Welcome To The Jungle Box Office Day 3: Star-Studded Comedy Sees Healthy Response

Headlined by Akshay Kumar and backed by a massive ensemble cast, Welcome To The Jungle opened in cinemas on June 26 and has remained one of the most talked-about releases of the week.

The comedy entertainer collected around Rs 20.75 crore net in India on Day 3. With this, the film's total India net collection has reached approximately Rs 58.75 crore, while its India gross collection stands at around Rs 71.29 crore, as per Sacnilk

Box Office Trend So Far

The comedy entertainer opened to a decent response and benefited from its franchise value, star-studded cast and family-friendly appeal.

The film collected Rs 3.75 crore from paid previews before adding Rs 15.25 crore on its first official day of release and Rs 20 crore on Saturday.

Over its opening weekend, the film continued to attract audiences across major centres, with multiplexes and urban markets contributing significantly to its collections.

The film has witnessed encouraging footfalls in several key markets during its initial run. Audience turnout improved during later shows, while cities such as NCR, Mumbai, Lucknow, Jaipur and Bengaluru emerged among the stronger-performing centres.

The coming weekdays will now determine whether the film can maintain momentum beyond its opening weekend.

ALSO READ: House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2: Release Date, Time, Recap, Where To Watch — All You Need To Know

About Welcome To The Jungle

Directed by Ahmed Khan, Welcome To The Jungle is the third installment in the popular Welcome franchise after Welcome (2007) and Welcome Back (2015).

The comedy features a large ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Arshad Warsi, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade and Jackie Shroff among others.

Set against a jungle backdrop, the film follows a group of eccentric characters who find themselves caught in a chaotic adventure filled with misunderstandings, comic situations and unexpected twists.

ALSO READ: OTT Releases This Weekend: Raja Shivaji, Little Brother, Alliance — Movies, Series To Watch

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/FRJDHY9

'17 Years Of Silence': Baloch Activist's Open Letter Exposes Pak Atrocities

Baloch human rights activist Sammi Deen Baloch has issued a deeply personal open letter marking 17 years since the enforced disappearance of her father, Dr Deen Mohammad Baloch, renewing international attention on allegations of systematic abductions, custodial torture and impunity in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province.

In an emotional appeal addressed to those responsible for her father's disappearance, Sammi writes that after nearly two decades of uncertainty, her family deserves either his safe return or official confirmation of his fate.

"Maybe this year, you will let him come home. And if you have killed him, then perhaps this year you will finally decide that you owe us a death certificate instead of another adjournment," she wrote.

Dr Baloch, a physician from Khuzdar district, allegedly disappeared on June 28, 2009, after being taken into custody. His whereabouts remain unknown. His family and rights groups accuse Pakistan's security establishment - including the Pakistan Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) - of involvement in enforced disappearances across Balochistan, allegations Islamabad has consistently denied.

Describing the lifelong trauma inflicted on families of the disappeared, Sammi recounts growing up without knowing whether her father is alive or dead.

"I was given disappearance. I was given denial. I was given humiliation. I was given the lifelong punishment of loving a father whom the state took," she wrote, adding that while other children grew up with memories of their fathers, she inherited "petitions, batons, tear gas and posters."

Sammi Deen Baloch, now general secretary of the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), has become one of the most prominent faces of the campaign against enforced disappearances in Balochistan. Over the past decade she has led protests, documented alleged disappearances, assisted families in filing legal petitions and campaigned internationally for accountability despite repeated arrests, surveillance and alleged harassment.

Coinciding with the anniversary, international human rights organisation Front Line Defenders reiterated its support for Sammi Deen Baloch and demanded that Pakistani authorities immediately disclose the fate and whereabouts of Dr Baloch. The Dublin-based organisation said his disappearance represents a broader pattern of impunity and called on Pakistan to investigate all cases of enforced disappearance and ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

Front Line Defenders noted that Sammi Deen Baloch herself has allegedly faced repeated reprisals for her activism, including arbitrary detention, surveillance, house raids and a week-long enforced disappearance in 2016. She was also arrested by Karachi police in March 2025 during protests demanding justice for missing persons.

The open letter comes amid an intensified crackdown on Baloch rights activists.

Earlier this year, activist Dr Mahrang Baloch - another leading campaigner against enforced disappearances and alleged human rights abuses in Balochistan - was sentenced to life imprisonment by an anti-terrorism court in a case widely criticised by rights organisations and Baloch activists as politically motivated.

Human rights groups argued that the prosecution relied on questionable evidence and viewed the conviction as part of a broader effort to silence peaceful dissent and suppress voices demanding accountability from Pakistan's security establishment. Islamabad has maintained that legal proceedings against Baloch activists are conducted under Pakistani law and rejects allegations of politically motivated prosecutions.

