{"data":{"all":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Jagan’s Local Poll Game Plan!"},"content":{"text":"Asserting that there is a strong anti-incumbency factor in Andhra Pradesh, former Chief Minister and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday called upon the party cadres to fight for every inch of ground in the ensuing local body elections.  Addressing the party leaders and cadres at the party’s central office at Tadepalli, he claimed that the anti-incumbency factor has a strong current against the coalition government. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said that if the anger of all sections of people against the coalition translates into votes, YSRCP will have a resolute win. He said all the nefarious malpractices of Chandrababu should be fought tooth and nail. “Though it is clear that in the two years, the coalition has failed on all fronts, we will win hands down if the elections are held in a free and fair manner, and we should ensure there is a contest for every seat, giving no scope for manipulation of any sort by TDP,” a party release quoted YS Jagan as saying.  He told the party leaders that their endurance in these elections will pave the way for a future big victory. He made it clear that any unanimous election will be taken seriously.  “Our candidate should be there in the contest for people to decide, and many of them are convinced that they were flawed in the previous elections. We have to field strong candidates who can scrape through the elections and make the most of the announcement of elections to local bodies. We will not tolerate unanimous elections, and MLA aspirants should work hard to ensure the contest and victory of our candidate,” he said. Every house should be visited, and the contrast between the ‘backstabbing party’ and YSRCP should be explained with clarity, the YSRCP chief told the party cadres. On the preparatory side, he said ID cards with QR code to cadre up to the village level will be distributed along with propaganda and other election material. Meetings will be held at district and Assembly constituency level, besides mandal and division levels. The legal cell should be active in dealing with the atrocities, harassment and other coercive methods of the coalition, while the media and social media should be active in highlighting anti-people policies of the government. Training should be given as to how the Jagan 2.0 App should be used and kept active, he said.  Leaders who are not active on social media should be acclimatised, and there is no scope for laxity, Jagan said and warned that there is no place for egos and should work as a single unit to get effective results. In the coming couple of months, leaders should be in their respective constituencies and work for the party as this is the crucial juncture, he said. The former Chief Minister alleged that the coalition is known for misusing the police force and if the force steps out of the limits and conducts unreasonably, their names will be logged in the digital book and will have to face future consequences, he said. Party Coordinators, in-charges of 175 Assembly constituencies and other leaders attended the meeting."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/810d1863-6597-42fe-a381-561dedc41fcd_Jagan+Padayatra.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T12:11:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"jagans-local-poll-game-plan"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Darshan Gets Setback in Fan Murder Case"},"content":{"text":"In a significant development in the sensational Renukaswamy murder case, a Bengaluru trial court on Tuesday allowed Pradosh S. Rao, accused No. 14 in the case, to turn an approver and provide details of the events surrounding the crime.  Pradosh Rao had filed an application seeking permission to become an approver in the case, in which actor Darshan and his partner Pavithra Gowda are among the accused. Accepting his application, Judge Sujatha Madivalappa Sambhrani passed the order permitting Pradosh Rao to turn approver subject to certain conditions. Under the conditions, Pradosh Rao will have to remain in judicial custody until the completion of the legal process. The court has also warned that if he violates the conditions or gives false evidence, a case of perjury (the act of telling a lie in a court of law) could be registered against him and he could lose his status as an approver and again be made an accused in the case. The court has directed Pradosh Rao to disclose all truthful facts within his knowledge concerning the case. It warned that if he conceals material facts or fails to disclose the truth, he could be withdrawn from the status of an approver and treated as an accused. A copy of the court order has been sent to Pradosh through the prison authorities. Pradosh Rao had earlier told the court that he decided to become an approver voluntarily and that he was not acting under the influence, pressure or coercion of anyone. His statement is now expected to be significant to the investigation and trial, as the court's permission could result in the disclosure of further details about the events leading up to and following the alleged murder of Renukaswamy. Pradosh Rao had filed an application before the court through his advocate in the first week of August, stating that he was prepared to reveal all facts related to the case and sought pardon from the court by turning an approver.  The development assumes significance as his revelations will have a bearing on the ongoing trial.    