James Cameron’s cinematic magic has struck gold once again. In just 17 days since its release, the third installment of the Avatar franchise, Avatar: Fire and Ash, has surpassed the remarkable milestone of $1 billion in global box office earnings. Premiering at the very start of 2026, the film has generated an unprecedented wave of excitement, solidifying its position as one of Hollywood’s fastest-grossing releases.
The blockbuster has resonated with audiences worldwide, combining groundbreaking visual effects with a compelling narrative, demonstrating Cameron’s enduring appeal in the realm of epic cinema. Industry analysts note that the early success mirrors the franchise’s previous releases, though Fire and Ash appears to have achieved this record-breaking pace faster than its predecessors.
Global Box Office Performance (as of Day 17)
| Region | Earnings (USD) | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| North America | $450 million | 45% |
| Europe & UK | $250 million | 25% |
| Asia-Pacific | $200 million | 20% |
| Rest of World | $100 million | 10% |
| Total | $1 billion | 100% |
In a separate high-profile case from the entertainment industry, Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty has been linked to a multi-crore fraud involving forged signatures. Police have arrested three individuals in connection with fraudulent contracts that used Athiya Shetty’s name without her consent.
The principal accused is Rishabh Sureka, head of a company named Yash Nagarkoti. Investigators revealed that in January 2024, Sureka contacted Athiya’s team under the pretext of signing a ₹40 lakh contract for a jewellery advertisement. Despite assurances given to the client that Athiya would endorse the campaign, she had never approved the deal. Sureka allegedly forged her signature to finalise the agreement.
Further allegations claim that Sureka used the names of Athiya Shetty and her husband, Indian cricketer KL Rahul, to create fake food and beverage bills, siphoning money from multiple sources. Investigators also discovered that Sureka created a fraudulent email account in the name of actor Arshad Warsi to communicate with individuals and companies for financial gain.
According to media reports, Sureka joined an advertising firm in 2023, borrowing ₹15 lakh citing his mother’s medical expenses. Multiple attempts to misappropriate funds were reportedly uncovered internally. In 2024, he claimed to require ₹62 lakh for a campaign involving actress Dia Mirza, though the legitimacy of this claim remains in question.
Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with additional arrests possible as the case unfolds.