'The Vvaan' Trailer OUT: Sidharth Malhotra, Tamannaah Bhatia Enter Ektaa Kapoor's Mysterious Folklore World

5 Reasons To Watch 'Resident Evil' This September

Devyani Nautiyal — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 16:46:32 +0530

Resident Evil arrived in Indian theatres on September 18, 2026, with screenings in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Directed by Zach Cregger, the latest chapter in the iconic horror franchise stars Austin Abrams in the lead and has been filmed for IMAX. According to Deadline, the film is eyeing an $80 million global debut and has already generated a strong response from critics.

With its combination of large-scale visuals, horror and connections to the beloved video game franchise, Resident Evil is shaping up as a major theatrical release. Here are five reasons it could be worth catching on the big screen.

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1. Made For The Biggest Screen

Resident Evil has been filmed for IMAX, giving audiences a chance to experience its horror on a much larger scale. The expansive visuals, intense action and jump scares are designed to pull viewers into the middle of the chaos.

For horror fans, that could make the difference between simply watching a frightening film and feeling completely surrounded by it.

2. A Fresh Entry Point For New Viewers

You don't need to be familiar with the Resident Evil universe to follow the new film. The story works as a standalone chapter, giving newcomers a straightforward way into the franchise.

At the same time, longtime followers of Resident Evil have plenty of reasons to remain invested in this new instalment.

3. Zach Cregger Brings His Horror Style

Zach Cregger has already made a mark in horror with films such as Barbarian and Weapons. His move into the Resident Evil universe brings that distinctive approach to one of gaming's best-known horror franchises.

That makes his involvement one of the film's biggest talking points, particularly for viewers looking for tension, unexpected turns and plenty of scares.

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4. A Major Draw For Video Game Fans

The film also has plenty to offer audiences who have spent years exploring the Resident Evil games. Its connection with the source material has received praise from critics and audiences at the premiere, with some describing it as one of the strongest adaptations of a video game.

For longtime fans, those links could make the new film especially interesting to experience in theatres.

5. Horror Hits Differently In Theatres

Resident Evil is designed around the kind of atmosphere that's difficult to replicate at home. Its scares, sound design and action are built to work on a large screen, with a theatre audience adding another layer to the experience.

A packed auditorium can make every sudden scare feel more immediate. And when the lights go down, even familiar horror can feel a little more unsettling.

Resident Evil comes from Columbia Pictures and Constantin Film, in association with TriStar Pictures. The film was released in theatres on September 18, 2026, and is distributed in India by Sony Pictures Entertainment India. It has been released in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

'Golmaal 5' Release Date: Ajay Devgn-Led Rohit Shetty Franchise Set To Return On January 2027

Devyani Nautiyal — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 13:12:24 +0530

Filmmaker Rohit Shetty has finally revealed when the fifth chapter of his much-loved Golmaal franchise will reach cinemas. Golmaal 5 is scheduled to release on January 8, 2027, promising another round of comedy, fun and family entertainment. Shetty made the announcement on Instagram while sharing the film's colourful new poster.

The poster features Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, Shreyas Talpade and Kunal Kemmu riding the franchise's iconic stretched-out motorcycle.

“LAUGHTER, FUN, JOY, HAPPINESS AND FAMILY... BAS, NOTHING ELSE 8TH JAN 2027 #RohitShettyProductions @authum_ent @tseries.official @divydangi @druhidangi @sarkarshibasish,” the caption read.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rohit Shetty (@itsrohitshetty)

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Golmaal 5 Shooting Began In March

Production on Golmaal 5 began in March this year, bringing together a large ensemble led by Ajay Devgn, along with Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade, Kunal Kemmu and Sharman Joshi. The film officially went on floors on Rohit Shetty's 52nd birthday.

At the time, Shetty reflected on how far the franchise had come since its first film arrived two decades ago. He also acknowledged the role audiences have played in the series' journey.

Expressing his excitement, the director had then mentioned that 20 years ago, the first Golmaal was released, a film that changed his life.

He further mentioned, “The credit goes to you, my audience. Over the past 20 years, we have entertained you, and yes, sometimes disappointed you, but we have always been honest in our work.”