The case relates to the alleged murder of Renukaswamy, whose body was found in Bengaluru in June 2024. The Renukaswamy murder case has drawn widespread public attention since Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and 16 others, including his partner Pavithra Gowda, were arrested and charge-sheeted for the alleged abduction and murder of the 33-year-old fan from Chitradurga.  According to the prosecution, Renukaswamy was allegedly abducted and brought to Bengaluru in June 2024 over obscene messages he had allegedly sent to Pavithra Gowda. Investigators claim he was brutally assaulted and tortured inside a shed before succumbing to his injuries. His body was later dumped near a stormwater drain on the outskirts of the city.  The Supreme Court had earlier cancelled Darshan's bail, directing his immediate re-arrest and ordering that no VIP privileges be extended to him in prison. The trial in the sensational case is currently underway before the Bengaluru Sessions Court."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aISzzFGsbswqTR0H_darshanscecurity.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T12:35:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"darshan-gets-setback-in-fan-murder-case"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Taapsee Calls for End to Kangana Feud"},"content":{"text":"Actress Taapsee Pannu, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film ‘Gandhari’, has reacted to the ongoing war of words between her and the actress and politician Kangana Ranaut. On Tuesday, the actress attended the trailer launch of her film in Mumbai where she was asked about the tiff between her and Kangana. Reacting to the same, Taapsee said that the media doesn’t let the issue die a natural death, and it constantly picks up on their reactions. She told the media, “Aap khatam kyun nahi hone dete yeh baat? Koi question poocchna hum dono se band karega jab yeh wala, toh ye issue bhi khatam ho jayega. Ya fir aap sab logo’n ko maza aa raha hai yeh sab dekh ke, isiliye wahi sawaal puch rahe hain. Aise sawaal puchna agar aap band kar dete, toh ye baat kab ki khatam ho jati (Why don't you let this matter end? If someone stops asking questions to both of us when this one does, then this issue will also be resolved. Or else you all are enjoying watching this, that's why you keep asking the same questions. If you had stopped asking such questions, this matter would have been over long ago)”. Recently, Taapsee opened up about her equation with Kangana during a media interaction. Revealing that she has not met Kangana, Taapsee had shared that her opinion about Kangana was reflective of her upbringing and her way of talking and perceiving things. She said, \"So, I think that's enough for everybody to look and decide who comes from where”. Reacting to the statement, Kangana flared up, and penned a scathing attack without taking any names. She wrote on the Stories section of her Instagram, “One Sasti copy is out and about with her upcoming B grade film but as usual only headline point with the media is Kangana Ranaut, but today she crossed all limits shamelessly ridiculing my upbringing /parents, I think all parents do their best and I never bring any parents in to any argument, but today I also want to ask her parents why they couldn't birth someone original like my parents did? Why a cheap Sasti copy? Feel sorry for your efforts (sic)”. “This is so unfortunate and so wrong, but she is not the only one; many people who grew up in shady, cramped-up outskirts of cities in dingy rented apartments with questionable backgrounds and incomes often question my upbringing and malign my parents and background who hail from a renowned Rajput zamindar family and were raised by educated, distinguished parents. It was a personal choice for me to start from scratch; why attack my parents for that?”, she added. However, Kangana later deleted the post. Kangana and Taapsee got into a feud in 2019. The situation got worse after Kangana’s sister Rangoli Chandel called Taapsee a “sasti copy” of Kangana on social media."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/3ktJsJY4-OU9djFt_taapseekangana.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T13:00:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"taapsee-calls-for-end-to-kangana-feud"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics","featured","four"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Illness Forces T'gana BJP Chief to End Fast"},"content":{"text":"Telangana BJP President N. Ramchander Rao called off his hunger strike after he fell ill on Tuesday.   He had launched a 48-hour hunger strike on Monday, demanding the state government to release the pending reimbursement dues. As Ramchander Rao’s blood pressure dropped, causing concern among party cadres, he was advised by senior leaders to end the hunger strike. Senior leader and MP K. Laxman offered lemon juice to the state BJP chief to end the strike. Earlier, former Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, MP Eatala Rajender, BJP floor leader in Telangana Assembly Maheshwar Reddy, party MLAs and other leaders expressed solidarity with Ramchander Rao. Rajender slammed Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy over pending fee reimbursement dues. He urged the Chief Minister to think about the future of the students. Earlier, Ramchander Rao posted on ‘X’ that he was commencing the second day of his hunger strike for Telangana’s students. \"Neither the 58-year-old self-proclaimed “youth” leader nor his “Ghulam” in Hyderabad can hear the Goonj of Telangana’s students. 