The wait is finally over for Squid Game fans! The second season of the South Korean thriller series, which captivated audiences worldwide with its gripping storyline, is about to hit screens. As anticipation builds, here’s everything you need to know about the highly awaited season, from the release date and cast to what viewers can expect as the deadly game continues.

Release date and what to expect

Squid Game Season 2 will be available for streaming on Netflix starting December 26, 2024, at 12:30 PM IST. The announcement has set fans buzzing, and with the second season just around the corner, it’s clear that the hype surrounding this release is unmatched. As the countdown to the premiere begins, fans can prepare for a thrilling binge-watching experience.

While the first season of Squid Game had nine episodes, the upcoming season will have seven. This streamlined format promises a more compact but equally suspenseful narrative, with each episode designed to deliver maximum tension and surprise.

Returning cast and new faces

The core cast from the first season is back, including Lee Jung-jae (Seong Gi-hun), Lee Byung-hun (Front Man), and Wi Ha-jun (Hwang Jun-ho), ensuring continuity in the gripping story. Adding to the excitement, Gong Yoo also returns, alongside a new set of characters portrayed by Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, and others. These fresh faces will bring new dynamics to the game, as each character enters with unique motives and strategies to survive.

A sneak peek into the storyline

Picking up right where the first season left off, Season 2 will follow Seong Gi-hun’s journey as he remains in South Korea, determined to uncover the truth behind the sinister game. Fueled by vengeance, Gi-hun returns to face new and even more dangerous players. The stakes are higher than ever, as each round of the deadly game will force players to outwit each other and push their physical and mental limits to the edge.

The series isn’t just about survival — it’s a game of strategy, alliances, and brutal decisions. Fans can expect even more gruesome challenges, filled with intense action and emotional turmoil, as Gi-hun and his fellow players fight for the ultimate prize or risk meeting their deaths.

What’s next for the squid game Universe?

Looking ahead, Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has confirmed that a third season is in the works, which will serve as the grand finale to this thrilling saga. In a statement, Hwang expressed his excitement about returning to the world of Squid Game, promising a climactic showdown between Gi-hun and the Front Man, which will raise the stakes to a whole new level.

As the series delves deeper into psychological and philosophical themes, fans can expect an even more captivating narrative in the third season that will tie up the story’s loose ends and bring the saga to an explosive conclusion.

Cultural impact and legacy

Since its debut, Squid Game has transcended the small screen to become a global phenomenon. Its exploration of social inequality, survival, and the human will to endure has sparked widespread discussions, fan theories, and cultural references. The second season is expected to raise these themes to new heights, diving deeper into the mental and emotional challenges that players face in the game.

As fans eagerly await the premiere, one thing is certain — Squid Game Season 2 is bound to be an unforgettable ride. From its star-studded cast to the psychological twists and jaw-dropping moments, this season promises to deliver everything that made the first season a worldwide sensation — and more.

So, get ready for the game to resume. Squid Game Season 2 is coming, and it’s going to be even more intense than before. Don’t miss the action!

Filming for Housefull 5, featuring Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Abhishek Bachchan, has officially wrapped up, as announced by the production team. Housefull 5 is set to hit theaters on June 6, 2025.

Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, known for Dostana, and produced under Sajid Nadiadwala’s Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, this fifth installment of the beloved comedy franchise promises a mix of humor and heart.

In an Instagram post shared on Tuesday evening, the studio celebrated the conclusion of shooting with a photo of the full cast. They wrote, “That’s a wrap for Housefull 5! A rollercoaster of emotions, filled with laughter, hard work, and unforgettable memories.”

The film also boasts an impressive lineup, including Fardeen Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, Chunky Pandey, Johnny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Dino Morea, Chitrangada Singh, Ranjeet, Soundarya Sharma, and Nikitin Dheer.

The Housefull franchise began in 2010 with the original Housefull, followed by three sequels: Housefull 2 (2012), Housefull 3 (2016), and Housefull 4 (2019).

The first photo features a table set with an array of cakes and plates as the cast and crew gather to celebrate a major achievement. The images vividly reflect the lively energy and excitement of everyone involved in the production. The accompanying caption reads, “And that’s a wrap on principal photography for Housefull 5! What an incredible journey it’s been—filled with laughter, more laughter, and then some more. See you at the movies on June 6th, 2025 (sic).”

In addition to Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh, who have appeared in all previous installments, the film also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Fardeen Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, Chunky Pandey, Johnny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Dino Morea, Chitrangada Singh, Ranjeet, Soundarya Sharma, and Nikitin Dheer.

Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, Housefull 5 is notably the first in the franchise to reach this filming milestone. It promises to deliver five times the amusement, fun, and comedy of the original. The film is one of the big-budget productions filmed on a lavish cruise journeying from London to France, Spain, and back to the UK.

The Hindi-dubbed version of Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun, has achieved an unprecedented milestone by crossing the Rs 700 crore mark at the Indian box office from its Hindi-language shows alone. Directed by Sukumar, the sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise has so far amassed Rs 704.25 crore in Hindi, setting a new record for Indian cinema.

The makers celebrated the achievement on social media, writing:
“Pushpa Raj introduces the 700 CRORE CLUB to HINDI CINEMA 💥💥 The FIRST EVER FILM to collect 700 CRORES in HINDI ✨ #Pushpa2TheRule collects massive 704.25 CRORES NETT in Hindi ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥,” in a post shared on X.

This milestone places Pushpa 2 in elite company, surpassing the previous records set by Hindi-dubbed and original Hindi films. A.R. Murugadoss’ Ghajini (2008) introduced the Rs 100 crore club, while Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots (2010) and PK (2014) raised the bar with Rs 200 crore and Rs 300 crore collections, respectively. S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali 2: The Conclusion broke further records, entering the Rs 400-crore and Rs 500-crore clubs. Earlier this year, Stree 2 became the first Hindi film to surpass Rs 600 crore domestically.

Box office performance

Pushpa 2 began its theatrical run with a staggering Rs 725.8 crore nett across all languages during its opening week. In its second week, it added Rs 264.8 crore, maintaining strong momentum. The third weekend saw collections of Rs 14.3 crore on Friday, Rs 24.75 crore on Saturday, and a massive Rs 33.25 crore on Sunday. With an additional Rs 13 crore on Monday, the domestic tally now stands at an astonishing Rs 1,075.6 crore nett.

The Hindi version alone contributed Rs 704.25 crore, while the Telugu version added Rs 309.7 crore. Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam versions brought in Rs 54.3 crore, Rs 7.4 crore, and Rs 14.05 crore, respectively.

The plot and cast

Picking up where Pushpa: The Rise left off, the sequel follows Pushpa Raj, played by Allu Arjun, as he expands his red sandalwood smuggling empire. The film also features Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, and Rao Ramesh in pivotal roles.

With its extraordinary box office success, Pushpa 2: The Rule has not only cemented its place in Indian cinematic history but has also set new benchmarks for future films to aspire to.