Kannappa Roars at the Box Office: Vishnu Manchu’s Mythological Epic Wows Audiences

With divine visuals, star cameos, and emotional storytelling, Kannappa earns praise and packs theaters across India

Highlights

  • Vishnu Manchu’s Kannappa earns over ₹16.5 crore in just two days, expected to cross ₹20 crore by the first weekend.

  • The film features powerful cameos by Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, and Mohanlal.

  • Emotional climax and devotional storytelling strike a chord with audiences.

  • Critics praise its VFX, mythological depth, and Vishnu’s best performance to date.

The film is earning both critical acclaim and strong commercial success. As of Day 2, it has collected ₹16.5 crore nett in India, with global gross estimates crossing ₹23 crore. Trade experts project that it will comfortably surpass ₹20 crore by the end of its first weekend, making it Vishnu Manchu’s biggest-ever box office opening.

One of the film’s major talking points has been the surprise appearances by superstars Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, and Mohanlal, all playing divine roles that amplify the film’s grandeur. These cameos, along with impressive VFX and emotionally rich storytelling, have received widespread applause.

Despite some early skepticism and a controversial review by filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, which left Vishnu Manchu in tears, audience response has been overwhelmingly positive. The final 30 minutes—filled with emotional intensity and spiritual devotion—have especially resonated with viewers.

Vishnu Manchu revealed in interviews that this was a passion project nearly 7 years in the making, and he poured everything into the character. The success of Kannappa now marks a major comeback for the actor, after facing multiple box office failures in the past.

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Shefali Jariwala Passes Away at 42: ‘Kaanta Laga’ Star Dies of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Mumbai

Model, actress, and Bigg Boss 13 fame Shefali Jariwala dies unexpectedly; post-mortem underway at Cooper Hospital. Tributes pour in from Bollywood and TV fraternity.

Highlights:

  • Shefali Jariwala passed away on June 27, 2025, due to cardiac arrest at age 42.

  • She was found unresponsive at her Mumbai home and rushed to Bellevue Hospital.

  • Known for her breakout appearance in the 2000s hit music video “Kaanta Laga.”

  • Post-mortem being conducted at Cooper Hospital; police rule out foul play so far.

  • Celebrities like Mika Singh and Divyanka Tripathi pay emotional tributes.

  • She was a vocal advocate for epilepsy awareness, having battled the condition herself

  • Mumbai, June 28, 2025 — Actress and model Shefali Jariwala, widely recognized as the “Kaanta Laga Girl,” has died of a sudden cardiac arrest at her residence in Andheri, Mumbai. She was 42.

    According to initial reports, Shefali was found unconscious on Friday evening by her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, and was immediately taken to Bellevue Multispecialty Hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. Her body has since been transferred to Cooper Hospital for a detailed post-mortem.

    While police have launched a preliminary investigation, no signs of foul play have emerged so far. Sources suggest that her death may be related to her ongoing struggle with epilepsy, a condition she had openly spoken about in past interviews.

    Shefali became a household name with her viral performance in the 2002 remix “Kaanta Laga”, later transitioning into acting in films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and reality shows such as Nach Baliye and Bigg Boss 13. In recent years, she gained praise for her openness around mental health and neurological disorders, using her platform to destigmatize epilepsy.

    The sudden news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Singer Mika Singh tweeted, “Deeply shocked and saddened. Lost a dear friend too soon.” Actress Divyanka Tripathi and many others also took to social media to offer their condolences.

    Her last Instagram post, shared just three days ago, read: “वक्त आ गया है जिंदगी को जीने का” (It’s time to live life)—a message now viewed by many fans as hauntingly poetic.

    Shefali is survived by her husband and a large extended family. A public statement regarding funeral arrangements is expected soon.

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Housefull 5 Gears Up for June 6 Release: Teaser and First Song ‘Laal Pari’ Out Now

The fifth installment of the Housefull franchise promises a blend of comedy and mystery, set aboard a luxurious cruise.

Highlights:

  • Housefull 5 is set to release in theaters on June 6, 2025.

  • The official teaser and the first song, ‘Laal Pari’, have been released, generating significant buzz.

  • The film features an ensemble cast, including Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sanjay Dutt, and Jackie Shroff.

The much-anticipated Housefull 5 is all set to hit theaters on June 6, 2025. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, this installment introduces a unique twist to the franchise’s comedic legacy by incorporating elements of a murder mystery set on a cruise ship .

The film boasts a star-studded ensemble cast, including Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sanjay Dutt, and Jackie Shroff. The storyline revolves around a whodunit scenario, with the characters entangled in a comedic yet suspenseful narrative .