“So now, once again, my fabulous team and I are set on a journey to entertain you as we start filming G5. You have always loved and supported me. All we need is your blessings. See you at the movies."

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Looking Back At The 'Golmaal' Franchise

The original Golmaal hit theatres in 2006, featuring Ajay Devgn, Tusshar Kapoor, Arshad Warsi and Sharman Joshi alongside Rimi Sen and Paresh Rawal.

The film was reportedly based on Harsh Shivsharan's Marathi play Ghar Ghar, which also inspired Vora's Gujarati play Aflatoon, one of the inspirations for the film.

The franchise subsequently expanded with Golmaal Returns in 2008, Golmaal 3 in 2010 and Golmaal Again in 2017. Across the series, Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Sanjay Mishra, Vrajesh Hirjee and Mukesh Tiwari have appeared in the films. Shreyas Talpade featured in three instalments, while Kunal Kemmu and Johnny Lever appeared in two.

With Akshay Kumar joining the fifth film, Golmaal 5 is now set for its theatrical release on January 8, 2027.

(With inputs from IANS)

Kunal Kemmu's 'Vibe' Crosses Rs 1 Cr On Opening Day, Takes Lead Over Kareena Kapoor's 'Daayra'

Devyani Nautiyal — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 07:59:06 +0530

Kunal Kemmu's Vibe and Kareena Kapoor-Prithviraj Sukumaran starrer Daayra arrived in cinemas on Friday, September 18, setting up a box-office clash. However, both releases faced competition from films already drawing audiences, including Mirzapur The Movie and Hanuman Ansh. Early figures show that Vibe managed to open ahead of Daayra.

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'Daayra' Opening Day Box Office Collection

Despite receiving fairly decent reviews from critics, Daayra struggled to turn that response into strong opening-day footfall. The film failed to make a significant impact at the box office and ended its first day with earnings in the lakhs.

According to Sacnilk's early estimates, Daayra earned Rs 90 lakh on its opening day. These figures are provisional and could change once the official numbers are released.

'Vibe' Beats 'Daayra' On Day 1

Kunal Kemmu's Vibe had a better start than Daayra, although its opening-day performance was also far from a major box-office success. Still, the film managed to stay ahead of its release rival in the initial figures.

As per Sacnilk's early trends, Vibe collected Rs 1.50 crore on its first day. The numbers are not final and may be revised when the official collection figures are announced.

ALSO READ: Marathi Film 'Gondhal' Beats Ranveer Singh's Hit Film 'Dhurandhar' To Become India’s Oscar 2027 Entry

About 'Daayra'

Directed by Meghna Gulzar, Daayra stars Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead alongside Kareena Kapoor. The film is reportedly based on the 2019 Hyderabad case, which sparked widespread attention across the country.

The cast also includes Kanwaljit Singh, Achint Kaur, Anuja Sathe, Seema Azmi, Biswapati Sarkar and Jitendra Joshi.

About 'Vibe'

Vibe is an action-thriller-comedy featuring Kunal Kemmu, Preity Zinta, Sparsh Shrivastav and debutant Vanshika Dhir. The film also marks Kemmu's return to direction two years after Madgaon Express.

Marathi Film 'Gondhal' Beats Ranveer Singh's Hit Film 'Dhurandhar' To Become India’s Oscar 2027 Entry

Vijaya Mishra — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 17:43:20 +0530

Marathi cinema has secured a place in India’s Oscar campaign, with Santosh Davakhar’s Gondhal selected as the country’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. Announced by the Film Federation of India (FFI), the selection brings a story rooted in Maharashtra’s folk traditions to the global stage. Set during the intense, overnight Gondhal ritual, the thriller combines marital conflict, desire, deception, and murder. The film’s Oscar journey follows its festival success, including Davakhar’s Silver Peacock win for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), at the festival in Goa.

Gondhal Story, Cast And Director

Set in rural Maharashtra, Gondhal takes place over a single night during the traditional ritual that gives the film its title. The 117-minute thriller has been written and directed by Santosh Davakhar. The film stars Ishita Deshmukh, Kishor Kadam, Yogesh Sohoni and Nishad Bhoir in key roles. Deshmukh plays Suman, a woman trapped in an unhappy marriage with wealthy Anand, portrayed by Sohoni.

