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‘Sam Bahadur’ Holds Ground Against ‘Animal’ With Rs 25 Cr In 3 Days

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'Sam Bahadur' Holds Ground Against 'Animal' With Rs 25 Cr In 3 Days

Vicky Kaushal’s ‘Sam Bahadur’ has recorded steady collections of Rs 25.55 crore in its opening weekend, despite clashing with Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Animal’ at the box office.

Vicky Kaushal’s film ‘Sam Bahadur’ hit the cinemas on December 1. ( Image Source: Instagram/@vickykaushal09 )

The Meghna Gulzar directorial minted Rs 6.25 crore on day one, followed by Rs 9 crore on Saturday – a 44% jump.

On Sunday, the film saw occupancy of 56.33%, taking its total domestic net earnings to Rs 25.55 crore so far.

Trade experts have termed the war drama’s initial figures as promising, especially with ‘Animal’ proving tough competition.

But ‘Sam Bahadur’ is drawing audiences on the sheer power of content, with the film winning critical acclaim for retelling Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw’s brave leadership in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Vicky’s gripping portrayal of India’s first Field Marshal has come in for special praise amid what is stellar work from Gulzar known for helming acclaimed titles like ‘Raazi’.

Even cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar watched the film and appreciated Vicky’s effective turn as the iconic General.

With ‘Animal’ catering to commercial cinema fans, ‘Sam Bahadur’ is being hailed as a rare, more meaningful film that is still drawing crowds – a remarkable feat by Meghna.

Sensex Vaults 1,000 Pts To Record High, Nifty Tops 20,500 As BJP Sweeps State Polls

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Markets Snap Record Run As Sensex Slips Below 69,500, Nifty Under 20,900

Indian shares began the week with a record-shattering rally on Monday, with the Sensex surging over 1,000 points and Nifty reclaiming 20,500 as early trends indicated BJP securing big wins in Gujarat and Himachal polls.

Banking, auto, and metal stocks saw robust buying while IT and media shares witnessed mild profit-taking after the strong opening.

The 30-share BSE Sensex was trading at 68,450 levels with ICICI Bank, SBI, L&T, NTPC, and M&M being the top performers.

The 50-share NSE barometer Nifty 50 hit a new lifetime high of 20,550 in early deals, boosted by the forecast of a stable government for the next five years.

The BJP is eyeing a seventh straight term in Gujarat and aims to buck anti-incumbency in Himachal to retain power. Experts said the strong electoral mandate may bolster reform momentum and hasten economic recovery.

Sectorally, the Nifty PSU Bank surged nearly 4%, while auto, media, metal, and realty indices gained between 1-3% amid the market euphoria.

Global sentiment was however mixed amid recession worries in the West and uncertainties around the China reopening. Crude oil prices also eased over 1% on demand concerns.

Dhoni Celebrates Friend’s Birthday As CSK Confirm Return For IPL 2024

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Dhoni Celebrates Friend's Birthday As CSK Confirm Return For IPL 2024

Former India captain MS Dhoni was recently seen celebrating a friend’s birthday, as per a video shared by a fan on social media.

The visuals of Dhoni enjoying cake-cutting celebrations come right after IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings retained the legendary wicketkeeper-batter for the 2024 season.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan reaffirmed that Dhoni, who led the team to a record-equalling fifth IPL crown last season, has committed to playing in 2024 as well.

“Our leader has given his word that he will play next year. Knowing Mahi, he will do what he has promised,” said Viswanathan.

The 42-year-old Dhoni himself told fans earlier that he will look to play at least one more IPL season post his successful knee surgery.

CSK, who released all-rounder Ben Stokes after his unavailability for 2024, now has a purse of Rs 31.4 crore heading into the next player auction.

Along with Mumbai Indians, the Yellow Brigade have won a joint record five IPL titles, including 3 in the last 6 seasons under Dhoni’s leadership.

Warmer Than Usual Winter Ahead With Fewer Cold Waves: IMD

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Warmer Than Usual Winter Ahead With Fewer Cold Waves: IMD

This winter is likely to be warmer than normal with below-average cold wave conditions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted on Friday.

Releasing its outlook for December 2022-February 2023, the IMD said maximum and minimum temperatures will remain above normal over most parts of India except some regions of central and northwest India.

“The upcoming winter season as a whole is expected to witness above normal minimum and maximum temperatures due to subdued western disturbances,” said IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.