For years, Baloch nationalist groups, families of missing persons and international rights organisations have alleged that enforced disappearances have become a recurring feature of Pakistan's counter-insurgency operations in Balochistan. Pakistan's military and civilian authorities deny operating a policy of enforced disappearances, asserting that many missing persons have either joined militant organisations, gone underground or left the country voluntarily.

For Sammi Deen Baloch, however, the issue remains painfully personal. "My abba was not a file. He was not a rumour. He was Dr. Deen Mohammad - a doctor, a husband, a father," she wrote. "He belonged to us before he was taken."

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/PwLCqog

Rs 40,000 Crore Boost: Deepak Shenoy Highlights Success Of G-Sec Tax Relief For FIIs

The Centre's move to grant tax relief to foreign instututional investors (FIIs) earning income from government securities has been an instant success, with market veteran Deepak Shenoy pointing to additional inflows of about Rs 40,000 crore within days of the decision being taken.

The G-Sec tax relief for FIIs was announced on June 5. Shenoy, who heads Capitalmind Mutual Fund, said overseas invesotors raise their holdings in government bonds sharply by June 15.

The G-Sec holding of FIIs stood at Rs 3,23,802 crore as of June 1, and increased to Rs 3,63,760 crore in the next fortnight, he pointed out. "40,000 cr has now come into GSecs from FPIs after we have removed tax on capital gains and interest for them earlier this month (sic)," Shenoy posted on X.

40,000 cr has now come into GSecs from FPIs after we have removed tax on capital gains and interest for them earlier this month: pic.twitter.com/1dUlTBbsyZ

— Deepak Shenoy (@deepakshenoy) June 26, 2026

Notably, the Income-tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, promulgated on June 5, waives taxes on interest income and any capital gains resulting from the sale, exchange, or transfer of these government securities. Crucially, this tax relief is backdated to take effect from April 1, 2026.

The government's decision came after foreign investors pulled out over Rs 2.6 lakh crore from equities so far this year, which is much higher than Rs 1.66 lakh crore withdrawn in the entire 2025.

In the equity market, FIIs have stayed net sellers in June so far. The sell-off in the month stands at Rs 53,022 crore, which is sharper as compared to Rs 32,963-crore shares they offloaded in May.

ALSO READ: Don't Panic At 100/$: Arvind Panagariya Urges RBI To Let Rupee Depreciate

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/wbpf9yD

Mexico Script History, Join Elite WC List After Perfect March To Round Of 32

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has been saying for a while now that the key to his players' success at the World Cup is that they are a family. This family, it seems, is on a historic journey. Mateo Chavez and Julián Quiñones scored in a six-minute span early in the second half, and Mexico beat the Czech Republic 3-0 on Wednesday to complete wins in all three of its World Cup group-stage matches for the first time. The 22-year-old Chavez, in his first World Cup, opened the scoring in the 55th minute and Quiñones scored his second goal of the tournament in the 61st. Alvaro Fidalgo added a goal in stoppage time.

Mexico became only the sixth team to win all of their group matches without conceding a goal.

Team to win all FIFA World Cup group matches without conceding a goal

Netherlands 1974
Brazil 1986
Italy 1990
Argentina 1998
Uruguay 2018
MEXICO 2026*

“It was something very beautiful, and I'll take it with me to the grave,” Chávez said of his goal. “I imagined it many times; I dreamed of this.”

Mexico's previous best group-stage performance was two wins and one draw, done in 1986 and 2002 and both featuring Aguirre, the first as a midfielder and the second as El Tri's coach. Aguirre is now in his third stint leading the national team.

After topping Group A, Mexico will play again at Estadio Azteca on Tuesday in a round-of-32 match against an opponent to be determined.

“Now comes the knockout stage; statistics and data don't matter. We're achieving things, but what lies ahead is what counts,” Aguirre said. “Neither the players nor I dwell on what we've just done; we're thinking about what's next.”

Mexico is undefeated at nine World Cup matches at the massive stadium, which was packed with 80,824 fans on Wednesday. El Tri has only two losses at Azteca, most recently in World Cup qualifying against Honduras on Sept. 6, 2013.

The match Wednesday included nods to Mexico's past and future. Gilberto Mora, at 17, became the youngest Mexico player to start in a World Cup. And 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa entered in the 77th minute, joining Argentina's Lionel Messi and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to appear in six World Cups.

“It's like a dream come true after everything I've worked for,” Mora said.

