The Conjuring: Last Rites Review – Drama Over Horror
P&C | Friday, 05 Sep. 2025
India | Planet & Commerce
A Frightless Farewell to Horror’s Biggest Franchise
The Conjuring: Last Rites, the ninth and final chapter in the first phase of the Conjuring Universe, was supposed to end the franchise with an unforgettable chill. Instead, director Michael Chaves delivers a film that feels oddly familiar, more melodramatic than menacing, and too predictable to keep horror fans on edge.
Despite a promising setup—paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga) facing one of their darkest cases—the film leans heavily into family drama, mirroring the tropes of 90s Bollywood horror rather than advancing the sophisticated terror fans expected.
The result is a finale that exhausts rather than excites, even as it gears up for what could be the franchise’s biggest-ever box office opening.
Plot: Mirrors, Hauntings, and Heavy-Handed Drama
The story begins in 1964, with Ed and Lorraine Warren expecting their first child. After narrowly surviving an encounter with a cursed demonic mirror, Lorraine delivers a stillborn baby—only for a miracle to bring the child, Judy, back to life.
Years later, Judy (played by Mia Tomlinson) begins to experience disturbing visions, particularly as she prepares for her wedding. Meanwhile, the same demonic mirror reappears in Pennsylvania as a birthday gift to the Smurl family, unleashing terror in their home.
The Warrens are once again drawn into the haunting, as three ghostly spirits and the cursed object torment the family. Judy becomes central to the conflict, testing her faith and emotional resilience in a case based on the Warrens’ real-life investigation of the Smurl haunting.
On paper, it’s fertile ground for horror. On screen, however, it falls flat.
The Horror That Wasn’t
What undermines Last Rites is its lack of authentic scares.
- The jump scares are predictable and telegraphed.
- The background score fails to build lasting tension.
- Extended family drama overshadows supernatural tension.
At its worst, the film feels less like a horror story and more like an overlong soap opera peppered with occasional supernatural intrusions.
For a franchise that built its legacy on subtle dread, religious terror, and creative atmosphere, the finale feels like a misstep.
Direction and Performances
Michael Chaves, who also directed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, delivers competent direction but never elevates the material. The atmosphere lacks the James Wan touch that made earlier entries iconic.
Performances, however, remain a bright spot:
- Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga again excel as Ed and Lorraine, grounding their characters in humanity and emotional intensity.
- Mia Tomlinson captures Judy’s innocence and turmoil, offering the most layered performance of the film.
- Ben Hardy is decent but underused.
While the acting keeps viewers engaged, the writing and tonal imbalance undermine the effort.
Rating and Verdict
On the creative front, The Conjuring: Last Rites fails to meet the expectations of horror fans. It is melodramatic, derivative, and ultimately disappointing.
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
For die-hard Conjuring Universe followers, it may provide closure, but for casual audiences, it will likely feel like a letdown.
Box Office Outlook: Horror Still Has Pull
Despite weak reviews, the film is projected to dominate the box office this weekend. Industry trackers estimate an opening of $50–55 million domestically, with Warner Bros. cautiously predicting $35 million.
- International projections: ~$50 million from 66 territories.
- Global opening: could exceed $100 million.
- Budget: $55 million.
If the estimates hold, Last Rites would surpass the $41 million debut of the original 2013 Conjuring and set a franchise record opening weekend.
This speaks to the enduring commercial power of horror—even when critical reception is mixed.
Franchise Legacy: From The Nun to Annabelle
Over a decade, the Conjuring Universe has expanded into one of Hollywood’s most successful horror franchises:
- 8 films including The Nun, Annabelle, and spin-offs.
- Combined box office gross: $2.3 billion worldwide.
- Consistently modest budgets delivering huge returns.
While creative quality has varied, the franchise has carved out a unique niche by blending Catholic demonology, haunted objects, and the real-life exploits of the Warrens.