Below-normal western disturbances, which originate in the Mediterranean and bring cold winds and rainfall to northwest India, generally push the mercury downwards. Their reduced impact this winter explains the higher temperature forecast.

The IMD chief also said rainfall activity could be above normal over extreme south peninsular India and many areas of northwest and east India. Northeast India is however expected to see below-normal rains.

Last year too, the Met Department had forecast above-normal winter temperatures, which largely turned out to be true. Several parts of the country saw above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures between December 2021 and February 2022.

Private forecaster Skymet has also concurred with the predictions, stating less intense western disturbances will keep the chill at bay through the season across most regions.

Kapil Sharma, Sunil Grover Hint At Infamous Fight In Netflix Reunion Promo

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Kapil Sharma, Sunil Grover Hint At Infamous Fight In Netflix Reunion Promo

Comedy icons Kapil Sharma and Sunil Grover delighted fans by announcing their reunion show on Netflix, nearly 5 years after their infamous mid-air feud.

In a promo released by the streaming giant, the duo could be seen engaging in lighthearted banter hinting at the 2017 incident that led to Sunil’s exit from ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’.

When Kapil insists they should visit Australia for the new show too, Sunil chuckles, “Iss baar by air nahi jayenge. We won’t travel by air this time.”

“We’ll go by road,” Kapil promptly agrees, as the duo burst out laughing – alluding to the turbulent Mumbai-India flight when an allegedly drunk Kapil had abused and assaulted Sunil.

The ugly spat caused Sunil, who played fan-favorite Mashoor Gulati on TKSS, to promptly quit the show at the peak of its popularity. He was replaced by Kiku Sharda while numerous attempts by producers to broker peace failed.

But time seems to have healed the wounds now, with Sunil himself revealing the new Netflix project on his birthday this year.

“I am excited and happy to collaborate with my old friends and entertain audiences with our comedy,” said the ace comedian on his big reunion.

Fans celebrated the news, stating it was a ‘dream come true’ to see the iconic Kapil-Sunil duo back in action 5 years after splitting.

Jeff Bezos’ Fiancée Lauren Sanchez Calls Him A ‘Monster In The Gym’

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Jeff Bezos' Fiancée Lauren Sanchez Calls Him A 'Monster In The Gym'

Jeff Bezos may have stepped down as Amazon’s CEO, but the billionaire founder is still a “monster in the gym,” according to his fiancée Lauren Sanchez.

In a new Vogue interview, Sanchez shared some insight into how one of the world’s richest men stays ripped in his late 50s through intense yet tailored workouts.

“We cannot do the same exercises,” said Sanchez, noting she prefers to keep her own fitness regimen private. “He’s on a whole different level than I am.”

Over the summer, Sanchez had gushed over Bezos’ physique in a shirtless vacation photo she posted online. Experts estimated the former exec’s body fat sits between 12-14%.

Bezos works with celebrity trainer Wes Okerson, who has also whipped the likes of Tom Cruise into top shape. His program focuses on high-resistance, low-impact exercises like lifting weights and rowing.

The billionaire also stays active outdoors through activities like hill running, kayaking, and paddle boarding. His diet comprises high-fat, high-protein Mediterranean-style meals.

Bezos has attributed his health and fitness commitment to getting 8 hours of sleep, diet, and workout regime – not steroids or HGH as some have speculated.

“I can barely keep up with him but it’s really cute to watch,” Sanchez remarked, showing her awe at her fiancé’s strict fitness level.

Ranbir Kapoor’s Film Outperforms ‘Pathaan,’ Earns Rs 61 Crore On Opening Day

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Animal Box Office Collection Day 1: Ranbir Kapoor's Film Outperforms 'Pathaan,' Earns Rs 61 Crore On Opening Day

Ranbir Kapoor-starrer ‘Animal’ has announced its box office arrival with a thunderous opening day collection of Rs 61 crore net in India, as per early estimates.

Despite initial mixed responses, the big-budget action drama helmed by ‘Kabir Singh’ director Sandeep Reddy Vanga has smashed records set by 2023 hits ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Gadar 2’.

Of the total domestic collection, the Hindi version accounted for Rs 50 crore, with Telugu (Rs 10 crore), Tamil (Rs 40 lakhs), and other languages making up the remaining amount.

Trade experts predict the film’s worldwide total on day 1 to stand between a mammoth Rs 110-115 crore as Ranbir Kapoor cements his standing as a contemporary box office powerhouse.

