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Shah Rukh Khan’s action thriller “Jawan” has shattered the star’s own Bollywood opening day record.

“Jawan” is produced by Gauri Khan and Gaurav Verma for Red Chillies Entertainment. It opened on Thursday and its Hindi-language version grossed $9.4 million in India, with a further $1.3 million from Tamil and Telugu-language dubbed versions, according to numbers provided to Variety by Red Chillies. Including overseas collections, “Jawan” enjoyed a $15.6 million opening day.

Shah Rukh Khan’s “Pathaan,” which released in January, was the previous record holder for a Hindi-language film, grossing $8.32 million in India and a further $4.5 million in overseas territories on its first day in cinemas, for a worldwide gross total of $12.7 million.

“Jawan” is directed by Atlee, who previously delivered a trio of Tamil-language blockbusters starring Vijay – “Theri” (2016), “Mersal” (2017) and “Bigil” (2019). The “Jawan” cast also includes Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra and Ridhi Dogra, with Deepika Padukone in a cameo.

Universal Pictures (distributed by Warner Bros. Discovery) Fast X released last weekend and just like all the screen smashing action series portrayed in the movie, the box office records too have been smashed by the movie’s crazy fandom. Fast X, the tenth installment in the Fast and Furious franchise has collected over Inr 72 crores since its release and is moving rapidly heading towards the Inr 150 crore club.

Commenting on the success of their movie, Denzil Dias, VP and Managing Director – India Theatrical at Warner Bros Discovery said, “The Fast and Furious franchise has always stood the test of time. Audiences have always showered every instalment with immense love, but Fast X is special, and this is clearly evident from all the love being showered by the loyal fans at the Box Office. The coming days will witness many benchmarks being set and many records being broken.”

Commenting on the development,...

RealD has signed separate deals with India’s PVR Cinemas and Taiwan’s Shin Kong Cinemas as Asia’s exhibitors smarten up their tech offerings ahead of the global rollout of Avatar: The Way of Water in mid-December.

Under the deal with PVR, RealD will install its “Ultimate 3D” projection systems in 100 cinema screens across India over the next three years. Most of the 100 systems will be installed in PVR’s Premium Large Format auditoriums, branded as P[Xl]. According to a statement issued by RealD during the on-going CineAsia trade show in Bangkok, the PVR installation has already started.

“For 25 years, PVR has been at the helm of cutting-edge technology and constantly innovating to make movie viewing truly experiential. Our own premium large-screen format P[Xl] across the country has received wide acceptance among our audiences, and we are determined to constantly upgrade it to make the movie-going experience truly magnificent,...

Audiences cannot wait to see Alia Bhatt in and as Gangubai Kathiawadi on February 25th after its world premiere at the prestigious Berlinale, aka Berlin International Film Festival! We have seen a very, very intriguing teaser which showcases the incredible performances by the actor and the stunning film that is to come. Now we can announce that the trailer will drop on February 4th, and you may know that but wait, there is more! The trailer launch will be Epic, much like the film!

Renowned cinema powerhouses are all set to ignite the magic of cinema with the trailer of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 10th film on the big screen. For the very first time in cinematic history, the biggest cinema chains will unite for a grand trailer launch of the fascinating story of Gangubai Kathiawadi.

To ensure every cinema lover across the city experiences the world of Gangubai Kathiawadi,...

Cinema halls have received the green signal to operate with 100 per cent occupancy. It is positive news for the theatre owners, but not so for the box office just yet.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Sunday allowed theatres to be operate with full capacity from February 1, except in containment zones, while adhering to health safety protocols. However, despite the call, the film trade could be months away from good business. Without big releases and a psychological block over Covid still looming in the minds of many, the audience is not interested in returning to theatres right away, irrespective of whether occupancy rules allow 50 or 100 per cent.

"It was long awaited. After the central government, we await go ahead by the state government. But it is a big breather for the exhibition industry. Now, we hope that the state governments are also proactive in giving us the permission," trade expert Girish Johar said.

