Latest news with #KGF
Hans India
24 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
‘Mahavatar Narasimha' creates new era for Indian animated cinema!
In a surprising turn of events, the mythological animated feature Mahavatar Narasimha has become a box office sensation, raking in over ₹30 crore within just five days of release. Produced on a modest budget of ₹6 crore, the film has struck gold with audiences, particularly families and children, thanks to strong word-of-mouth and compelling storytelling. The film's unprecedented success is challenging long-held assumptions in the Indian film industry regarding the viability of animation. Historically, Indian filmmakers have largely overlooked animation as a serious cinematic genre, citing lack of market interest and inconsistent audience engagement. While there have been a few notable attempts in the past, none have delivered on the scale or consistency seen in global markets like Hollywood, Japan, or China. However, Mahavatar Narasimha appears to have broken that barrier. Produced by Hombale Films—known for backing blockbusters like KGF—this mythological animated venture has captured the imagination of audiences with its high-quality visuals, cultural authenticity, and emotionally resonant narrative rooted in Indian mythology. Taking inspiration from Vishnu's ten avatars, the film focuses on the fierce and divine incarnation of Lord Narasimha. Its stunning animation, spiritual depth, and accessible storytelling have helped it connect with a wide demographic, from young children to devout elders. Looking at global trends, the dominance of animated films in box office rankings cannot be ignored. Disney and Pixar continue to lead Hollywood with massive animated hits. In 2025 alone, A Minecraft Movie and Lilo & Stitch have emerged as the highest-grossing English films worldwide. Similarly, China's Ne Zha 2 recently broke records to become the country's highest-grossing film ever, and Japan consistently sees anime features dominate their all-time top-grossing charts. India too has a vast untapped audience for such content. Many international animated films already enjoy strong fanbases among Indian viewers. The issue, then, isn't a lack of market—it's a lack of consistent, high-quality domestic animated content. Mahavatar Narasimha has proven that there is both an appetite and a market for culturally rich animated features in India. Recognizing this momentum, Hombale Films has now committed to an ambitious ten-year animation franchise based on the Dasavataras of Lord Vishnu. Each installment will focus on a different avatar, aiming to build a cohesive mythological universe akin to Hollywood's Marvel Cinematic Universe—but deeply rooted in Indian spirituality and culture. If this vision is realized, Indian animation could enter a golden era, creating a new genre of cinematic storytelling that appeals to global and domestic audiences alike. All it needed was one bold step forward—and Mahavatar Narasimha has taken it with roaring success. As the film continues to perform at the box office, all eyes are now on what comes next for India's long-overdue animation revolution.
Hindustan Times
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kingdom Part 2: Audience expresses fatigue as Vijay Deverakonda film leads to sequel, says ‘stop forcing it'
Ever since SS Rajamouli decided to split his magnum opus Baahubali into two parts, many films have tried and failed to recreate the same business model by making moolah from two films based on one story. Films like Pushpa and KGF seem to be the exception. With Gowtam Tinnanuri's Vijay Deverakonda, Satyadev, Venkitesh and Bhagyashri Borse-starrer Kingdom ending on a cliffhanger, the audience expressed sequel fatigue on X (formerly Twitter). (Also Read: Kingdom movie review: Vijay Deverakonda gets his redemption, literally and figuratively) Gowtam Tinnanuri and Vijay Deverakonda on the sets of their latest film Kingdom. Why are Telugu filmmakers obsessed with Part 2? Numerous posts on X express frustration about Kingdom's ending hinting at a sequel, with posts like, 'Another 'world', 'saviour' 'wait for part 2' template,' and '2 parts waste deeniki…oka part lo teesi unte blockbuster stuff (You don't need two parts for this…it would've been a blockbuster with one part),' doing rounds on the platform. One X user expressed frustration that Kingdom's story remains incomplete, hinting that the actual story has yet to come, writing, 'The story remains incomplete, even after the second half. Kingdom-2 is where the real story actually begins. Honestly, they should've completed the whole story in a single film instead of splitting it.' An audience member even questioned, 'Why are Telugu filmmakers so obsessed with Part 2s? They have so much to show as a standalone film, but instead, they focus on a good first half and leave the second half incomplete. Then, they end it with a copied cliffhanger, just to set up a sequel.' One thought the obsession with sequels was killing the storytelling, writing, '#Kingdom Its a misfire in terms of either writing or the final edit - this entire 2 part concept has killed the storytelling of films. Kingdom doesn't work out as a stand alone film. Yes the climax has the same potential in terms of Salaar/Kalki but it doesn't feel right here.' Ruined a good film for a cliffhanger Some audience members thought Kingdom could've ended neatly in a bow, if not for the need to set up a sequel. 'stop force-fitting 2-3 parts into every film. Felt unnecessary in Devara, and now this too,' wrote on person referring to Koratala Siva's Jr NTR and Saif Ali Khan-starrer. One person questioned why the producers removed Hridayam Lopala song only to end the film on a cliffhanger, '@SitharaEnts why did you remove #hridayamLopala song? Heroine enduku? Enduku andi 2 parts audience meeda ruduthunaru? KGF reference? (Sithara Entertainments why did you remove Hridayam Lopala song? Why's the heroine there? Why are you insisting the audience wath films in 2 parts? KGF reference?)' Numerous people insisted that Tollywood should learn to tell stories in one part, instead of insisting on a sequel for every big budget film. 'Please stop making second halves just to set up a part 2. Tell the full story in one film. The second half felt very weak to me. It started like a blockbuster but ended as an average movie. It's like they ruined a good film just to create a cliffhanger for the next part. #Kingdom,' wrote one person. 'Tollywood should stop this part-1 part-2 s**t. Potential una movies ani biscuit ipothunay. (It's ruining movies with potential) if producers need money make quality movies and mint the money not in the name of sequels.. #Kingdom,' wrote one X user, blaming producers. Kingdom tells the story of a police constable turned spy named Suri, played by Vijay, who goes to Sri Lanka on a mission for the Indian government and to look for his long-lost brother Siva, played by Satyadev. Bhagyashri plays Dr Madhu and Venkitesh plays Murugan in the action-drama film. It ends on a cliffhanger, setting up a new villain. Producer Naga Vamsi also confirmed at a press meet after the film's release that the sequel will be shot after Vijay finishes his other projects.