Last Rites may stumble critically, but its financial success will likely ensure the universe continues into a new phase.
Warner Bros. Riding a Winning Streak
For Warner Bros. and New Line, The Conjuring: Last Rites could cement a strong 2025 run after hits like A Minecraft Movie, F1: The Movie, and Final Destination Bloodlines.
Executives Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy are celebrating a comeback after past disappointments (Mickey 17, Joker: Folie à Deux) underperformed.
The Conjuring’s box office momentum offers reassurance that horror remains one of the most reliable theatrical genres.
Audience Reaction: Horror Fans Divided
Initial audience feedback suggests a split:
- Longtime Conjuring fans appreciate the emotional closure and the Warrens’ story arc.
- Hardcore horror fans feel let down by the lack of scares and the predictable structure.
- General audiences may still be drawn in by the marketing, brand recognition, and curiosity about the franchise finale.
The ultimate legacy of Last Rites may be less about its artistic merit and more about how it positions the franchise for the future.
Conclusion: A Box Office Hit, A Creative Miss
The Conjuring: Last Rites was billed as a spine-chilling finale, but instead it delivers a family drama wrapped in the veneer of horror. Strong performances cannot save a weak script and lack of scares.
Still, thanks to its branding, global fan base, and Warner Bros.’ marketing muscle, the film is poised to perform spectacularly at the box office.
The paradox of Last Rites is clear: it will likely be remembered less as the terrifying conclusion to the Warrens’ saga and more as a commercial victory despite creative disappointment.
The Bengal Files Review – Joshi, Chatterjee Shines
P&C | Friday, 05 Sep. 2025
India | Planet & Commerce
A Heavy Subject Wrapped in a Lengthy Film
Director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri returns with The Bengal Files, the third entry in his “Files” trilogy, after The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files. This time, the filmmaker tackles the traumatic and bloody events of 1946 Bengal, portraying massacres and communal violence that shaped the region’s history.
Set across two timelines—the turbulent colonial years and present-day Kolkata—the film attempts to expose what Agnihotri calls the “brutal Hindu genocide.” While the research is meticulous and the subject matter important, the execution falters. With a runtime stretching to three and a half hours, The Bengal Files demands endurance as much as empathy, and unfortunately, patience wears thin.
Plot: From Calcutta Killings to Noakhali Riots
The narrative spans some of the darkest episodes of Bengal’s past:
- The Great Calcutta Killings
- Direct Action Day (1946)
- The Noakhali Riots
The story juxtaposes these historical horrors with present-day Kolkata, where characters relive past traumas. At the center is Ma Bharti, played by Pallavi Joshi, an elderly woman haunted by memories of massacres and family loss. Her pain bridges the past with the present, revealing how history continues to scar generations.
The film also highlights the Smurl-like narrative style where characters experience horrific flashbacks, though the constant switching between past and present makes the storytelling confusing and repetitive.
Performances: Sparks Amidst the Shadows
The ensemble cast includes veterans and rising actors, but only a few performances leave a lasting mark:
- Pallavi Joshi delivers a moving portrayal of Ma Bharti. She captures the trauma of a woman who lost her entire family yet clings to fragments of memory with raw emotional depth.
- Saswata Chatterjee is outstanding in a dual-layered role as a politician who wears two masks. At home he is modern and urbane, but outside he becomes a conservative figure who exploits women with chilling brutality. His performance is both terrifying and captivating.
- Mithun Chakraborty and Anupam Kher bring gravitas, though their roles are underwritten. Kher as Gandhi presents a perspective rarely explored on screen.
- Darshan Kumar, unfortunately, fails again. His dialogue delivery and body language appear forced, pulling viewers out of the narrative.
Strengths: Research and Themes
Agnihotri deserves credit for his in-depth research. The Bengal massacres, often sidelined in mainstream narratives, are brought to the fore with unsettling detail. For many younger audiences, the stories will be eye-opening, as they have only existed in history books or oral accounts from grandparents.
