of shooting in Spain and the anonymity it offered even actors of the scale of Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif.
She recalls, “We had these huge film stars like Hrithik and Katrina in a completely foreign country. When we do promotions here, or when we shoot or go for a screening, there is security, crowds shouting their names and people asking for selfies. But in Spain, it was different. We walked on the cobbled streets and nobody bothered us. Everybody sat around the water fountain in the middle of the city. It was wonderful that we could simply be ourselves and not worry about the personas around us.”
Describing Spain as a leveller for the entire team, she adds, “It made everybody more accessible to each other. We weren’t hiding in our vanity vans, which tends to be the case when we’re shooting in Mumbai or elsewhere in India.”
‘There is a comfort in having women around when doing an intimate scene’
One of the things Kalki admires most about Zoya Akhtar’s filmmaking is her ability to find humour in life’s awkward moments, even amid emotional turmoil.
She says, “Zoya is particularly good at comic timing and at writing it into the script itself. She has a knack for finding those awkward moments and building them into the story. So, even in a serious scene, there’s always a touch of awkward comedy, and I really love that. The characters may be dealing with serious problems, but sometimes humour wins. Life is also like that. It’s never just one emotion. You’re not only sad; you’re also happy, angry and frustrated.”
Few films create a world as immersive as Tumbbad-Alia Bhatt
3:53 PM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; July 14, 2026)
After much speculation, Bombay Times can now confirm that Alia Bhatt has officially joined the critically acclaimed Tumbbad franchise. The actress will appear in a pivotal role alongside Sohum Shah and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in Tumbbad 2, an anticipated sequel, marking one of the most significant collaborations in Indian cinema.
Known for her remarkable range and fearless choice of roles, Alia’s arrival marks a defining moment for the film. Her ability to seamlessly move between intimate character-driven performances has consistently made her one of the most compelling actors of her generation.
Alia told Bombay Times, “Tumbbad has stayed with me ever since I first watched it. Very few films create a world that feels this original and immersive, and even fewer continue to grow in people’s imagination years after they’ve released. That’s what makes this opportunity so exciting. To now become a part of that world is incredibly special. I’m looking forward to working with Sohum and Nawaz, two artists I’ve admired for a long time, and to exploring a character that belongs to a story as rich, mysterious and unforgettable as Tumbbad. I can’t wait for audiences to experience what we’re creating together.”
Celebrated for its rich world-building, atmospheric storytelling and visual ambition, Tumbbad redefined the folklore fantasy genre in India and has earned a cult following over the years. Its re-release went on to become the highest-grossing re-releases in Indian cinema. With Alia joining the cast featuring Sohum Shah and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Tumbbad 2 is set to expand its canvas.
'Having Alia Bhatt come on board for Tumbbad 2 is truly delightful': Sohum Shah
Sohum Shah shared, “Having Alia Bhatt come on board for Tumbbad 2 is truly delightful for all of us. She is undoubtedly one of the most talented actresses of this generation, and I am sure the audience will get to witness something unique with her in the film. We have all witnessed her incredible performances on screen right from her debut. This is my first collaboration with her, and I am genuinely looking forward to working together.”
Tumbbad 2 is directed by Adesh Prasad and spearheaded by actor-producer Sohum Shah under his banner Sohum Shah Films, in collaboration with Pen Studios. The film is slated to release in cinemas on 3rd December 2027.
Producer Dr. Jayantilal Gada said, "Alia Bhatt is undoubtedly one of the finest actresses in our industry, and her joining Tumbbad 2 is truly incredible. This also marks our third collaboration with Alia after the phenomenal success of Gangubai Kathiawadi and RRR, making it even more special for us. She is the perfect choice for this film, and the audience will see her in a way like never before."
The Odyssey team stayed for 7 or 8 minutes; as they left, Tom Holland gave me a thumbs up, says Olympia owner
3:50 PM
Before they walked down the red carpet, Christopher Nolan, Matt Damon and Tom Holland found their way to a 108-year-old Irani café that still serves taxi drivers and Oscar winners the same cup. Here’s what else they got up to
Nisrin Saria (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 14, 2026)
There are two Mumbais every visiting celebrity encounters. One is all premieres, luxury hotels and flashing cameras. The other is discovered through recommendations. Over the past days, The Odyssey director Christopher Nolan and actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland found themselves on the latter trail.
At the Film Heritage Foundation in Ballard Estate on Friday, founder Shivendra Singh Dungarpur took Nolan through the Foundation’s restoration facilities, where the director watched technicians at work on a 70mm print. For a filmmaker who has spent years championing celluloid, it was a rare opportunity to see India’s preservation efforts up close. Nolan, fans would know, has also served on Martin Scorsese’s Film Foundation for over a decade. That Dungarpur’s Foundation has grown into one of the world’s leading centres for restoring and preserving films probably made it a fitting stop before The Odyssey reached Mumbai.
Photographer and filmmaker Sunhil Sippy, rarely someone to be overawed by famous names, found himself unexpectedly tongue-tied. He presented Nolan with a signed copy of Opium of Time, his 2021 coffee-table book of monochrome photographs of Mumbai. “I was nervous when he asked me to sign it,” Sippy says. “I simply wrote, ‘What an honour.’”