Suman’s life changes when she develops feelings for Saheba, a Gondhali performer. Determined to leave her marriage, she creates a dangerous plan and involves Anand’s fixated cousin, Sarjerao, played by Bhoir. However, the plan soon spirals into murder, leaving Suman caught in a web of love, betrayal, manipulation, and survival.

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Gondhal’s Oscar Selection And Marathi Cinema’s Record

The Film Federation of India selected Gondhal from a list of 33 contenders. P Seshadri, chairperson of the selection committee, announced the film’s selection as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards. The film also arrives at the Oscars following recognition on the festival circuit. Santosh Davakhar won the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India.

Gondhal is the fourth Marathi film to be selected as India’s official Oscar entry. The earlier selections were:

Shwaas - 2005
Harishchandrachi Factory - 2009
Court - 2015

Although Indian films have received international recognition, India is yet to win the Best International Feature Film award, previously known as the Best Foreign Film category.

ALSO READ | ‘Vibe’ Review: Kunal Kemmu Passes The ‘Vibe Check’

Oscars 2027: Date, Venue And Host

The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Conan O’Brien is set to host the ceremony for the third consecutive year. The final Oscar nominations and shortlisted films will determine whether Gondhal progresses further in the Best International Feature Film race.

‘Vibe’ Review: Kunal Kemmu Passes The ‘Vibe Check’

Arfa Javaid — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:01:22 +0530

Vibe Review: I’ll admit it - I almost skipped Vibe in theatres. The trailer screamed “seen this before”, with the kind of setup Bollywood has recycled enough times to make you wonder if there’s anything new left to say. But I’m glad that I kept aside my prejudice and watched it.

And even if it is too early to say, I don’t mind saying that Kunal Kemmu is Vibe. He isn’t merely the lead actor here. He is the film’s pulse, its biggest hook and, quite often, the reason you’re still completely invested when the story starts taking a few wild turns.

Right from the opening credits, Vibe refuses to let you settle into autopilot mode. No checking your phone. No talking to the person sitting next to you. No “how much longer?” calculations. It has your attention.

How? Kunal finds a rather clever way to do it. He kicks things off with a voiceover explaining what all those familiar credit terms like “media partners” and “special thanks” actually mean before the story has even begun. It’s meta, mildly cheeky and, more importantly, tells you exactly what kind of ride you’re in for.

How Is The Story?

The story follows Hardik (Kunal), who has just come out of drug rehab. His friend Bugs (Sparsh Shrivastava), concerned about him, decides to take 10 days off from work to help him find a job. But destiny has other plans. Bugs’ boss ends up hiring Hardik at the office because he doesn’t want to let Bugs stay away from work for that long.

On his first day, Hardik meets Kareena (Vanshika Dhir), an intern at the company, and falls for her. Bugs, naturally, isn’t exactly thrilled with the idea. He makes Hardik aware of the strict policies in place and asks him to stay away from her. However, Hardik, being Hardik, asks her out and she agrees. This, however, was the only start of a “relationship” nobody had imagined.

And then there’s Madam H (Preity Zinta), a government agent tasked with tracking down a dangerous terrorist after agents spoke in code about a “Hrithik Roshan” movie. Before long, Hardik and Bugs find themselves tangled up in her mission, and that’s when the film really kicks its madness into high gear.

The biggest strength of Vibe is that it rarely sits still. Whenever the narrative slows down, the soundtrack kicks in. When things get too serious, a joke usually arrives just in time. And when you think the film might finally calm down, another ridiculous situation is waiting around the corner.

Yes, there are moments when Vibe goes a little too far. There are perhaps more fight sequences than the story really needs, a few scenes feel deliberately over-the-top, and one stretch does remind you a little too much of Alpha. But the film has enough to breeze past most of these bumps before you have too much time to dwell on them.