India will allow 100% occupancy in cinemas from Feb. 1, the country’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced on Saturday. Cinemas began reopening in October 2020 with 50% occupancy.

“Seating arrangement inside the auditorium of the cinemas/theatres/multiplexes is to be allowed upto 100% seating capacity,” read a statement from the Ministry.

Exhibition of films, however, will not be allowed in places designated as Covid-19 containment zones.

The ministry has also released a list of standard operating procedures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, which visitors and cinema workers are required to adhere to at all times.

Within cinemas, physical distancing of at least six feet is required outside the auditoriums, common areas and waiting areas at all times, and the use of face covers/masks are mandatory. Spitting is strictly prohibited and the use of the ‘arogya setu,’ the government’s track and trace app, is advised.

Thermal screening of visitors and...

Hyderabad, Dec 6 (Ians) Cinema halls in Hyderabad and rest of Telangana are back in business with the audiences returning after more than eight months to enjoy their favourite entertainment.

Since reopening on December 4, most of the theatres have seen 80-90 per cent occupancy in the permitted 50 per cent seating, giving a hope for revival of the film industry after severe blow due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Owners of the majority of 175 movie screens in Greater Hyderabad are happy over the public response received during the last three days and they see it as a positive development for the recovery and revival of the film exhibition business.

Telangana, which has about 600 theatres, was late compared to many other states in allowing reopening of screens but authorities justified the move in view of the pandemic situation. They moved ahead with their plans only after significant drop in Covid cases.

As the daily count...

By Qaiser Mohammad Ali

New Delhi, Nov 12 (Ians) On its recent 'mini elections', the Delhi and District Cricket Association (Ddca) splurged a humongous amount -- well over Rs. 27 lakh, with Rs.15 lakh being paid to electoral officer Navin B. Chawla alone. The recent expenditure is 13 times more than the amount the Ddca spent on the much larger elections in 2018 -- only around Rs.2 lakh.

In the full-fledged elections in 2018, when all 12 posts of the apex council were contested, Ddca had paid Rakesh Mehta, a 1975-batch Ias officer of Ut cadre and a former Chief Secretary of Delhi, Rs. 2 lakh, said a source involved closely with the elections at the time. And, now, when elections for only six posts were held, the Ddca spent a total of Rs.27.68 lakh, confirmed a couple of council members.

"Of Rs.27.68 lakh, Chawla, a former Chief Election Commissioner of India, was paid Rs.15 lakh, his two assistants Rs.

Entertainment Hindi films such as 'Kabhie Kabhie', 'Ddlj', 'Dil to Pagal Hai' and others are among the list of films which will hit the screens again.PTIyashrajfilms.comProduction house Yash Raj Films (Yrf) has joined hands with multiplex chains PVR Cinemas, Inox and Cinepolis to release iconic blockbusters from its library on the big screen this Diwali in a bid to pull people to cinema halls during the festive season. Theatres opened in many parts of the country in October after being shut for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic. In Mumbai, cinema halls became operational from November 5. Hindi cinema lovers have a chance to watch old and recent hits such as Kabhie Kabhie, Silsila, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Dil To Pagal Hai, Veer-Zaara, Bunty Aur Babli, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Ek Tha Tiger, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Band Baaja Baarat,...

Finally, there is some good news for the cinema-goers in the national capital as the government has given permission to the cinema hall operators to open their facilities from October 15 -- almost 8 months after lockdown was imposed in the country to curb the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.

The central government has given the nod to open cinema halls, theatres, multiplexes in the country with 50 per cent capacity.

The cinema hall operators here are currently engaged in making preparations to ensure all Covid-related protocols are maintained, as they are getting ready to welcome patrons after a long period of time.

Each individual would undergo thermal screening after entering the theatres, and only those without symptoms would be allowed to enter the cinema screening halls.

At the same time, more windows have to be opened for booking tickets in a single screen. However, online ticketing will also be available, so that at...

By Qaiser Mohammad Ali

New Delhi, Oct 3 (Ians) The Delhi and District Cricket Association (Ddca) has stopped payment of Rs.50.19 lakh to nine lawyers, including Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Nalin Kohli, after a complaint was lodged with its General Administration Committee (Gac) headed by former Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh.

