Sunday, June 28
Akhanda 2: Thaandavam has crossed Rs 91.51 crore net in India after 18 days, with day 18 collections estimated at Rs 21 lakhs. While Monday saw a dip from the weekend's strong performance, the film maintains a steady presence in theaters. Actress Samyuktha praised co-star Balakrishna's dedication to the director's vision.
South Indian cinema saw significant news, including the passing of Malayalam superstar Mohanlal's mother, Santhakumari, at 90. Speculation is rife about Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda's February 2026 wedding venue in Udaipur. Meanwhile, Jr NTR secured legal protection for his personality rights, and director Shankar lauded the deeply moving film 'Sirai'.
Chitrangda Singh, with 20 years in Hindi cinema, shines in dark roles and 2025 hits like 'Raat Akeli Hai', 'Khakee', 'Housefull 5', 'Parikrama'. She praises chemistry with Nawazuddin, teases song-dance and intense scenes in Salman Khan's 'Battle of Galwan' war drama on 2020 clash, set for Eid 2026.
'Drishyam 3' sparks controversy: Akshaye Khanna exits Hindi version over Rs 21cr pay hike, wig demands post-Dhurandhar success; ghosts producers. Jaideep Ahlawat replaces with new role. Clashes on Malayalam original releasing first before Hindi's Oct 2026 slot. Ajay Devgn brand eyes Rs 300cr amid legal threats.
Veteran actress Rekha captivated attendees at the 'Ikkis' screening, showering affection on Agastya Nanda's poster and bowing to Dharmendra's. Salman Khan also appeared moved by Dharmendra's image. The war biopic, directed by Sriram Raghavan, stars Agastya as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and is set for a January 1, 2026 release. Amitabh Bachchan expressed immense pride in his grandson's performance.
Kannada film '45' has made a strong debut, raking in approximately Rs 11.45 crore net in its first four days. Despite a slight dip on day five, the movie has surpassed Rs 12 crore, showing promising box office performance. Directed by Arjun Janya, the film stars Shivarajkumar and Upendra. Reviews highlight its rich themes but note uneven execution.
Dileep's film 'Bha. Bha. Ba.' shows a significant dip in box office collections, earning just Rs 17 lakhs on day 12, bringing the total to Rs 22.72 crore. While the first week was strong, the second week has seen uneven performance with very low occupancy, particularly on Monday.
Chitrangda Singh addressed criticism of 'Housefull 5' regarding its portrayal of female characters and jokes. She explained that actors visualize scripts as presented, with directors having final say on scene execution. Singh acknowledged women's roles were less strong but noted the industry's pressure on actresses to prove themselves in glamorous parts first.
A special screening of the upcoming war drama 'Ikkis' saw Bollywood's elite gather, notably marking Dharmendra's final on-screen appearance. Salman Khan, visibly moved, paid tribute to the late actor by his poster, reminiscing about their profound bond. The film also features Agastya Nanda's debut and brings real-life heroes to the screen.
Santhakumari Amma, the revered mother of Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, passed away at 90. Known for her unassuming nature and strong character, she was a guiding force in Mohanlal's life, instilling values of discipline and kindness. Her unwavering support and love were instrumental in his personal and professional journey, making him the grounded individual he is today.