Performances

Kunal Kemmu is the heart, soul and engine of the film. His comic timing is on point, his one-liners land, and there’s an infectious ease to his performance. The funny thing is, you actually start missing him whenever he isn’t on screen.

He knows exactly how much to push Hardik’s eccentricity without turning him into a caricature, and that balance works beautifully. As a director, writer and actor, Kunal clearly knows the kind of space he wants this character to occupy, and he owns it.

Preity Zinta, however, feels strangely out of sync with the film. There’s a disconnect in her performance that makes Madam H feel less convincing than she should. Her deputies, played by Yashpal Sharma and Nirahua, actually leave a stronger impression in their comparatively smaller roles.

Vanshika Dhir looks every bit the part of Kareena and delivers a promising debut. There’s an effortless charm to her performance, and she holds her own opposite Kunal.

Sparsh Shrivastava is largely spot-on as Bugs, bringing the right amount of frustration and comic exasperation to the character. A couple of his emotional moments don’t land with quite the same impact, but overall, he fits comfortably into the film’s chaotic rhythm.

Then there are the cameos. Uorfi’s brief appearance works perfectly well for what it is, but Sharmila Tagore is criminally underused. In fact, you can’t help wondering what the film might have looked like had she been given the space that Madam H gets.

Verdict

As Kunal’s second directorial outing, Vibe comes with exactly the kind of chaotic, carefree energy its title promises. It’s funny, unapologetically commercial and clearly not interested in taking itself too seriously. The film’s background music is “vibe” too.

It delivers exactly what its trailer promised. “Comedy. Yes. Romance. Yes. Action. Yes. VIBE. Absolutely!”

And with Daayra also playing in theatres right now, if you’re deciding what to watch, Vibe makes for a more entertaining night out or movie date.

'Vibe' X Reactions: Viewers Call It A 'Fun Theatrical Watch', Some Find The Second Half 'Weak'

Vijaya Mishra — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:14:47 +0530

Kunal Kemmu and Preity Zinta’s Vibe has received a mixed yet largely positive response from viewers on X following its September 18 release. Several moviegoers praised the film’s humour, performances and entertaining first half, with some calling it the best comedy of the year so far. Kunal Kemmu’s work as actor, writer and director, along with Sparsh Srivastava’s performance, emerged as common points of appreciation. However, other reactions criticised the film’s stretched second half, uneven screenplay, action sequences, and songs. The early discussion has also focused on whether Vibe deserves a theatrical outing or is better suited for OTT.

VIBE Viewers Praise Kunal Kemmu And Sparsh Srivastava

Several viewers who watched Vibe appreciated its comic timing, cast, and overall premise. One viewer described the film as “the most entertaining” movie they had seen in recent times, adding that the entire theatre was laughing. The user called the film clean, balanced, and high on humour, while praising Kunal Kemmu and Preity Zinta for their performances.

Just attended the #Vibe movie fan screening in Ahmedabad! 🔥

The Madgaon Express magic is BACK!

First half = crazy laughs, perfect punches & almost tears!
Second half keeps the vibe going with lots of laughs.

Kunal Kemmu absolutely NAILED the comedy! 😂🔥 #review #comedy pic.twitter.com/RCziaPguxP
— Yash (@LafterTHErapist) September 13, 2026

The same reaction highlighted the film’s “organic comedy” and described both lead actors as exceptional in their respective parts. Another viewer went a step further, calling Vibe “the best comedy film of this year till date”. The user also praised Kunal Kemmu, describing him as “insane” as both an actor and director.

#VibeReview : ⭐️⭐️ : A Fun Ride Ruined by Boring 2nd Half and Laggy Screenplay.

Actors : ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Vibe is a Glittery affair embroidered by Brilliant Performance of Kunal Khemu, Whole movie at one side and Kunal Khemu on the other, What a performance.

Preity Zinda did decent… https://t.co/btiuIvvlzg pic.twitter.com/X4qP0U70nm
— KBP Reviews🏹 (@KshitizCritic) September 18, 2026

A separate viewer said they watched the film in a theatre with only seven people but still came away impressed. According to the post, the story begins in Mumbai and moves to Bangkok for its climax. The viewer also clarified that there was no reference to Madgaon Express.

