Saturday, July 18
The Independence Day weekend turned into a blockbuster battleground as Rajinikanth’s Coolie and Hrithik Roshan–Jr NTR starrer War 2 clashed at the cinemas. Both films leveraged the August 15 holiday to draw huge crowds, but Rajinikanth’s action entertainer is emerging as the clear frontrunner. War 2 still has a chance to recover ground, but for now, the Rajinikanth-starrer is firmly leading the Independence Day box office race.
Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna ruled the small screen in the 1990s with his iconic superhero role in Shaktimaan. So, when it was announced that the cult show would get a big-screen adaptation, fans were naturally excited. However, the film’s casting is still under discussion, and reports suggest that the studio is keen on having Ranveer Singh as the lead. But Khanna has been vocal about not seeing Ranveer as the right choice.
War 2, starring Hritik Roshan and Jr NTR, had a good start in North America. The film earned USD 1.93 million by its second day. Rajinikanth’s Coolie, however, is leading. Coolie earned USD 4.67 million in the same period. Coolie has surpassed Kabali's record. Both films are targeting different audiences. The overseas box office is seeing an exciting clash.
Malaika Arora, reflecting on her marriage to Arbaaz Khan, advises her younger self to take time before marrying. Despite their divorce in 2017, Malaika remains open to marriage, stating, "Never say never." Following her split with Arjun Kapoor, she hasn't been linked to anyone. Meanwhile, Arbaaz has remarried and is expecting a child, marking a new chapter in his life.
Mahavatar Narsimha is creating waves at the Hindi box office, earning Rs 147.3 crore in 22 days. Surpassing Saaho, it now ranks 8th among highest-grossing Hindi dubbed films. The film's success is attributed to strong word-of-mouth, a compelling religious narrative, and repeat viewings, despite competition from War 2. Its performance highlights the power of content over massive marketing campaigns.
Rajinikanth's 'Coolie' has made a sensational debut at the U.S. box office, grossing USD 3.95 million on its opening Thursday, securing the fifth-biggest opening day for an Indian film in the U.S. Trade analysts predict a strong USD 6 million to USD 8 million four-day opening weekend in North America. However, with a breakeven point of USD 7.
YouTuber Armaan Malik, already facing legal trouble for allegedly violating the Hindu Marriage Act with two wives, now sees his second wife, Kritika, announce her pregnancy. This news arrives amidst a court summons for Armaan and his wives, Payal and Kritika, following accusations of polygamy.
In a world where looking ageless has become a silent expectation, actress and former VJ Shenaz Treasury, who is known for her performances in Ishq Vishk, Delhi Belly and Kaalakaandi, opens up about the emotional toll of perfection in showbiz. Speaking exclusively to ETimes, she traces her journey from being a teenage model to a Bollywood face, and why she now rejects the idea of flawless beauty.
Rajinikanth's 'Coolie,' directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has surpassed 'Kabali' in North America, becoming the sixth-biggest Tamil hit in the region. The film's premiere earned USD 3.04 million, and its total North American earnings reached USD 4.67 million, exceeding 'Kabali's' lifetime total. 'Coolie' features a star-studded cast and is expected to have a long theatrical run.
Rajesh Khanna’s alleged girlfriend Anita Advani shared insights into her turbulent relationship with the late actor. She revealed that they often fought, and whenever she felt deeply offended, she would leave his house. Recalling one such incident, she said Rajesh once praised another woman in front of her, which left her furious.