Adding to the excitement, the first song from the movie, ‘Laal Pari’, has been released. Composed by Yo Yo Honey Singh, the track is a high-energy party anthem set against the backdrop of the cruise, featuring vibrant visuals and catchy beats .

The official teaser, released on April 30, offers a glimpse into the film’s blend of chaos, comedy, and mystery, further heightening anticipation among fans .

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Kesari 2 Day 10 Earnings: Akshay Kumar’s Film Wins Hearts and Collections

Akshay Kumar’s ‘Kesari 2’ continues its solid run at the box office on Day 10, showcasing the emotional story behind the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Highlights:
  • Kesari 2 shows steady growth on its second weekend.

  • Akshay Kumar praised for his powerful performance.

  • The emotional storytelling has struck a chord with audiences.

Akshay Kumar’s ‘Kesari 2’ continues its solid run at the box office on Day 10, showcasing the emotional story behind the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Akshay Kumar‘s much-awaited film Kesari 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh’ continues to perform steadily at the box office. After a strong opening week, the film maintained its momentum through the second weekend. The Day 10 collections reflect the audience’s emotional connect with the story and the admiration for Akshay Kumar’s intense performance.

The film, directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, dives deep into the heart-wrenching events of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, shedding light on an untold chapter of India’s freedom struggle. With powerful dialogues, gripping cinematography, and soulful background music, Kesari 2 has resonated especially with the youth and history enthusiasts.

Critics and audiences alike have praised Akshay’s portrayal of a courageous leader who faces unimaginable horrors. The emotional scenes and Akshay’s compelling act have helped Kesari 2 sustain decent occupancy rates even on weekdays. Analysts predict the film will continue its strong run in the coming days, solidifying its place as another success for Akshay Kumar.

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Pushpa 2 Leaked Online: Allu Arjun’s Blockbuster Faces Piracy Setback

Allu Arjun’s Pushpa: The Rule, the sequel to the blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise, falls victim to piracy just hours after its release but continues to shatter records with unparalleled pre-sales.

Pushpa: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, faced a piracy setback as HD copies leaked online hours after its theatrical release. Despite this, the film has shattered records, selling over 3 million tickets in advance bookings and is poised for a massive ₹250–₹300 crore global opening. Released in multiple languages, the ₹400 crore Sukumar directorial is shaping up to be the biggest cinematic event of the year.
  • Pushpa 2 leaked on multiple torrent platforms, including Tamilrockers and Filmyzilla.
  • Film breaks Indian pre-sales records with over 3 million tickets sold.
  • Expected global Day 1 earnings between ₹250–₹300 crore despite piracy setback.

Allu Arjun’s much-anticipated sequel, Pushpa: The Rule, hit theatres on December 5 and has already taken the box office by storm with record-breaking advance bookings. However, the film suffered a major blow after HD copies surfaced online just hours after its first screening. Torrent platforms like Ibomma, Tamilrockers, and Filmyzilla have reportedly leaked the movie, making it accessible for illegal downloads.

Despite the piracy issue, the Sukumar-directed film remains unfazed in its global box-office dominance. With over 32 lakh tickets sold in India and 3 million tickets booked on platforms like BookMyShow, Pushpa 2 is on track to earn between ₹250 crore and ₹300 crore globally on its opening day. Featuring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, the film’s action-packed narrative and star-studded cast continue to draw massive audiences.

Made on an extravagant ₹400 crore budget, Pushpa: The Rule is released in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Industry experts believe the leak, while unfortunate, is unlikely to dent its box-office potential, as the film’s unparalleled buzz ensures it remains a cinematic event of the year.

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Pushpa 2 Advance Booking: Allu Arjun’s Film Crosses ₹100 Crore Milestone

Allu Arjun’s Pushpa: The Rule surpasses ₹100 crore in advance bookings, setting the stage for a record-breaking global box-office debut on December 5.

  • Advance bookings for Pushpa 2 cross ₹100 crore globally ahead of release.
  • Trade experts predict Day 1 earnings of ₹250–₹275 crore worldwide.
  • Telugu states set to contribute over ₹100 crore on opening day.
Allu Arjun’s film smashes ₹100 crore in pre-sales

Allu Arjun’s Pushpa: The Rule has already created a sensation at the box office, collecting over ₹100 crore in advance bookings even before its December 5 release. Directed by Sukumar, the sequel to the blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise is one of the most anticipated films of 2024 and is poised to redefine box-office records globally.