Saw The #Vibe today and honestly, loved the movie.

I love watching movies in an empty theatre, and today there were literally only 7 people in the entire theatre

The story starts in Mumbai and takes you all the way to Bangkok for the climax. And NO, there’s no reference to… pic.twitter.com/tdyZlGj7kB
— Amit Behal (@amitbehalll) September 18, 2026

Praising the cast, the user called Kemmu’s writing, direction, and acting “top-notch”. Sparsh Srivastava was singled out for his performance, with the viewer saying he had “absolutely killed it” and was displaying his range across low-budget and big-budget films.

#VibeReview: ENTERTAINING START, DISAPPOINTING FINISH!

Rating - ⭐️⭐️#Vibe has an interesting setup,two completely unqualified best friends, Hardik and Bugs, are unexpectedly pulled into a dangerous mission to save the country. The contrast between Kunal Kemmu’s carefree,…
— Sumit Kadel (@SumitkadeI) September 18, 2026

The viewer also praised Yashpal Sharma’s performance and Vanshika Dhir’s character and accent. However, they felt Dinesh Lal Yadav’s character was slightly out of place. Preity Zinta’s casting did not work for the viewer, who suggested that another actor, such as Taapsee Pannu, could have suited the role better.

Despite that criticism, the viewer recommended watching Vibe in theatres, particularly for its writing.

Mixed Reactions Over The Second Half

Not every response was equally enthusiastic. Film critic Sumit Kadel described Vibe as having an “entertaining start” but a “disappointing finish”, awarding it two stars.

ALSO READ | 'Daayra' Vs 'VIBE' Box Office Collection Live: Kunal Khemu's Film Leads Kareena Kapoor's By 200%

In his review, Kadel praised the film’s basic premise, which follows two ordinary and unqualified friends, Hardik and Bugs, as they become involved in a dangerous mission. He noted that the contrast between Kunal Kemmu’s carefree Hardik and Sparsh Srivastava’s more disciplined Bugs creates some of the film’s strongest moments.

ALSO READ | 'Daayra' X Review: Viewers Call Thriller ‘Boring’ And ‘Predictable’, Say It’s A ‘Forgettable Watch’

Kadel found the first half to be the better section, citing funny situations, quirky action, comic timing and pop-culture references. He also praised the chemistry between Kemmu and Sparsh, while noting Preity Zinta’s authority in the role of Madam H.

However, he felt the film lost momentum after the interval. According to his review, the writing became stretched, the pace slowed, and several sequences were unnecessarily prolonged. He also found the humour inconsistent and felt the climax became excessive without fully fitting the film’s internal logic.

Another X review described Vibe as: “A Fun Ride Ruined by Boring 2nd Half and Laggy Screenplay.”

The viewer praised Kunal Kemmu’s performance, calling the film a “glittery affair” elevated by the actor. Sparsh Srivastava was described as “very good”, while Preity Zinta was said to have done decently in her role.

However, the review criticised the screenplay as “very laggy and poor” and called parts of the writing lazy. The direction was considered effective in the first half, but some second-half sequences were described as difficult to sit through.

The review also found the cinematography good in certain portions but criticised the action, particularly in the latter half. While the background score was called decent, the songs did not appeal to the viewer. The first-half dialogues reportedly generated strong laughs, but several later exchanges were said to fall flat.

The reviewer concluded that Kunal Kemmu’s fans could watch the film in theatres, but labelled it an “OTT-worthy affair”.

Vibe’s Story And Box Office Clash

Vibe is an action-comedy centred on Hardik and Bugs, two ordinary friends who are unexpectedly drawn into a dangerous mission. The film has been written and directed by Kunal Kemmu and marks his second directorial venture after Madgaon Express.

The cast includes Kemmu, Preity Zinta, Sparsh Srivastava, and debutant Vanshika Dhir. Preity plays Madam H, the person who recruits the unlikely duo for a mission connected to a threat against the country.

The film was released on September 18 and is competing at the box office with Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Daayra. Before the release, Kemmu told India Today that he did not view the clash as a family rivalry. He said the two films belong to different genres, have separate audiences, and that the market currently has enough screens for both.