This decision is part of a three-page office-order issued and signed by Maninder Singh and the two other members of the Gac, Sunil Yadav and Rajni Abbi. All three are Central government nominees, and were appointed as Directors on the Ddca 'managing committee', also called Apex Council, on September 1.

"The legal retainer of the Ddca has secured the advice of the Ld Additional Solicitor General of India. It has been opined that no unauthorised payment should be made by the Ddca and which is not inconformity with the resolution passed by the Apex Council of Ddca on 13-09-2020. It...

?PVR Cinemas, the largest and the most premium film Exhibition Company in India and D-box Technologies Inc. (Tsx: Dbo), a world leader in immersive motion entertainment experiences, announce the launch of India?s first D-box motion seats, today at CinemaCon. In the first phase of the launch, over 400 D-box motion seats will be installed in nine auditoriums across Delhi-ncr and Mumbai. With this new motion seat technology; movie-goers can enjoy an unparalleled experience at PVR Cinemas through the iconic motion seats and the plush D-box recliners motion seats. The first phase of installation is scheduled to start on 3rd?April 2019.

The globally popular D-box unique motion technology enables viewers to experience on-screen action through transmission of motion codes to the D-box enabled seats. The outcome is an incredible experience with the technologically equipped seats moving in sync with on-screen action, offering an immersive cinematic experience to the cinema-goers. With this launch,...

Sajid Nadiadwala and Fox Star Studios’ Baaghi 2 is racing towards a bumper advance booking from audiences across India. The advance bookings for the film opened recently and the response from theatre owners has been phenomenal.

While Sajid Nadiadwala’s Baaghi set a benchmark for action films in Bollywood, Baaghi 2 is all set to surpass that level and redefine action for the audience.

Gautam Dutta, CEO, Pvr Ltd said, “Baaghi 2 is anticipated to open with big numbers in the second quarter of Fy 18-19. The sequel is probing heavy on advance bookings and is expected to see substantial footfall in the first week itself.”

“The advance booking response of Baaghi 2 is outstanding across all Inox multiplexes. Promos of the film are looking very promising. Viewers have been waiting for an out and out action adventure film for quite some time. We are expecting a very good numbers...

New Delhi, Feb 17: Yash Raj Films' latest offering "Gunday" has collected over Rs.40 crore in three days. It is expected to do well in the next weekend too, says a trade expert.

Director Ali Abbas Zafar's action thriller, which released Feb 14, has minted Rs.43.93 crore, said a statement.

The movie starring Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra "has managed to draw crowd to cinema halls", says Gautam Dutta, chief operating officer, PVR Cinemas.

"It is one of the much-awaited films. The response is very good. The occupancy (over three days) was about 80 percent. The songs, genre and two young actors with Priyanka... everything is well taken up," said Dutta.

"We are positive about next weekend too,".

New Delhi, Jan 6: This year's new releases -- 3D version of 1975 epic movie "Sholay" and Arshad Warsi-starrer comedy "Mr Joe B. Carvalho" -- received a lukewarm response from the audience.

"The response to 'Sholay 3D' was alright. The occupancy was between 60 percent and 70 percent. There were people who turned up with their families and got nostalgic. They were happy to see it in 3D format," Gautam Dutta, COO, PVR Cinemas, told Ians.

Produced by Sascha Sippy, grandson of G.P. Sippy, who had financed the original, "Sholay 3D" hit 1,000 screens.

The new version has been made on a budget of about Rs.22 crore, which includes.

New Delhi, Feb 8: He's known as the King of Romance, thanks to his romantic sagas like "Kabhi Kabhie", "Silsila" and "Lamhe" and Valentine's Day is an apt time to pay tribute to Yash Chopra.

PVR cinemas has organised a week-long tribute to the late filmmaker, starting Friday, when romantic blockbusters made by him will be screened.

"It gives me immense pleasure to offer our audience a romantic mix of movies to celebrate the most romantic day of the year - The Valentine's Day," Gautam Dutta, COO, PVR Ltd said in a statement.