“Now we have tough opponents ahead,” he added. “We're going to keep working to stay on this path. We want to keep advancing because the Mexican national team can become champion.”

Mexico's triumph was marred, however, by the return of a homophobic chant by fans that has previously led to fines and other sanctions against its soccer federation. The chant, a one-word slur, was heard near the end of the first half when Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar took a goal kick.

The Czech Republic was eliminated, finishing with one point in three games.

Mexico is unbeaten in 11 games dating to a friendly loss against Panama last November. And Aguirre has made the most of his roster, using 25 of 26 players in the tournament. Chávez was one of five starters Wednesday who didn't start in the previous win over South Korea.

“Twenty-five of the 26 have played — that is no small detail — nor is it a small detail that everyone celebrates the goals,” Aguirre said.

Ochoa, who wears No. 13, played the last 13 minutes in regulation, plus stoppage time, in what's likely to be his last appearance for Mexico. He turns 41 on July 13 and plans to retire from international competition after the World Cup.

“Life — football — had this farewell in store for me, to cap it all off perfectly. For my part, I've left it all out there; I gave everything,” Ochoa said. “I leave with nothing left because I poured it all into my teams and the national squad.”

He was a substitute in the 2006 and 2010 tournaments and started for Mexico in 2014, 2018 and 2022.

“I felt Memo had to play (but) for how long? I never knew until I said, ‘This is the moment,'” Aguirre said. “These are coaching decisions, but it was a night for Mexico to honor its legend, Memo.”

Raul Rangel is the starter this year, stepping in for the injured Luis Angel Malagón, who helped Mexico win the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup last year. Malagón's injury opened the door for Ochoa's return.

Ochoa became the oldest Mexican to play in the World Cup. The previous record holder was Cuauhtémoc Blanco, who was 37 when he played in South Africa in 2014.

After the match, the veteran goalkeeper kissed the goal post before kneeling down and was hugged by the rest of the squad.

“Regarding Memo's appearance, we don't know if he's going to say goodbye or not, but it was a nice tribute for his six World Cups,” Aguirre said. “He is a legend — he is Mexican.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/zfg85KA

Shobhaa De Loves Shahid-Kriti In Cocktail 2, Says Hindi Films Not For Rashmika

Cocktail 2 is about to complete one week since its release, and the film has held steady at the box office. Led by Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, the Homi Adajania film crossed the Rs 100 crore mark within six days. The film has opened to mixed responses, and the latest critic to slam it is author and columnist Shobhaa De.

Shobhaa De took to Instagram to share a video in which she reviewed Cocktail 2. She said, "Just walked out of watching Cocktail 2. Well, Cocktail 1 it isn't. Woh Cocktail kya tha, yeh kya hai. I feel like I need five negronis to get over this one."

She continued, "Iska na head na tail, kuch bhi nahi hai. The story is absurd. Shahid, you need a new haircut, though you are the best part of the film. But the star by far is Sicily — I wish there was more of Sicily. Rashmika, I am so sorry but Hindi films are just not for you. Kriti, you look great, you have a fabulous bod; actually you did very well."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shobhaa De (@shobhaade)

"But the story — can it be a little more nuanced and meaningful? Two women fighting over Shahid, who then gives a lecture. And then the best line comes from Shahid, who says, 'Love is something you can enjoy for a few days, there's no such thing as love.' It's full of fake gyaan. Clichés of the worst kind. Nice jokes from time to time. But don't even try to compare it to Cocktail, and five negronis are waiting — this is my capsule review."

Cocktail 2 Box Office Collection

Cocktail 2 has crossed the Rs 100 crore milestone globally in just six days. The film's total collection now stands at Rs 102.76 crore gross, as reported by trade tracker Sacnilk.

Cocktail 2 saw a steady run on Day 6, adding Rs 5.00 crore net from 9,745 shows across India. This takes its domestic gross to Rs 78.76 crore, with the total India net now at Rs 66.00 crore.

The film also maintained a modest pace overseas, earning Rs 1.25 crore on the day and pushing its international gross to Rs 24.00 crore. Combined, its worldwide gross has now reached Rs 102.76 crore.

Cocktail 2 earned Rs 6.75 crore net each on its first Monday and Tuesday in India. After opening with Rs 13.5 crore on its first day, the film went on to collect Rs 16.25 crore on Saturday and Rs 17.75 crore on Sunday in the Indian market (net).

Cocktail 2 is set to face fresh competition at the box office starting Thursday evening (7:30 pm), as multistarrer film Welcome to the Jungle releases.

About Cocktail 2

Homi Adajania's Cocktail wasn't just another rom-com when it arrived in 2012. The Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Diana Penty starrer gave audiences memorable music, messy relationships, and one of Deepika's most talked-about performances. Naturally, expectations were sky-high when Cocktail 2 was announced.

