Imtiaz Ali’s latest directorial venture, Main Vaapas Aaunga released in theatres on June 12. The film, which features an ensemble cast starring Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari, Vedang Raina, and Naseeruddin Shah, brings an emotional story based on the Partition era to the big screen.

Despite the anticipation surrounding the project, which is inspired by real-life stories from the Partition, the film saw a slow start at the box office. According to official reports, the film earned Rs 1.15 crore in India net collections on its opening day. When considering the India gross collection, the figure reached approximately Rs 1.38 crore.

This initial performance comes despite a wide release strategy, with the film being screened across 2,302 screens nationwide, supported by an extensive promotional campaign. Early trade estimates indicate that the film recorded an overall occupancy of 12.22% on its first day.

While the box office numbers remain modest, the audience and critical response has highlighted the quality of the performances. Although there have been mixed reactions about the story and the pacing of the film, the work delivered by the ensemble cast has been largely appreciated by those who have watched it.

Main Vaapas Aaunga also faced some competition in a crowded slate. It clashed directly with Kangana Ranaut’s Bharata Bhhagya Viddhaata, which reportedly earned around Rs 1 crore on its opening day. The film is also contending for screen space and audience attention alongside several other major releases, including Manoj Bajpayee’s Governor, Varun Dhawan’s Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, and the international release He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.

Industry observers are now looking toward the weekend, noting that strong word of mouth could be the deciding factor in helping the film gain momentum. Given Imtiaz Ali’s established reputation for storytelling and the emotional depth of the film’s subject matter, the coming days will be critical in determining whether Main Vaapas Aaunga can establish a firmer foothold at the box office.

Also Read: Exclusive: Anjana Sukhani On Main Vaapas Aaunga, The Magic Of Imtiaz Ali, Staying Relevant & More

The controversy around Don 3 has been one of the most talked-about topics in Bollywood recently, based on the fallout between Ranveer Singh and the film’s makers, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment. While the situation eventually reached the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), leading to a non-cooperation directive, which has since been revoked, new details have emerged about efforts to resolve the conflict behind the scenes.

Ashoke Pandit, the chief advisor of FWICE, recently revealed that several prominent industry figures attempted to mediate the dispute before it escalated to the federation. Notably, among those who tried to intervene was Aamir Khan.

Speaking to Hindi Rush, Ashoke Pandit shared, “Many people from the industry, including Aamir Khan, had been trying to resolve the issue before it came to us. That also didn’t work. Today it’s Ranveer Singh. Tomorrow it could be someone else. This is what Excel is going through. If it was someone else, they would have gone to hell. They would have sold their house. You may have ten valid reasons for not doing a film. But if money has been spent because you committed to the project, then those losses should be reimbursed.”

The dispute begun from Ranveer’s sudden exit from the project shortly before filming was set to start. Reports say that the filmmakers had already invested approximately ₹45 crore in pre-production. Farhan’s Excel Entertainment sought compensation for these financial losses, arguing that the Ranveer’s exit caused significant disruption.

Pandit talked about the need for accountability in the industry, stating that it does not matter how big a star someone is, as no one should be allowed to back out of a committed project at the last minute without consequences. He also mentioned that while there were rumours suggesting Salman Khan had intervened due to his close ties with the Akhtar family, those claims were dismissed entirely, clarifying that Salman had no involvement in the matter.

Also Read: Aamir Khan doesn’t charge money if his films don’t make a profit

Actor Jiiva is gearing up for his next cinematic outing. The actor has signed a new project with filmmaker Ra Venkat, who earned widespread acclaim for his 2023 drama Kida. While the makers are yet to unveil the title or plot details, the announcement marks Jiiva’s return to active shooting schedules after a short break from work.

The film will be produced by Lark Studios, a banner that has steadily built a reputation for backing commercially successful and content-driven films. The production house recently tasted success with Soori’s Garudan and the family entertainer Maaman, both of which performed strongly at the box office.

The yet-to-be-titled project is expected to go on floors next month, with principal photography planned in and around Madurai. The makers are keeping further details under wraps for now, including information regarding the supporting cast and storyline.

Joining the project is cinematographer M Sukumar, one of the most sought-after names in South Indian cinema. Known for his work across Tamil and Telugu films, Sukumar recently handled cinematography for Thalaivan Thalaivii and Kumki 2. Interestingly, he is also working on another upcoming Jiiva film, Jolliya Iruntha Oruthan, giving the actor and technician back-to-back collaborations.

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Jiiva returns to work after a difficult phase

The new film arrives at an emotional juncture in Jiiva’s personal and professional journey. Earlier this year, the actor faced a heartbreaking loss with the passing of his father, veteran producer RB Choudhary, in an accident. Choudhary was one of the most influential producers in South Indian cinema through his production house Super Good Films and played a significant role in shaping the careers of several leading stars and filmmakers.

Following a brief period away from professional commitments, Jiiva has now resumed work, beginning a fresh chapter with the Ra Venkat directorial.

The filmmaker himself is coming off the success of Kida, a deeply moving rural drama that resonated with critics and audiences alike. The film starred Kaali Venkat and the late Poo Ramu in pivotal roles. Set against a simple yet emotionally rich backdrop, the story followed a loving grandfather determined to fulfil his grandson’s Diwali wish for new clothes. Faced with financial hardship, he contemplates selling a goat that had been set aside as a sacred offering. The film was praised for its grounded storytelling, strong performances and emotional authenticity.

For Jiiva, the new project adds to an increasingly busy slate. The actor was last seen in Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil, directed by Nithish Sahadev of Falimy fame. Released during the Pongal season earlier this year, the film enjoyed a favourable run at the box office and further strengthened Jiiva’s standing among family audiences.

Meanwhile, Jolliya Iruntha Oruthan has already wrapped principal photography and is currently in post-production. The film reunites Jiiva with director M Rajesh, the filmmaker behind the actor’s popular 2009 romantic comedy Siva Manasula Sakthi. The reunion has generated considerable excitement among fans eager to see the duo collaborate again after more than a decade.

With one film nearing completion and another ready to commence production, Jiiva appears set for a busy phase ahead. The collaboration with Ra Venkat, a director known for balancing emotional depth with rooted storytelling, could prove to be one of the more intriguing projects on the actor’s upcoming slate.

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