According to trade analyst Ramesh Bala, Pushpa 2 is expected to gross between ₹250 and ₹275 crore worldwide on its opening day. In the Telugu-speaking states alone, the film is predicted to rake in over ₹100 crore, driven by premium ticket pricing and special premiere shows. The hype surrounding Allu Arjun’s performance and Sukumar’s direction has contributed to the massive pre-release buzz.

The film’s producers celebrated the milestone with a social media post captioned, “#Pushpa2TheRule crosses the 100 CRORES mark with advance bookings. THE BIGGEST INDIAN FILM is on a record-breaking spree.” With sky-high expectations, Pushpa 2 is set to cement Allu Arjun’s position as one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars.

1.9 Million fans are likely to showing their interest  Booking  on BOOKMYSHOW

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Maithili Thakur’s Trolling After Release of ‘Kisi Roz’ from ‘Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha’

Ajay Devgn and Tabu starrer ‘Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha’ releases its third track ‘Kisi Roz’, leading to mixed reactions for singer Maithili Thakur.

Neeraj Pandey’s upcoming romantic-thriller film Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha has been making headlines lately, particularly with the release of its latest song, ‘Kisi Roz’. This track, featuring the vocal talents of acclaimed Indian classical singer Maithili Thakur, comes after the successful reception of earlier releases ‘Tuu’ and ‘Ae Dil Zara.’ However, the release of ‘Kisi Roz’ has sparked controversy, resulting in significant trolling directed at Thakur.

The trolling stems from an earlier statement made by Maithili Thakur in 2020 following the tragic demise of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. After this event, Thakur declared on her brother Rishabh Thakur’s YouTube channel that she would no longer sing for Bollywood films, choosing instead to focus on traditional folk music in various languages. However, her recent involvement with the Bollywood film Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha has led to backlash from some fans who feel she has gone back on her word.

Comments flooded Thakur’s Instagram post promoting ‘Kisi Roz’, with users criticizing her for not adhering to her previous vow. One user commented, “Bahan aap to Bollywood k liye nahi gaane wali thi,” while another added, “Aap ne kaha tha ab Bollywood mein nahi gaoagi, phir interview mein vo sab kehne ki kya zaroorat thi?” Some users even questioned her commitment to her earlier stance, asking, “Aisa waada kyun karna jise nibha na pao?”

On the flip side, many supporters defended Thakur and praised her for her vocal performance. Comments like “My respect has increased for Maithili didi… there is a classic in Bollywood too” showcased the appreciation for her talent despite the trolling. Others remarked, “Troll karne se pehle ye dekh lo iss tarah ke lyrics har koi nahi gaa sakta,” highlighting her unique singing ability.

In addition to the online reactions, there have been developments regarding the film’s release date. Originally scheduled for July 5, 2024, the release of Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha has been postponed due to the competition posed by the successful film Kalki 2898 AD. Media reports suggest that the film will now likely premiere in the second week of July, with attention also focused on August 2.

About the Film
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha follows a couple whose love story spans 23 years, from 2003 to 2023. The narrative explores the emotional depth and evolving dynamics of their relationship, marked by tragedy as Krishna, portrayed by Ajay Devgn, becomes embroiled in a series of murders leading to his life imprisonment. This separation ultimately affects Vasudha, who remarries during Krishna’s absence. After 22 years in jail, Krishna seeks to reunite with Vasudha, culminating in a poignant final meeting. This film marks the tenth collaboration between Ajay Devgn and Tabu, featuring notable actors like Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, and Saiee Manjrekar in pivotal roles.

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A Bold Experiment: “Kill” Sets New Standards for Hindi Action Films

A review of the experimental action thriller “Kill,” which hit theaters today

Hello friends, today we’re going to review the film Kill, which has been released in theaters. Kill is an out-and-out action film, an experimental venture for the Indian audience as it introduces a type of action rarely seen in Hindi cinema.

Plot Summary:

The story revolves around Amrit, played by Laksh, an army man in love with Tulisa, portrayed by Tania Maniktala. Tulisa’s father, Baldev Singh Thakur (Harsh Chhaya), is a wealthy businessman who disapproves of their relationship and arranges Tulisa’s marriage to someone else. Despite Amrit’s suggestion to elope, Tulisa insists it’s impossible in Ranchi due to her father’s influence. The family, including Tulisa’s extended relatives, plans to travel from Ranchi to Delhi by train. Amrit and his friend Viresh (Abhishek Chauhan) board the same train.

