Category: Films

Films

Yash Celebrates 40th Birthday with Explosive ‘Toxic’ Teaser Release

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Kannada superstar Yash rang in his 40th birthday in grand cinematic style with the release of the highly anticipated teaser of his upcoming film Toxic, sending fans and cinephiles into a frenzy.

The nearly three-minute-long teaser plunges viewers into a dark and atmospheric world filled with gangsters, fog-laden forests, high-octane car explosions, gunfire, and stylised violence. Yash appears in a striking new avatar as a bearded anti-hero, exuding menace and intensity in every frame. The visuals are backed by a thunderous background score composed by Ravi Basrur, further amplifying the teaser’s raw energy.

Directed by Geetu Mohandas and co-written by Yash himself, Toxic boasts a powerful ensemble cast including Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, and several other prominent actors. The film is positioned as a pan-India and global release, scheduled to hit theatres on March 19, 2026.

Within hours of its release, the teaser crossed 75 million views, drawing praise from filmmakers and actors alike. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga and actor Kiara Advani were among those who lauded the teaser’s scale and intensity. However, reactions were mixed in some quarters, with a section of viewers calling it a “cringe fest” and criticising it for relying on familiar gangster tropes.

Despite the divided opinions, Toxic has undeniably succeeded in creating massive anticipation. With its bold visual language, star-studded cast, and Yash’s towering screen presence, the film is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases of 2026.

Films

Smoke and Mirrors Wins Best Student Short Film at Goa International Film Competition

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Smoke and Mirrors, a Goan psychological thriller directed by Rameez Shaikh, has won the Best Student Short Film award at the prestigious Goa International Film Competition, marking a significant milestone for student cinema from the state. The recognition highlights not only the film’s compelling narrative but also the growing confidence and creative ambition of young filmmakers emerging from Goa.

The film follows the unsettling journey of Maya, a young woman who begins to experience Capgras Syndrome, a rare psychological condition that causes her to believe that people close to her have been replaced by impostors. As Maya struggles to understand her increasingly fractured perception of reality, the line between truth and illusion gradually dissolves. The story builds toward a shocking and unexpected turn, offering a chilling exploration of the human mind and its capacity for self-deception.

Central to the film’s impact are its powerful performances. Prachi Shirodkar delivers a layered and emotionally intense portrayal of Maya, capturing her vulnerability, confusion, and inner turmoil with striking authenticity. Varun Thanki, who plays David, Maya’s husband, brings depth to a role defined by emotional conflict, balancing support with growing uncertainty. Chinmaya Damodlekar, as Dr. Jay, adds subtle nuance to the narrative, further strengthening the film’s psychological tension.

Behind the camera, Smoke and Mirrors is equally notable for the dedication of its crew. Director Rameez Shaikh took on multiple responsibilities, serving as writer, storyteller, cinematographer, and production manager, overseeing nearly every creative aspect of the project. Varun Kashyap contributed significantly as editor and sound designer, while also supporting the production as a spot boy, adding technical precision and on-set efficiency to the film.

Sharvi Dhond played a key role in shaping the film’s story alongside Rameez Shaikh and also handled costume design and makeup, ensuring visual continuity and character authenticity. Poonam Bind managed audio and data coordination, contributing to the smooth execution of the production. Ebenezer Rajamanickam assisted with lighting and camera work, while Craig Rodrigues supported the team as a spot boy, helping maintain a seamless workflow on set.

Smoke and Mirrors was created as a final-year short film for the B.A. Mass Communication course at Don Bosco College, Panjim, under the guidance of Ardra Naik. The film’s success at the Goa International Film Competition stands as a testament to the strength of academic mentorship combined with student-driven creativity.

This recognition not only celebrates the achievement of Rameez Shaikh and his team but also underscores the rising presence of student-led films within the broader Indian film landscape. With its compelling concept, strong performances, and committed crew, Smoke and Mirrors emerges as a remarkable example of the future of Goan cinema.

Films

Vijay’s Jana Nayagan Postponed at the Last Minute: ₹50 Crore Losses, Massive Pre-Sales & Industry Fallout

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Thalapathy Vijay’s highly anticipated film Jana Nayagan faced a dramatic setback after being postponed merely two days before its scheduled release, following a delay in the issuance of the censor certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Despite the absence of CBFC clearance, ticket bookings were opened across select theatres in India and in key international markets, generating massive pre-release buzz and record-breaking demand. However, the sudden postponement has reportedly resulted in financial losses nearing ₹50 crore, dealing a major blow to distributors and exhibitors.

