Showing posts with label Dhamaal 4. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dhamaal 4. Show all posts
Welcome To The Jungle vs Dhamaal 4: How Mumbai circuit played a crucial role
4:05 PM
Box Office India Trade Network
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE and DHAMAAL 4 had practically similar collections India in the first week with the main difference being Mumbai circuit where DHAMAAL 4 came out a couple of crore ahead. That is the difference in final first week collections as well. In the long run, this will also be the biggest difference between the films.
The difference in other circuits at the end will be mainly down to the fact that DHAMAAL 4 got benefit of a better release date as it was the last Hindi release of a packed period. But in the Maharashtra/Gujarat block, the difference is content as these states have appreciated the content of DHAMAAL 4 more. Both films are in a similar zone and for comedies to really fire, Mumbai circuit has been of utmost importance not just today but since films started being made.
The fact that more comedies started being made from the beginning of this century is down to Mumbai circuit getting bigger with the faster deployment of multiplexes in this circuit compared to other circuits. The victory of DHAMAAL 4 is scoring well in Mumbai/Gujarat, especially the latter, as its hard to tell which film will go which here post pandemic with even comedy films not outperforming like they used to. What is outperforming is films from the South but lets see how long that will last.
The first week circuit figures of WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE and DHAMAAL 4 are as follows.
Mumbai
Welcome To The Jungle - 28,99,00,000
Dhamaal 4 - 31,96,00,000
Delhi/UP
Welcome To The Jungle - 23,05,00,000
Dhamaal 4 - 21,85,00,000
East Punjab
Welcome To The Jungle - 7,97,00,000
Dhamaal 4 - 8,41,00,000
Rajasthan
Welcome To The Jungle - 6,05,00,000
Dhamaal 4 - 5,75,00,000
CP Berar
Welcome To The Jungle - 4,51,00,000
Dhamaal 4 - 4,67,00,000
CI
Welcome To The Jungle - 3,53,00,000
Dhamaal 4 - 3,80,00,000
Nizam/Andhra
Welcome To The Jungle - 3,30,00,000
Dhamaal 4 - 3,93,00,000
Mysore
Welcome To The Jungle - 3,91,00,000
Dhamaal 4 - 4,20,00,000
Tamil Nadu/Kerala
Welcome To The Jungle - 96,00,000
Dhamaal 4 - 85,00,000
West Bengal
Welcome To The Jungle - 3,18,00,000
Dhamaal 4 - 3,11,00,000
Bihar
Welcome To The Jungle - 3,44,00,000
Dhamaal 4 - 3,45,00,000
Assam
Welcome To The Jungle - 1,25,00,000
Dhamaal 4 - 1,53,00,000
Odisha
Welcome To The Jungle - 1,82,00,000
Dhamaal 4 - 1,47,00,000
TOTAL
Welcome To The Jungle - 92,04,00,000 (inc PP)
Dhamaal 4 - 94,98,00,000
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 944
4:10 PM
DHAMAAL 4 CONTINUES ITS SUCCESSFUL RIDE; THE ODYSSEY IS A SMASH HIT
It’s a good month for the industry as two diverse films, belonging to diverse industries, are doing very well at the box office. Dhamaal 4 that had a great first week managed to hold well at the box office in Week 2 as well, despite competition from The Odyssey.
Dhamaal 4 collected Rs. 94.75 crores in Week 1 and then had a marginal drop on its eighth day, which it collected Rs. 5.25 crores. The collections jumped to Rs. 10 crores on Saturday and Rs. 12 crores on Sunday. The weekday earnings are steady. Until Tuesday, Dhamaal 4 has collected Rs. 128.75 crores. If it remains strong in the third week, it has all chances to cross the lifetime earnings of Total Dhamaal – Rs. 150.07 crores.
