Blockbuster week: Sikandar, L2: Empuraan, Veera Dheera Sooran 2 and more

Blockbuster week

This week’s cinematic lineup promises a grand celebration at the box office, featuring some of the biggest stars in the industry. As Eid celebrations fill theatres, the excitement is amplified with a fresh batch of blockbusters marking the start of the new financial year.

It's a perfect mix of commercial cinema—thrillers, comedies, and massy blockbusters made for the big screen. From Salman Khan's eagerly awaited Eid release Sikandar to Mohanlal’s return in L2: Empuraan and Chiyaan Vikram’s gripping Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2, Indian cinema is setting new standards of entertainment.

Meanwhile, Telugu cinema raises the stakes with the highly anticipated heist thriller Robinhood from the creators of Pushpa. Comedy lovers will enjoy the return of college chaos in MAD Square, the sequel to the successful MAD (2023), promising more madness, mayhem, and escapades in Goa.

Not to be outdone, Hollywood also brings its share of excitement with Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag, starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender.

The box office is in for an exhilarating ride with major names from across the globe delivering top-tier entertainment. Whether you're a fan of action, drama, thrills, or comedy, there's something for everyone. Head to your nearest PVR-Inox Cinemas and immerse yourself in the cinematic wave sweeping theatres.

 Sikandar

Sikandar brings Salman Khan back in a powerful role that leans into grit and emotion. Khan plays a young man who dares to go up against a deeply rooted system of corruption, standing tall for the rights of ordinary citizens. The story, built around a clash between power and principle, is intense, with confrontations, emotional stakes, and a clear stand on justice. It is a classic underdog vs. establishment tale, told with scale and energy.

Salman Khan has owned Eid like no one else, turning the festival into his personal box office playground. From Wanted(2009) and Dabangg (2010) to Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Kick (2014), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), Sultan (2016), Bharat (2019), and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023)—his Eid releases have set the tone for celebration and smashed records along the way. When it’s Eid, it’s Bhai time at the movies.

To add to the fun, this time, at the helm is A.R. Murugadoss, known for directing some of Indian cinema's most impactful action dramas—Ghajini(2008), Thuppakki (2012), Kaththi (2014), Stalin (2006), and Gabbar (2015). In Sikandar, his storytelling meets Salman Khan's larger-than-life screen presence, and the result is a film that blends crowd-pleasing action with substance.

Rashmika Mandanna pairs with Salman for the first time, bringing a fresh dynamic that adds to the film's appeal. Sharman Joshi also plays a key role in the story, strengthening the ensemble.

Sikandar isn't just about action; it's about fighting for what's right, no matter the odds. Releasing this EID, it's the kind of film meant to be watched on the big screen with a crowd. Don't miss it in theatres.

 L2: Empuraan

L2: Empuraan, the second chapter in a planned trilogy that began with Lucifer (2019), is the story that pulls us deep into the world of Stephen Nedumpally—also known as Khureshi Ab'raam—a man who lives two lives, one in the open and one buried in global crime and secrecy. As his past gradually comes to the fore, the scope of his influence also stretches beyond borders and politics. It isn't just a crime saga—but a story about power, betrayal, and the making of a legend.

Mohanlal returns in one of his most iconic roles, leading a powerhouse cast that includes Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran. Director Prithviraj Sukumaran, who has impressed audiences with his performances in The Goat Life (2024) and Bro Daddy (2022), also takes on a key role in the film. His presence adds weight, both behind the camera and on screen. The film also brings in Jerome Flynn—familiar to global audiences from Game of Thrones—making his Malayalam debut. The core creative team from Lucifer is back as well, with Sujith Vaassudev on cinematography, Deepak Dev scoring the music, and Stunt Silva designing the action, keeping the style and energy consistent with the first film.

With sky-high expectations and record-breaking pre-release sales, L2: Empuraan has already made history. But this one's not just for the numbers—it's built for the big screen. The story is massive, the stakes are bigger, and the atmosphere is thick with tension. Catch it in theatres and witness the return of Khureshi Ab'raam.

Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2

Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 does something unusual—it releases before Part 1. But that only makes the story more interesting. Chiyaan Vikram plays Kaali, a small provision store owner who seems like any regular man. He's a husband, a father, and part of a quiet rural life. But there's more to him than meets the eye. Kaali is tied to a dangerous crime network, and what he's really up to slowly comes into focus.

As a director, S.U. Arun Kumar—known for Chithha (2023) and Sethupathi (2016)—keeps the setting grounded and the characters rooted in real emotion. The story kicks off from the very first scene and unfolds over the course of a single night, giving the film a tight, urgent rhythm. Vikram brings a quiet intensity to Kaali, a man with more going on than he lets show. S.J. Suryah, known for his standout performances in Mark Antony (2023) and Saripodhaa Sanivaaram (2024), plays the cop hot on Kaali’s trail. He’s one of the few actors who can pull off eccentric, unpredictable roles, and he brings that same energy here.

Their face-off drives the film. Suraj Venjaramoodu appears in a strong supporting role, with Dushara Vijayan, Siddique, and Telugu actor Prudhvi Raj rounding out the cast.

Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 isn't your typical action film. It takes its time, trusts the story, and lets the characters lead. The rural backdrop gives it weight, and the tension keeps building. Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 is made for the big screen—don't wait for streaming. Watch it in theatres.

 Robinhood

Robinhood is a crime action film with a comic edge from the makers of Pushpa. Nithiin stars as a smooth-talking thief who takes on an unlikely role—as a personal security officer. The film blends humour, slick action, and fast-paced storytelling. Sreeleela plays Neera Vasudev, a key character in the story. Known for her dance and screen presence, she's riding high after the viral Kissak song from Pushpa.

Directed by Venky Kudumula, this is his third film after Chalo (2018) and Bheeshma (2020), both of which also balanced comedy with heart. His pairing with Nithiin returns here with a bigger scale and more action. The film also features Australian cricketer David Warner in a surprise role, adding curiosity and crossover appeal.

The supporting cast includes Kyle Paul and Vennela Kishore, adding to the film's lighter moments. The soundtrack is by G.V. Prakash Kumar, known for delivering energetic, catchy music that fits well with fast-moving narratives like this one.

Robinhood promises a full-on entertainer—action, laughs, and a little mischief. It's the kind of film that plays best with a crowd, so catch it in theatres for the full experience.

 Mad Square

Mad Square is the follow-up to the hit campus comedy MAD (2023), and it brings back all the chaos, friendship, and fun that made the first one a favourite. The story picks up with the same gang—played by Narne Nithin, Sangeeth Shobhan, Ram Nithin, and Vishnu Oi—now diving into a fresh round of adventures.

This time, the plot moves beyond college into wedding prep and a wild bachelorette trip to Goa, setting the stage for even more laughs and unexpected moments.

Director Kalyan Shankar returns to build on what worked in MAD—relatable characters, sharp humour, and a fast-paced, youthful vibe. The chemistry between the cast remains the heart of the film, and their comic timing is spot-on. With glimpses of romance, friendship, and utter madness, the sequel keeps things light but packed with energy.

Mad Square is the right pick if you're in the mood for something fun and feel-good. It's the kind of film that hits better when watched with a crowd. So grab your gang and head to the theatres—it's time to get MAD again.

 Black Bag

Black Bag is a tense, tightly-wound spy thriller that follows British intelligence agent George Woodhouse as he faces an impossible choice: protect his country or stand by his wife, suspected of treason. The story revolves around George and Kathryn—both embedded in the world of espionage—caught in a deepening web of secrets, mistrust, and shifting allegiances. As personal and professional lines blur, the film explores the emotional toll of life in the shadows.

Directed by Academy Award-winner Steven Soderbergh, known for the Ocean's franchise, the film brings a sharp, stylish touch to classic spy storytelling. Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender lead the cast, anchoring the film with grounded, layered performances. Writer David Koepp—whose credits include Jurassic Park, Mission: Impossible, and Spider-Man—crafts a screenplay that knows exactly when to reveal and when to hold back, keeping the audience guessing throughout.

Inspired by real-world intelligence work and modern cybersecurity threats, Black Bag taps into the paranoia and pressure that come with lives lived in secrecy. If you're a fan of smart, gripping stories that pull you in from the first scene, this one's made for the big screen. Don't miss Black Bag in theatres.