Hindi
Box Office: Rajinikanth’s ‘Kabali’ opens weak; ‘Sultan’ continues to earn big
MUMBAI: Madaari, starring Irrfan Khan and Jimmy Shergill, was expected to draw a fair number of viewers as both enjoy a good following. The film in itself did not provide anything new and came across as a mix of few recent films. Also, for a film aimed at the multiplex audience, the title, Madaari, sounded quite outlandish!
Not able to raise curiosity, the film managed a weak opening at the box office not improving thereafter to end its opening weekend with Rs 8.3 crore.
*M Cream went unnoticed.
*Kabali (Hindi-Dubbed from Tamil), gets a lot of media hype with the media not bothering about Rajinikanth films vis a vis Hindi film audience; in that, he commands no following here as such, neither in dubbed films nor he did in original Hindi films.
Also, filmmaking has moved on which includes the South Indian industry. The concepts have changed now and filmmaking has become technology oriented as special effects have become easier to incorporate. In such an event, you wonder at Kabali which sells the same Rajinikanth being sold since decades; only, here he is much diluted one thanks to age. The film has no gimmickry or gestures associated with Rajinikanth and hand to hand fights are avoided. Compare this to another south Indian film Bahubali,with its youthful star cast, larger than life canvass and special effect wizardry. No use taking viewers for granted, even Rajini fans.
Since the ticket buying moviegoer is immune to such hypes, the film had a low opening response with footfalls varying from 10/15 per cent to 25 per cent and the figures reflecting the fact. The film collected about 3 crore on day one with a negligible raise on days two and three.
The film collected Rs. 12.7 crore for its opening weekend despite an extensive release with over 1000 screens.
*Great Grand Masti fails to add much to its opening weekend figures of 7.8 crore. With the rest of the four days of the week collecting just Rs 4.7 crore to take its first week total to Rs 12.5 crore.
*With an open field and Salman as main attraction, Sultan continues to hold its own as the film collects Rs 277.96 crore at the end of its second week (16 days. The film adds another Rs 11.09 crore for its third weekend taking its 19 day total to Rs 289.05 crore.
Hindi
Shekhar Suman opens acting academy in Mumbai
The veteran actor-presenter launches SSFA, promising immersive, mentorship-led training for aspiring actors and storytellers
Mumbai: Forty years in front of the camera, and Shekhar Suman still isn’t done. The actor, host, writer and director, one of Indian entertainment’s most restless polymaths, is now training his sights on the next generation, launching the Shekhar Suman Film Academy (SSFA) in Mumbai on 22nd April 2026. Registrations for the inaugural batch are already open.
SSFA pitches itself squarely against formula-driven acting schools, leading with an intensive three-month programme that Suman says he personally designed and will largely conduct himself. The curriculum blends voice and speech work, emotional access, body awareness and camera technique with the Linklater Voice Method, film language and on-set discipline, and rounds off with a student film, giving trainees their first taste of a real set.
Masterclasses with actors, casting directors and filmmakers sit alongside the core course. The academy is conceived as a platform that will eventually sprawl into screenwriting, direction, cinematography, music production and post-production: a full creative ecosystem rather than a single acting school.
“For me, this academy is not just an institution. It is a very personal way of giving back to the craft that has given me everything,” said Suman. “Over the years, acting has taught me discipline, imagination, resilience, and the importance of truth in performance. Through this academy, I hope to create something that goes beyond training and becomes a true creative journey for every student who walks in.”
Behind the scenes, the academy is backed by GBM Studios. Dharmesh Sangani, founder and visionary, is the driving force, bringing what the academy describes as “a focused approach to creating meaningful opportunities within the industry.” Adhyayan Suman, founder and director and Shekhar’s son, adds a performer’s perspective honed across acting, music and direction. Ekant Babani, partner and chief operating officer, handles strategy and operations.
Entry is deliberately low-barrier. No prior training is needed: applicants sit a basic self-audition test, shifting the focus firmly to potential rather than polish. The academy says it aims to stay accessible while delivering a premium, hands-on experience.
In a country where acting schools multiply almost as fast as OTT platforms, Suman’s personal stamp and his willingness to stand in the room and teach may be the sharpest edge SSFA has. For those ready to test that promise, the curtain is already up. Apply at shekharsumanfilmacademy.com
