Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is gearing up for the highly anticipated release of his film Sikandar. While actively promoting the movie, he touched upon various topics, including the ongoing controversy that often surrounds film releases and fan expectations. In a recent interview with ANI, Salman was asked whether controversies have become a trend accompanying every movie launch. He made it clear that he wished to steer clear of any such disturbances in relation to Sikandar.

“Arey nahin chahiye bhai humko koi controversy. Bohot saare controversies se guzar chuke hain hum. Humko nahin chahiye koi controversy,” he asserted, emphasizing his desire for a smooth release. He elaborated on the negative impact controversies can have, stating, “I don’t think controversies make a film successful. We’ve seen that sometimes a movie’s release can be pushed back due to controversies, moving it from Friday to the following Tuesday.”

Salman further expressed his hope for a trouble-free premiere: “There is still time, bhai. Let’s let the film release without any controversy afterward.” He assured fans that Sikandar has much more to offer than what the brief trailer shows. “This is just a 3.5-minute glimpse. When you watch the full 2 hours and 25 minutes, you’ll realize that the trailer is just the tip of the iceberg. We can’t fit everything into it. There are numerous elements in the film that audiences will enjoy. Emotions are vital, especially in an action film.”

On the subject of his father, veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, attending the trailer launch, Salman expressed pride: “The love and respect he has earned remains intact. When I was leaving home for the launch, he said he wanted to join too. Our family was surprised at his enthusiasm. He climbed several steps to sit at the back, wanting to observe the media’s reaction.”

Directed by A.R. Murugadoss, known for hits like Ghajini and Thuppakki, Sikandar is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, marking a reunion with Salman after their successful collaboration on Kick in 2014. The film is set to hit theaters on March 30, 2025.

Ajay Devgn is back in action as the steadfast IRS officer Amay Patnaik in Raid 2, the sequel to the acclaimed 2018 film Raid. The first teaser for the movie was unveiled on Friday, March 28, generating substantial buzz among fans and followers. This much-anticipated sequel is directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, who also directed the original film, and it brings along a stellar cast with Riteish Deshmukh stepping into the role of the new antagonist. The ensemble also features Vaani Kapoor, Rajat Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, Supriya Pathak, and Amit Sial.

The teaser opens with a dramatic scene of a convoy of cars making their way down a dusty road, indicating the preparations for an impending income tax raid. A voiceover draws attention to ‘Tauji’, the corrupt strongman played by Saurabh Shukla, who was incarcerated at the end of the first film. While Tauji remains behind bars, Amay, tough and unsmiling, is gearing up for his 75th raid, showcasing his tenacity and determination. His new target is Dada Bhai, portrayed by Riteish Deshmukh, a seasoned politician with a reputation for wielding significant influence and accumulating illicit wealth.

In a bold and defiant phone conversation, Amay makes it clear that he is unfazed by Dada Bhai’s power, declaring, “Who said I am a Pandav? I am the whole Mahabharata.” This exchange sets the stage for a gripping battle of wits, showcasing Amay’s fearless nature as he confronts the challenge posed by Dada Bhai.

Raid 2 promises to deliver more of the thrilling and intense drama that captivated audiences in the original film. The movie is set to be released in theaters on May 1, 2025, and fans are eagerly awaiting its debut. Ajay Devgn, who recently starred in Singham Again and made a cameo appearance in Azaad, is also looking forward to his upcoming projects, including Son of Sardaar 2 and De De Pyaar De 2. With his return as Amay Patnaik, the anticipation for Raid 2 continues to grow.

The film L2: Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and featuring Mohanlal, is certainly making its mark by shattering records! Released on March 27, this eagerly awaited sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer has quickly made headlines for its extraordinary box office performance. With a phenomenal opening, the film has reportedly amassed an impressive ₹22 crore on its very first day in India, highlighting its remarkable success.

Trade tracker Sacnilk confirmed that L2: Empuraan collected ₹22 crore net in India on its debut day. This monumental first-day collection is the latest update for this eagerly awaited film, which has generated considerable buzz ahead of its release. Additionally, the filmmakers revealed that advance reservations made an astonishing ₹80 crore before the film even premiered, a clear indication of the anticipation surrounding it.

The ₹22 crore earnings primarily stem from the Malayalam version of the film, which alone contributed ₹19.45 crore. Meanwhile, the Telugu version added ₹1.2 crore to the total, while the Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi versions brought in approximately ₹80 lakh, ₹5 lakh, and ₹50 lakh, respectively. This success showcases the film’s appeal across various regional audiences.

However, the excitement surrounding L2: Empuraan has not been without its challenges. The film has faced some backlash online, particularly from certain right-wing factions, indicating that not all viewers have embraced the film wholeheartedly.

Produced by industry veterans Antony Perumbavoor, Gokulam Gopalan, and Subaskaran, L2: Empuraan is brought to life under the prestigious banners of Aashirvad Cinemas, Sree Gokulam Movies, and Lyca Productions. In addition to the dynamic duo of Mohanlal and director Prithviraj, the film features a talented ensemble cast, including Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, Sachin Khedekar, Abhimanyu Singh, Jerome Flynn, Eriq Ebouaney, Suraj Venjaramoodu, and Indrajith Sukumaran.

With such a talented cast and the momentum generated by its record-breaking opening, L2: Empuraan is poised to make a significant impact in the Indian film industry.