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After passing the crucial Monday and Wednesday tests, Akshay Kumar’s Bhooth Bangla has now held well on its second Friday too, sealing a clean hit verdict. After the Hindi filmmakers started introducing Tuesday offers, the Wednesday hold became a key metric to judge a film’s performance.

However, it’s the second Friday hold that determines the growth over the weekend, and Bhooth Bangla depicted a growth over Thursday figures, signalling a strong acceptance among the audience. Generally, films witness a drop on second Friday, but Bhooth Bangla showed an upward trend.

The film collected around Rs. 6 crores nett yesterday, setting the stage for a solid weekend ahead. After a long wait, Akshay Kumar finally scored a clean hit. His last hit came in 2023 with Oh My God 2. Movies like Kesari 2, Housefull 5, and Jolly LLB 3 opened well but dropped on weekdays, falling short of hit verdict.

Bhooth Bangla has successfully avoided that scenario by holding its ground on weekdays. The movie has also crossed the coveted Rs. 100 crores nett mark. The reunion of Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar along with the horror-comedy genre ensured the film get a good traction at the ticket counters.

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Michael

Michael

Michael, the biographical film of King of Pop, opened pretty well at the Indian box office, underlining the pop icon’s ever-green craze here. The film was released with paid previews which fetched around Rs. 1.7 crores nett.

On its first day, Michael earned about Rs. 3.8 crores nett as per Sacnilk, taking the opening day estimates to around Rs. 5.5 crores nett. This is undoubtedly a solid start for a Hollywood biopic. The word of mouth is much better than critic reviews as of now.

Michael is showing a healthy trend on BookMyShow and the business will see good growth over the next two days. The film opened on a superb note in home market too, and now it remains to be seen how it fares in the long run.

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Michael

Michael

Movie Name : Michael

Release Date : April 24, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring : Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, Juliano Valdi, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Laura Harrier, with Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo
Director : Antoine Fuqua
Producers : Graham King, John Branca, John McClain
Music Director : Lior Rosner
Cinematographer : Dion Beebe
Editors :  Conrad Buff IV, Tom Cross, John Ottman, Harry Yoon
Related Links : Trailer

The biopic of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, is now out in theatres. Let’s see if the movie lived up to the expectations.

Story:

Michael tells the story of the pop icon who rose from Gary, Indiana. Michael (Jaafar Jackson), the youngest of the Jackson brothers, is believed by his mother to be a rare talent. After performing with the family band, the Jackson 5, for several years, he decides to go solo, but remains petrified of his strict father, Joseph Jackson (Colman Domingo). The rest of the film chronicles the crucial events in Michael’s life.

Plus Points:

Michael Jackson has been part of our lives at some point, with his god-gifted voice and dance skills, and hence the enthusiasm for this biopic is surreal. Hence, we look forward to the real-life concerts and popular tracks of the legend, and this aspect has been delivered superbly. The one sequence that gives immense satisfaction is the recreation of the iconic ‘Thriller’ track, and scenes like these will make us revisit Jackson’s concert videos after the film.

Michael Jackson had a troubled childhood due to his strict father, who even whipped him with a belt. Because of his father’s harsh verbal insults and physical abuse, Michael creates a dreamlike world called ‘Neverland’ as he attempts to recapture his lost childhood, and this aspect helps the audience connect emotionally with the legend.

The scene where Michael conveys to his father during a concert that he will live his life the way he wants is superbly presented. Jaafar Jackson makes a phenomenal debut with an award-worthy act. His performance is A-rate, as he perfectly portrays the mannerisms and body language of Michael Jackson. He makes us feel the aura of the legend, and the way he performs the dance moves is simply brilliant. In the emotional scenes, Jaafar is terrific.

Colman Domingo is superb as the antagonist and makes us despise him through his performance. KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Miles Teller, and others deliver satisfactory performances. Juliano Krue Valdi, who played the young Michael, was adorable.

Minus Points:

Anyone who walks in to watch a biopic would want to know the ins and outs of that celebrity, including the negative aspects, and this is where Michael falters. The film doesn’t showcase the allegations and controversies surrounding Michael Jackson’s life. Though a second part is likely, it still feels like watching a biopic that tells only half the story.

The pacing is initially a bit slow. There’s also an important aspect that lacks clarity. The film doesn’t show what the Jackson brothers were doing when Michael wasn’t around. Were they unhappy with their younger brother’s growth? Were their albums not performing well when Michael was on the rise? Even if we set aside the allegations, which may be explored in the second part, these aspects remain largely unaddressed.

Technical Aspects:

The usage of Michael Jackson’s iconic songs is the film’s biggest trump card. The production design by Barbara Ling and the costumes by Marci Rodgers recreate the bygone era flawlessly. Dion Beebe’s cinematography is stunning, with the concert sequences being a visual treat. The way the ‘Thriller’ track is captured feels magical. The film also moves at a faster pace in the second half.

