Coolie- Leo in BOOK MY SHOW TOPPERS/

Let’s check the list of those titles on BOOK MY SHOW that managed to sell the maximum tickets before release. 1) Pushpa 2: The Rule Allu Arjun’s action-drama created hype due to the popularity of the first film. The trailer and scale hinted towards an entertaining ride. Ticket prices were undoubtedly very high. But people did not opt to compromise as they had to enjoy for three hours, with 12.55 million tickets being sold for a week in advance. 2) Kalki 2898 AD Prabhas is a superstar who creates records. With Saaho and Radhe Shyam emerging as flops, and Adipurush being criticized for mocking Ramayana, expectations were very low. However, 8.47 million tickets were sold out as the glimpses were enough to make everyone excited. 3) Kantara: Chapter 1 The intense transformation of Rishab Shetty in the climax of the first film grabbed a lot of attention. Audiences ensured not to miss the prequel, with the Hindi market breaking records in terms of collections. The booking proved everything, where 8.21 million tickets sold in a brief period. 4) Jawan Fans were ready to see a new side of Shah Rukh Khan. The songs became a chartbuster, and the superstar’s massy presentation pulled everyone to the theatres. The excitement was bigger than Pathaan, and 7.65 million tickets were purchased. 5) Jailer Nelson shifted to a different subject after the audience did not like Beast. A big superstar like Rajinikanth was on screen. Additional hype was created with Kaavaalaa trending everywhere. As usual, Rajni fans could not stop themselves, with 6.61 million tickets sold. 6) Animal Ranbir Kapoor moved to a dark character. He was completely different, but intense and violent. People decided to go inside the auditoriums to believe what they were hearing about RK. 6.43 million tickets were purchased before release, and the shows were packed, contributing to a strong run. 7) Leo Lokesh Kanagaraj became a kind of brand with Vikram. This time, he brought Thalapathy Vijay for a new subject. Fans did not care about the mixed response and simply ran to get their seats, with 6.06 million tickets sold in advance, leading to huge collections in the end. 8) Stree 2 The popular characters returned. Their looks did not change. The crew members also remained the same. The only difference was the item song, which was new. The creation of a horror-comedy universe impressed the audience, and the Independence Day release helped a lot, selling 5.81 million tickets in advance. 9) Salaar Prashanth Neel’s world-building process is very unique. He does not go overboard anywhere and simply creates characters, presenting his actors in a different form. This time, the story of Khansaar and everyone living inside it attracted the audience, contributing to a sale of 5.59 million tickets. 10) Chhaava Vicky Kaushal’s intense appearance in the first teaser was sufficient to leave a positive impression. People were confident that the actor won’t disappoint them as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj this time, and they booked their seats, leading to advance sales of 5.44 million tickets. Very few films for this year created similar records. New franchise entries like War 2 and Housefull 5 also failed to pull audiences. Thamma is the next big release for this month, and more titles are on the way. Let’s see which film will take a spot in the above-mentioned list during the upcoming months.

Kantara Chapter 1 India Gross Beats GBU - Coolie World

We had reported that Kantara Chapter 1 making Rs 50 crore gross in Tamil Nadu was great and that it was second highest in South. A different look at statement. It says that the combined worldwide gross of two top Tamil films GBU and Coolie will not come close to combined India gross of Kantara Chapter 1. Secondly the expected total gross of Rs 650 crores is much below the Rs 1500 crores that was expected. Thirdly the film Tamil Nadu run has ended with new Diwali releases and on Oct 21 Thamma ( Ayushman Khuranna)will end the North run. READ ON: Kantara disappoints despite a near ₹550 Crore Gross At last The movie finally made ₹50 Crore and stands at ₹51.66 Crore just before the Diwali Run in TN With the screen count falling from 306 to 52 , the films run is almost completely over Bison, Diesel and Dude share 1196 Screens with the FIRST TIME that B+C centers run short of fodder Bison (384) , Dude (355) and Diesel (247) with 210 Screens being free run (Any one of the 3 films) However Kantaras Run across India was very impressive ₹ 178.68 Crore in the Hindi Market , not exactly a KGF 2 moment but still impressive ₹ 166 Crore in Karnataka ₹ 90.55 Crore in AP/TG ₹ 51.66 Crore in TN ₹42.33 Crore in KL Around ₹540 — ₹550 Crore in India alone ________________________________________ Unfortunately the Gross did not match up to the massive hype of the film that was expected to gross ₹1500 Crore by pundits Too much Hindutva - was the verdict by the South Indian Gen Z My Young neighbors in Bangalore said “We watched because it's a Kannada film and we love the Shettys but there is too much Hindu mythology for our liking” Nonetheless Karnataka and Mumbai and Delhi are still running Kantara in multiple screens Bollywood has no major Diwali release until THAMMA hits the screens on 21st and has a whopping 790 screen release, a record for Ayushmaan Khurana Let's hope for a ₹650 Crore finish Unfortunately this gross in India alone beats anything Tamil Films Grossed Worldwide this year GBU managed a limp ₹207.73 Crore Gross across India while Coolie managed a nice ₹363.85 Crore Gross Their combined total is almost what Kantara alone grossed ________________________________________