Meanwhile, The Odyssey is having a fine run as well. It collected Rs. 16 crores on Friday, Rs. 20.75 crores on Saturday and Rs. 20 crores on Sunday. Thus, the weekend collections are Rs. 56.75 crores and the first week earnings would be in the range of Rs. 80-85 crores. Its aim is to cross the Oppenheimer figure of Rs. 130 crores, and its quite possible since the film has historic trend in the IMAX and other premium formats. All shows of the film in IMAX in the weekdays, even the ones at 6:00 am or 7:00 am, have healthy occupancy. Tickets of the next week are already selling fast and their prices are high. As a result, the film can go anywhere from here.
However, Spider-Man: Brand New Day will arrive in cinemas on July 30. The excitement for it is also insane and it’ll definitely dent the collections of The Odyssey. However, The Odyssey will retain the IMAX screens and that would prove beneficial for its collections in the long run.
It’s a good month for the industry as two diverse films, belonging to diverse industries, are doing very well at the box office. Dhamaal 4 that had a great first week managed to hold well at the box office in Week 2 as well, despite competition from The Odyssey.
Dhamaal 4 collected Rs. 94.75 crores in Week 1 and then had a marginal drop on its eighth day, which it collected Rs. 5.25 crores. The collections jumped to Rs. 10 crores on Saturday and Rs. 12 crores on Sunday. The weekday earnings are steady. Until Tuesday, Dhamaal 4 has collected Rs. 128.75 crores. If it remains strong in the third week, it has all chances to cross the lifetime earnings of Total Dhamaal – Rs. 150.07 crores.
Meanwhile, The Odyssey is having a fine run as well. It collected Rs. 16 crores on Friday, Rs. 20.75 crores on Saturday and Rs. 20 crores on Sunday. Thus, the weekend collections are Rs. 56.75 crores and the first week earnings would be in the range of Rs. 80-85 crores. Its aim is to cross the Oppenheimer figure of Rs. 130 crores, and its quite possible since the film has historic trend in the IMAX and other premium formats. All shows of the film in IMAX in the weekdays, even the ones at 6:00 am or 7:00 am, have healthy occupancy. Tickets of the next week are already selling fast and their prices are high. As a result, the film can go anywhere from here.
However, Spider-Man: Brand New Day will arrive in cinemas on July 30. The excitement for it is also insane and it’ll definitely dent the collections of The Odyssey. However, The Odyssey will retain the IMAX screens and that would prove beneficial for its collections in the long run.
Younger lot is professional, but in a hurry-Jaaved Jaaferi
4:58 PM
Back in the comedy space, actor Jaaved Jaaferi shares his perspective on the evolving world of films
Vishakha Pandit (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 22, 2026)
Fresh off the success of Dhamaal 4, actor Jaaved Jaaferi reflects on his four-decade-long journey in the industry and the changing landscape of cinema.
The 63-year-old believes that every generation of actors has its own strengths and shortcomings. He calls the younger lot “professional, serious and very focused on what they want”, but feels that “they’re in a hurry and are not very accommodating”.
Known for his comic timing, Jaaferi reflects on the changing nature of comedy, noting that some aspects of it remain unchanged. “There’s a certain kind of humour that stays the same. Charlie Chaplin will never change, Mr Bean doesn’t change, Tom and Jerry doesn’t change. Dhamaal is that world,” he says.
Jaaferi further adds, “It doesn’t matter whether you watch it today or 10 years later. There will always be an audience who will like it... Dhamaal (2007) ko bhi aaj 19 saal ho gaye. Sensibility toh badli hai logon ki, but log abhi bhi dekh rahe hain.”
The actor believes one of the biggest challenges actors face is being a prisoner of their own commercial success. “There was a phase when (veteran actor) Mr (Amitabh) Bachchan couldn’t do anything different because it didn’t work. The commercial aspects didn’t allow him to move,” he shares.
Jaaferi says he has consciously tried to avoid that trap by making thoughtful career choices. “As an actor, though I have done a lot of work. I’ve played a villain, I’ve played crazy guys, done serious films as well. Yet feel there is a lot more left to explore in me,” he concludes.
