Hindi
Dangal ends 2016’s poor run
Year 2016 may have had a poor run in terms of box office, in general, but Aamir Khan-starrer Dangal bucked the trend and managed to spread the Christmas cheer. Dangal set records from show one, day one. Whatever little exposure the multiplexes gave to earlier releases like Befikre, found no footfalls and the screens were later passed on to Dangal.
Aamir Khan is the pioneer of the Rs. 300 crore Club in Hindi films and the trade expects him to continue the trend with Dangal — his third entry into the Club.
*Dangal is set to become a winner and a blockbuster that the indiantelevision.compredicted the film to be. It would be a rare product where a film works sans romance and melody, while also connecting with the viewer via a sportsperson’s biopic. Coming as it did after a disastrous lineup of 2016, the film promised little. Salman Khan-starrer Sultan, with a similar theme of wrestling, was released earlier in the year. However, Dangal surprised the trade with an unbelievable advance booking through bookmyshow.com (the site claims record-breaking business) and the film neared the all-time top grossers as it neared Rs. 30 crore for the opening day.
Surprise was because of the fact that the film had Aamir Khan in an unconventional role with a few newcomers along with a not-yet- established director.
Dangal opened with a Rs. 29.7 crore Friday; Saturday was expected by the trade at Rs. 32 crore, which the film bettered by a couple of crore of rupees and, finally, grossing over Rs. 10 core more than the opening day on Sunday. Dangal went on to register a record breaking opening weekend of Rs. 106.9 crore.
With no new releases to challenge the film till 13 January, 2017, it is expected Dangal will put up a sterling show in the holiday season.
*Wajah Tum Ho’s release was staggered because of demonetization of high currency notes early November, but failed to click at the box office. It barely managed put together Rs. 10.1 crore for its first week. The film has found it tough to find audience since the release of Dangal leading to ‘no audience no show status’.
*Shor Se Shuruaat, a seven short film omnibus, fairs poorly.
*Befikre holds well in its second week to collect Rs. 9.75 crore to take its two week total to Rs. 58.5 crore. However, a show or two spared for the film in its third week opposite Dangal has not worked for the film as the audience is missing and the screens finally got diverted to Dangal.
*Kahaani 2 has collected Rs. 2.1 crore in its third week taking its three week total to Rs. 30.5 crore.
*Dear Zindagi has added Rs. 1.4 crore in its fourth week taking its four week total to Rs. 63.8 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