The film also raises questions about collective memory, political manipulation, and communal trauma, ensuring the conversation around Bengal’s violent past isn’t forgotten.
Weaknesses: Execution and Editing
Despite its intent, The Bengal Files stumbles in several key areas:
- Pacing: At 3.5 hours, the film is unnecessarily long. The same message could have been conveyed in under two hours.
- Narrative structure: Constantly shifting between past and present confuses rather than enhances.
- Cinematography and graphics: Uninspired visuals and uneven CGI weaken the immersive experience.
- Dialogues: Overwritten and heavy-handed, lacking subtlety.
- Character depth: Apart from Joshi and Chatterjee, most roles are underdeveloped and forgettable.
The result is a film that feels heavy-handed, turning a gripping subject into an exhausting watch.
Cultural Context: A Painful Chapter of Bengal’s History
The events depicted in The Bengal Files—the communal riots of 1946, the breakdown of social harmony, and the violence that preceded Partition—remain among the most traumatic chapters of India’s history. For Bengali audiences, the stories resonate with inherited pain, while for others, the film serves as a reminder of how political agendas can inflame divisions.
Agnihotri aims to showcase these stories as part of a broader national memory project, tying them to themes he has explored in his earlier films. However, unlike The Kashmir Files, which balanced horror with urgency, The Bengal Files struggles to maintain dramatic cohesion.
Audience Impact: Guts and Patience Required
Watching The Bengal Files is emotionally draining. The repeated depiction of killings, rapes, and communal violence evokes disgust and horror—but not always in a cinematic way. The lack of aesthetic restraint risks overwhelming rather than enlightening.
For some, the film may feel cathartic, validating long-silenced narratives. For others, it may feel exploitative, more intent on shock than storytelling.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Despite commendable research and powerful performances from Pallavi Joshi and Saswata Chatterjee, The Bengal Files falters due to poor execution, overlength, and uneven writing.
Verdict: A well-meaning film weighed down by its flaws. Important in subject matter, disappointing in delivery.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
The Bengal Files had the potential to be a definitive cinematic exploration of Bengal’s traumatic past. Instead, it becomes a case study in how good research and noble intentions can be undone by weak execution and overindulgence.
For viewers, the film demands both guts and patience—a test of endurance as much as empathy. While Joshi and Chatterjee elevate the experience, the film as a whole falls short of doing justice to the haunting history it seeks to portray.
Three Hours of Chaos, Poor Writing, and Wasted Talent
P&C | Friday, 05 Sep. 2025
India | Planet & Commerce
A Franchise That Refuses to Give Up
The Baaghi franchise, which began in 2016 with Tiger Shroff showcasing his martial arts flair in a sleek action thriller, has now reached its fourth installment with Baaghi 4. Directed by A Harsha and co-starring Sanjay Dutt, the film promised to revive Tiger’s box office fortunes after recent disappointments like Ganapath and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. Instead, it results in what can only be described as a three-hour misfire—a confused amalgamation of borrowed plots, poor execution, and over-the-top action.
With a cast that also includes Harnaaz Sandhu, Sonam Bajwa, Shreyas Talpade, and Saurabh Sachdeva, the film attempts to balance bone-crunching violence with melodrama, psychological twists, and misplaced comedy. Unfortunately, the result is less an action blockbuster and more a collage of cinematic disasters.
Plot: A Mess of Twists and Tropes
The film begins with a dramatic accident sequence involving Tiger Shroff’s character, who is portrayed as a Navy officer. Following the accident, his brain suffers trauma, leading to hallucinations, flashbacks, and a fractured perception of reality.
The narrative pulls inspiration from everywhere:
- Lage Raho Munna Bhai (hallucinations of a guiding figure),
- The Sixth Sense (unreliable visions of the dead),
- Shutter Island (psychological confusion),
- Joker (a descent into madness),
- Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (dual identities and backstories).
