When Deepika Padukone beat Ranbir Kapoor at box office

Deepika Padukone’s “Om Shanti Om” clashed with Ranbir Kapoor’s debut film “Saawariya” at the box office on November 9, 2007.Farah Khan’s directorial outperformed Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s romantic drama, with “Om Shanti Om” grossing Rs 152 crore worldwide, while “Saawariya” earned a modest Rs 39.22 crore. As both films mark 17 years since their release today, we recall how Indian cinema witnessed one of its biggest box office clashes, with Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s film releasing alongside Ranbir and Sonam Kapoor’s “Saawariya.”

Both films were highly anticipated for different reasons. “Om Shanti Om” benefited from the undeniable star power of SRK, while “Saawariya” attracted attention for being directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Based on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s 1848 short story “White Nights”, the film also marked the Bollywood debut of Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor’s son, Ranbir.

While “Om Shanti Om”, Deepika’s first Hindi release, went on to become the highest-grossing Bollywood film at the time, surpassing “Dhoom 2”, “Saawariya” failed to make a mark at the box office.Made on a budget of Rs. 40 crore, Deepika led romantic drama grossed Rs. 152 crore worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2007 and the highest-grossing Hindi film ever at the time of its release.

In contrast, “Saawariya” was a commercial failure. Upon its release, the film received mixed to negative reviews. While the soundtrack, production design, artistic vision, and performances were praised, the story, screenplay, and pacing faced significant criticism. Salman Khan made a cameo as Imaan Pirzada, and the film marked the last appearance of both Zohra Sehgal and Begum Para before their deaths.

Most recently, Deepika’s latest release “Singham Again” clashed with Kartik Aaryan’s horror-comedy “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.” Rohit Shetty’s cop drama has surpassed Anees Bazmee’s film at the ticket window. “Singham Again” has become Shetty’s 10th film to cross the Rs.100 crore mark, making it the fastest to achieve this milestone.

Vicky Kaushal to play ‘eternal warrior of dharma’ Chiranjeevi Parashurama in ‘Mahavatar’

Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal is all set to play Chiranjeevi Parashurama in the upcoming film “Mahavatar” directed by Amar Kaushik. The film is slated to release in December 2026.Vicky took to Instagram, where he shared a string of posters of the film, featuring him. The actor looks unrecognizable as he sports long hair and a long rugged beard. In one poster, the actor is seen sporting a rust hued dhoti along with Rudraksh on his wrist and arm. He is even seen carrying a weapon.

For the caption, Vicky wrote: “Dinesh Vijan brings to life the story of the eternal warrior of dharma! Vicky Kaushal stars as Chiranjeevi Parashurama in #Mahavatar, directed by Amar Kaushik. Coming to cinemas – Christmas 2026!”

Other details about the film are under wraps.

Talking about Parashuram, who is also known as Parashuram Avatar, was the sixth important avatar of Lord Vishnu. In this avatar, Lord Vishnu was in the form of a human. He came to Earth to stop Chakravarti Samrat Karthaveerya Arjuna as he had turned evil due to his ego and non-humility.It is believed that Parashurama was Chiranjeevi, meaning he was immortal. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Born as Ramabhadra of the Bhargava Clan (headed by Bhrigu, one of the Manvantaras of Lord Brahma), he later gained the name of Parashurama when he obtained Mahakaal’s Parashu (axe weapon) and lead the Devas to victory against the Asuras in a war in which the Devas were losing.

According to reports, he also played a vital role in Mahabharata, teaching Bheeshma, Dronacharya and Karna the art of war and weaponry and fought against Bheeshma to fulfil Amba’s request to kill Bheeshma, though he failed to do so.

He was a master of weapons and especially the Parashu and the bow he wields.