Vaapas

• Director Imtiaz Ali’s film *Main Vaapas Aaunga* has earned ₹77 crore by defying traditional industry release norms. • Rather than focusing on opening-weekend numbers, the filmmakers utilized early screenings, city tours, and post-release discussions to build momentum. • The strategy highlights a shift toward organic word-of-mouth growth over aggressive initial marketing to drive box office success.

• Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has praised director Imtiaz Ali following the unexpected box office success of the film *Main Vaapas Aaunga*. • Despite a slow initial start, the movie has staged a strong turnaround to become one of the year's biggest surprise hits. • Bhatt highlighted the film's growth as a victory for meaningful cinema, applauding Ali for remaining committed to his unique storytelling style.

• A diverse lineup of new movies and web series is debuting this week across both OTT platforms and theatrical releases. • Key titles include Ali Fazal's crime thriller *Raakh*, Akshay Kumar's horror-comedy *Bhooth Bangla*, and Imtiaz Ali's Partition-era romance *Main Vaapas Aaunga*. • The slate also features a high-profile international entry with Steven Spielberg's UFO mystery, *Disclosure Day*.