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.
Indra Kumar responds to Anjali Anand's fat-shaming jokes in Dhamaal 4
2:54 PM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 12, 2026)
Filmmaker Indra Kumar has one simple aim — to tell a good story and make it a family affair. Comedy, he believes, is the genre that fits the bill. As cinemagoers return to theatres, he believes there is a renewed appetite for light-hearted, feel-good films. “We had a great subject. So I thought we must make it. And if you can laugh with the family, that’s a better option,” says the director as the fourth instalment of Dhamaal hit screens on July 10.
The goodwill that came his way before the release reinforced his belief. “Everybody wanted it. I got positive vibes from the whole industry this time.”
Having spent over three decades directing high-energy, crowd-pleasing entertainers, Kumar acknowledges that comedy is a difficult genre. To ensure audiences laugh along with the film, he has a trick up his sleeve.
“Comedy is something you have to have in you. You have to enjoy [the humour] while filming it. Also, [it’s a genre] that inspire actors to do all the things they are unlikely to do in real life,” notes the filmmaker of the Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, and Jaaved Jaaferi-starrer.
Kumar says the Dhamaal films have endured because of the ensemble cast’s chemistry. He credits Devgn’s deadpan humour and the camaraderie among the actors, which translates effortlessly on screen.
“Ajay, who has got the dignity and poise to match, can carry off a comedy effortlessly. He is one of the most versatile actors we know. In today’s time, he can do both a Tanhaji (2020) and Dhamaal, followed by a Singham, Shaitaan [2024], and Drishyam with so much ease. It’s a great quality. The kind of variety Ajay does is amazing,” shares the director.
On the fat jokes
Since ‘Dhamaal 4’ released on Friday, its fat-shaming jokes aimed at Anjali Anand have drawn criticism. Indra Kumar says audiences will understand the context when they watch the film. “I really loved Anjali, and she was very happy with the role. She has done an excellent job. The humour has context within the story and the character arc gives those jokes meaning rather than reducing her to them,” he says.
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 942
11:38 PM
DHAMAAL 4 OPENS WELL; ALPHA HAS 30 CR+ WEEKEND DESPITE NEGATIVITY
Dhamaal 4 has released today and managed a fine opening. The advance booking of the film began, well, way in advance, in the sense that nearly all single screens got a chance to play the film with no competition from holdover releases. The spot bookings came into play; earlier, it seemed doubtful that the film would open at more than Rs. 10 crores.
However, Dhamaal 4 is set for an opening of Rs. 13 crores, which is way beyond expectations. Welcome To The Jungle had opened at Rs. 15 crores and ended up earning Rs. 60 crores in the weekend, excluding the paid preview. Hence, Dhamaal 4 should now aim to collect Rs. 48-50 crores in three days. The franchise factor and the comic nature of the film have proved beneficial.
Total Dhamaal had opened at Rs. 15.91 crores and then went on to collect Rs. 150.07 crores in its lifetime. It had a clean run and a great word of mouth, which led to such huge collections.
In the case of Dhamaal 4, the response at present seems mixed. However, this film also enjoys a clean run. There’s no competition for the next three weeks, until the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. So, if it has a strong weekend and holds well during the weekdays, it’ll have a healthy run. Even a Rs. 100 crore + lifetime will be good enough.
Meanwhile, last week’s Alpha also fared better than expected. It opened at Rs. 9 crores and then went on to collect Rs. 11.50 crores on Saturday and Rs. 13 crores on Sunday. Hence, it collected Rs. 33.50 crores in its first three days despite bad word of mouth and immense negativity on social media. It yet again proved that trolls have zero impact on the box office.
However, due to negative reports, the film did crash on Monday. Its first week collections amount to Rs. 46.25 crores. The best scenario for the film would be to earn Rs. 60 crores in its lifetime.
