It’s a packed week for Bollywood. OTT’s biggest scam franchise returns, stars are betting crores on passion projects, and Monday box office numbers are deciding who wins the week. Here’s your split report: what’s coming soon and what’s collecting now.
UPCOMING PROJECTS: Big Bets, New Seasons & Casting Buzz
1. Scam 3 Officially Greenlit: Hansal Mehta Takes On Sahara Empire
The Scam universe is heading into its darkest chapter yet. After Scam 1992 and Scam 2003, Hansal Mehta is now diving into the Sahara controversy. Scam 3 will reportedly focus on Subrata Roy and the dramatic rise and fall of the Sahara financial empire that shocked India’s business world. Actor Siddharth Bodke is reportedly set to play the lead. Production is expected to begin May 13. With Mehta’s track record, expect another deep-dive into India’s most infamous financial saga.
2. Ranveer Singh Buys Immortals of Meluha Rights for ₹40 Cr
Ranveer Singh was earlier attached to lead The Immortals of Meluha, but the project stalled. Not one to let go, Singh has now bought the rights himself for a massive ₹40 crore under his banner Maa Kasam Films, according to Bollywood Hungama sources. The rights had expired from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s end. Playing Lord Shiva is Ranveer’s passion project, and it’s now under development. If made, this could be India’s answer to a mythological cinematic universe.
3. Drishyam 3 Confirmed: Hindi Version Gets New Track, Panorama Goes Big on Malayalam
Director Abhishek Pathak confirmed Drishyam 3 will be a “roller coaster ride” for audiences. Key update: Ajay Devgn’s Hindi version will have a different track from Mohanlal’s Malayalam original. Pathak also revealed Panorama Studios is doubling down on Malayalam cinema. They complete 10 years of collaboration with Mohanlal on Drishyam 3 and have 6 films planned this year, 12+ for next year. Two films are shot, four more are in production. Next year’s directors and talent are locked, including multiple deals with Nivin Pauly.
4. Peddi: Janhvi Kapoor as Achiyamma, Officer’s Daughter Opposite Ram Charan
Buchi Babu Sana’s sports action drama Peddi adds more details. Janhvi Kapoor plays Achiyamma, an officer’s daughter, opposite Ram Charan. Rao Ramesh will play her father. First look poster and Chikiri Chikiri song showed Janhvi in a fiery, energetic avatar. More character details are under wraps, but the Ram Charan-Janhvi pairing is already trending.
BOX OFFICE REPORT: Monday Holds Decide the Winners
1. Krishnavataram Part 1: Hridayam — ₹8 Cr in 5 Days, Monday Test Crucial
- Monday Collection: ₹1 Cr
- Total: Approx ₹8 Cr in 5 days
- Status: The Siddharth Gupta devotional drama grew well over the weekend. But the Monday drop shifts focus to sustenance. With positive word of mouth, the film now needs strong second-weekend holds to stay in the race.
2. Raj Shivaji — Strong Monday, Racing to ₹85 Cr
- Monday Collection: Strong hold
- Total: Nearing ₹85 Cr mark
- Status: Riteish Deshmukh’s historical epic passed the crucial Monday test. Stability in Maharashtra is driving numbers, signaling a healthy long run.
3. Bhoot Bangla — Crosses ₹1 Cr Again Monday, Nears ₹160 Cr
- Monday Collection: ₹1 Cr+
- Total: Closing in on ₹160 Cr
- Status: The Akshay Kumar-Priyadarshan horror-comedy is showing true staying power. Consistent weekdays confirm strong family audience support. It’s Akshay’s biggest post-2024 hit.
Monday Snapshot
Industry Takeaway: Content is king, but Monday is reality check. While Scam 3 and Ranveer’s ₹40 Cr Shiva gamble show Bollywood betting big on IP, Bhoot Bangla and Raj Shivaji prove audiences still reward theatrical experience. Krishnavataram now depends on word of mouth to survive the weekdays.