40 lakh students are suffering, they are unable to pursue higher education or secure jobs because Congress government has failed to clear their fee reimbursement dues,\" he wrote. \"This is the real face of Congress, its utter indifference towards our youth. All its recent attempt to project itself as the so-called custodian of India’s youth are nothing but a sham. Youth of Telangana have awakened, and are ready to teach this Congress government a fitting lesson,\" he added. The BJP leader alleged that the Congress government’s failure to clear pending fee reimbursement dues of nearly Rs 15,000 crore has put the future of 40 lakh students at stake. Ramchander Rao alleged that the government has miserably failed to implement every major promise made to students and youth. \"Due to the Congress government's negligence and irresponsibility, Telangana's education system has plunged into a severe crisis. The education, jobs, and futures of lakhs of students have become uncertain. The Congress government should remember one thing — these very students and youth you've deceived will topple your government tomorrow,\" he said."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/cghbcqcQf3C4YqPU_TSBJPChief.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C73%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T11:51:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"illness-forces-tgana-bjp-chief-to-end-fast"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics","featured","one"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Konda Surekha, Chinna Reddy likely to face axe!"},"content":{"text":"Telangana Forest and Endowments Minister Konda Surekha and Planning Board Vice-Chairman G. Chinna Reddy are likely to face the axe as the Disciplinary Committee of the state Congress unit has recommended strict action against them for indiscipline.  The Disciplinary Committee, in its report submitted to the state unit, is understood to have recommended that the party drop Surekha from the Cabinet and also remove Chinna Reddy from his post. The action was recommended against Surekha and Chinna Reddy for their remarks considered damaging to the party and its leadership. Chinna Reddy, a senior leader, enjoys the Cabinet rank in his capacity as the Vice-Chairman of the Planning Board. Disciplinary Committee Chairman Mallu Ravi and Vice-Chairman Shyam Mohan on Tuesday submitted the report to state party President Mahesh Kumar Goud, and he has forwarded the report to AICC in-charge for Telangana, Meenakshi Natrajan. Party sources said the AICC leadership will take a final decision on the action to be taken against the two leaders. The Disciplinary Panel reportedly observed that Surekha should have condemned the remarks made by her daughter Konda Sushmita against Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The report also mentioned that this was not the first time that she violated party discipline. In her reply to the show-cause notice issued by the Disciplinary Committee, Surekha had distanced herself from the comments made by Sushmita at an event at Parkala in Warangal district. The minister stated in her reply that she should not be held politically responsible for remarks made against the Chief Minister, and that those were personal views of her daughter. She had urged the Disciplinary Committee to withdraw the notice issued to her. Chinna Reddy had also urged the Disciplinary Committee to withdraw the notice issued to him. He said in his reply that the comments made by him recently were only an expression of the grievances of long-standing party leaders and workers. The Planning Board Vice-Chairman had made the remarks against the party leadership and Wanaparthy MLA T Megha Reddy during the inauguration of the mandal Congress office at Gopalpet in Wanaparthy district on August 16. At a press conference on Monday, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had declined to comment on the controversy involving Surekha and her daughter. He said he would not like to speak on the party’s internal matters before the media as the issue was already being handled by the Disciplinary Committee. The Chief Minister, while underlining the importance of discipline in the party, said that the party high command’s decision would be final and all leaders have to abide by it."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/kBgr5lxb7TOlAPGr_kondachinna.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T14:41:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"konda-surekha-chinna-reddy-likely-to-face-axe"}},{"node":{"tags":["NRI"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"H-1B fee may push US jobs overseas"},"content":{"text":"An Indian-American policy group has urged the US government to reconsider a proposed additional fee of $103,265 for cap-subject H-1B petitions, warning that the measure could hurt startups, weaken America's technological edge and push high-value jobs overseas. The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) said the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) should adopt a more proportionate approach that protects American workers without restricting access to global talent. FIIDS added that it supported legal and merit-based immigration, fair compensation and strong action against fraud. It also acknowledged the costs involved in processing applications, preventing fraud, conducting national security checks and administering the legal immigration system. However, it warned that imposing such a high additional fee could make legitimate recruitment economically impractical. For cash-strapped startups, the proposed $103,265 charge for hiring a single skilled worker could significantly affect recruitment decisions, the organisation said. Large technology