"With love being a luxury commodity in today's era, I feel ecstatic to have Valentine's week at.

New Delhi, July 13: Homi Adajania's "Cocktail", about mixed-up relationship between three main characters, has appealed to the movie buffs.

The urban romantic drama has got about 90 percent opening on the first day. The numbers are likely to go up during weekend and it will be a profitable venture for actor-producer Saif Ali Khan, distributors say.

Gautam Dutta, COO, PVR, says that the film.

Shahrukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra starrer ‘Don 2’ has been able to do a good box-office business. On the opening day, the film has been able to earn a good amount of Rs 15 crores. Trade guru predicts that the number will go up in the coming days. Analyst feels that the mark is lower compared to ‘Bodyguard’ and ‘Ra.One’ but they are hopeful that ‘Don 2’ will make up in the coming days. Gautam Dutta, chief operating officer, PVR Cinemas said, "Average occupancy across shows was 85-90%. A good thing is that bulk bookings by corporates for the next two days are also very high." The fil...

PVR Cinemas has come up with a new initiative called PVR Rare Film Club where an evening show on Thursdays will be devoted to screening of ‘alternative’ films. The inaugural PVR Rare Film Club screening will be Oscar nominated—Harishchandrachi Factory in Ahemdabad and Chennai on November 3, 2011.

The screenings will begin in Delhi and Ncr at PVR Anupam Saket and PVR Ambience Mall from November 10. PVR Rare Film Club will next come to Mumbai in December.

Though it is called a Film Club, there is no formal membership for these screenings. Tickets will be available at normal rates at PVR Box-office or at www.pvrcinemas.com.

PVR Rare Film Club will not have any DVD screenings. It aims to bring rare films to the audiences as part of its plans for programming of alternative films.

“We are closely working with all the major studios like Paramount, Warner, Sony, Disney, Utv...

After extensive promotional activities and the alluring charm of Shah Rukh Khan, the five-day long weekend seems to be perfect setting to release "Ra.One". The sci-fi film is coming on Diwali Wednesday and the cash registers are already ringing thanks to advance bookings."Phenomenal", Gautam Dutta, COO of PVR told Ians, adding: "The enthusiasm among people for the film is massive and the five-day long weekend is a bonus for everyone. So, it's a win-win situation for everyone."Describing it as his most ambitious ...

Though Salman Khan won.t be in India for the release of his much talked about .Bodyguard., his charm seems to have cast a spell on his fans as is evident from the advance bookings for the film, releasing on Eid. The cash registers are ringing and multiplex owners are hoping that the mid-week celebrations will continue till the weekend..We had opened the advance bookings for the film yesterday (Monday) and so far it has been really good. If we combine the online bookings and the ticket counter bookings, the figure comes to around 65 percent,. said Amit Shah, chief manager (programming) of Dlf Dt cinemas..Since it.s an extended weekend, we expect the response to go up to 90 to 100 percent. I feel the movie will be a blockbuster,. he added..Bodyguard. is the Hindi remake of the Malayalam film of the same name. It is being co-produced by Atul Agnihotri and Reliance Entertainment.

PVR cinemas has entered an Mou with International Film Festival Ahmedabad (Iffa) to release five films from the films that will be showcased at the festival.

These selected films by PVR will get a limited release under PVR’s new label: Director’s Cut & Director’s Rare.

PVR Director’s Cut will begin its operations soon in Vasant Kunj in New Delhi. After getting screened in Director’s Cut, the selected 5 films will travel to other PVR cinemas across major metropolitan cities under a new brand of PVR, Director’s Rare.

Shalu Sabharwal, Vice President of Films & Marketing with PVR Ltd. and Prakhar Joshi, Head of Programming with PVR Cinemas will be present at the festival to select these films.

“Every filmmaker wants to show his/her film in theaters to the public but normally independent films are turned down by distributors. We understand this very well and we want...

We just don’t know how this race will turn out – we all assume The King’s Speech has it. But you know, something always brings me back to the...