On the 5th day, Mirzapur: The Movie soared, collecting more than Rs 15 crores across more than 10,000 theatres. The movie has been seeing an incredible reception since its launch day, collecting over Rs 25 crores on its first day. Then came the weekend where we saw the true value of Mirzapur beam in its glory.

On day 2, which was a Saturday, the movie earned Rs 32 crores, followed by an even bigger grab of Rs 36 crores on day 3, Sunday. Combined, the weekend saw a staggering Rs 68 crores over the first weekend for Mirzapur: The Movie. While there was a subtle dip for the following day, the numbers were still good, earning Rs 16 crores on day 4. Day 5 followed with a similar trend, with more than Rs 15 crores.

Mirzapur: The Movie’s story is not a direct sequel to the end of season 3. In fact, this movie is a type of spin-off set between the events of season 1. During the promotion event for the movie, Ali Fazal said, “Everyone must go home and watch Series 1, but only till episode 6. From episode 6, the story of the movie starts and revolves.”

Episode 6 of Mirzapur season 1, which is titled Barfi, paves the way for a new journey in the life’s of Guddu (Ali Fazal) and Bablu (Vikrant Massey) after they earn Kaleen Bhaiya’s (Pankaj Tripathi) respect. The brothers are soon handed more responsibility over handling the smuggling business. Other important storylines are tracked within this episode, including the brewing love story between Guddu and Sweety (Sriya Pilgaonkar), and the volatile personality of Munna Tripathi’s (Divyendu Sharma) toxic affair with power.

Watch the trailer for Daayra right here:

Also read: Mirzapur: The Movie Review: A Good Companion Piece to The Series

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra may have completed its theatrical run, but the Malayalam blockbuster continues to attract attention from across the Indian film industry. The latest development came when director Dominic Arun met Telugu superstar Allu Arjun, who shared his thoughts on the film and encouraged the filmmaker about the chapters that are yet to come.

Dominic took to social media to share a picture with Allu Arjun and described the interaction as a memorable fanboy moment. The director revealed that he had the opportunity to hear the actor’s thoughts on Lokah and said that the appreciation meant a great deal to him.

“A big fanboy moment. Had the wonderful opportunity to meet “THE” Allu Arjun and hear his thoughts on Lokah. His appreciation for the film and his encouragement for the chapters ahead genuinely meant a lot. Some days, you meet someone you’ve admired for years and just forget what to say. This was one of those days. Grateful for the love, the kind words. Thank you, Sir.”

From Tharangam to Lokah

The meeting comes at a significant point in Dominic Arun’s career. The filmmaker made his directorial debut with Tharangam in 2017, a quirky crime comedy starring Tovino Thomas and Balu Varghese. Produced by Dhanush, the film marked the actor-producer’s first Malayalam production and earned critical appreciation for its distinctive approach, even though its theatrical performance did not match its reception.

Dominic’s fortunes changed dramatically with Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra. Released in August 2025, the film starred Kalyani Priyadarshan as Chandra, a mysterious superhero character rooted in Kerala folklore, with Naslen playing a key role. Tovino Thomas, Sandy Master, Chandu Salimkumar and Dulquer Salmaan were also part of the ensemble.

Blending elements of fantasy, folklore and superhero cinema, Lokah introduced audiences to an ambitious cinematic universe planned across multiple chapters. The film became a major theatrical phenomenon, eventually crossing the Rs 300 crore mark worldwide. It became the first Malayalam film to reach that milestone and, at the time, emerged as the highest-grossing Malayalam film worldwide.

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A post shared by Dominic Arun (@dominic_arun)

Lokah’s records have since been surpassed

While Lokah remains one of Malayalam cinema’s landmark blockbusters, its box-office records have since been overtaken. Vaazha 2: Biopic of a Billion Bros surpassed Lokah’s Kerala collections in April 2026 and became the highest-grossing Malayalam film in the state.

Lokah itself had already completed its theatrical run by late 2025, following its successful run in cinemas and subsequent OTT release. Its place in Malayalam cinema’s recent history, however, remains significant, particularly for demonstrating the commercial potential of an ambitious, female-led fantasy superhero film.

Allu Arjun’s appreciation is particularly noteworthy given his popularity in Kerala. The Pushpa star has enjoyed a huge following in the state for several years, making his response to a Malayalam film especially meaningful. His meeting with Dominic also highlights the increasing exchange of appreciation between major stars and filmmakers from different South Indian film industries.