companies sponsoring thousands of employees could face hundreds of millions of dollars in cumulative costs. \"If employing critical talent in the United States becomes substantially more expensive than hiring workers abroad, companies could move jobs and investments out of the country,\" it added. FIIDS also raised concern about the combined effect of the proposed H-1B charge and a previously proposed $100,000 fee affecting Optional Practical Training, or OPT. If both charges applied to the route from international education to practical training and H-1B employment, the total burden could reach $203,265, it said. Such a cost could undermine OPT as a bridge between American universities and the US labour market. \"We recognise that DHS and USCIS need adequate resources to protect national security, prevent fraud and administer legal immigration. But a $103,265 H-1B fee could choke cash-strapped startups, while companies hiring thousands of H-1B workers could face hundreds of millions of dollars—and potentially close to a billion dollars—in additional costs,\" said Khanderao Kand, chief of policy and strategy at FIIDS. \"Combined with a potential $100,000 OPT fee, totaling $203,265, the policy risks making the student-to-work pathway effectively unaffordable,\" he added. FIIDS said the proposal came as the international student pipeline in the United States was already showing signs of weakness. Citing data from the Institute of International Education, it said new international student enrolment fell by 17 per cent in autumn 2025. It also cited a 2026 outlook from NAFSA that projected as many as 111,000 fewer international students. That would represent a possible 9.5 per cent decline and an economic loss of up to $3.4 billion, it added. FIIDS said USCIS already received around 96 per cent of its funding through fees paid by applicants and petitioners. It called on Congress to consider funding immigration administration through existing revenue, appropriations and reasonable fees instead of placing an exceptional burden on one legal immigration category. \"We urge DHS and USCIS to find a more proportionate funding approach, Congress to ensure adequate agency funding, and industry to make America's talent needs clear,\" Kand said. \"Protecting American workers and maintaining America's technological leadership must go hand in hand.\" The H-1B programme allows US employers to recruit foreign professionals for specialised occupations. Indian nationals have historically formed the largest group of H-1B beneficiaries, particularly in technology, engineering and other skilled sectors. OPT permits eligible international students to gain temporary work experience connected to their field of study. Students in designated science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines can seek an extension, making the programme an important route from US higher education to skilled employment."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/HymTP5b8EFoUZ_2m_FIIDS.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T15:48:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"h-1b-fee-may-push-us-jobs-overseas"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"'Toxic' Makers Plead: Don’t Post Clips"},"content":{"text":"The makers of director Geetu Mohandas's much awaited pan Indian film, 'Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups', featuring actor Yash in the lead, on Tuesday urged the public not to record scenes from the film and post it on social media.   With just hours to go for the film to release, the makers of the film took to their social media timelines to share a statement.  KVN productions, the production house producing the film, in its statement titled 'A Note from Team Toxic' said, \"Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is not just a film for us, it's years of heart poured into a world we built frame by frame, scene by scene, choice by choice. Every technician, artist, and crew member involved in the making and release of this film intends for you to have a similar experience. An experience made for the big screen as a community.\" The production house further went on to say, \"The love you've already shown this film, the excitement, the thunderous advance we've seen coming in, means more to us than words can carry. Thank you for your support throughout our journey.\" It then made a request to fans and film buffs. It wrote, \"There's one thing we sincerely request from you, let the experience unfold the way it was meant to. Don't record scenes from the movie in theatres and post them on social media, don't give away story beats and spoilers and ruin it for others. Let the next person walk into the world of Toxic exactly the way you did. #ToxicOn26thAug.\" For the unaware, bookings for the film, which is to hit screens on August 26, had opened on August 21. Rocking Star Yash took to his X timeline to announce the opening of advance bookings. He wrote, \"A fairy tale isn't just what this film is. It's also what making it was. One string of thought, talent from everywhere, each doing right by their craft, avalanching into TOXIC. \"Peculiar Alchemy,\" as our Director calls it. Five days to go. Book now.