DPIFF News

Films such as Kantara, Hanu-Man, Hanuman Ansh, Laalo and Mahavatar Narsimha show how mythology, spirituality, regional culture and word-of-mouth can shape theatrical success. Their journeys also point to new possibilities for Indian animation and culturally rooted storytelling.

Gujarati film Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate and Hanuman Ansh have recorded remarkable reported box-office performances despite modest budgets. Their journeys highlight the role of devotional storytelling, regional identity and word-of-mouth in creating theatrical success.

Manoj Bajpayee will portray Mahatma Gandhi for the first time in Sudhir Mishra’s upcoming historical drama. The untitled film focuses on a lesser-known 21-day period around India’s Independence and is currently being shot in Lucknow.

Hanuman Ansh has crossed ₹120 crore in 30 days, according to a DPIFF post, turning a limited opening into a notable sleeper hit. Based on the spiritual journey of Neem Karoli Baba, the film’s performance highlights the continuing influence of word-of-mouth and faith-based storytelling in Indian cinema.

Arshad Warsi’s Gafoor became a memorable part of The Ba***ds of Bollywood, prompting viewers to ask whether the character could return. Warsi is open to reprising the role, but Season 2 and his casting remain officially unconfirmed.

Mirzapur: The Movie has reported ₹28.75 crore on Day 1 and ₹32.50 crore on Day 2, taking its featured two-day total to ₹61.25 crore. The early figures underline the theatrical potential of the popular streaming franchise while remaining subject to box-office classification and verification.

The trailer for Drishyam: The Conclusion is scheduled to release on September 9, with Ajay Devgn, Shriya Saran and Tabu returning under director Abhishek Pathak. The film is set to continue the Salgaonkar family’s crime-thriller story in cinemas on October 2.

Asur Season 3 has begun filming in Mumbai, with creator-writer Gaurav Shukla making his directorial debut and Shwetabh Varma serving as co-director. Arshad Warsi, Barun Sobti and the returning cast will be joined by Ahsaas Channa and Shweta Basu Prasad, with a mid-2027 JioHotstar premiere targeted.

Mirzapur: The Movie has reported ₹29.70 crore in India gross and ₹24.75 crore in India net on Day 1. Released on 4 September 2026, the theatrical adaptation has opened strongly on the strength of its established franchise audience.

Pushpa 2: The Rule remains the fastest among the films highlighted by DPIFF to cross the ₹1,000 crore worldwide milestone, reaching it in six days. The comparison also places Dhurandhar: The Revenge, Baahubali 2, Kalki 2898 AD and KGF Chapter 2 among Indian cinema’s biggest global theatrical performers.

September 2026 is set to bring a diverse theatrical lineup across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and international cinema. From Mirzapur: The Movie and Sardar 2 to Resident Evil, Practical Magic 2 and Avengers: Endgame Encore, the month spans multiple genres and audience segments.

Lanterns Episode 3 averaged 10 million global viewers in its first three days, including 7 million in the US. The result marks a series high and follows more than 20 million worldwide views for the pilot.

Dulquer Salmaan and Venky Atluri are set to reunite for Lucky Baskhar 2. The sequel is planned, but Atluri’s other commitments mean audiences may have to wait for production and release details.

DPIFF remembers Rishi Kapoor, whose career moved from the youthful romance of Bobby to acclaimed character roles in films including Kapoor & Sons and 102 Not Out. His versatility, warmth and lasting connection with audiences continue to define his place in Hindi cinema.

DPIFF marked Krishna Janmashtami with wishes for love, hope, positivity and peace, while acknowledging the enduring influence of Lord Krishna’s stories on Indian culture and cinema. The festival’s message highlights the continuing connection between mythology, visual storytelling and India’s creative traditions.