Explained: Why Yash's Toxic Is Releasing This Wednesday Instead Of Friday

On August 26, Rocking Star Yash's magnum opus Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is set to release worldwide in more than 12,000 screens reportedly. The movie, which was initially meant to release in March along with Dhurandhar 2, was pushed to June and finally August due to various factors. Interestingly though August 26 is mid-week and it begs the question why the producers have decided to release on Wednesday instead of the usual Friday release.

In recent years in Indian - and particularly south cinema - there has been a noticeable shift in the release day of films. While the Friday release was the highly expected moment for the audience that saw a lot of celebration and fanfare, big south films have now slowly started to see releases shift to a Thursday and even a Wednesday. Earlier producers capitalised on the three-day weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) to recover their costs but now they have reworked their release strategy for numerous reasons.

The foremost one is that producers want to ensure a festival or holiday positioning to give these big films a longer opening weekend. A longer opening weekend automatically means more shows, higher footfalls and, most importantly, a bigger opening-day/weekend gross, which can significantly boost the film's overall box-office numbers.

For instance, big Tamil and Telugu films always eyed a Sankranti / Pongal release as it was a holiday period and meant more ticket sales and better box office figures. Ajith Kumar has had eight Pongal releases, while Vijay has had two. In fact, their respective films Thunivu and Varisu released on a Wednesday in January rather than on a Friday to take advantage of the long holiday weekend.

"The traditional Friday release is no longer a fixed rule. Producers are increasingly choosing Wednesdays and Thursdays to capitalise on holidays, create an extended opening weekend and maximise box-office momentum. With social media and advance bookings driving awareness instantly, that extra day or two can make a significant difference to a film's opening business," says trade analyst Ramesh Bala.

And this is not just a phenomenon in Tamil cinema but in Telugu and Malayalam cinema as well. For Telugu cinema, Sankranti is a major festival release season so producers can capitalise on the maximum number of days for the opening weekend.

For instance, Pawan Kalyan's Agnyaathavaasi and Nandamuri Balakrishna aka Balayya's NTR: Kathanayakudu released on a Wednesday for Sankranti. In 2025, Venkatesh's Sankranthiki Vasthunam released on a Tuesday for Sankranti.

In Kerala too, Malayalam theatrical releases have deliberately opened mid-week to take advantage of the Onam holiday period. Onam, like Sankranti and Pongal, has increasingly become a release window rather than a single release date and releases have been staggered. For instance, Dulquer Salmaan's King of Kotha, Tovino Thomas' ARM, Mohanlal's Hrudayapoorvam and Kalyani Priyadarshan's Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra all released on Thursday during the Onam festival time. This year for Onam, Prithviraj Sukumar's Khalifa released on Thursday August 20, while Nivin Pauly's Bethlehem Kudumba Unit released on August 21.

What has essentially happened now is that the calendar determines the release strategy for producers. As film budgets get bigger and the stakes at the box office get higher, filmmakers are increasingly looking at the entire holiday calendar rather than simply waiting for the traditional Friday release. A festival or a holiday offers the opportunity to maximise footfalls over an extended period, giving big-ticket films a crucial head start at the box office.

Cut to Yash's Toxic, the film is in fact releasing on Milad-un-Nabi/ Eid-E-Milad, a gazetted government holiday, and Thiruvonam (main Onam day) both of which fall on a Wednesday. This mid-week release coincides with a day which sees many educational institutions and offices being shut therefore potentially leading to more footfalls in theatres.

Youngsters form an integral part of the theatre-going audience in India and many star fans also fall in the category of 18 to 35 years. Thus, producers try to take advantage of the star-driven fan culture to ensure a huge opening weekend and release their films on festivals or holidays like these.

Noted Tamil film producer G Dhananjayan explains, "Kerala follows Thursday releases due to the Middle East having a holiday on Friday for many decades. Hence, many big Tamil films started following Thursday releases to coincide with Malayalam releases. It gave one additional weekend for the film. However, Wednesday releases are rare and based on government holidays.

"This Wednesday (August 26) is Milad-un-Nabi and Onam - both government holidays - and hence producers have preponed the release to Wednesday. If it was not a government holiday, they would have at best come on Thursday only. Hence, Wednesday release is not a norm but an exception based on government holidays only."