\" Sources in the industry claimed that the film had gotten off to a very strong start, reflecting the immense anticipation surrounding it. The early response further underlined the audience pull surrounding Yash and the curiosity around a world that is entirely new to the big screen, they claimed. To mark the opening of bookings, the makers unveiled a special video featuring Rocking Star Yash, director Geetu Mohandas and the film’s ensemble cast. Through a collection of candid moments and reflections, actors Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, Huma Qureshi, Akshay Oberoi and Sudev Nair shared what made Toxic a special film for them. From the film’s distinctive world to Geetu Mohandas’s unconventional approach, the cast’s words offered a glimpse into the belief and excitement surrounding the film ahead of its theatrical release. The announcement further built anticipation to see Yash back on the big screen following the phenomenal success of the 'KGF' franchise. 'KGF: Chapter 2' had gone on to emerge as a global box-office phenomenon, grossing over ₹1,200 crore worldwide, cementing Yash’s stature as one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars. With 'Toxic', the actor returns with a film that has already generated significant anticipation for its scale, distinctive world and ambitious cinematic vision. Shot simultaneously in Kannada and English, 'Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups' will also be released in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam, taking its world to audiences across languages."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/qQEp52QIbCMQklmr_toxic.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T15:52:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"toxic-makers-plead-dont-post-clips"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Is Shriya Saran a part of 'Dharman'?"},"content":{"text":"A picture posted by actress Shriya Saran on her Instagram page in which the actress is seen next to Superstar Rajinikanth has now sparked off rumours that she too is a part of director Ashwath Marimuthu's eagerly awaited action entertainer, 'Dharman', featuring Rajinikanth in the lead.  Shriya Saran, who took to her Instagram stories section to post the picture, captioned the picture, \"Happy Day.\" The picture has triggered rumours in the industry suggesting that the actress would again be seen working with Rajinikanth in 'Dharman'. Shriya had earlier starred opposite Rajinikanth in director Shankar's blockbuster film 'Sivaji'. Meanwhile, sources in the industry said that the third schedule of Dharman had commenced in Hyderabad on Monday. It may be recalled that the unit had only recently completed the second schedule of the film. In fact, the unit had commenced its second schedule only on August 13 this year. Raaj Kamal Films International, the production house of veteran actor and parliamentarian Kamal Haasan, had then taken to its social media timelines to drop an update with a video clip. It wrote, \"The deadly doctor. #Dharman Schedule 2 Begins, and this one's legendary. #KettaPaiyanSir. #SuperstarRajinikanth #KamalHaasan.\" The video clip that the production house shared on Thursday showed Rajinikanth on the sets of the film and Ashwath Marimuthu in conversation with the star. The film has triggered huge excitement among fans ever since the makers announced the project. In June this year, the makers had dropped a making video that showed how the team had arrived at Superstar Rajinikanth's look in the film. Taking to his X timeline, director Ashwath Marimuthu shared a brand new poster of Rajinikanth from the film and wrote, \"We heard you !! Ithan hair styleu (This is the hair style)!! Ithan looku (This is the look)! Sexy work @kabilanchelliah.\" Earlier, Raaj Kamal Films International, the production house of actor Kamal Haasan which is producing this film, shared a glimpse video and wrote, \"THE OG SWAG. #Dharman. The Making of the First Look.\" The video featured a shot of the accessories that were kept for Rajini to choose from. It also showed director Aswath showing the exact pose in which he wanted the Superstar to stand. The video also showed Kamal Haasan accompanying Rajinikanth and the two legends of Tamil cinema exchanging pleasantries. For the unaware, Rajinikanth plays a doctor who takes on criminals in Dharman. Actor, producer and parliamentarian Kamal Haasan, while announcing the title of the film, had said, \"Dharmame vellum! (Only Dharma will win) #Dharman #Thalaivar173 #SuperstarRajinikanth @rajinikanth #Mahendran @Dir_Ashwath @anirudhofficial @anbariv @RKFI @turmericmediaTM @magizhmandram.\" The title poster of the film that was released on the occasion showed Rajinikanth in an operation theatre in a hospital holding a scalpel, even as he seemed to have one leg placed over the body of a slain rowdy sheeter. The film is to have music by Anirudh. Cinematography for the film is by Niketh Bommi and editing will be by Pradeep E Raghav. Stunts in the film are being choreographed by National Award winning duo Anbariv. The film is being produced by Kamal Haasan and R Mahendran and co-produced by S Disney."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Huxdz6vGie6QIu_2_shriya.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T05:05:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"is-shriya-saran-a-part-of-dharman"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Extortion Plot Behind Salman Threat"},"content":{"text":" Mumbai Police have claimed to have busted an alleged extortion plot targeting Salman Khan, with the accused allegedly creating fake WhatsApp chats and identities to make it appear that an organised crime gang was threatening the Bollywood superstar.  The police said the investigation found discrepancies in the WhatsApp chats and CCTV footage failed to support the accused’s claims, leading to his alleged confession that he had fabricated the entire story to extort money. During questioning, the accused allegedly admitted to creating a fake identity and fabricated WhatsApp chats using electronic means with the intention of scaring Salman and extorting money from him. Police said the accused had hidden two mobile phones near the Bandra seafront.  