Antoine Fuqua’s direction works well in parts, especially in the portions that celebrate the music icon. However, he should have addressed a few key elements, the absence of which slightly reduces the overall impact.

Verdict:

On the whole, Michael, the biographical film on the ‘King of Pop’, delivers a decent big-screen experience, backed by Jaafar Jackson’s first-rate performance, the recreation of Michael Jackson’s iconic tracks and concerts, and a few emotional moments. However, the absence of the controversial events from his life makes the biopic feel somewhat hollow in terms of subject matter, preventing it from reaching the next level. Nonetheless, it can be given a try, as there are worthy moments that make us relive the magic of the legend.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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Vaazha-2

Vaazha-2

Movie Name : Vaazha 2

Release Date : April 24, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 3.25/5
Starring : Hashir H, Alan Bin Siraj, Biju Kuttan, Ajin Joy, Vinayak V and others
Director : Savin SA
Producers : Vipin Das, Harris Desom, Sahu Garapati, P. B.Anish, Adarsh Narayan, Icon Studios
Music Directors : Malayali Monkeys, Rajat Prakash
Cinematographer : Akhil Lailasuran
Editor :  Kannan Mohan
Related Links : Trailer

The coming-of-age drama Vaazha 2: Biopic of a Billion Bros is a sensational Malayalam sequel that has recently stormed the global box office, crossing the Rs. 200 crore mark. Featuring social media sensations and directed by debutant Savin SA, the movie has now released in Telugu. Check out the review to know how it fares for the local audience.

Story:

Hashir (Hashir H) and Alan (Alan Bin Siraj) have been friends since childhood, eventually forming a close-knit group with Vinayak (Vinayak V) and Ajin (Ajin Joy). Their behavior in college creates a massive ruckus that lands them in significant trouble with both their families and the authorities. Later, they decide to concentrate on their studies with the hope of going abroad and settling down well to escape their “loser” labels. Whether their plan works and what they learn during this transformative journey is what the movie is all about.

Plus Points;

The beauty of the film is that it doesn’t go overboard anywhere, maintaining a grounded and authentic tone throughout the narrative. It gives you a nostalgic reminiscence of the life many of us passed through during our own student days. Many incidents involving mistakes, friendships, and life realisations are showcased in a fun manner. It successfully captures the essence of youth without feeling forced or overly dramatic.

The director avoids preaching and instead lets the viewers recollect their own memories by telling even painful stories in a humorous way. Regarding the performances of Hashir, Alan, Vinayak, and Ajin, they are incredibly lively and deliver surprisingly neat performances. We see ourselves in them because their acting feels unpolished yet incredibly genuine. Their chemistry is the driving force that keeps the audience hooked from start to finish.

The problems faced by the leads in foreign lands are showcased in a fun manner, yet there is a layer of truth and pain underneath. The first half runs very well with high-energy comedy and relatable student life scenarios that keep the momentum high. While the second half flows smoothly, the emotional ending is well-showcased and provides a satisfying conclusion to the journey. It manages to transition from laughter to heart-tugging moments with relative ease.

The underlying meme references in the Telugu version, such as the Jaya Janaki Nayaka dialogue and nods to Anil Ravipudi, will connect deeply with the youth. These local touches, including references to Cash Anudeep, make the dubbed version feel fresh and relevant to our audience.

The technical department also deserves appreciation, especially for the well-crafted interval fight sequence. The cameo by Premam director Alphonse Puthren is a treat for film buffs and works perfectly within the narrative. The rest of the supporting cast does their job adequately.

Minus Points:

This kind of movie may not work for those who are looking for a traditional, heavy narrative or a complex plot. The story flows like regular life with its usual ups and downs, which a few people might find slightly aimless. It is a “slice-of-life” film at its core, meaning it prioritises character moments over a fast-paced thriller-like structure. This approach might not resonate with viewers who prefer high-stakes commercial cinema.

The love stories could have been better showcased, especially considering the target youth demographic of the film. While the second half starts off well, a few moments of slowness can be observed in the middle act before the climax. However, the proceedings eventually pick up again to make the movie enjoyable overall. A bit more depth in the romantic tracks might have added another layer to the emotional payoff for the viewers.

Some viewers may not agree with the director’s choice of showcasing serious life problems in a purely entertaining or satirical manner. While the writer and director’s intention is to tell a story for recollection, some might feel the tone is too light for the gravity of the situations.

Additionally, while the Telugu dubbing is generally fine, a few minor characters didn’t receive a proper voice match. This creates a slight “dubbed movie” feel in certain scenes that momentarily breaks the immersion.

Technical Aspects:

Savin SA was highly successful in bringing Vipin Das’s sharp writing from the paper to the screen. No scene feels forced, and there is no sense of boredom thanks to the clear vision of the director. The editing by Kannan Mohan is a standout, making the entire film feel like a racy and well-paced narrative. He ensures that the comedy and the emotional beats are balanced without any jarring transitions.