Kareena had earlier joked at the Daayra trailer launch that the family would now receive the entire box office collection.

Early X reactions suggest that Vibe works best for viewers who enjoy Kunal Kemmu’s comic performance, the cast and its first-half humour. However, the film’s uneven second half and screenplay have led some watchers to recommend it for OTT rather than a theatrical viewing.

'Daayra' X Review: Viewers Call Thriller ‘Boring’ And ‘Predictable’, Say It’s A ‘Forgettable Watch’

Vijaya Mishra — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:21:47 +0530

The wait for Daayra is finally over as Meghna Gulzar's cop thriller arrived in cinemas on September 18, bringing Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran together on screen. The actors play senior police officers investigating a case involving juvenile crime, but their contrasting views on justice soon put them at odds. Following the first-day-first-show screenings, viewers have started sharing their reactions online. While some have praised the lead performances, screenplay, and Gulzar's direction, others have found the thriller predictable and questioned how deeply it explores its central debate. The early social media response, therefore, remains mixed, with strong praise alongside criticism of the film's execution.

Kareena Kapoor And Prithviraj Sukumaran Get Praise

Several viewers have responded positively to the performances in Daayra. One X user rated the film 4.5/5 and described it as “impactful,” “raw,” and “powerful”. The viewer particularly praised Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran, while calling the storytelling mature and recommending it to audiences interested in content-driven cinema.

ALSO READ | 'Daayra' Vs 'VIBE' Box Office Collection Live: Kunal Khemu's Film Leads Kareena Kapoor's By 200%

Another X user also highlighted the lead pair, describing Prithviraj as “excellent” in his role and praising Kareena's performance. The viewer called the film a smart and thought-provoking watch. Prithviraj plays DCP Raman Kumar, while Kareena essays DCP Ajooni Kohli. Their opposing approaches to law and justice form an important part of the film's conflict.

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However, not everyone was impressed. One X user wrote, 'First Review #Daayra: A boring thriller with a predictable, repetitive story that we’ve seen countless times on the silver screen. The lead actors deliver dull performances, and the film offers very little entertainment value for the masses. A tedious and forgettable watch.'

Meghna Gulzar's Direction Gets Mixed Response

Meghna Gulzar has also received appreciation from some viewers for her handling of the story. One social media reaction praised the screenplay, editing and direction, describing these elements as major strengths of Daayra.

#Daayra is pretty good. Its a procedural whose screenplay and editing are its major assets besides the terrific direction. Its another gem from Meghna who continues to further evolve as a director. What a voice she is turning out to be!
— Nagaraj🌿 (@rajuvijai) September 16, 2026

The film's procedural treatment has also drawn attention. At the same time, another viewer felt that the story does not explore its central debate about instant justice and delayed prosecution in sufficient depth. The user compared its treatment with films including Virumaandi and Jolly LLB 2, while arguing that Daayra leaves some of its questions underexplored.

What Is Daayra About?

Daayra, which the makers say is inspired by true events, follows the aftermath of a crime that leads to widespread public anger and triggers two parallel approaches to the investigation. DCP Raman Kumar and DCP Ajooni Kohli, played by Prithviraj and Kareena respectively, have very different views on duty, law and justice. As the case progresses, these differences become increasingly difficult to ignore.

Prithviraj has previously spoken about being drawn to Raman because of the complexity beneath his composed exterior. He has also said that the film maintains an objective perspective, leaving audiences to form their own views about the characters and events. The actor has praised his experience of working with Meghna Gulzar and Kareena Kapoor Khan, while describing Raman as a character who is pushed to reconsider his own understanding of justice.

The supporting cast features Kshitee Jog, Kanwaljit Singh, Biswapati Sarkar, Jitendra Joshi, Achint Kaur, Seema Azmi, Trupti Khamkar and Anuja Sathe. With Daayra now playing in cinemas, the initial social media response shows a clear divide. While some viewers have connected with its performances, direction and subject, others have criticised its predictable narrative and questioned whether it takes its central ideas far enough.