(Crisp) Movie Review: DHAMAAL 4 by FENIL SETA
10:29 PM
Dhamaal 4 is a film which is easy to comprehend. Director Indra Kumar is a good, old commercial filmmaker and hence, the film has mainstream appeal. It is also a clean entertainer, making it suitable for the whole family. A few jokes here and there are hilarious. However, the biggest issue is that most jokes don't land as intended. The film stagnates in the middle of the first half, with the horror angle failing to work. An emotional scene at the end results in unintentional humour. Ajay Devgn is in good form and raises laughs with his antics. Arshad Warsi and Jaaved Jaaferi generate the most laughs. Riteish Deshmukh is dependable, as always. Ravi Kishan is aptly cast while Sanjay Mishra, Upendra Limaye and Vijay Patkar lend able support. Esha Gupta and Sanjeeda Shaikh are just okay, while Anjali Anand makes her presence felt. All in all, Dhamaal 4 is an average flick.
My rating - ** ½ out of 5!
My rating - ** ½ out of 5!
People still call me Ranveer Singh’s sister. Now they’ll probably call me Riteish Deshmukh’s wife-Anjali Anand
9:15 AM
She knows Bollywood still writes fat jokes. She also knows someone has to survive them long enough to change the script. Ahead of Dhamaal 4, Anjali Anand talks about representation, ridicule, and why she refuses to shrink herself to fit the industry
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 5, 2026)
The trailer of Dhamaal 4 has everything audiences have come to expect from the franchise — slapstick, loud humour, and an ensemble cast. But amid the flying punches and comic mayhem, one thing stood out: actor Anjali Anand wasn’t just another face in the crowd. She was paired opposite Riteish Deshmukh, dancing in songs, featuring prominently in the promotions, and occupying space that mainstream Hindi comedies have rarely offered women who don’t fit Bollywood’s conventional beauty template.
It also reopened a familiar debate. Can commercial Hindi cinema move beyond using a plus-sized actor as the butt of a joke?
Anand doesn’t dodge the question. “I was hesitant in the beginning,” she says, “Even I didn’t want to represent something where the body becomes the conversation. I told myself, ‘If I don’t do this part, someone else will.’ Rather than giving this responsibility to somebody else, I wanted to play the character and play her the way she should be played. I didn’t want her to become a bechari who simply keeps listening to people.”
“Those films are still being made because society still thinks like this. People can argue with me, but I always tell them, ‘Go and read the comments on my social media.’ There’s a lot of love, yes, but there are also people who have never seen someone like me getting a lead part.”
The word “fat”, she says, has acquired a power it shouldn’t have. “For me, ‘fat’ isn’t an offensive word. We’ve conditioned ourselves to think thin is good, fat is bad, fair is good, dark is bad. I’ve spent years changing that conditioning in my own head.”
Unlike many public conversations around GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, Anand’s response isn’t moralistic. “My weight has never made me unhappy,” she says, “People have made me unhappy because of my weight. There’s a difference.”
She laughs when she is told people assume she must be unhealthy. “I probably have the best blood reports among people I know. I trek, I dance for hours, I go scuba diving, I paraglide. I’ve never looked at myself as somebody who needs fixing. If somebody wants to take a GLP-1 because it genuinely makes them happier, then please do it but under a doctor’s supervision. Who am I to judge? We have medicines for everything. If this helps somebody live a happier life, why shouldn’t they? The question is whether you’re doing it because you want to, or because you’re listening to everyone else.”
Anand has become one of the few actors expected to shoulder conversations around representation while simultaneously navigating an industry that still views her body before her talent. The irony isn’t lost on her.
“I don’t see my body,” she says matter-of-factly, “I just see myself as a person. In the beginning, I got swept into the whole body positivity movement. Later I realized, that’s not me. I’m not body positive. I’m just a good person and I expect other people to be good people.”
Three years have passed since Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) introduced her to a much wider audience as Ranveer Singh’s warm-hearted sister. Ironically, she says, success hasn’t quite given her an identity of her own.