With Yash's Toxic releasing on a government holiday on August 26, the producers are clearly looking at capitalising on a five-day opening period that could positively impact box office returns. In a fiercely competitive theatrical market where box office returns are key, every additional day determines the success of a film.

Thus, the Wednesday release may signal a larger shift in how big-ticket films are planned by focusing on important holidays and ensuring that both fans and the producers get the best - and most - out of the theatrical experience.

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मां पीतांबरा के दर्शन को निकले युवक ने कार में खुद को गोली मारी

मां पीतांबरा के दर्शन को निकले युवक ने कार में खुद को गोली मारी

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"Canada Ripping Off US": Trump Escalates Trade War With 50% Tariffs From 2027

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he would raise tariffs up to 50 per cent on a range of Canadian products in the auto sector from 2027 after trade talks between the neighbouring countries collapsed. Trump threatened Canada and said that it will no longer be treated like a US "state".

"On January first, 2027, tariffs on all cars, trucks, both large and small, automotive parts, and steel, will be increased to 50%. Build in the U.S. And there are zero tariffs," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

The current US tariff on autos stands at 25 per cent for non-US content, while imported steel to the United States generally faces a 50-per cent duty.

The White House had alleged "discriminatory treatment" by Canada against US alcohol, automobile and dairy products in rolling out the duties.

Last week, Trump delayed the implementation of the tariffs by three days last week after the two countries had stepped up talks towards a trade deal.

The tariffs came into effect on Saturday after the negotiations collapsed, and it hits about 5.5 per cent of Canadian goods entering the US. The tariffs will affect about $20 billion worth of products ranging from hockey sticks to cement.

In a long post, he accused Canada of "ripping off" the United States for years and claimed that the country's "ridiculously high tariffs" on US farmers and their farm products have made life difficult for them. The US leader alleged that such tariffs have created a "60 billion dollar deficit" between the two countries.

Trump said that Canada is among the "worst" countries in the world to deal with. 

"They feel entitled, and yet, we don't need Canada, they need us! They do 95% of their business with the U.S., with us, the exact opposite!" Trump wrote.

Canada's Carney Says US Launched 'Trade War'

After the negotiations between Washington and Ottawa broke down on Friday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that he walked away because of a 'bad trade deal' and vowed to slap retaliatory tariffs on the US on Saturday.

Carney claimed that the US proposed new terms that were "uneconomic" and "unfair" and said that they undermined the net benefits for Canada.

He accused Trump of launching a trade "war" and said, "You're at war when you get attacked. We got attacked."

"We cannot accept what they've offered, and we will not give what they've asked," Carney said.

New Canadian tariffs will notably target the US steel and dairy industries and take effect on September 8. Carney said further details would come next week.
 

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Which Place Is Known As The Butter Capital Of India?

Butter is something most of us keep in the fridge without giving it much thought. But in one small town in Tamil Nadu, butter is more than just a breakfast spread. It is a local speciality that has been made the traditional way for generations and has become closely tied to the town's identity. So, which place is known as the Butter Capital of India? Let's find out.

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Uthukuli Is Widely Regarded As The Butter Capital Of India

Photo: Unsplash

The answer is Uthukuli, a town in Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur district. For decades, Uthukuli has been associated with a traditional variety of butter called Uthukuli Vennai. Made using age-old churning methods, this butter has earned a loyal following for its distinctive taste and texture. Its popularity eventually gave the town a unique title: the Butter Capital of India.

What Makes Uthukuli Butter Special?

Unlike the glossy, factory-made butter commonly sold in supermarkets, Uthukuli butter has its own character. It is known for its soft texture, mildly sour flavour and natural appearance. The taste develops from the traditional way milk and cream are handled before the butter is churned. Many local producers continue to make it in small batches, helping preserve the qualities that make it different from commercial varieties.

How Is It Made?

The process begins with fresh milk. After the milk is boiled and cooled, the cream is collected over time. Once enough cream has been gathered, it is churned until the butter separates from the buttermilk. Traditionally, this churning is done using a wooden churner. The butter is then washed and worked into the desired consistency before it is ready to be used or sold. While modern production methods are faster, this labour-intensive process remains an important part of Uthukuli's dairy heritage.

A Tradition That Has Stood The Test Of Time

Photo: Unsplash

Butter-making has long been linked to dairy farming in the region. Over the years, local producers and dairy units have helped keep the tradition alive, turning Uthukuli butter into one of the town's most recognised products. Today, the butter is sold well beyond Uthukuli and can be found in different parts of Tamil Nadu. Efforts have also been made to promote and document its unique identity as a regional food speciality.