The visuals by Akhil Lailasuran are cool and refreshing, giving the film a polished look despite its modest budget. The production values are decent and suit the scale of the story perfectly for this genre. The background score by the A Team is a massive highlight, as it amplifies the impact of both the action and the emotional scenes. The technical team has clearly worked in sync to deliver a high-quality product.

Verdict:

On the whole, Vaazha 2 is truly a “biopic of a billion brothers” who have navigated the messy highs and lows of youth. It is a well-crafted coming-of-age drama that manages to be both entertaining and deeply relatable. All thanks to Savin SA and Vipin Das for bringing this fresh perspective to the screen. Despite being newcomers, the lead actors lived in their roles and left a lasting impression. On the flip side, the satirical narrative style and a few minutes of draggy scenes in the second half are minor negatives. Overall, it will definitely give you a chance to remind yourself of your own school and college days. One will definitely come out of the theater with a happy smile and a lot of nostalgia. Without any doubt, you can watch this movie with your friends this weekend.

123telugu.com Rating: 3.25/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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Lenin

Lenin

Lenin, starring Akhil Akkineni, is reportedly targeting a June 25 release. However, fresh industry buzz suggests that the film is currently undergoing reshoots, raising eyebrows about its production timeline and release date.

The project has already been in the making for over a year, and these latest developments have added to the curiosity surrounding it. Bhagyashri Borse plays the female lead, while Nagarjuna Akkineni is backing the film as one of the producers.

Despite the ongoing reshoots, the makers are said to be aiming to stick to the planned release date. However, an official clarification is still awaited regarding the current status of the film.

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Jetlee

Jetlee

Jet Lee, starring Satya, is shaping up to be a fun-filled entertainer. The recently released trailer has clicked well with audiences, thanks to its hilarious moments and quirky tone.

Interestingly, despite being a full-on comedy, the film is said to have a strong twist that comes as a complete surprise, adding an extra layer of intrigue. This unexpected element is expected to elevate the overall experience.

Directed by Ritesh Rana, the film also features Vennela Kishore in a key role, promising solid comic timing. With positive buzz around the trailer, Jet Lee is generating good curiosity ahead of its release.

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Rakesh Bedi, who has been receiving praise for his performance in Dhurandhar, has responded to reports about his remuneration.

The veteran TV actor, currently making headlines, has denied claims that he was paid ₹1 crore for the role. Reacting to the rumours, Rakesh clarified that he has never received such a huge amount for any project.

Adding a touch of humour, he joked that he would be more than happy if someone actually offered him that kind of fee. His candid response has gone viral, with fans appreciating his honesty.

Meanwhile, his performance in Dhurandhar continues to draw positive attention across platforms. Stay tuned for more.

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Kara

Kara

Kara, starring Dhanush, is generating strong buzz ahead of its theatrical release, and now there’s an important OTT update adding to the excitement.

Reports suggest that streaming giant Netflix has bagged the digital rights of the film. Directed by Vignesh Raja, Kara is slated to hit theatres on April 30, 2026, and is expected to be a crucial film in Dhanush’s lineup. The film, set against the backdrop of the 1990s Gulf War, promises a gripping narrative with a mix of action and emotion.

The news is that the makers sold the digital rights for a fancy price. This deal also reflects the growing demand for Dhanush’s films in the digital space, especially among pan-India audiences.

The trailer and early buzz have already created solid anticipation, and the OTT deal further strengthens the film’s commercial prospects.

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The-Kerala-Story-2

The-Kerala-Story-2

The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is back in the headlines after its controversial theatrical run, which was marked by significant legal hurdles prior to its February 27, 2026 release. The drama is now preparing for its digital debut, following the pattern of its predecessor by sparking intense social debate.

Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film is officially heading to OTT after a polarising stint in cinemas. ZEE5 recently announced that the movie will be available for streaming starting May 8, 2026, in multiple languages including Telugu. While the film received mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike, industry experts are now waiting to see how it performs with a wider digital audience.

The cast features Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, and Aishwarya Ojha in the lead roles, portraying three women from different regions of India. Their performances anchor a narrative that aims to expand the themes of the original film to a national scale. As the streaming date approaches, the film continues to generate discussion regarding its portrayal of sensitive social issues.

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KD-The-Devil

KD-The-Devil

KD: The Devil, headlined by Dhruv Sarja, has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Earlier a song featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt has been taken down from YouTube because of its objectionable lyrics and dance moves. Now the theatrical trailer has also been removed from YouTube, the development which left netizens surprised.

Addressing the issue, the makers wrote, “The trailer of KD: The Devil recently released on YouTube inadvertently included certain uncertified content during certification process. We have therefore taken down the trailer and will be uploading a revised version shortly, in compliance with the certification guidelines. We sincerely regret this oversight and remain fully committed to adhering to all certification norms.”

KD – The Devil is produced by KVN Productions, which is already dealing with problems related to Jana Nayagan and Toxic. Directed by Prem, the film also features Shilpa Shetty, V. Ravichandran, Ramesh Aravind, Reeshma Nanaiah, and Jisshu Sengupta in key roles.

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