Fast forward 14 years, and the spiritual sequel is led by Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna.

ALSO READ | Internet Spots Similarity Between Cocktail 2 And Dhurandhar, Says "Shahid Bhi Spy Hai"

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/wGsVLZ2

HAL-GE Talks On Track, F414 Pricing Dispute Unrelated - Exclusive

Talks between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and GE Aerospace on the F414 fighter jet engine programme continue to progress as planned, with sources dismissing reports of a deadlock and stating that negotiations are moving in the right direction.

Sources told NDTV Profit that concerns around the F414 engine pricing and commercial terms reported earlier are not related to the ongoing HAL-GE discussions. 

The issues may instead be linked to separate discussions involving the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.

ALSO READ | HAL Share Price: GE F414 Engine Talks Hit Roadblock, Raising AMCA Cost Concerns — Report

The clarification comes after reports suggested that negotiations over GE's F414 engine had slowed due to differences on pricing, technology transfer and local manufacturing arrangements, raising concerns over possible cost escalation and timelines for India's future fighter aircraft programmes.

Sources told NDTV Profit that the negotiations between HAL and GE continue to move forward, with discussions covering key aspects of the engine programme, including supply arrangements, production plans and future requirements.

The F414 engine is critical for India's fighter aircraft roadmap, as it has been selected to power the Tejas Mk-2 and is also planned for the AMCA programme and the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter project.

The engine supply remains important for HAL's aircraft production plans, particularly as delays in engine deliveries had earlier affected Tejas Mk-1A timelines.

HAL has maintained that deliveries of Tejas Mk-1A aircraft are expected to begin after completion of integration and testing activities.

ALSO READ | Jio, Airtel, Vi To Shift To Authorisation Model Under New Telecom Rulebook

The reported concerns around pricing had raised questions over the overall cost of the programme, with earlier reports suggesting differences over engine pricing, technology transfer and establishment of manufacturing facilities in India.

However, sources now indicate that HAL's negotiations with GE Aerospace remain on track and there is no immediate disruption to the planned F414 engine programme.

The development is closely watched as engine availability remains a key factor for India's indigenous fighter aircraft manufacturing plans and future defence production targets.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/byQLitA

Trisha Shares Birthday Post For Vijay: 'The Person Who Makes It All Worth It'

Just hours after fans wondered why Trisha Krishnan had not wished Vijay on his birthday, the actor put all rumours to rest with a special Instagram post dedicated to the actor.

Trisha posted a candid photograph of Vijay seated in front of several birthday cakes. While the actor is seen smiling as he prepares to blow out the candles, Trisha looks at him affectionately.

Sharing the adorable moment, she wrote, "To the person who makes it all worth it, HBD. 00.00."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Trish (@trishakrishnan)

Her post quickly grabbed attention online, with fans flooding the comments section with love and warm wishes for the duo.

Earlier, social media had been abuzz with speculation that Trisha had unfollowed Vijay on Instagram. While some fans claimed that she had recently removed him from her following list, others pointed out that she may never have followed him on the platform in the first place.

Trisha's Birthday Posts For Vijay Over The Years

Vijay celebrated his 52nd birthday on June 22.

In 2025, Trisha shared a candid photograph of Vijay with a pet dog and wrote, "Happy Birthday bestest".

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Trish (@trishakrishnan)

A year earlier, she posted an elevator selfie with the actor and captioned it, "The calm to a storm, The storm to a calm! To many more milestones ahead".

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Trish (@trishakrishnan)

In 2023, she kept things simple by sharing a photograph of the two against a snowy backdrop and writing, "HBD".

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Trish (@trishakrishnan)

Vijay And Trisha's Movies

Vijay and Trisha are regarded as one of Tamil cinema's most popular on-screen pairs. They have shared screen space in several successful films, including Ghilli, Thirupaachi, Aathi, Kuruvi, and, most recently, Leo.

About Their Relationship

In recent months, Vijay and Trisha have frequently been the subject of online speculation regarding their personal relationship. Despite ongoing rumours, neither actor has publicly addressed these claims.

Their close friendship has long been a topic of online discussion, with some users alleging a relationship between the two. Recently, after details from Vijay's divorce filings became public, sections of social media once again connected the actor with Trisha. Some political figures have also referred to the alleged relationship while criticising Vijay.

ALSO READ: Singer Suchitra Says 'Parasites Enter Successful People's Lives' Amid Vijay-Trisha Affair Rumours: 'I Don't Like Her At All'

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/KPvcSw4