Yet, instead of blending these influences into a gripping story, Baaghi 4 turns into a self-parody, with multiple subplots stitched together incoherently. Product placements like “Country Delight” are so intrusive they break whatever immersion remains.
Performances: Commitment Meets Waste
- Tiger Shroff: His commitment to action remains impressive. The hand-to-hand combat, agility, and intensity are there, but the weak script and clumsy editing undermine his efforts. Instead of elevating his career, the film risks further typecasting him as a performer trapped in repetitive roles.
- Sanjay Dutt: Cast as “Chako,” Dutt feels underutilized and out of sync with the film’s tone. Known for his charisma, he seems lost in a caricatured role.
- Harnaaz Sandhu: Miscast as a doctor, her performance suffers from poor writing and forced emotional scenes.
- Shreyas Talpade: A fine actor wasted in yet another thankless role, relegated to comic relief with little impact.
- Saurabh Sachdeva: Almost channels Mukesh Rishi from Judwaa, but the film squanders his talent.
The only thing consistent across the cast is the waste of potential.
Action: Tiger’s Strength, Film’s Weakness
The Baaghi franchise has been built on Tiger Shroff’s stunt work and action choreography. In the first film, the single-take fight in a ten-story building showcased raw brilliance. By Baaghi 2 and 3, he was carrying entire armies on his shoulders.
In Baaghi 4, while Tiger gets into a darker, bloodier mode, the action is marred by:
- Poor VFX,
- Overuse of slow motion,
- Inconsistent editing,
- Ill-timed songs inserted into fight scenes (echoing Agent Vinod’s tonal mismatch).
The result? Instead of edge-of-the-seat thrills, audiences are left disconnected and exhausted.
Writing, Humor, and Music: A Triple Misfire
The film also attempts humor, often descending into Housefull 5-style slapstick with innuendos that feel cheap and misplaced. Adding comedians like Sudesh Lehri and awkward cameos does little to salvage the tone.
The music is another disappointment. Songs are charmless, tuneless, and badly timed, breaking the pace of both emotional and action-driven sequences. Romantic ballads play in the background of fight scenes, rendering both ineffective.
The screenplay echoes 1990s melodrama fused with 2020s over-the-top gore, creating a narrative neither nostalgic nor modern.
Technical Aspects: Editing, Graphics, and Dubbing
- Editing: Sloppy and inconsistent, making action scenes drag rather than thrill.
- Graphics/VFX: The Navy sequences and hallucination visuals look cartoonish rather than cinematic.
- Dubbing: As with Baaghi 3, dubbing issues distract and dilute emotional impact.
The film’s technical execution further confirms it as a disaster in presentation.
Franchise Fatigue
The recurring gag in the Baaghi series—that Tiger must save someone close to him in each installment—has now run dry. The self-referential humor of “Who’s being saved in Baaghi 4? The audience?” speaks to a franchise running on fumes.
Instead of evolving into something fresh, the series doubles down on clichés, believing more violence and melodrama equal more box office.
Verdict: A Painful Watch
At nearly three hours, Baaghi 4 overstays its welcome. It tries to be an action epic, a psychological drama, a love story, and a comedy all at once—and ends up being none of them.
Rating: 1.5 out of 5 stars
For Tiger’s most loyal fans, the film may offer glimpses of the action star they admire. For others, it is an exhausting, incoherent, and ultimately forgettable outing that does no justice to either its cast or its audience.
Conclusion: Never Give Up? Maybe, But Please Move On
The tagline of Baaghi 4 could well be “Never Give Up”, but after watching the film, one wonders if the franchise should finally take its own advice and let go.
What was once a promising action saga has become a patchwork of clichés and excesses. While Tiger Shroff deserves credit for his physical dedication, he deserves scripts that challenge his craft instead of recycling his stunts.