The journey takes a drastic turn when a gang of dacoits, led by the menacingly humorous Raghav Juyal, boards the train to rob the passengers. Recognizing Baldev Singh Thakur’s wealth, the dacoits believe they’ve struck gold. What follows is a relentless sequence of action, as Amrit and Viresh take on the gang to save Tulisa and her family. The film is packed with intense, gruesome action sequences, bloodshed, and non-stop drama.

Script Analysis:

The film’s story and screenplay are crafted by Nikhil Nagesh Bhatt. The story is compelling, but it’s the screenplay that stands out, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish. Despite being an action-centric film, it maintains an emotional connection that resonates throughout the narrative. Bhatt skillfully reminds the audience of this emotional undertone at strategic points, balancing the violence with heartfelt moments.

The dialogues, penned by Ayesha Syed and Nikhil Nagesh Bhatt, are well-written, adding depth to the action-packed storyline. This is noteworthy, as action films often compromise on dialogue quality.

Performances:

Laksh makes an impressive debut with his portrayal of Amrit. He looks the part, acts naturally, and excels in action sequences. His dedication to the role is evident in his physical transformation, showcased in a scene where he removes his shirt to reveal a well-toned physique.

Tania Maniktala, playing Tulisa, has a smaller role but delivers a convincing performance. Harsh Chhaya as Baldev Singh Thakur and Raghav Juyal as the gang leader also add depth to their characters, enhancing the film’s overall impact.

Action Sequences:

The action choreography is exceptional and a first for Hindi cinema. While the intense action might be overwhelming for some viewers, especially the faint-hearted, it’s a treat for action enthusiasts. The film’s action is both brutal and purposeful, adding to the narrative’s intensity.

Conclusion:

Kill is a bold and refreshing experiment in Hindi cinema, offering a blend of action and emotional depth. Despite the violent sequences, the underlying emotional drama makes it a compelling watch. The film’s strong script, excellent performances, and outstanding action choreography set it apart.

Overall, Kill is a must-watch for action lovers and those looking for a unique cinematic experience. Its success at the box office will depend on the audience’s reception to this novel approach, but it certainly has the potential to make a significant impact.


Review by Chandan Mehta:

Chandan Mehta adds his perspective, highlighting the film’s groundbreaking approach to action in Indian cinema. He appreciates the unique storyline and the seamless blend of intense action with emotional depth. Mehta commends Laksh’s impressive debut, noting his natural acting and physical dedication to the role. He also praises the supporting cast, especially Raghav Juyal’s portrayal of the gang leader.

Mehta acknowledges the film’s gruesome violence but emphasizes its purposefulness, making it a standout in the action genre. He concurs that the film’s screenplay and dialogues are well-crafted, adding to its overall impact. In his view, Kill is a game-changer in Hindi cinema and has the potential to resonate with action enthusiasts and a broader audience alike.

Overall, Chandan Mehta rates Kill highly for its innovation, strong performances, and captivating action sequences, predicting it will leave a lasting impression on the audience and potentially rock the box office.

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Chandu Champion Trailer: Kartik Aaryan Shines In A Stirring Real-Life Tale Of Struggle And Triumph

Chandu Champion
The film will hit theatres on June 14, 2024

New Delhi: Get ready, folks. Kartik Aaryan just dropped the trailer of his highly anticipated film Chandu Champion on social media. In Chandu Champion, Kartik Aaryan steps into the shoes of Murlikant Petkar, a Paralympic gold medalist. Murlikant Petkar won the gold medal at the 1970 Commonwealth Games and bagged another gold medal at the 1972 Paralympics in Germany. In the gripping trailer, Kartik Aaryan’s character Murli is a man with an ambition to win a gold medal in the Olympics. He faces criticism from his classmates, teachers, and parents. He was nicknamed “Chandu” by his classmates but Murli is determined to prove them wrong and win India’s first gold medal in the Olympics. His journey unfolds as he sets his eyes on representing India in the Olympics, leading him to enlist in the Army to sharpen his skills.

Kartik Aaryan Shines In A Stirring Real-Life Tale Of Struggle And Triumph. The film will hit theatres on June 14

However, fate takes a cruel turn as Murli ends up in a coma for two years after getting shot nine times. Yet, his indomitable spirit shines through as he refuses to succumb to despair. Through a series of compelling sequences, we witness Chandu’s evolution—from his rigorous training in the army to his relentless pursuit of boxing excellence. The audience witnesses Chandu’s arduous journey and the hurdles he overcame to become India’s first Paralympic gold medalist.