“People still call me Ranveer’s sister. Now they’ll probably call me Riteish’s wife,” she laughs, “The day people call me Anjali, that’s when I’ll feel like they’ve actually started seeing me.”
That recognition, she believes, still comes most powerfully through the big screen. “When we were growing up, social media didn’t exist. Brands didn’t exist. OTT didn’t exist. Those things are wonderful and I hope I keep getting more work there. But there’s something about the big screen. That’s where your inner child lives. I’m hoping Dhamaal reminds people that I still exist. This is my tenth year in the industry. Everybody tells me somebody should write a great film for me. I hope God is listening.”
For Anand, perfection has never been the goal. “I don’t want to spend my whole life trying to become perfect. I want to live my life. A hundred years from now, people won’t remember any of us. Why should I waste my life chasing somebody else’s definition of beauty?” The answer, perhaps, explains why she continues to choose visibility.
She knows Dhamaal 4 won’t end Bollywood’s dependence on easy fat jokes overnight. But she hopes a few will remember something else. That a woman who didn’t fit Bollywood’s conventional mould stood at the centre of one of Hindi cinema’s biggest comedy franchises and looked like she belonged there all along.
I am currently a part of four franchises; feel extremely fortunate-Riteish Deshmukh
9:49 AM
Actor Riteish Deshmukh opens up on headlining multiple sequels, the love from his audience, and franchise fatigue
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 12, 2025)
Actor Riteish Deshmukh returned to the Housefull 5 franchise earlier this year, which turned out to be a success with its two endings. The actor — who also has the sequels of other hit franchises Masti 4 and Dhamaal 4 coming up for release — calls it his privilege to be called back again to headline franchises.
“I think every actor should feel fortunate if they are part of any franchise or have gone into a second part. Here I am currently doing four films probably! I feel extremely fortunate to be a part of movies that people probably have so much appreciation for, that we are able to make a part four and a part five,” he tells us.
But the 46-year-old does not believe that the credit lies solely with the actors, extending gratitude to those who come out to support the films upon release. “That’s all thanks to the audience,” he says.
Riteish, who is currently directing his second Marathi film Raja Shivaji, also weighs in on the ‘sequel fatigue’ or ‘franchise fatigue’ and the shelf life of such productions, which has become a topic of discussion lately.
“That fatigue will lie with the audience. The audience’s reaction factors into it along with the fact that these instalments are coming in long gaps. They are coming after five years and even 10 years for that matter. So, it’s not like they are coming back every month,” the actor opines.
Shah Rukh Khan brings Arshad Warsi on board for King in a quirky role the actor couldn’t say no to
10:15 AM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; May 4, 2025)
Any news about King, and fans lap it up with gusto. The film not only launches Suhana Khan on the big screen after her OTT debut with The Archies, but also marks her first on-screen union with her superstar father, Shah Rukh Khan.
Currently in pre-production, the Siddharth Anand directorial begins filming on May 18 at a Mumbai studio, before heading to the UAE and Europe for later schedules. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Abhay Verma, and now, Arshad Warsi in a crucial role.
Interestingly, this marks Warsi’s second outing with Shah Rukh after the latter’s cameo in Kuchh Meetha Ho Jaye (2005). A source shares, “His role is small, but pivotal. Arshad could not refuse when Shah Rukh approached him. When he personally calls someone, nobody says no. Arshad is doing the film only because he loves Shah Rukh. His role is a sweet, quirky, funny and cute one with slight grey shades; and only Arshad can play it to perfection.”
Warsi, currently shooting Dhamaal 4 with Ajay Devgn, also has Jolly LLB 3, Welcome To The Jungle, and Raj Kumar Hirani’s Pritam Pedro lined up. “While Shah Rukh and Suhana begin shooting from May 18, Arshad will join them only from June-end after he wraps up Indra Kumar’s Dhamaal 4,” adds the source.