For Dominic, the interaction comes as anticipation builds around the future chapters of the Lokah universe. His social media post specifically mentions Allu Arjun’s encouragement for the chapters ahead, although there is currently no confirmation of the actor being part of the franchise.

Meanwhile, Allu Arjun is preparing for the next phase of his career following the release of Pushpa 2: The Rule in December 2024. He is currently working on his collaboration with director Atlee, reportedly titled Raaka, while his lineup also includes a project with Lokesh Kanagaraj.

The meeting between Allu Arjun and Dominic Arun is ultimately another indication of how far Lokah has travelled since its release. While its theatrical journey is over and some of its records have already been surpassed, the film’s success has given Dominic’s ambitious universe a life well beyond its original run.

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Mari Selvaraj is known for telling stories that explore social realities through deeply personal characters and emotionally charged narratives. His next directorial venture, Manjanathi, appears to continue that tradition, with Priyanka Mohan, Kayadu Lohar and Kathir leading an ensemble cast. On Wednesday, the three actors opened up about what drew them to the project and why being part of the film has been particularly meaningful.

For Priyanka Mohan, the attraction seems to have begun even before she stepped onto the sets. Sharing her thoughts on X, the actor spoke about the experience of reading the script and discovering the world that Selvaraj had created.

“Some films come with a feeling that stays with you, even before you begin. Turning every page of Manjanathi felt like getting closer to a world filled with so much soul and emotion.”

She went on to express her excitement about collaborating with the director, while also highlighting another major reason the film holds a special place for her. “I’m incredibly grateful and excited to be a part of this beautiful journey with Mari Selvaraj sir. I’m truly looking forward to stepping into your world and joining you on this journey. And to have the legendary Ilaiyaraaja sir’s music breathe life into our story makes this journey even more special. Can’t wait to begin this magical journey and bring Manjanathi to you all.”

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A landmark collaboration with Ilaiyaraaja

One of the biggest talking points surrounding Manjanathi is the coming together of Mari Selvaraj and Ilaiyaraaja. The film marks the first time the acclaimed filmmaker and the legendary composer are collaborating, making their association one of the project’s most anticipated aspects.

Kathir, meanwhile, revealed that the film’s take on love was what immediately caught his attention. The actor, who previously worked with Selvaraj in the acclaimed Pariyerum Perumal, said the narration made him reconsider the way love is perceived.

“Love doesn’t look or feel the same to everyone. And Manjanathi made me think about that in a way I hadn’t before. The first narration gave me a completely different perspective on love. I walked out with so many thoughts & all I wanted to know was how this story would turn out.”

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Kayadu Lohar also described the film as an opportunity to engage with ideas that are deeply embedded in society. “To be a part of a film that makes you confront something so deeply woven into the way we see, judge and control is an honour beyond words. And to experience this journey alongside some of the finest minds in our industry Mari Selvaraj sir and the greatest talents Ilaiyaraaja sir makes this phase all the more exciting and, honestly, feels like a blessing. Grateful. Excited. And deeply honoured to be a part of this one.”

The film brings together Poornima Ravi, Vidhu and J Vignesh, best known for his work in Kaaka Muttai, alongside its principal cast. Manjanathi also reunites Kathir with Selvaraj following Pariyerum Perumal. Kathir will also share screen space with Poornima Ravi again after their collaboration in Lingam.

Love doesn’t look or feel the same to everyone. And #Manjanathi made me think about that in a way I hadn’t before.

The first narration gave me a completely different perspective on love. I walked out with so many thoughts & all I wanted to know was how this story would turn out pic.twitter.com/zj08jZa011

— Kathir (@am_kathir) September 9, 2026

Behind the camera, Selvaraj has assembled a notable technical team comprising cinematographer Ezhil Arasu K, editor Selva RK, art director Ramu Thangaraj and stunt choreographer Dhilip Subbarayan.

Manjanathi is being produced by Mari Selvaraj and his wife Divya under their Navvi Studios banner, in association with Sushant Prasad of Skanda Pictures. Fortune Entertainment is also backing the project. With an acclaimed filmmaker, a celebrated composer and a cast that has already expressed a strong emotional connection with the material, Manjanathi is shaping up as one of the more intriguing Tamil films to watch out for.

Also Read: Fact Check: Vijay Deverakonda’s Team Responds to Viral Rumours About Ranabaali