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Butter Capital Vs Butter City: What's The Difference?

The nickname can sometimes cause confusion because another Indian town is also associated with butter. Bardoli in Gujarat is popularly known as the Butter City of India, a title linked to its strong dairy industry and its role in the cooperative milk movement in South Gujarat. Uthukuli, meanwhile, is widely regarded as the Butter Capital of India because of its long-standing tradition of producing its famous local butter.

So, while Bardoli is known as the Butter City, Uthukuli remains the place most closely associated with India's traditional butter-making heritage.

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Treesa-Gayatri Lose Semi-Final, Clinch Maiden BWF World Championships Bronze

Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand's extraordinary run ended with a fighting three-game loss to world No. 1 and defending champions Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning in the women's doubles semifinals at the BWF World Championships in New Delhi on Saturday, as the Indian pair signed off with a maiden bronze medal. The unseeded Indians produced a sensational start to pocket the opening game but could not sustain the pressure against the mighty Chinese pair, going down 21-18, 13-21, 8-21 in an hour and 11 minutes. India last won a BWF World Championships medal in women's doubles in 2011, when Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa claimed bronze in London.

The Indian pair didn't have a favourable head-to-head record against the Chinese, having lost six times with just one to show in seven meetings so far.

However, Treesa and Gayatri raced to a 7-2 lead to put the Chinese pair under early pressure. Liu and Tan quickly fought their way back with a series of sharp rallies. Six straight points from the Chinese pair turned the match around as they moved ahead.

The Chinese made effective use of angled returns, forcing the Indians into errors, with several shots finding the net. A nine-point run took Liu and Tan to an 11-7 lead at the interval.

The rallies were generally short, averaging around 15 shots, but the Indians began to regain their rhythm after the resumption. Treesa ended the Chinese run with a well-executed point.

Another attack at the front court forced the Chinese long, before a 31-shot rally brought the Indians level at 12-12. A fabulous exchange followed, ending with a cross-court winner from Treesa as India moved ahead.

The Indians' attack was becoming sharper. Gayatri, however, was punished for a short lift as the Chinese regained the advantage at 15-13. Treesa then produced a superb return of serve to leave the Chinese pair stretched, cutting the deficit to 14-16. A fired-up Treesa followed it with a jump smash and another aggressive play at the front court as India drew level again.

The Chinese responded with relentless attacking play and moved to 18-16, but the Indians won a video referral to make it 17-18. Treesa then produced a crouching defensive return during a flat exchange to level the scores at 18-18.

Another superb rally ended with a scathing cross-court winner from Treesa as India moved to 19-18. The unseeded pair then earned two game points after Tan found the net. They converted on their first opportunity when the Chinese pair sent a shot long, sending the home crowd into raptures.

The ecstatic home crowd roared Treesa and Gayatri on.

After the change of ends, the Chinese opened up a 3-0 lead. A short serve gave India its first point, while a lucky net cord made it 4-1 before Liu found the net. The Indians responded with a cross-court, cross-body combination and excellent follow-up play. An effective flick serve and counter-attack helped them close the gap to 4-5.

Gayatri then went long to make it 6-4. The Indians tried to put pressure on the Chinese with pushes towards the backline, but a few errors crept in, with Treesa sending one long to make it 7-4. Gayatri's attacking shots from the back court began forcing the Chinese wide.

Treesa's cross-court drop made it 6-8, before a Chinese smash into the net reduced the deficit further to 7-8. Treesa found the net, but followed it with another tricky cross-net shot to make it 9-10. India drew level at 10-10 before taking the lead when the Chinese defence produced two errors.

However, Liu and Tan wrested the lead back at 12-11.

A 49-shot rally followed, but Treesa eventually found the net. A tumble serve set up the next point for the Chinese, who opened a 14-12 lead. The Indians then sent another shot wide, followed by two net errors from Gayatri, allowing China to move to 17-12.

Another precise shot onto the backline made it 18-12, before Gayatri's long lift gave the Chinese a 19-12 advantage. Treesa then found the net as the Chinese earned eight game points. Liu and Tan converted their second opportunity to take the match into a decider.