Pink Villa
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
VIDEO: Alia Bhatt-Ranbir Kapoor's new home worth Rs 250 crore is ready to move in, Neetu Kapoor visits with her bahu
Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor are one of the most loved couples of Bollywood. These two often grab all the attention for their off-screen chemistry, being protective parents to their daughter Raha and more. Well, the lovebirds have been busy with the construction of their new bungalow in Mumbai even before they got hitched. And now, after a couple of years, the dream home seems to be all set and ready for them to move in, and we cannot stop looking at how beautiful it looks. Alia Bhatt-Ranbir Kapoor's new bungalow In the video we have got our hands on, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor's Pali Hill bungalow looks completely ready. It is a 6-storey mansion with rooftop gardens and vine-draped balconies. The building is grey in color, and it gives a classy vibe. Earlier, it was reported that this bungalow will become the new fan favorite spot of Mumbai, beating Shah Rukh Khan's Mannat, as the property is worth Rs 250 crore. This makes it the costliest celebrity residence in Mumbai. King Khan's property is worth Rs 200 crore, and Amitabh Bachchan's Jalsa costs Rs 120 crore. Well, it was also said that the new mansion is not registered in either Ranbir Kapoor's or Alia Bhatt's name, but it is in their daughter Raha's name. And this adds an emotional touch to the property. Alia Bhatt and Neetu Kapoor share a warm hug Alia Bhatt visited her new mansion with her mother-in-law, Neetu Kapoor. They were spotted leaving the construction site together. The veteran actress hugged her bahu before bidding her goodbye, and we cannot get over this cute moment. Alia Bhatt's work front Alia Bhatt has a couple of exciting films in her kitty. She will be seen in YRF's Alpha, which is a full-action film. This will be the first time that she will be seen in a high-octane action avatar. She will share the screen space with Sharvari and Bobby Deol. Apart from this, she also has Love & War. In the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial, she will be seen opposite hubby Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. Ranbir Kapoor's work front Ranbir Kapoor is all set for one of the biggest films of his career, Ramayana. The Nitesh Tiwari directorial has already created a lot of hype after the announcement video was released. The film sees him playing Lord Ram while KGF star Yash will play Raavan, and Sai Pallavi will play Sita. RK also has Love & War.