The devices were later recovered and seized based on information provided by him. Screenshots of the alleged fake WhatsApp chats were also seized in the presence of witnesses. The investigation further revealed that the accused allegedly received around Rs 1.30 lakh from Siwan in Bihar through PhonePe and later collected the money in cash through a money transfer agent in Bandra. The accused has been booked under Sections 336(3), 351(3), 353(2), 271, 340 and 248 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act. Mumbai Police said the investigation is underway to determine whether the accused allegedly acted alone or whether any other person or gang was involved in the purported fake threat and extortion conspiracy. In other news, Salman is gearing up for “Bigg Boss 20.”  Speaking about the new season, Salman Khan said in a statement, “Every season of Bigg Boss brings a fresh game, new dynamics and unexpected twists. But this season, there's a mystery at the heart of it that makes it unlike anything we've seen before. The first hint is already out there, you just have to look at it twice. The teaser is just the beginning, and I can't wait for audiences to start piecing the clues together when Bigg Boss Hindi Season 20 begins.” According to reports, the makers are planning a complete makeover of the Bigg Boss house design this season. Omung Kumar and his wife Vanita Garud Kumar, who have previously designed the set, will reportedly not be creating the house this year.  According to reports, several celebrities are being considered as potential contestants for Bigg Boss 20. The rumoured list includes Mahhi Vij, Geeta Basra, Jannat Zubair, Faisal Shaikh (Mr Faisu), Sunil Pal, Nia Sharma, Pearl V Puri, and Showik Chakraborty.  The reality show will premiere on Colors TV and JioHotstar on September 6, 2026."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/f2a9abfd-4554-44e1-9dbb-6f5ec03d2d44_salman+dabangg+3.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T06:15:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"extortion-plot-behind-salman-threat"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Vijay Gets HC Deadline"},"content":{"text":"The Madras High Court has warned Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and Minister Aadhav Arjuna that they could each face a penalty of Rs 50,000 if they fail to file applications seeking the dismissal of election petitions against them by August 27.   The warning was issued by Justice V. Lakshminarayanan while hearing petitions challenging the election victories of the two leaders from the Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East Assembly constituencies. DMK candidate R.D. Sekar, along with voters Dinesh and Lakshmi Narasimhan, had filed separate election petitions questioning Vijay’s victory from the Perambur constituency. In a similar petition, DMK candidate Inigo Irudayaraj challenged Aadhav Arjuna’s election from the Tiruchirappalli East constituency. When the cases came up for hearing, counsel representing the Chief Minister sought two weeks to file an application requesting the dismissal of the petitions. The judge, however, declined to grant the requested time, observing that the court had already made it clear during the previous hearing that no further extension would be allowed for filing such an application. Justice Lakshminarayanan referred to Section 86 of the Representation of the People Act and underlined the need for the speedy disposal of election disputes. He observed that election petitions should, as far as practicable, be heard continuously and concluded within six months from the date on which they are presented before the High Court. Counsel appearing for Aadhav Arjuna also informed the court that the minister intended to submit an application seeking rejection of the election petition against him and requested additional time for completing the process. The court refused to provide a two-week extension to his side as well. The judge ultimately granted both Vijay and Aadhav Arjuna time until August 27 to file their respective dismissal applications. The court made it clear that failure to submit the applications within the stipulated deadline would result in the imposition of a Rs 50,000 penalty. The matter is expected to be taken up again after the deadline, when the court will consider any applications filed by the Chief Minister and the minister and decide the further course of proceedings in the election disputes."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/c0VCUoFzn1gsFR0a_vijay.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C64%2C449%2C221&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T08:05:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"vijay-gets-hc-deadline"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Vishnu Restores Dad Mohan Babu’s First Car"},"content":{"text":"Well known actor and producer Vishnu Manchu, whose pan-Indian magnum opus 'Kannappa' completed one year recently, on Tuesday disclosed that he had now restored his dad, first car, a Premier Padmini, to its former glory and that the vehicle was now ready to hit the roads again.  Taking to his social media timelines to share a video of the car that had been restored, the actor wrote, \"Some things are more than just machines. This vintage Premier Padmini was my dad’s first car — a memory that deserved to be brought back to life. After restoring it with a lot of love and attention to detail, it’s finally ready to hit the road again. A little piece of our family history, restored to its former glory. #premierpadmini #vintagecar #oldisgold.