Theatres screening Jana Nayagan have now begun issuing refunds, leaving exhibitors scrambling to manage operational losses and disappointed audiences. The incident has reignited discussions within the film industry about the risks of opening advance bookings without final certification.

Record-Breaking Pre-Sales Despite the Delay

Anticipation for Jana Nayagan peaked after Vijay announced that the film would be his final cinematic outing before entering politics full-time. As the release date approached, demand skyrocketed—especially in Chennai—where tickets were reportedly sold on the black market for as much as ₹5,000 per ticket.

According to box-office tracking portal Sacnilk, Jana Nayagan earned ₹10.68 crore in India through pre-sales, including blocked seats. Industry experts suggest that the actual opening-day potential could have been significantly higher due to inflated black-market pricing.

On the international front, the Vijay-starrer dominated the Sankranti/Pongal release window, outperforming all competing titles—including Prabhas’ The Raja Saab. Reports indicate that Jana Nayagan collected nearly ₹32 crore internationally for its opening day alone, with exceptional momentum in North America, the UK, and Malaysia.

What Lies Ahead?

The last-minute postponement has raised crucial questions about release strategies, certification timelines, and financial accountability in big-budget cinema. While fan anticipation remains sky-high, the impact of the delay on Jana Nayagan’s long-term box-office performance will be closely watched by the industry.

Films

K-Pop Demon Hunters Wins Big at Critics’ Choice Awards, Strengthening Oscar Buzz

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Netflix’s animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters marked a major milestone in its awards-season journey after clinching two prestigious honours at the 31st Critics’ Choice Awards, held on January 4 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. The film was named Best Animated Feature, standing out in a competitive category that included titles such as Zootopia 2, Elio, In Your Dreams, and Arco.

Adding to the night’s success, the film also won Best Original Song for Golden, a track that has quickly become one of the most talked-about pieces from the movie’s soundtrack. With two wins, K-Pop Demon Hunters emerged as one of the ceremony’s notable successes, significantly strengthening its standing as an awards-season frontrunner.

The Critics’ Choice Awards, presented by the Critics’ Choice Association — representing nearly 600 film and television critics across North America — are widely regarded as an early indicator of Academy Awards momentum. Strong performances at this stage often translate into further recognition during the Oscars race.

Beyond cinema, the film’s influence has extended into the music industry. Golden has secured multiple Grammy nominations, including the coveted Song of the Year category. The track is also nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Best Song Written for Visual Media, and Best Remixed Recording. Additionally, the film’s soundtrack album is competing for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, bringing the project’s total Grammy nominations to five.

With major wins at the Critics’ Choice Awards and growing traction at the Grammys, K-Pop Demon Hunters is increasingly being viewed as a rare cross-industry success. The film highlights the expanding global reach of Korean-inspired animation and pop culture, proving its ability to resonate with audiences and critics alike across multiple creative platforms.

Films

Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar Set for OTT Release After ₹110 Billion-Plus Box Office Triumph

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar, one of the most talked-about Bollywood releases of the year, is finally making its way to OTT after an extraordinary theatrical run that reportedly crossed ₹110 billion worldwide. The film, which turned into a social media phenomenon and a box office juggernaut, is expected to stream on Netflix from January 30, 2026, offering audiences another chance to experience its gripping narrative.

In the film, Ranveer Singh appears in a rugged avatar with scruffy long hair and a beard, portraying an undercover Indian agent leading Mission Dhurandhar. Tasked with dismantling the terror network of Rehman Dakait operating out of Lyari, Karachi, his character navigates a world of high-risk espionage, brutal confrontations, and strategic mind games. The storyline draws loose inspiration from real-life events such as the Parliament attack and the IC-814 hijacking, adding layers of intensity and realism to the cinematic experience.

Written and directed by Aditya Dhar, the film boasts a powerful ensemble cast. Akshaye Khanna delivers a much-discussed performance as the antagonist, with his screen presence and signature moves going viral across platforms. Supporting roles by Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R. Madhavan further elevate the film’s dramatic weight and emotional depth.

Beyond its action set pieces and stylised storytelling, Dhurandhar captured attention for its soundtrack, memorable scenes, and Ranveer Singh’s commanding transformation. The film currently holds an impressive IMDb rating of 8.6 out of 10 and reportedly earned more than five times its original production budget, cementing its status as a commercial and critical success.

The movie did not receive a theatrical release in Pakistan, the UAE, or other GCC countries and is unlikely to be available on OTT platforms in those regions. However, audiences in India and select international markets will now be able to stream the film as it arrives digitally at the end of January, extending the life of a film that already left a strong mark on Indian cinema.