Kantara Chapter 1 Tamil Nadu Second Highest After Karnataka

Though Kantara was a non starter in Tamil Nadu, sequel has created a box office record.The film officially crossed the ₹50 crore gross mark in the state yesterday, creating a new record. This incredible achievement makes it only the eighth film from outside the Tamil film industry (non-Kollywood) to hit this half-century milestone. The film is showing a very strong hold with the audience. Its collections in the second week are expected to drop by only 35%, which is a fantastic trend. Looking at its current pace, trade analysts are predicting that Kantara: Chapter 1 could be heading towards a final collection of around ₹70 crore, especially with the big Diwali holiday period coming up. A Massive Jump From The Original Film What makes this success story even more interesting is the huge growth the franchise has seen in Tamil Nadu. The original Kantara was considered an underperformer in the state, collecting only around ₹12 crore. This was much lower than its collections in other South Indian states. However, the tables have completely turned with Kantara: Chapter 1. This time, Tamil Nadu has become the film’s biggest market in the South, right after its home state of Karnataka. The final collection of the prequel is expected to be 5 to 6 times more than what the first film earned, which is a phenomenal jump and shows how much the audience has connected with this world. Top Non-Kollywood Grossers In Tamil Nadu With its entry into the ₹50 crore club, Kantara: Chapter 1 has joined an elite list of high-grossing films from other industries that have won over the Tamil audience. Here is the updated list:

Rank Title Year Gross Collections 1 Baahubali: The Conclusion 2017 ₹146.00 cr. 2 KGF Chapter 2 2022 ₹105.50 cr. 3 RRR 2022 ₹75.00 cr. 4 Avatar: The Way of Water 2022 ₹71.00 cr. 5 Pushpa: The Rule 2024 ₹71.00 cr. 6 Manjummel Boys 2024 ₹63.50 cr. 7 Baahubali: The Beginning 2015 ₹58.00 cr. 8 Kantara: Chapter 1 2025 ₹50.50 cr. 9 Jawan 2023 ₹44.00 cr. 10 Kalki 2898 AD 2024 ₹

Kamal Haasan at Karur / Rishab Shetty love Affair and Atheism

Kamal Haasan, Rajya Sabha MP, would be at the stampede site in Velusamypuram, interact with the local people and is also expected to meet the families of victims, according to sources in MNM. Taking to his official X handle (Formerly known as Twitter), the Vikram actor wrote, "My heart trembles. The news coming from Karur brings shock and sorrow. I am at a loss for words to express my deepest condolences to the innocent people who lost their lives trapped in the crowd congestion." He added," I urge the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that those rescued from the congestion receive proper treatment and that those affected receive appropriate relief." Forty one persons were killed and over 50 were injured in the September 27 stampede at the rally addressed by top actor Vijay, the chief of fledgling Tamila Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Director Puri Jagannadh expressed grief over the tragic stampede at the Karur rally in Tamil Nadu on Saturday (September 27). He also stated that, owing to the unfortunate incident, Team Puri Sethupathi has postponed the title and teaser launch event planned for Vijay Sethupathi's film.