Captioning the post on Instagram, Kartik Aaryan wrote, “With immense pride and joy, sharing the trailer of my career’s toughest and most special film that too from my hometown Gwalior, where I dreamt of becoming an actor, Chandu Champion, the story of a man who refused to surrender. Hope it touches your heart, entertains and inspires you to achieve your goals just like India’s pride, Mr. Murlikant Petkar.”

Chandu Champion

Key Points:

  1. Kartik Aaryan stars in Chandu Champion, portraying Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar.
  2. The film’s trailer highlights Murli’s journey from being ridiculed to achieving Olympic dreams, despite immense challenges.
  3. Chandu Champion showcases Murli’s determination, from army training to overcoming a coma, in his quest for gold.
  4. Directed by Kabir Khan, the movie is set to release on June 14, with Aaryan sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram.
  5. The promotional activities had a humorous start with Kartik’s cat, Katori, playfully tearing the film’s poster.

On Thursday, Kartik Aaryan dropped the first poster of the film. The poster features Kartik Aaryan running on the field, drenched in sweat. The caption on the poster read, “The man who refused to surrender.” The film will hit theatres on June 14 this year. Captioning the post on Instagram, Kartik Aaryan wrote, “Champion Aa Raha Hai… (Champion is coming). Super excited and proud to share the first poster of the most challenging and special film of my career. Chandu Champion in theatres on 14 June.” Take a look at the poster below.

On Wednesday, Kartik Aaryan shared a sneak peek of the film’s first poster on social media. However, things took a surprising turn when his mischievous feline companion, Katori interrupted his promotional diaries. Katori playfully contributed to the promotional efforts by ‘assisting’ in tearing apart the poster. Sharing the video on Instagram, he wrote, “Aaj se promotion ka shubharambh hona tha lekin. Katori ne poster hi phaad dia. Ab kal hi ayega poster (The promotional activities were supposed to begin today but Katori tore the poster. Now, the poster will come tomorrow).”

Directed by Kabir Khan, Chandu Champion narrates the story of a sportsman’s resilience and determination. Kartik Aaryan steps into the role of Chandu. The film is based on the life of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist in freestyle swimming.

On the professional front, Kartik Aaryan was last seen in Satyaprem Ki Katha, co-starring Kiara Advani. Last year, he also made a cameo appearance in Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor’s film Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. He also has an untitled project with Karan Johar in the lineup.

Chandu Champion Trailer: Kartik Aaryan Shines In A Stirring Real-Life Tale Of Struggle And Triumph Read More
The Motion Picture & Television Producers Association group photo

The Motion Picture and Television Producers Association Announces Key Decisions at Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of The Motion Picture and Television Producers Association convened under the chairmanship of Captain Dinesh Bhatnagar at the prestigious Aravali Golf Club, NIT, Faridabad. The gathering witnessed the culmination of significant deliberations, reflecting the association’s commitment to navigating the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.

President of MPTPA, Satish Sharma, shed light on the challenges encountered due to the pandemic-induced hiatus but emphasized the renewed resolve to support stakeholders within the Indian cinema fraternity. He reiterated the association’s core mission of facilitating direct or indirect engagement of cinema producers with the mainstream, thereby fostering the seamless development of Indian cinema.

Chandan Mehta appointed as gen secretory of MPTPA

A poignant tribute was paid to the late Shri Rajesh Dua, the esteemed first General Secretary of the association. Recognized for his contributions to both television and theater, Mr. Dua’s legacy as an actor and director continues to resonate within the industry.

In a unanimous decision, Shri Chandan Mehta, a versatile actor, director, and producer, assumed the mantle of General Secretary. Mr. Mehta’s rich experience, coupled with his leadership at esteemed film festivals, promises to invigorate the association’s endeavors. Additionally, Shri Nafe Singh, a seasoned film producer with a background in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, was appointed Vice President.Tribute to rajesh dua

Captain Dinesh Bhatnagar, esteemed for his tenure as the City Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, assumed the role of media in-charge, bringing a wealth of experience to the association’s communications strategy.

The meeting also heralded the commencement of member registration activities, opening avenues for film producers nationwide to engage with the association’s initiatives. Notable attendees included Mr. Naresh Gupta, serving as Cashier and Owner of Triumph Auto Faridabad, Mr. Rakesh Roshan Roy, a prominent journalist, and distinguished members.Nafa singh appointed as gen secretory
The Motion Picture and Television Producers Association reaffirms its commitment to championing the interests of Indian cinema and looks forward to a future marked by collaboration, innovation, and growth.

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