\" Only recently, the actor had celebrated his pan Indian film Kannappa's completion of one year. In June this year, the actor had written, \"One year ago today, Kannappa found its way to all of you. Some films entertain. Some films change you. Kannappa did both for me.\" He went on to add, \"It was a journey of faith, sacrifice, and belief. A journey that tested me in every possible way and gave me memories I will carry for a lifetime. To everyone who watched it in theatres, discovered it later on OTT, celebrated it, critiqued it, and kept talking about it… thank you. Your love has kept Kannappa alive far beyond its release. A year later, my heart is still full. Har Har Mahadev. #Kannappa #1YearOfKannappa #harharmahadev.\" For the unaware, 'Kannappa', which was directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, had Vishnu Manchu playing the titular role of Thinnadu(Kannappa), the fearless warrior-turned-devotee who transformed into the ultimate devotee of Lord Shiva. Akshay Kumar essayed the role of Lord Shiva, while Mohanlal commanded attention as Kirata. Prabhas played the role of Rudra in the film, which had Preity Mukhundan playing the role of Nemeli."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/hZx_M8_2BLrbly3p_manchuvishnudadscar.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T08:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"vishnu-restores-dad-mohan-babus-first-car"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Kriti responds to criticism over Rakhi ad"},"content":{"text":"Actress Kriti Sanon has responded to trolls who have been criticizing her for her choice of attire in a recent Raksha Bandhan advertisement.  Kriti shared a note on her Instagram handle on Tuesday, where she pointed out that the essence of any festival lies in the emotions, and not in the clothes we wear. The 'Mimi' actress was recently seen wearing an off-white ensemble featuring a bralette-style blouse, a cape, and a draped skirt for an advertisement for a jewellery brand named GIVA on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. The ad led to a massive online debate, with a large number of netizens saying that Kriti's outfit was not appropriate for a campaign around a traditional Indian festival. Now reacting to the trolls, Kriti wrote on the photo-sharing app, “The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear, it is in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions. Rakshabandhan is a bond of protection. My sister and I tie rakhi to each other. We know we can protect each other no less than a brother would have. We pray for each other’s health, happiness & long life. And for us, this prayer and promise extends to our dogs too! Afterall, they are family! (sic).\"  The 'Cocktail 2' actress further stressed that a woman's respect for her culture should not be judged by the clothes she wears. \"Also, when will we stop telling women what to wear?? Ethnic fashion has evolved over the years, but still a woman’s respect for her culture is measured with just her clothes!! Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!,\" the note concluded. On Monday, actress and politician Kangana Ranaut also took a jibe at Kriti, saying that although women have the luxury to wear whatever they want, they should still maintain certain boundaries. \"It’s is a wonderful time to be a woman, our closets are full of variety of clothes, today’s woman is a global woman, from cocktail dresses to lehnga cholis, jeans to saris, bikins to salwar kameez, from all the options that are available to us today why would you tie your brother a Rakhi in your bikini/ undergarments?\", the 'Tanu Weds Manu' actress wrote."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/gMVeOizSrR2p6WtZ_kritirakhioutfit.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T08:55:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cwkDTLcs5A"}},"uid":"kriti-responds-to-criticism-over-rakhi-ad"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Family of 5 Found Hanging In Srisailam"},"content":{"text":"Five members of a family allegedly died by suicide at a rest house in the temple town of Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, police said on Tuesday.  Two men and three women were found hanging in a room in Vaddera Sataram, one of the rest houses for devotees visiting Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy temple. According to police, two men were found hanging to a fan in the room while three women were found hanging in the washroom. They were believed to have taken the extreme step three days ago, but it came to light on Tuesday when the staff alerted the police after a foul smell emanated from the locked room. Police broke open the door to find all five dead. Atmakur DSP Ramanjaneyulu, who visited the scene, said the family hailed from Battalapalli in Sri Sathya Sai district.  Financial problems believed to have driven the family to suicide.  One Sudhakar, his three sisters and a nephew had come to Srisailam last month. They were staying in the room for nearly a month. The deceased have been identified as Pallapu Sudhakar (50), Gogula Adilakshmi (36), Malleshwari (45), Sridevi (33) and Manikantha (15). Manikantha was the son of Malleshwari. The DSP said the family had come by an auto-rickshaw on July 28. They had checked into room number 11 and were paying daily rent of Rs 29. When the staff asked them to vacate the room, they requested more time, saying they were not keeping good health and wanted to make a pledge at the temple.  