Baaghi 4 may scrape by at the box office thanks to franchise recognition and star power, but critically, it will be remembered as the low point of a franchise that once showed real promise.
Netflix’s Inspector Zende Review – Manoj Bajpayee Shines
P&C | Friday, 05 Sep. 2025
India| Planet & Commerce
A Real-Life Cop Story With a Twist
Netflix’s Inspector Zende, directed by Chinmay Mandlekar, tells the story of Madhukar Zende, the Mumbai police officer who became famous for arresting the notorious Charles Sobhraj (here fictionalized as Carl Bhojraj, played by Jim Sarbh). What could have been a straight-faced thriller is reimagined as a quirky, humor-infused biopic. The result is a cat-and-mouse chase that mixes suspense with comedy, balancing real history with cinematic drama.
At the center of it all is Manoj Bajpayee, an actor whose career has been defined by versatility. His turn as Inspector Zende is grounded, sharp, and sprinkled with the same understated humor that made his portrayal of Srikant Tiwari in The Family Man iconic.
Plot: Catching the “Bikini Killer”
The film opens with a daring jailbreak: Carl Bhojraj (Jim Sarbh) escapes Delhi’s Tihar Jail by drugging police officers with sleeping pills hidden in kheer. For Zende, this is unfinished business — he had captured Bhojraj once before, fifteen years earlier.
From Delhi, Bhojraj flees to Mumbai, then Goa, with plans to escape abroad. The Delhi police want the glory of recapturing him, but Mumbai police insist on their jurisdiction. Enter Inspector Zende, whose deep understanding of Bhojraj’s psychology and habits makes him the only man for the job.
The film unfolds as a chase narrative — part procedural, part farce — where Zende navigates bureaucratic hurdles, resource shortages, and egotistical colleagues while relentlessly pursuing his slippery target.
Manoj Bajpayee: An Effortless Craftsman
As Inspector Zende, Manoj Bajpayee shines. He embodies a man who is neither a superhero cop nor a caricatured Bollywood policeman, but a simple, diligent officer who uses wit and intuition to get the job done. His naturalistic style gives the film both weight and charm.
Bajpayee delivers Zende as a character who can crack a joke in one moment and display steely determination in the next. He’s supported by Bhalchandra Kadam and other actors playing Zende’s colleagues, who add layers of realism and comedy to the story.
This portrayal reminds audiences once again why Bajpayee is regarded as one of India’s finest actors — he can carry a film on his shoulders with quiet brilliance.
Supporting Cast: Hits and Misses
- Jim Sarbh as Carl Bhojraj: Despite his natural charisma, Sarbh disappoints here. His performance lacks menace, making the antagonist feel undercooked. Comparisons are inevitable, and many viewers may recall Siddhant Gupta’s stronger take on Sobhraj in Netflix’s Black Warrant.
- Sachin Khedekar: As Zende’s superior officer, Khedekar brings authority and comic timing, perfectly portraying the politics of credit-grabbing between Delhi and Mumbai police.
- Girija Oak: In a smaller role as Zende’s wife, she provides warmth, though some domestic scenes — like her turning up at the police station with puran poli — feel forced.
- Bhalchandra Kadam: His comic presence as part of Zende’s team adds levity, keeping the tone quirky and entertaining.
Tone and Style: Crime Meets Comedy
What makes Inspector Zende unique is its genre-bending tone. Instead of presenting Zende’s pursuit as a grim procedural, the film leans into satire and humor:
- The bureaucratic tussles between Delhi and Mumbai police forces are shown as petty, ego-driven power plays.
- Zende’s team struggles with funding shortages, highlighting the absurdities of working-class policing.
- Situational humor often punctuates tense moments, making the film less about dread and more about resilience.
This tonal choice won’t work for everyone. Viewers expecting a gritty thriller may find the comedy distracting, but those open to a lighter take on real history will find it refreshing.