'Daayra' Vs 'VIBE' Box Office Collection Live: Kunal Khemu's Film Leads Kareena Kapoor's By 200%

Vijaya Mishra — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 10:20:05 +0530

The opening-day box office race between Daayra and VIBE has begun, with both films recording early India collections based on live tracking figures. Daayra, which is running across 1,055 shows, has earned an estimated net of Rs 0.18 Cr on Day 1 so far. This brings total India gross collections to Rs 0.21 Cr and total India net to Rs 0.18 Cr so far, with India final collections yet to be reported. VIBE, meanwhile, has a wider show count of 1,485 shows and has registered a live net collection of Rs 0.29 Cr. This brings total India gross collections to Rs 0.34 Cr and total India net to Rs 0.29 Cr so far, with India final collections yet to be reported. While VIBE is ahead in the initial figures, these numbers remain provisional. Final India gross and net collections for both releases are awaited and may change as more theatres report their earnings throughout the day and evening trade.

Daayra Vs VIBE: Day 1 Show Count

The early theatre data by Sacnilk shows a difference in the number of screenings allocated to the two films.

Film	Day 1 Shows
Daayra	1, 055
VIBE	1,485 shows

VIBE is currently running across 534 shows, compared with Daayra's 1,055. However, show count alone does not determine a film's final box office performance, as occupancy and ticket prices also influence collections.

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Daayra Vs VIBE: Live India Box Office Collection

Based on the available Day 1 live tracking figures, VIBE is ahead of Daayra in both reported gross and net collections.

Film	India Gross	India Net	Status
Daayra	Rs 0.21 Cr	Rs 0.18 Cr	Live
VIBE	Rs 0.34 Cr	Rs 0.29 Cr	Live

Daayra has recorded a live India net collection of Rs 0.18 crore, with its India gross also standing at Rs 0.21 crore so far.

VIBE, on the other hand, has collected Rs 0.29 crore net and Rs 0.34 crore gross in India according to the live figures available.

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Final Day 1 Figures Awaited

The figures remain subject to change as more shows conclude and theatres update their earnings. The final India gross and net collections for both Daayra and VIBE have not yet been reported. The final numbers will provide a clearer picture of how the two films performed on their opening day.

'Daayra' Review | Kareena, Prithviraj's Film Goes In Circles Without Ever Landing

Arfa Javaid — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 11:53:00 +0530

Daayra opens on an unsettling note, with a crowd celebrating an encounter killing, before cutting to the disappearance of a 24-year-old woman and the police investigation that follows. The opening stretch keeps you guessing, unsure where exactly the film is headed. Then Kareena Kapoor Khan makes her entry, and it’s an unexpected one that briefly injects fresh intrigue into the plot.

But that spark doesn’t last. For all its dark, socially charged premise, Daayra never quite manages to pull you into its world. The characters stay at arm’s length, and the narrative frequently slips into confusion rather than tension.

How Is The Story?

The film centres on the disappearance of a young woman who calls her family in panic, telling them her scooter has been stolen, her phone battery is dying, and that a truck driver has offered to help her track it down, though she admits she’s scared. Her mother rushes to the location but is met with indifference. At the police station, she’s turned away and told to go home. No FIR is filed because the case, she’s told, doesn’t fall under their jurisdiction.

What follows is a frustrating trail through CCTV footage. One camera is conveniently switched off, while another catches the woman parking her scooter near a toll plaza before she gets into an auto or a shared cab. Police stations keep bouncing the case between each other, each claiming it isn’t theirs to solve, and the investigation stalls further with every passing hour.

This is the case that draws DCP Ajooni Kohli, played by Kareena Kapoor Khan, and DCP Raman Kumar, played by Prithviraj, into direct conflict. As the investigation unravels into a brutal rape case, the two officers emerge as, in director Meghna Gulzar’s own words, yin and yang, clashing over justice, accountability, and just how far institutional authority should be allowed to stretch.

Whether the woman is found, and what the opening encounter was actually about, is left for the film to reveal. That’s where Daayra tries to build its central drama.