The Hindu
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Kingdom' movie review: Gowtam Tinnanuri and Vijay Deverakonda anchor a visually rich action saga
In an early scene in the Telugu film Kingdom, Soori (Vijay Deverakonda) slaps a police officer. What follows reveals the reason for his outburst layered with purpose and tact. Writer-director Gowtam Tinnanuri is not merely positioning his lead as an archetypal angry young man with swagger. While the moment might initially cater to Vijay's 'rowdy' persona, the screenplay slowly peels back the layers, giving Soori's rage emotional resonance and narrative weight. Emotional depth in storytelling is Gowtam's calling card, evident in his earlier films Malli Raava and Jersey. It is this very quality that anchors Kingdom, keeping it from slipping into yet another larger-than-life action fantasy built for box office glory. On the surface, Kingdom might invite comparisons to KGF,Devara, or other films— with familiar tropes like gold smuggling, a forgotten island, and an oppressed people in need of a saviour. But beneath the dust and dynamite lies a story that is more emotionally driven, and steeped in moral reckoning. Kingdom (Telugu) Director: Gowtam Tinnanuri Cast: Vijay Deverakonda, Bhagyashri Borse, Satyadev, Venkitesh Run time: 160 minutes Storyline: A constable sets out as an undercover spy to bring back his long-lost brother. He finds himself facing larger challenges. Kingdom begins on solid footing, confident in both tone and storytelling. A visually striking opening set off the coast of Srikakulam in the 1920s sets the mood, a misty, sepia-toned sequence that introduces us to a masked tribal warrior and the battle for his people's survival. Cinematographers Girish Gangadharan and Jomon T John bring a brooding beauty to the screen, while writer-director Gowtam Tinnanuri hints at the larger arc: decades later, someone else will inherit the crown. More than the who, the how — and more importantly, the why — keep us locked in. A lot unfolds in the first act. Soori (Vijay Deverakonda) is sent on a covert mission to Sri Lanka; there is a brief prison stint in Jaffna, and he is reunited with his long-lost brother Shiva (Satyadev). It all moves a bit too quickly and neatly, but that is because the film is eager to get to its real story — a larger battle that draws in family, tribal history, and criminal cartels. Gowtam does well to layer the narrative with perspectives beyond the lead pair — Soori's family, the Divi island tribe, and those caught between the smugglers and the system all get space. The moral complexity of the brothers unfolds slowly; neither man is entirely heroic nor entirely compromised. Both are, instead, shaped by the brutal systems they navigate. The visual world is rich and immersive, sunlit but never showy. Neeraja Kona's costume design, full of burnt reds, browns and blacks, mirrors the earthy seriousness of the story. Anirudh Ravichander's score plays its part, propelling the film when needed and smartly stepping back to let silences speak louder. Vijay Deverakonda, intense and wordless for much of the film, delivers one of his most effective performances yet. His brooding restraint, particularly in a jungle chase sequence shot with stunning choreography, adds weight to the action. Satyadev matches him beat for beat, playing a character with his own motives and conflicts. Refreshingly, Shiva is not written just to make the hero look good; his journey is as textured and meaningful. Kingdom does wobble in the second half. Once the action turns bloodier and more predictable, with overused cues like 'nothing will happen tonight', it loses some of the nuance built so carefully earlier. The climax, particularly, feels rushed and overly reliant on voiceover, a let-down after the silent strength of earlier scenes. A line like 'there's something in this soil that turns humans into demons' stays surface-level when it could have gone deeper. There are standouts among the supporting cast. Ventikesh, in his Telugu debut, makes an impressive villain — cold, cocky, and brutal, speaking a mix of Sri Lankan Tamil and Telugu. Bhagyashri Borse has a small but substantial role, as does the actor playing Shiva's wife. And fans of Jersey will be pleased to spot child actor Ronit Kamra in a pivotal part. Unlike many half-baked franchise-minded action dramas, Kingdom gives us a fairly complete arc while still laying the groundwork for a sequel. Despite a slightly uneven latter half, the film scores with its emotional ambition, immersive craft, and a striking Vijay Deverakonda performance that reminds you why he matters. If only it had held its nerve till the very end, this could have been a knockout.
Pink Villa
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Kingdom Twitter Review: 13 Tweets to read before you watch Vijay Deverakonda's action drama
It is a big day for Vijay Deverakonda fans as his much-awaited film Kingdom has hit the big screens. It is not just a film release but a celebration. Social media is filled with fans gushing over the Gowtam Tinnanuri directorial already. Netizens have only good words for the actor, and it looks like he has won hearts. Keep scrolling further to read these 7 tweets if you are planning to watch this film. Netizens react to Kingdom One of the fans wrote, 'performance – Pure mass & class Action sequences – Theatre erupted! Blockbuster First Half Pre-climax & climax – Total high Boat sequence in Second Half – Visual treat! BGM – Goosebumps guaranteed.' Another fan wrote, 'Satday evening ki breakevennn Congratsss mann!' A third fan wrote, '1st half completed Blockbuster hit kottesam.' These tweets were followed by several others like, 'Gowtam tinnanuri cooked Hard Anirudh music and bgms Vijay Devarakonda mass comeback Hituu kottesam kondanna,' 'first half sticks to pure drama with no unnecessary mass elevations or loud background score. It's straightforward n to the point. Keep your expectations in check-it's just a decent first half. #VijayDeverakonda's subtle performance is quite captivating,' 'Peak frames for VD carrer, finest & feastt prathi frame wallpaper range undhi VD presence racchal 1st half . badly seated for 2nd half!' About Kingdom In his recent media interaction, Vijay Deverakonda expressed how Kingdom is not an entertainer flick like KGF. The actor said, 'Kingdom is not my KGF, but it's director Gowtam Tinnanuri's signature movie. It's not an entertainer.. But an action drama.' Kingdom is an upcoming spy action drama flick featuring the story of an undercover officer, tasked with destroying a crime syndicate run by his own brother, Siva. How does he infiltrate the syndicate, and what takes place between the brothers forms the entire story. Kingdom is said to be part of a planned duology with Bhagyashri Borse playing the female lead. As Satyadev plays a key role, Anirudh Ravichander crafts the musical tracks and scores, making it his first collaboration in a Deverakonda movie.