Research and Real-Life Parallels
Agnihotri-style heavy-handedness is absent here. Instead, Inspector Zende chooses a quirky tribute over historical solemnity. Still, the research is evident. The film captures the 1970s–80s setting with detail — from costumes and vehicles to the socio-political backdrop of Indian policing.
The story underscores Zende’s legendary status in Mumbai Police folklore — a common man who outwitted a criminal mastermind not once, but twice.
Strengths
- Manoj Bajpayee’s performance anchors the entire film.
- Sharp dialogues and writing, with humor that often lands.
- An engaging balance of fact and fiction, keeping the narrative entertaining.
- Strong supporting performances from Sachin Khedekar and Bhalchandra Kadam.
- Realistic portrayal of resource-strapped policing in contrast to Bollywood’s glossy cop sagas.
Weaknesses
- Jim Sarbh’s underwhelming villain fails to provide a worthy counterbalance to Bajpayee.
- Some scenes — like the domestic subplot — feel shoehorned and unnecessary.
- The quirky tone may alienate audiences expecting a dark crime thriller.
- Occasional pacing issues, with a few overextended comic bits.
Verdict and Rating
Inspector Zende isn’t flawless, but it’s a hugely enjoyable watch, powered by Bajpayee’s effortless craft and sharp scripting. While it may not satisfy fans seeking gritty crime realism, it succeeds as a humor-infused biopic that celebrates an unsung hero of Indian policing.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Conclusion: A Weekend Winner for Netflix
Netflix’s Inspector Zende delivers a fun, engaging, and character-driven story that blends humor with history. Though uneven in places, it proves once again that Manoj Bajpayee can turn even the quirkiest material into something memorable.
If you’re looking for a light yet meaningful weekend watch, this film will leave you both entertained and impressed by how an ordinary inspector achieved extraordinary feats.
Punjabi Star Karan Aujla Confirms Tonight Show Appearance
P&C | Friday, 05 Sep. 2025
India| Planet & Commerce
A Historic Moment for Punjabi Music Fans
It’s official — Karan Aujla, the Indo-Canadian singer, rapper, and songwriter who has become one of the most recognized faces of Punjabi music, is set to make his debut on Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show. This marks a major milestone not only for Aujla’s career but also for the global recognition of Punjabi music as a cultural force.
The buzz began when the official Tonight Show Instagram account reshared behind-the-scenes clips from Aujla’s latest studio session, captioning the video with:
“The moment you realise this isn’t just an album, it’s a global movement in the making.”
Moments later, Fallon’s team cheekily extended an invite:
“BUT WHEN ARE WE DOING THIS LIVE ON OUR SHOW? FREE NEXT TUESDAY?”
To fans’ delight, Karan Aujla replied:
“See you Tuesday then @fallontonight.”
This confirmed his appearance on Tuesday, September 9, making it one of the most anticipated television debuts of 2025.
Following in Diljit Dosanjh’s Footsteps
The news follows in the footsteps of Diljit Dosanjh, who made history as the first Punjabi artist to appear on Fallon’s show earlier in 2024. Many fans speculated then that Aujla would soon follow, though those turned out to be false rumors at the time.
Now, with the confirmation, Aujla’s fanbase is ecstatic. His appearance cements the arrival of Punjabi music on mainstream American late-night television, a stage once reserved only for Western pop and Hollywood artists.
Who Is Karan Aujla?
For those outside the Punjabi music diaspora, Karan Aujla is more than just a singer — he is a cultural phenomenon. Known for his sharp lyrics, catchy beats, and ability to fuse Punjabi folk with modern hip-hop and R&B, Aujla has carved out a massive global audience.
- Birthplace & Roots: Born in Ghurala, Punjab, Aujla emigrated to Canada in his teens, building his identity as an Indo-Canadian artist.
- Music Style: A mix of Punjabi rap, pop, and trap, often interwoven with storytelling.
- Chart Success: His tracks regularly trend on the UK Asian Music Chart and the Global YouTube Music Chart.