There are flashes where Daayra hits its mark, particularly in depicting police apathy and the bureaucratic loopholes that let cases slip through the cracks. Kareena gets one especially sharp line, describing the “daayra,” or circle, that law and order operates within, one with its own rigid limits. It lands as the thematic core of the film.

But the storytelling struggles to hold together. The first half is genuinely confusing, the kind that leaves you leaning over to whisper, “Wait, what just happened?” to the person sitting next to you. What feels like it should be layered instead comes across as disjointed. The second half swings in the opposite direction, packing in one development after another without giving any of them enough room to land.

The rape scene, which should have been the film’s emotional gut punch, ends up feeling surprisingly flat rather than devastating. Kareena Kapoor Khan, despite being one of the film’s biggest draws, is given surprisingly little to work with. By the end, Raman and Ajooni’s paths diverge in a symbolic, open-ended finale that feels more conceptual than earned.

Verdict

Daayra has all the raw material for a gripping, unsettling crime drama, but it never manages to fuse those pieces into a story that actually stays with you once the lights come up.

For a director like Meghna Gulzar, who has given us films like Raazi, taut, assured, and emotionally precise, this one feels like a rare miss. Daayra knows exactly what it wants to say, but never quite figures out how to say it effectively.

'The Vvaan' Trailer OUT: Sidharth Malhotra, Tamannaah Bhatia Enter Ektaa Kapoor's Mysterious Folklore World

Devyani Nautiyal — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:23:15 +0530

The trailer of Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia’s much-talked-about film The Vvaan: Force of the Forest is finally out, offering a glimpse into a world shaped by folklore, fear, faith and dark secrets. The trailer has already added to the curiosity around the film, particularly with Sidharth and Tamannaah sharing the screen for the first time.

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'The Vvaan' Trailer Releases

The trailer opens with chilling tales surrounding a mysterious forest. According to the folklore, anyone who enters the woods at night may disappear without leaving even a body behind. Sidharth Malhotra then enters the story as a character who refuses to believe these frightening accounts.

The narrative moves to a village where Sidharth and Tamannaah’s characters arrive for Chhath Puja. A conflict soon emerges when the development of the village requires the forest to be cleared. The villagers, however, oppose the idea. From there, the trailer begins to reveal a series of twists, gradually deepening the mystery surrounding the forest.

The background score adds to the eerie atmosphere, while the visuals and VFX give the film a larger fantasy-thriller feel. Sidharth’s character appears to have several layers, and his pairing with Tamannaah brings another element to the story. Their on-screen chemistry is also one of the aspects that has caught attention in the trailer.

'The Vvaan's' Folklore-Driven Story And Team

The film is being described as a folk thriller and is co-directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra, known for Panchayat, and Arunabh Kumar, the founder of The Viral Fever (TVF).

Vvan - Force of the Forest is expected to go on floors later this year and is slated for a theatrical release in 2026.

The project marks the first collaboration between Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia, adding to the anticipation around their pairing.

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Social Media Users React To The Trailer

The trailer has also prompted enthusiastic reactions from users.

One user said, "The idea of folklore and fear makes for a solid combo and with #TVF and #EktaaKapoor at work, this one looks an exciting fantasy thriller."

Another added, "Expect #TVF to bring stories that have something meaningful to say while daring to explore something different. #TheVvaan looks like one such promising attempt."

One more commented, "It's mesmerising for fantasy-folklore lovers...There's suspense & intrigue along with strong emotional resonance."

Another user wrote, "The much-awaited #TheVvaan trailer is out now! Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah enter a mysterious world where Indian folklore meets supernatural intrigue."

One more reaction read, "#TheVvaanTrailer encapsulates faith, devotion, spirituality, humor and creates an atmospheric tension that makes it promising and potent. #SidharthMalhotra dives into his most complex role yet and is complimented by #TamannaahBhatia."

Another user said, "#TheVvaanTrailer is that it doesn’t seem interested in showing us familiar mythology again. It looks like they’re building an entirely new world inspired by Indian folklore and we are so here for it!"

One more added, "If the visuals in #TheVvaanTrailer look this good, theatre mein this world is going to hit completely differently. September 25 needs to come faster."