The cinematic legacy of Japan’s high-speed trains gets a new-age adrenaline shot in Bullet Train Explosion, a film that acts as a spiritual successor to the 1975 thriller The Bullet Train. Directed by Shinji Higuchi, this high-stakes drama replaces introspection with action, focusing not on the bomber’s mind, but on the societal machinery working to prevent catastrophe.

Unlike its predecessor, which delved deep into the psychological strain of a single antagonist, Bullet Train Explosion pivots the narrative toward the collective — spotlighting train officials, bureaucrats, and emergency teams who scramble to contain an escalating crisis. This modern reimagination appeals especially to millennial audiences unfamiliar with the original, reshaping a legacy thriller into a sleek, contemporary narrative.

High tension, rapid pace

The film thrives on momentum, sacrificing detailed backstories for pulse-pounding urgency. While character development occasionally takes a back seat, the pacing and technical precision more than compensate. Higuchi’s direction—backed by meticulous research—adds a layer of credibility to scenes portraying Japan’s real-world emergency response systems.

The identity reveal of the bomber might elicit chuckles, yet it aligns tonally with the original, offering a nostalgic twist for those in the know. Although the screenplay isn’t without faults, its core narrative remains tight and engaging.

Performances bring realism and emotion

The ensemble cast breathes life into the high-octane drama. Tsuyoshi Kusanagi stands out as Takaichi, the calm and capable conductor navigating chaos with quiet authority. Kanata Hosoda lends emotional depth as the sincere assistant, Fujii. Machiko Ono portrays Kagami’s transformation with intensity, while Jun Kaname’s take on a social media influencer caught in the crisis adds modern relatability to the otherwise high-concept plot.

Their performances bring emotional resonance to a film largely driven by logistical tension and collective action.

A timely tribute to unity in crisis

Beyond the explosions and countdowns, Bullet Train Explosion is ultimately about societal resilience. It serves as a timely reminder of how unity across different sectors—public, private, and civic—can avert disaster. The film sidesteps melodrama, instead choosing realism and teamwork as its heroes.

While it may not achieve emotional depth at every turn, its streamlined storytelling, expert direction, and solid performances make it a worthy successor to the 1975 classic—and a relevant entry into the modern disaster genre.

Kesari Chapter 2, a historical courtroom drama directed by debutant Karan Singh Tyagi, premiered in theaters, starring Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday, and R Madhavan. The film has garnered steady success, collecting ₹64.40 crore worldwide in its first five days, as per industry estimates, showcasing its strong audience appeal.

The movie has performed impressively at the box office. In India, it earned ₹39 crore net and ₹46.40 crore gross, complemented by ₹18 crore from overseas markets, resulting in a global tally of ₹64.40 crore. Despite Tuesday being a weekday, the film achieved a 23.25% occupancy rate in India, with attendance surging as the day progressed. Collections saw a modest increase on Tuesday, signaling sustained interest, and anticipation is high for its full first-week performance.

Box Office Breakdown

• Day 1: ₹14 crore
• Day 2: ₹30 crore
• Day 3: ₹49.75 crore
• Day 4: ₹56.60 crore
• Day 5: ₹64.40 crore

In a conversation with a news outlet, Tyagi revealed that the film’s concept was sparked by The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat. He was struck by the book’s revelations about the Jallianwala Bagh massacre’s political underpinnings. “It wasn’t merely a tragedy but a calculated act of oppression,” Tyagi noted. He described the three-year journey of research and location scouting, emphasizing, “We were committed to telling this story with authenticity and emotional depth.”

Kesari Chapter 2 is a spiritual sequel to Akshay Kumar’s 2019 film Kesari. Set against the backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre’s aftermath, it centers on a determined lawyer’s battle against British colonial rule. Akshay portrays C Sankaran Nair, with R Madhavan as his courtroom rival, Neville McKinley, and Ananya Panday as Dilreet Gill. Produced by Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films, the film masterfully blends historical significance with gripping legal drama, illuminating a crucial chapter in India’s struggle for justice.

Netflix India unveiled the trailer for The Royals, a vibrant romantic comedy series slated to premiere on May 9. Directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, the show boasts a stellar cast led by Ishaan Khatter, Bhumi Pednekar, and iconic actress Zeenat Aman. The ensemble also features Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, Dino Morea, Milind Soman, Chunky Panday, Vihaan Samat, Kavya Trehan, Sumukhi Suresh, Udit Arora, Lisa Mishra, and Luke Kenny, promising a lively, star-studded spectacle.

Penned by Neha Veena Sharma, The Royals weaves a tale of romance between Aviraaj (Khatter), a privileged royal heir, and Sophia (Pednekar), a determined entrepreneur. Following his father’s death, the maharaj of Morpur, Aviraaj must trade his carefree polo-playing days for royal responsibilities. Meanwhile, Sophia aims to transform the majestic Moti Mahal into a luxurious Royal B&B. Their budding love story unfolds amid the chaos and humor of a dysfunctional Indian royal family, caught between age-old traditions and modern ambitions.

Bhumi Pednekar shared her excitement about the project, highlighting the joy of experimenting with her character’s wardrobe. “This series allowed me to dive into a fresh, urban role, which I don’t often explore. I’m drawn to compelling scripts, and this one is both sensitive and forward-thinking,” she said. Pednekar emphasized the show’s broad appeal, noting its ability to resonate with diverse audiences through its inclusive storytelling.

Ishaan Khatter described the series as a modern twist on the classic royal-commoner romance. “When The Royals was first discussed, many assumed it was a historical drama, but it’s far more contemporary and dynamic,” he remarked. Khatter hinted at surprises in store, promising a narrative that blends romance, humor, and cultural commentary.

With its mix of opulent settings, witty exchanges, and a clash of old-world charm and new-age aspirations, The Royals aims to captivate viewers with its fresh take on love and legacy in a rapidly changing India.