- Hit Songs: Popular tracks include Don’t Look, Hint, Rim vs Jhanjhar, Na Na Na, and No Need.
With millions of followers across Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify, Aujla is considered one of the biggest Punjabi global exports of the decade.
The Tonight Show Stage
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, airing on NBC, has long been a cultural touchstone in the United States. Known for its mix of comedy sketches, celebrity interviews, and live performances, it has hosted everyone from Beyoncé and BTS to political leaders and sports legends.
For Aujla, this is not just another media appearance — it’s a chance to introduce Punjabi music to a wider American audience in one of the most visible entertainment slots in the world.
Fans React: Social Media Frenzy
Aujla’s announcement has sparked a storm on social media:
- Fans have flooded Fallon’s Instagram with requests to let Aujla perform live, not just sit for an interview.
- Others have expressed pride in seeing yet another Punjabi artist represent the culture internationally.
- Many drew parallels between Aujla’s trajectory and Diljit Dosanjh’s crossover success in both music and film.
Trending hashtags like #KaranOnFallon and #PunjabiGlobal quickly picked up traction, proving that this isn’t just about one artist — it’s about a global movement in Punjabi pop culture.
What To Expect From His Appearance
While NBC hasn’t officially revealed the segment details, Fallon’s team hinted at the possibility of a live performance. If that happens, it would mark Aujla’s first live American television performance, a moment likely to trend worldwide.
Given Aujla’s penchant for surprise collaborations, speculation is rife about whether he might bring along other artists or debut new music during the show.
The Global Rise of Punjabi Music
Karan Aujla’s Tonight Show debut is part of a larger story: the globalization of Punjabi music. Over the past decade:
- Streaming platforms have given Punjabi artists direct access to global audiences.
- Punjabi tracks are now routinely featured on international playlists.
- Collaborations with Western rappers and DJs have expanded reach.
From Diljit Dosanjh’s Coachella performance to AP Dhillon’s North American tours, Punjabi music is no longer regional — it is international pop culture.
Why This Appearance Matters
- Representation: For South Asian and Punjabi audiences abroad, seeing their music represented on Fallon’s stage is a matter of cultural pride.
- Crossover Potential: Aujla’s English-Punjabi fusion makes him an ideal candidate to break through to mainstream U.S. audiences.
- Global Strategy: The timing aligns with Aujla’s international collaboration hints, suggesting this is part of a larger push for global dominance.
Conclusion: A Global Stage for a Global Star
“You will be famous because of me,” Charles Sobhraj once said to Inspector Zende, according to another Netflix hit. Ironically, the same can be said of Jimmy Fallon’s stage for artists like Karan Aujla.
By confirming his Tonight Show appearance, Aujla isn’t just stepping onto an American late-night stage — he is carrying the hopes of millions of Punjabi music fans who have long wanted to see their culture validated in the global mainstream.
With the world watching, September 9 could be the night when Punjabi music makes history again.
Lokah Chapter 1 Box Office Crosses ₹100 Crore Worldwide
P&C | Friday, 05 Sep. 2025
India| Planet & Commerce
A New Milestone for Malayalam Cinema
Lokah Chapter 1, starring Kalyani Priyadarshan in the lead and produced by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, has officially become the third-biggest Malayalam release of 2025. After eight days in theatres, the film’s India nett has touched ₹54.35 crore, while the worldwide gross has crossed ₹106.25 crore.
The movie’s impressive performance places it right behind Mohanlal’s L2: Empuraan and Thudarum in this year’s Malayalam box office rankings. With strong word of mouth, consistent occupancy, and support from industry veterans, Lokah Chapter 1 has turned into an unexpected juggernaut of 2025.