That evening, Dungarpur took Nolan and actor Matt Damon to Trishna in Kala Ghoda, that has fed Bombay’s old guard for decades. Nolan was, reportedly, already familiar with that menu, having eaten there with his family on an earlier trip.
A taste of Mumbai
If Friday belonged to cinema, Saturday belonged to Mumbai. Hours before the premiere, Nolan, Damon and Holland walked into Olympia Coffee House in Colaba. Founded in 1918, the Irani café has changed little over the decades. Its marble tables have welcomed everyone from taxi drivers and office-goers to politicians and film stars, while regulars still arrive early for bun maska, chai and its famously limited roast mutton. When Mirror met owner Mufti Ilyas Abul Rahim Saji, 56, last evening, he laughed at how ordinary the afternoon had seemed.
“Around 2.30 pm, members of their team started coming in,” he says. “We thought they were regular customers. They had tea and snacks, left, then returned again.”
Only around 6 pm did anything seem unusual – because security personnel gathered outside before a van pulled up. “We didn’t recognize them,” Saji says with characteristic matter-of-factness. “They came in, sat down, had tea and spoke among themselves. Then it was time for my prayers, so I left.”
The advance team had told Olympia only that a few VIP guests would be dropping in and requested chai and bun maska. True to the café’s old-school hospitality, Saji decided that wasn’t quite enough. He asked the kitchen to send out saffron phirni and custard as well.
The Saji family bought a 50% stake in Olympia from its Iranian owner, Mohammad Mirab, in 1954, when Mirab and his cousins were returning to Iran. Three generations later, copper vessels are still used here, because, Saji insists, “the taste changes if the pot changes.”
What has never changed, he says, is the place’s philosophy. “Our customers range from taxi drivers to celebrities, but everyone is our customer and we treat them alike. Everyone gets the same service,” says Saji, explaining that they go by the principle of equality taught in Islam.
Manager Inayat Maridiya, 40, knew only that “VIP guests” were arriving. “They stayed for seven or eight minutes,” he says. “As they left, Tom Holland gave me a thumbs up. Only later did someone tell me he was Spider-Man.”
Saji laughs. “I’ve never watched the Spider-Man films.”
When word spread
By the next morning, celebrity had worked its familiar magic. Customers arrived asking for the table where Nolan, Damon and Holland had sat, and even the cups they had used. They were out of luck. “They’d already gone back into the kitchen and were mixed with the rest of the dishes, obviously,” says 30-year-old waiter Shahbuddin Khan. There were even those who hugged Shahbuddin, as though a little of Hollywood glamour might have rubbed off on him.
In less than 48 hours, three of Hollywood’s biggest names had visited three very different Mumbai institutions: one preserving the history of cinema, the other preserving the city’s everyday rituals.
Underworld don sues director Prakash Jha over his web series, Aashram
3:46 PM
Alleges that the director used his photograph in the web series Aashram without consent to depict him as having links to a drug cartel
Anamika Gharat (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 8, 2026)
Ejaz Yusuf Lakdawala, a well-known gangster lodged in Mumbai Central Prison who describes himself in court records as a businessman engaged in property leasing and development, has filed a criminal defamation complaint against filmmaker Prakash Jha. He alleges that the director used his photograph in the web series Aashram to depict him as having links to a drug cartel.
The complaint, filed before the 13th Court of the First Class Magistrate at Sewree under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), seeks prosecution under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for criminal defamation.
According to the complaint, the objectionable scene appears in Season 3 Part 2, Episode 5, released on February 27, 2025. During a courtroom sequence, a lawyer is shown producing documents before a judge referring to “drug cartel and mafia transaction reports”. Lakdawala alleged that his photograph is visibly affixed to one of those documents, creating the impression that he is involved in drug trafficking and organised crime.
Claiming that he has never been involved in any drug-related offence, Lakdawala alleged that the makers of the series used his photograph without obtaining his consent. He contended that the episode, watched by lakhs of viewers, has caused irreparable harm to his reputation, subjected him to humiliation and mental agony, and violated his privacy and personality rights.
In the complaint, Lakdawala describes himself as a law-abiding citizen, a businessman in the property leasing and development sector, and a reputed person in society. He also states that no complaint of any nature is pending against him before any court or judicial forum.
Lakdawala has been widely identified in police records and media reports as an alleged gangster and former associate of underworld figures Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan. He has faced multiple serious criminal cases over the years, including allegations relating to murder, extortion and organised crime, and has been the subject of several prosecutions.
Despite that background, Indian defamation law recognises that every individual has a legally protectable reputation. Lakdawala’s case is based on the specific allegation that the web series falsely associated him with a drug cartel, an allegation he denies, and that his photograph was used without authorisation.
Interestingly, the complaint has been filed nearly 16 months after the release of the episode. Explaining the delay, Lakdawala stated that because he is in judicial custody, he was unable to investigate the matter or obtain details of the accused earlier. The complaint, however, does not disclose when he first became aware of the alleged use of his photograph or why no legal action was initiated immediately after the episode’s release.
Lakdawala has sought issuance of summons against Jha, preservation and production of the relevant footage, and an expedited hearing of the case. He has also requested the court to restrain the accused from leaving the court’s jurisdiction until further orders.
The court will now examine whether sufficient grounds exist to take cognisance of the complaint and issue process against the accused. The allegations made in the complaint are yet to be tested in court, and no findings have been returned against Prakash Jha or the makers of Aashram.
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