Rishab Shetty and Pragathi Shetty's love story Known as the ‘power couple of Sandalwood’, Pragathi and Rishab’s love story is a fairytale. While he enjoys the limelight, being in front of the camera, she is the wind beneath his wings. According to reports, Rishab met Pragathi, a costume designer, at a film event. A couple of weeks later, they chatted on Facebook and became friends. Gradually, the couple fell in love. However, Pragathi’s parents were against the relationship as Shetty was yet to find success in the film industry. After convincing them, they tied the knot in 2017. Rishab and Pragathi welcomed Ranvit in 2019. Their daughter Radhya was born in 2022. As per reports, Pragathi joined Rishab in Bell Bottom, the 2019 Kannada language film, as the costume designer. She also worked on Kantara (2022). Netizens came out on X (former Twitter) to discuss Pragathi’s cameo in Kantara Chapter 1. She features in a blink-and-miss role in the first half of the film, during the chariot scene. Not just Rishab’s wife, his son Ranvit, also has a cameo. Pragathi played a brief role in Kantara (2022), where she was seen as the king’s wife. Recently, during an interview, Rishab was asked about the negative reviews surrounding Kantara: Chapter 1 particularly the criticism that the film promotes superstitious beliefs. His calm and thoughtful response has now gone viral on social media. Rishab Shetty said he doesn’t make films with any biased agenda or propaganda. He added that while he believes in God, he also respects people who don’t share the same belief and simply asked that others respect his faith in return. Read more at: https://www.m9.news/movienews/rishab-shetty-viral-statement-kantara-criticism/

Shankar's Velpari copied by Kantara 1 / NETFLIX Removes Bahubali - WHY ?

 Some viewers on social media claim that parts of Kantara: A Legend-Chapter 1 resemble the Velpari novel. They believe Rishabh Shetty drew inspiration from the novel while shaping certain sequences in the film. This has created sharp discussions online. In the middle of this, Trollers began targeting director Shankar. They argue he is already struggling after two back-to-back flops, Indian 2 and Game Changer. Since he holds the rights to the Velpari novel, they feel he might be upset if the film really borrowed from it. Some even suggest Shankar should act against the Kantara team, as he has yet to announce his next project. On the other hand, many argue that Kantara: A Legend-Chapter 1 is Rishabh Shetty’s original work with historical elements, and not an adaptation of the Velpari novel. So far, there is no official confirmation linking Kantara: A Legend-Chapter 1 to the Velpari novel. The claims remain pure social media speculation. Still, the debate has triggered wide reactions online, with audiences divided over the film’s originality.

Audiences couldn’t help comparing Kantara 1  with Bollywood’s big banners. They pointed out how films like War 2, reportedly made on a Rs 300–400 crore budget, lacked strong VFX, story depth, and cinematic emotion. In contrast, Kantara: Chapter 1 achieved more with less. Its sincerity, artistry, and grounded approach won over audiences, making it a reminder that passion and purpose matter more than inflated budget

Netflix has removed both parts of Baahubali just weeks before S. S. Rajamouli’s big re-release. Even after a decade, the filmmaker stays deeply connected to his iconic universe. He is now finishing work on Baahubali: The Epic, a recut that combines Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. This version includes improved visuals and some never-seen sequences. It is scheduled to release in theatres on October 31. As fans wait for the re-release, both films suddenly disappeared from Netflix. Many believe the removal is due to expired streaming rights. Others see it as a clear move to build hype and push viewers back to the big screen. If the films vanish from other OTT platforms too, it will confirm a planned strategy to fuel excitement. Read more at: https://www.m9.news/movienews/netflix-drops-baahubali-before-rajamouli-re-release/