The film sees Ranbir play an intense crime lord with an estranged relationship with his father (Anil Kapoor). While reviews remain polarized on the film’s violence quotient, audiences have clearly warmed up to the high-octane entertainer.

Releasing on a non-holiday amidst competition from Vicky Kaushal’s ‘Sam Bahadur’, the film’s opening day collection has stunned trade pundits.

With its packed action sequences and dramatic confrontations, ‘Animal’ seems set for a rampant opening weekend at the box office as well.

Exodus of Executives Continues At Twitter Post Bonus Payouts

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Exodus of Executives Continues At Twitter Post Bonus Payouts

Twitter is grappling with yet another senior-level exodus, involving key advertising executives quitting just after bonus payouts in November.

The micro-blogging company is currently operating with a skeletal workforce in its office. ( Image Source: Getty )

As per reports, many top sales staffers including those handling relationships with big advertisers have resigned amid Elon Musk’s takeover and his subsequent decisions.

Sources said Twitter’s current skeleton workforce at its offices contrasts heavily with earlier this year when teams were still intact before Musk fired thousands of employees post-acquisition.

The resignations come at a highly inopportune moment, given that a massive advertiser pullout over content moderation concerns on the platform already endangers Twitter’s revenue.

Notable brands like Apple, Disney, and IBM have suspended advertising on Twitter since Musk took over, protesting inadequate safeguards against misinformation.

The company locked horns with advocacy groups again last week when Musk appeared to endorse an anti-Semitic conspiracy post. Though he later backtracked, Musk also confronted the departing advertisers in explicit terms.

Industry experts have attributed the ongoing churn at Twitter to doubts over Musk’s ability to lead the company out of the current upheaval.

The billionaire tech mogul has drawn flak from all quarters for his controversial business decisions and outspoken political commentary in recent months.

‘Animal’ Set For Rs 100 Crore Global Opening Weekend

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'Animal' Set For Rs 100 Crore Global Opening Weekend

Riding on immense pre-release buzz, ‘Animal’ starring Ranbir Kapoor is headed for rampant opening weekend collections crossing Rs 100 crore worldwide, predict trade analysts.

Per early estimates, the big-budget action drama could net over Rs 50 crore in India alone by the end of the opening day.

Helmed by ‘Kabir Singh’ director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who candidly vowed to make an unabashedly violent film post the criticism against his last, ‘Animal’ has set the box office ablaze already.

The Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna starrer sold a staggering 5 lakh tickets before release, ranking among the highest in advance sales.

Given Ranbir’s pull among youth and the film’s mass appeal, it is eyeing day 1 collections surpassing the actor’s previous hits like ‘Sanju’ (Rs 34 crore) and ‘Brahmastra’ (Rs 36 crore).

Analysts predict the film’s final worldwide gross to stand between Rs 300-350 crore after its monstrous opening.

“It’s ‘Animal’ mania everywhere – multiplexes, single screens, big cities or small towns. The film is headed for a historic start,” noted trade expert Taran Adarsh.

Co-starring Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol, the high-octane entertainer seems to have clicked big time with the audiences. Its early box office numbers reflect the same.

Nothing Slashes Phone 2 Prices By Rs 5,000 To Boost Sales

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Nothing Slashes Phone 2 Prices By Rs 5,000 To Boost Sales

In a bid to drive sales this festive season, consumer electronics startup Nothing has announced a permanent price cut of Rs 5,000 on its recently launched Phone 2 smartphone models.

The base 8GB/128GB variant is now priced at Rs 39,999 while the 12GB/256GB version will set buyers back by Rs 44,999. The top-end 12GB/512GB model will be available for Rs 49,999 after the discount.

This pushes the Phone 2 into direct competition with flagship killers like the OnePlus 11R and Galaxy S21 FE in the hotly contested sub-Rs 50,000 segment.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, the Phone 2 features a unique transparent Glyph design with LED strips that light up for notifications. It sports a 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED display, 50MP dual cameras and runs Nothing OS based on Android 13.

As an added purchase incentive, Nothing is offering its 65W fast charger worth Rs 2,999 at just Rs 1,999 with the Phone 2. The phone itself lacks a charger in the box.

“We are passing the benefits of streamlined production directly to our community,” said Nothing India Vice President and General Manager Manu Sharma on the latest price drop.

The price cut comes right before the festive season when smartphone sales are at an annual peak in India. This would give the company a chance to capture consumer interest.