Box Office Numbers: Day-by-Day Growth
- Opening Day (Friday): ₹2.7 crore
- Day 4 (Monday): Steady jump to above ₹7 crore
- Day 8 (Friday): ₹8 crore, showing sustained momentum
According to Sacnilk industry tracking, the film has been maintaining 53% average occupancy in Malayalam markets. Key strongholds include:
- Kochi: 250 shows with ~83% occupancy
- Kozhikode: 120 shows with ~79% occupancy
This performance makes Lokah Chapter 1 one of the most consistent box office performers of the year, avoiding the steep second-week declines common in mid-budget regional films.
Industry Reactions: Praise Despite Controversy
While the film has faced a minor controversy over a dialogue referencing Bengaluru as the “capital of drugs and crime,” it has simultaneously received widespread praise from actors and filmmakers across industries.
- Alia Bhatt called the film “a strong cinematic statement.”
- Akshay Kumar congratulated the team for delivering “a Malayalam hit with pan-India resonance.”
- Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta tweeted admiration for its “cinematic ambition.”
- Priyadarshan, father of lead actress Kalyani Priyadarshan, noted in an interview:
“She only tells me about her projects after she completes them. It’s the same with her latest releases.”
Despite the backlash, Wayfarer Films and Raj B Shetty’s Lighter Buddha Films quickly issued an apology and pledged to edit the dialogue, diffusing tensions and ensuring box office momentum remained unaffected.
Comparisons With Other 2025 Malayalam Hits
Lokah Chapter 1 has already outperformed several Malayalam films released earlier this year:
- Alappuzha Gymkhana – ₹44.25 crore (India), ₹70 crore (worldwide)
- Rekhachithram – ₹26.6 crore (India), ₹57 crore (worldwide)
Currently, the top three Malayalam films of 2025 are:
- Thudarum – ₹121 crore (India), ₹234 crore (worldwide)
- L2: Empuraan – ₹105 crore (India), ₹265 crore (worldwide)
- Lokah Chapter 1 – ₹54.35 crore (India), ₹106.25 crore (worldwide)
This ranking highlights the film’s achievement as a breakout success, considering it faced stiff competition from megastar-driven blockbusters.
The Controversy: Bengaluru Dialogue Sparks Debate
The film drew criticism from Kannada filmmakers after a character referred to Bengaluru as a hub of drugs and crime.
In response, Wayfarer Films released a statement:
“It has come to our attention that a dialogue delivered by one of the characters in our film Lokah: Chapter One has unintentionally hurt the sentiments of people from Karnataka. We deeply regret this oversight and assure you that no offence was intended. The dialogue in question will be removed/edited at the earliest.”
This swift action ensured the controversy did not overshadow the film’s commercial and critical success.
Why Lokah Chapter 1 Clicked With Audiences
- Strong Storytelling – Rooted in Malayalam cultural ethos yet appealing to wider audiences.
- Kalyani Priyadarshan’s Performance – Critics and fans have praised her nuanced portrayal.
- Industry Buzz – Positive comments from Bollywood stars amplified visibility.
- Occupancy Trends – Consistently strong in urban and semi-urban markets.
- Smart Marketing – Wayfarer Films balanced promotion with controversy management.
The Road Ahead: Can Lokah Climb Higher?
With steady occupancy and no major Malayalam releases in the immediate pipeline, Lokah Chapter 1 could potentially cross the ₹75 crore nett India mark in the coming weeks.
If international markets sustain momentum, the film may even cross ₹150 crore worldwide, making it one of the top five Malayalam films of all time.
Conclusion: A Defining Film for 2025
Lokah Chapter 1 has proven that Malayalam cinema continues to push boundaries both at home and abroad. Despite facing a hiccup with controversy, the film’s box office resilience and global gross above ₹100 crore establish it as a landmark release of 2025.
For Kalyani Priyadarshan, this is a career-defining performance. For Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, it is another reminder of Malayalam cinema’s ability to compete with pan-India giants.
In just eight days, the film has written itself into the history books as a blockbuster that combines artistry, controversy, and commercial triumph.