Dhanush Idly Kadai sales dips as Kantara Roars

Dhanush for second time is facing opposition from a strong rival= Rishab Shetty Kantara Chapter 1. A centres mainly multiplexes in Tamil Nadu are seen more screens being added to Kantara and Idly Kadai dropping. Single screens are holding out. In two Telufu States, Idly Kadai ( Kottu) is buried under Knatara rampagge Read on. Kantara Chapter 1 has opened to a strong response, and this is affecting the run of Dhanush’s Idli Kadai. Rishab Shetty returned with the prequel to his blockbuster Kantara, and the film released in theatres today. Viewers who watched Kantara Chapter 1 are giving positive feedback. This is driving a surge in ticket bookings across India, making it one of the most talked-about releases this weekend. Meanwhile, Dhanush’s Idli Kadai, which released yesterday, is facing mixed reviews. The overwhelming reception for Kantara is pulling audiences away from Idli Kadai in several centres, including Tamil Nadu. Before the releases, trade trackers expected Idli Kadai to enjoy a smooth run during the long weekend. It was seen as a family drama with strong local appeal, especially in Tamil Nadu. But the trend is now shifting. Even though Idli Kadai secured a large screen count through Red Giant distribution, the buzz around Kantara suggests it could replace Idli Kadai in A centres after the first weekend. This shift has sparked discussion online. Many recall that Dhanush’s earlier directorial Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam (NEEK) struggled when Pradeep Ranganathan’s Dragon clashed with it. Now, history seems to be repeating with Kantara overshadowing Idli Kadai. Some Kollywood trackers argue otherwise. They feel Idli Kadai will still perform well in B and C centres, where its family drama theme connects strongly. According to them, only its A centre collections will feel the heat from Kantara. The coming days will reveal the real outcome. For now, Kantara Chapter 1 is enjoying strong momentum, while Idli Kadai is trying to hold its ground in Tamil Nadu’s box office battle. Franchise films like Baahubali 2, KGF 2, LCU film Leo, and Mohanlal’s Empuraan did very well at the Kerala box office, but Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2 failed to meet expectations and became a big failure. Apart from Allu Arjun’s highly anticipated sequel, all the films listed above debuted with record-breaking numbers and achieved massive success over time in Kerala. Now Kantara Chapter 1 has also exceeded trade’s expectations, and despite not having much pre-release jump and multiple films running in theaters, it still sees a 6 Cr opening, which is one of the biggest openings in Kerala.

Kantara 1 Trailor Highest Viewership in North India / Double Win for Mohanlal

 North Indian audience are the most eager to view Kantara Chapter 1 ; Read on - The makers officially announced that the trailer quickly garnered over 55 million views. Surprisingly, it’s not the Kannada or Telugu audiences who are most excited , it’s North Indian viewers. The Hindi trailer has already crossed 16 million views, more than twice the Kannada version and three times the Telugu version at the time of writing.

This unexpected response is phenomenal. With North Indian audiences showing such excitement, the makers would be wise to push the film hard in the region, it could turn this prequel into a major box office hit.

Rukmini Vasanth stars as the heroine in this ambitious project from Hombale Films, alongside Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah, and other key cast members. The film is also supported by Ajaneesh Loknath’s music. Sivakarthikeyan released the Tamil trailer of the film on his social media page and congratulated the film crew.
The trailer doesn't reveal much about the film, but it does have a certain mystery and intrigue. The story, which is a continuation of the previous film, surprises the audience.

The film’s core creative team includes:

Director & Writer – Rishab Shetty
Producer – Vijay Kiragandur (Hombale Films)
Director of Photography – Arvind S. Kashyap
Music Director – B. Ajaneesh Loknath

OG, Idli Kadai, and Kantara Chapter 1 are set to clash at the box office during 2025 Dasara. Pawan Kalyan’s OG received an ‘A’ rating, Dhanush’s Idli Kadai got a clean ‘U,’ and Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 was given a ‘U/A’ certification.

As Mohanlal steps to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award, highest honour for an actor in India, he is also the only actor in earning 250 Cr in a single year,  He has joined Drishyam 3 the sequel to the hit franchise that are blockbusters. Read on:

In 2025, Mohanlal made a huge ₹250 crore at the Kerala Box Office, setting a record for any Malayalam actor. His hits include L2-Empuraan—₹86.25Cr, Thudarum—₹118.90Cr, Chotta Mumbai (re-release)—₹3.61 Cr, and Hridayapoorvam—₹41.32Cr. 

No actor has ever achieved this milestone in the Malayalam film industry. Mohanlal continues to set new benchmarks for Malayalam cinema.

Looking at the global figures, the actor’s films grossed over 550 crore at the box office, delivering major hits throughout the year. He is alco coming up with a big budget film, Vrusshabha this Diwali.