Dhamaal 4 takes a dangerous turn, Ajay Devgn intervenes
9:57 AM
After Arshad Warsi and Dhamaal 4 co-stars are apprehensive about pulling off a risky cliff sequence, Ajay Devgn tweaks the set-piece; oversees its execution and safety measures
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 8, 2025)
Another laugh riot from the Dhamaal franchise is on its way, with Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh and Jaaved Jaaferi having kicked off work on the fourth instalment. But Dhamaal 4’s shoot is turning out to be no laughing matter. Last week, during the shoot in Malshej Ghat, the actors expressed concern regarding a dangerous sequence set on a cliff. We’ve heard Warsi was particularly apprehensive about executing it, and was finally convinced when co-actor Devgn assured him that he will oversee the shoot and the safety measures involved.
The actors’ nervousness was understandable, considering director Indra Kumar had earlier planned to employ VFX for the scene.
A source from the set says, “It wasn’t supposed to be a live-action sequence because the location can be precarious. However, a few days before the shoot, Indra ji and Ajay decided to film it at the site. The scene was to have the four actors hanging from a cliff; it was the most dangerous for Arshad as he was to hang at the furthest end. Using body doubles was out of the question as it is a crucial comic scene, with them having to mouth dialogues.”
When the cast voiced their concerns, Devgn, one of Bollywood’s biggest action stars, took the lead. Since he has also been a director, he decided to mount the sequence as per his vision, with help from action director RP Yadav.
The source explains, “These actors are in their 40s and 50s, and not as agile or familiar with stunts as they used to be. Some of them even have past injuries. Taking these factors into account, Ajay broke down the sequence and eliminated some movements that could have been risky. He then ran the choreography, step by step, past the actors to see if they felt comfortable with it. To allay their fears, he also explained how safety measures such as harnesses and a safety net would be employed at all times. Plus, an emergency medical unit would be available throughout. It was only when each actor, especially Arshad, felt confident that Ajay went ahead with the scene, and shot it over four days.”
Impressed by Devgn’s execution of the sequence, Warsi took to Instagram to write an appreciation post where he admitted that he has “newfound respect” for the superstar.
Ajay Devgn's upcoming films include Dhamaal 4, Drishyam 3, Shaitaan 2, Golmaal 5
8:23 AM
New instalments dominate 2025 slate of superstar Ajay Devgn, who will wrap up De Pyaar De 2 and Son of Sardaar 2 by February; to kick off Dhamaal 4 in summer
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; January 30, 2025)
If franchise films are the ticket to success today as many filmmakers and trade analysts will have you believe, Ajay Devgn seems to have a winning hand. The superstar has seven franchise films in the pipeline, with his 2025 release slate consisting of three sequels — Raid 2, De De Pyaar De 2, and Son Of Sardaar 2. He will also shoot for the latest instalment of Dhamaal this year, while scripting of Drishyam 3, Shaitaan 2 and Golmaal 5 is in process.
For now, director Anshul Sharma’s De De Pyaar De 2 has Devgn’s undivided attention. An insider reveals, “With Rakul Preet Singh and R Madhavan, Ajay is filming the 12-day schedule at various sets across Mumbai. The cast and crew will head to Punjab by mid-February for the final leg during which two songs and some emotional scenes will be canned.”
The actor will then swiftly move from the world of the romantic comedy to that of his action comedy. The insider adds, “While in Punjab, Ajay will also shoot a song for Son Of Sardaar 2, after which it will be a wrap on the movie that also stars Mrunal Thakur and Ravi Kishan.”
Summer will see the actor returning to the universe of Dhamaal, six years after headlining the last instalment, Total Dhamaal (2019). While Total Dhamaal’s stars Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit-Nene will be missing in the upcoming instalment, Devgn will reunite with franchise regulars Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi and Jaaved Jaaferi for Indra Kumar’s directorial venture.
