Hindi
Gangster film nets Rs 220 million in first weekend
MUMBAI: Films with good content always work. This has been proved by Prakash Jha‘s Raajneeti, Walkwater Media‘s Tere Bin Laden and now Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai, a Balaji Telefilms venture.
The gangster film that depicts the crime scenario in Mumbai during the 70s and 80s has not only got good reviews but has also done good business. The film opened to about 75 to 80 per cent occupancy.
Though Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai took a slow start, the terrific word-of-mouth resulted in an escalation in business from the first day itself and the film went from strength-to-strength on Saturday and Sunday.
“The film has netted Rs 220 million in its first weekend,” says Balaji Group CEO Punit Kinra.
The other release, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, got a decent opening with around 40 to 50 per cent occupancy.
Said Fun Cinemas COO Vishal Kapur, “The Ekta Kapoor film opened well and the weekend saw an occupancy of between 80 to 85 per cent, though on Sunday there was a 100 per cent occupancy. The Twilight also did well business with occupancy of around 70 to 75 per cent.”
After grossing Rs 230 million in its first weekend, Priyadarshan‘s Khatta Meetha, on the other hand, fell badly from Monday onwards. The Monday to Thursday total was approximately Rs 90 million. Its week one total stands at approximately Rs 320 million.
“Though we have reduced the shows, the film was still doing well having weekend occupancy of about 70 per cent,” says Kapur.
Walkwater Films‘ Tere Bin Laden has proved to be a profitable venture for its producers due to its low production cost and good-to-average theatrical returns. “In its limited shows, the film is doing decent business,” said Kapur.
Hindi
Kayhan Entertainment shifts focus to original IP creation
New studio founded by VFX veterans aims to build globally scalable Indian stories.
MUMBAI: India’s VFX talent has long helped Hollywood create blockbusters now a new studio wants to write the stories as well as the special effects. Kayhan Entertainment Private Limited is entering its next phase of growth as a next-generation storytelling studio focused on creating original intellectual property for global audiences. Founded by Dalbir Singh and Arushi Govil, the studio blends strong storytelling with world-class VFX and CGI across films, television, advertising and digital platforms.
While India has established itself as a global hub for VFX and animation services, Kayhan is making a strategic shift from pure execution to IP ownership. The studio aims to move beyond project-based work and develop culturally rooted content designed to travel internationally, while remaining open to strategic collaborations.
Dalbir Singh, with over 15 years of experience in VFX and filmmaking, has contributed to major global productions including Avengers: Endgame, Zack Snyder’s Justice League and Venom. He leads creative direction at Kayhan. Arushi Govil brings deep production expertise from leading studios such as MPC, Framestore and DNEG, having worked on Tenet, Mission: Impossible – Fallout and Brahmastra.
A key milestone for the studio was the launch of its first IP, Chote Tara Ka Bada Gadar, on Kids Zee in 2025. Kayhan is now expanding its slate with FAB 5, an original animated series that combines action, humour and emotional storytelling while promoting teamwork, courage and kindness. The fast-paced episodic format is positioned for long-term franchise potential across platforms.
Dalbir Singh, Co-Founder, said the studio’s primary focus is building an IP-led creative enterprise, while remaining open to the right collaborations. Arushi Govil, Co-Founder, added: “As we scale, our focus is on building the right mix of talent and capability… At Kayhan, we are investing in people as much as we are in IP, bringing together global experience and emerging creators to build stories that can compete at an international level.”
Looking ahead, Kayhan plans to evolve into a broader IP-led ecosystem spanning media, consumer products, education, talent development and immersive experiences such as AR and VR. The studio also intends to establish an IP incubator and develop transmedia storytelling formats.
From blockbuster VFX credits to building its own story universe, Kayhan Entertainment is stepping into the spotlight with a clear ambition, to create Indian IP that doesn’t just shine on screen, it travels the world.