Vrushabha is presented by Connekkt Media and Balaji Telefilms in association with AVS Studios. The film is directed by Nanda Kishore and produced by Vishal Gurnani (AVS Studios), Juhi Parekh Mehta, Abhishek Vyas, and Shyam Sunder (First Step Movies), Ektaa R Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor (Balaji Telefilms), along with Varun Mathur and Saurabh Mishra (Connekkt Media). The film is being shot simultaneously in Telugu & Malayalam and it will release in Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, Kannada and Tamil.

The India's highest award in cinema is given in the name of Dadasaheb Phalke because he is credited of making Raja Harishchandra that was the first feature film in India, and is thus called the father of Indian cinema. Dadasaheb Phalke Award was introduced in 1969 by the government to recognise the contribution of film personalities towards the development of Indian Cinema.

Kantara prequel First look - Lokesh turns Producer

 The Divinity Resurfaces Again with Kantara Chapter 1’s first look

Following the immense success of "Kantara: A Legend" last year, Hombale Films is set to captivate audiences once again with their latest cinematic masterpiece, "Kantara Chapter 1." The first look of the highly anticipated movie has been revealed by the makers, promising an intense and divine cinematic experience.

The teaser, which showcases an ominous yet captivating look of actor-director Rishab Shetty, provides a glimpse into the visionary world created by the Director for himself. The familiar roar that echoed in the first installment is back, setting the tone for the birth of a legend and the beginning of all. The teaser immerses viewers in the intense perspective of Rishab Shetty's character, creating an atmosphere filled with suspense and intrigue.

Notably, the enchanting soulful music that left an indelible mark in the hearts of audiences last year makes a return in the new movie's video. The teaser concludes with a unique touch – seven different ragas of music representing each of the seven languages in which "Kantara Chapter 1" will be released.

"Kantara" took the global cinematic landscape by storm last year, captivating audiences with its folklore-based storytelling that explored the intricate connection between humanity and nature. Hombale Films, renowned for its commitment to delivering pan-India cinematic experiences, continues to redefine divinity with "Kantara Chapter 1."

In a remarkable feat, Hombale Films achieved unprecedented success in the previous year with two mega blockbusters, "KGF Chapter 2" and "Kantara," collectively grossing a staggering 1600 crores globally. The upcoming release, "Salaar," is already generating buzz and is poised to be the blockbuster of the year, with its trailer launch scheduled for December 1st.

"Kantara Chapter 1" is eagerly anticipated for its release next year, with plans to captivate audiences in seven languages. The filming is scheduled to kick off at the end of December, adding to the excitement surrounding the project. Although the cast is currently undisclosed, the first look of the movie teases a journey into a parallel world filled with extraordinary storytelling. Get ready for an immersive experience that transcends linguistic boundaries and promises to leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

Rishab Shetty and Hombale Films continues to redefine cinematic divinity with "Kantara Chapter 1," a testament to their commitment to creating groundbreaking and globally acclaimed films.

https://youtu.be/Frp0zC4643U?si=_KXt535tUXjuXsNv

Filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj launches his production house - G Squad

Lokesh Kanagaraj, one of our industry's reputed and well-esteemed filmmakers, has officially announced the launch of his new production house - G Squad.

Far-famed for his unparalleled league of movies like ‘Maanagaram’, ‘Kaithi’, ‘Master’, ‘Vikram’, and ‘Leo’. Acclaimed as the ‘Star Director’ for consistent blockbuster hits, the director has now collaborated with Superstar Rajinikanth for his magnum opus project tentatively titled ‘Thalaivar 171’,  produced by Sun Pictures. With a promising lineup of directorial projects ahead, Lokesh Kanagaraj has now launched his production house.

Director-Producer Lokesh Kanagaraj, G Squad says, “I have embarked on a new journey as a producer with G Squad, with the earnest attempt of promoting the creative potential of my friends, and assistants, thereby materializing new-fangled movies savouring the tastes of film lovers. The love and support of everyone has been a pillar in my directorial ventures. I look forward to the same support in this new attempt as a producer, and the movies created through this production house.”

The official announcement pertaining to his maiden production from this banner will be revealed soon.

Marking his new journey, leading stars and actors, technicians, and producers from the film fraternity have been sharing their best wishes for the grand and prosperous success of Lokesh Kanagaraj.  
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