A source reveals, “The unit will kick off the shoot in Mumbai before heading to Goa for an elaborate schedule in April. Indra-ji has got bulk dates of the cast and will film the comedy in a straight schedule till August, readying it for a Diwali release. The adventure comedy, produced by Ajay and Bhushan Kumar, among others, has been written by Paritosh Painter, Balwinder Singh Suri and Bunty Rathore.”
By the year-end, it will be time for the superstar to prep for what is easily among his most loved franchises—Drishyam 3. We’ve heard that the crime thriller’s script is currently being penned by the writing teams of the Malayalam and Hindi versions, with director Jeethu Joseph leading the former. The source adds, “The plan is to shoot Mohanlal’s Malayalam and Ajay’s Hindi versions simultaneously in 2026.”
I always thought my first film would also be my last-Riteish Deshmukh
8:12 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; November 29, 2024)
While his comic timing in a string of Hindi films won him popularity, Riteish Deshmukh’s advent into Marathi films brought forth a side of him that the audience had never seen. Recently, the actor, who was seen as the host of the Marathi Bigg Boss, wrapped up the latest instalment of Housefull. In a conversation, Riteish talks about his journey in the Hindi and Marathi industries and how he defines success as an actor, director and producer:
‘The outcome of your efforts is not in your hands’
Riteish took over from Mahesh Manjrekar as the host of the recently concluded Bigg Boss Marathi Season 5. Ask him about the popularity of this season, and he replies, “I believe that instead of being weighed down by the success, one should be responsible towards the work that you’ve taken on and do it with utmost sincerity. I realized early in my life that the outcome of your efforts is not in your hands; it can succeed or fail. You have to give it your 100 per cent dedication regardless of the result.”
‘I’m just happy to dive into comedies’
The actor was also shooting for the fifth installment of Housefull alongside hosting the reality show. Talking about returning to a quintessential comic caper, he shares, “Although Kakuda was a horror comedy, it wasn’t the typical madcap one. So, I am just happy to get back to comedies, which are coming back-to-back with Housefull 5, Dhamaal 4 and Masti 4. In between, I will also be directing the Hindi and Marathi bilingual Raja Shivaji, a film based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.”
‘I didn’t deliberately choose to take on negative roles’
Reflecting on his early days, he recalls that his primary goal as a debutant in Tujhe Meri Kasam (2003) was simply to win the audience’s acceptance. He says, “When I debuted in 2003, all I wanted was for the audience to accept me. When comedies like Masti (2004) and Kyaa Kool Hai Hum (2005) worked, people started offering me only comedies.”
Ask him if he had to put in a lot of effort to break away from the genre, and he says, “No, I don’t think it was a deliberate attempt. It was just one of those opportunities that came my way. Ekta Kapoor and Mohit Suri were brave enough to offer me Ek Villain at that point, and I am very happy with the way it worked out.”
He adds, “I tried to do serious films like Naach (2004) and Rann (2010), but those didn’t work. I even did Aladdin, which didn’t click either. So, I was back to the comedy franchises. Breaking away from the comedy genre took time and films like Lai Bhaari (2014), Ek Villain (2014), Ved (2022), Visfot (2024) and Raid 2 (yet to release) helped me explore other aspects of my craft.”
‘Becoming an actor was never my plan’
Riteish has seen huge success in the Marathi film industry. Does he ever compare his journey in regional cinema with his work in Hindi films?
He says, “Becoming an actor was never my plan — I’m an accidental actor. In fact, I always thought my first film would also be my last. Everyone defines success differently. For me, success is something personal. When I reflect on my journey, as someone who grew up on movies, I feel immense gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had. I’ve worked with legends like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Mithun Chakraborty, Rishi Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, and Salman Khan. These are the icons I admired onscreen. Sharing the screen with them is my definition of success. So, it doesn’t matter whether I’ve achieved great heights in Marathi cinema or performed reasonably well in Hindi. Those aren’t the metrics I measure myself against.”
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