The third game began with intense rallies, with India winning a 56-shot exchange to make it 2-2. The Chinese then changed the pace effectively to move 4-2 ahead. The Indians appeared slightly passive in defence, and Liu targeted Treesa with a body return to make it 6-2.

The Indians continued to fight, but errors began to hurt them. A net shot stayed inside, leaving Treesa disappointed, before another Indian error and a shot wide allowed China to take an 11-5 lead at the interval.

Treesa and Gayatri didn't dial up the same intensity as the first game as the Chinese moved to 12-5 before a flick serve took them to 14-5. It was a one-way traffic as the Chinese moved to 17-7. Eventually a perfect cross-court winner gave Liu and Tan 12 match points, and they sealed the contest with a cross-court shot.

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

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India Has Political Stability, World Sees It As Bright Spot Of Growth: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Friday that reforms in all spheres are his government's commitment and that India continues to take several steps to ensure continued growth momentum.

Addressing the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, PM Modi also said India has political stability and continuity in its policies, and the world sees the country as a bright spot of growth and hope.

"India continues to take several steps to ensure continued growth momentum. India is pushing ahead with reforms across sectors and reforms are our commitment," he said.

The prime minister said the world has many concerns regarding growth as resources are getting weaponised, but India is being seen as a bright spot of growth.

He said the NDA government has a clear roadmap for reforms, with a strong focus on governance.

"Our government is rewarding higher production with incentives," he said.

PM Modi alleged that it was the policy of the previous regimes to keep people in scarcity, so that they beg before the government for even basic needs.

He said the licence raj of the previous governments used to add to the burden of unemployment, whereas his government's production-linked incentive model is creating opportunities.

"We are not just changing regulations, we are changing the entire policy of regulations. Our government believes that there should be no regulation for doing something that has not been explicitly prohibited under law," he said.

The prime minister said his government is bringing next-generation reforms at the policy level and implementing reforms at the governance level and for ease of living.

"We are moving from the 'prohibited-unless-permitted' approach to the 'permitted-unless-prohibited' model," he said.

PM Modi said India has moved away from the PLP (Production Linked Punishment) model of the previous governments to PLIs (Production Linked Incentives) now.

He said even small reforms in the Indian Railways, the Delhi Metro and the Namo Rapid Rail show that the country is changing with times.

The prime minister said earlier, no one could make India's map without permission even though foreign satellites could map India, but his government has changed this system.

He also said the government has decided that border infrastructure is India's strength and not weakness. "We have changed the picture of our border infrastructure," he said.

Modi said the world's cheapest data is available in India and the country is making the cheapest and best mobile phones. 

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

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Preparations Complete For Imran Khan's Transfer From Jail To Islamabad Hospital

Preparations have been completed for the possible transfer of jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, with security tightened around the facility, according to local Pakistani media reports.

A heavy deployment of police and Rangers was reported outside the hospital as authorities finalised arrangements for Khan's possible transfer. Senior police officials also visited the facility to review the security plan.

Khan is expected to enter the hospital through Gate No. 1, according to the reports. Multiple media reports said that security was stepped up on Thursday night as the deadline approached for the transfer of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder for medical treatment under a Supreme Court order.

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Roads around the hospital were cleared of vehicles, while senior Islamabad police officials inspected the arrangements. Pakistani media reported that Khan's sister, Aleema Khanum, also reached Adiala Jail.

The Supreme Court had ordered Khan's transfer to a hospital for treatment for several days and directed the government to arrange weekly meetings between him and his family.

The government subsequently approached the Supreme Court seeking clarification on the scope of the order, arguing that some aspects could have wider implications for the prison healthcare system.

Pakistan Today reported that Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the government had until midnight to implement the transfer order and that the Islamabad administration was working on the arrangements.

In the Senate, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government would ensure that Khan received the treatment required under the court's directive. He said that if the necessary facilities were unavailable at a government hospital, treatment could be arranged at Shifa International Hospital or another better-equipped facility.

ALSO READ: Pakistan Arrests Over 100 Imran Khan Supporters During Nationwide PTI Protests

“There is no intention to oppose or create hurdles in the provision of necessary medical treatment,” the minister said.

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja claimed the government had withdrawn its review petition after objections from the court's filing branch and demanded immediate implementation of the order.

PTI Central Information Secretary Waqas Akram, meanwhile, urged supporters not to create obstacles to Khan's treatment, saying his health should take priority over political activity or public gatherings.

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