Preliminary investigation by the police revealed that the family was facing financial difficulties. Two of the women were divorcees. Sudhakar had not married and was taking care of his sisters. Police shifted the bodies to a government hospital in Srisailam for post-mortem examination. Police registered a case and took up further investigation. DSP Anjaneyulu said they were investigating the case from all angles."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F7af0aded-dd1a-454d-9c06-d59f081dc408_hanged.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,54,1200,592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T06:47:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"family-of-5-found-hanging-in-srisailam"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","three"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Is 'Spirit' Buzz Fading?"},"content":{"text":"Prabhas and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s 'Spirit' has been one of the most eagerly awaited projects in Indian cinema ever since it was announced. The combination of the 'Arjun Reddy', 'Kabir Singh' and 'Animal' director with a pan-India star like Prabhas immediately created enormous expectations. Over time, several reports about the film’s scale and storyline added to the excitement, including speculation that the movie would explore an international mafia backdrop and feature Korean star Don Lee in a prominent role. However, recent reports have reportedly painted a different picture. Instead of being a globe-trotting mafia thriller, Spirit is now said to be centred around a local cop story set in Hyderabad. Reports also claim that the buzz surrounding Don Lee’s involvement may not be true, with the producer reportedly clarifying the matter. These developments have left some fans disappointed, particularly those who were expecting a massive international action spectacle. Social media discussions about the film’s allegedly controlled budget have also added to the debate, considering the enormous scale audiences usually associate with Prabhas’ movies. Amid the mixed buzz, fresh reports are now attempting to reignite interest in 'Spirit'. The latest talk suggests that the film’s pre-climax and climax sequences could be among the biggest highlights of Prabhas’ career, with an unexpected twist reportedly planned for the finale. If these claims turn out to be true, the final stretch could take the narrative in a completely different direction and showcase Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s trademark shock factor. However, the makers are yet to officially confirm these details. With some fans already questioning the recent reports surrounding the movie, speculation is now rife over whether the climax buzz is genuine or simply an attempt to bring the hype back."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/96fJYMdI82hm6Trs_spirit.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T03:10:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"is-spirit-buzz-fading"}},{"node":{"tags":["NRI"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"US proposes $103,265 fee for H-1B visas"},"content":{"text":"The Trump administration has proposed imposing an additional $103,265 fee on employers filing cap-subject H-1B petitions, a sweeping increase that could sharply raise the cost of recruiting skilled foreign workers, including professionals from India. The Department of Homeland Security said the fee would apply to every cap-subject petition, including filings for workers eligible under the advanced degree exemption. Employers would pay it when filing the petition and in addition to all other applicable fees or payments. The proposal is not yet final. It is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, beginning a 30-day period for public comments. DHS estimated that the fee would raise about $8.8 billion annually, based on a projected 85,000 cap-subject petitions each year. “The proposed H-1B fee is intended to recover the costs incurred across the federal government to adjudicate, vet, and support lawful immigration programs that otherwise must be funded by taxpayers,” US Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesperson Zach Kahler said. The money would be used to recover part of the federal government’s costs of operating the legal immigration system. DHS listed immigration benefit adjudications, fraud detection, national security screening, modernisation of government systems and record collection among those expenses. The revenue would also support immigration courts, consular visa processing, labour standards enforcement and coordination among federal agencies, according to the proposed regulation. The department said the fee would fund immigration-related activities undertaken by USCIS, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Justice Department’s immigration courts, the State Department and the Department of Labor. It would not apply to cap-exempt petitions filed by certain non-profit research organisations, government research bodies and institutions of higher education. The annual H-1B allocation is limited to 65,000 visas, with a further 20,000 places available to foreign nationals who have earned a master’s degree or higher qualification from a US institution. DHS said the fee would be imposed uniformly, irrespective of an employer’s size or non-profit status. Its analysis found that 14,541 of the 28,649 organisations filing cap-subject petitions in fiscal 2025 were small entities. The department estimated that the regulation would have a significant financial impact on 11,051 small entities, representing 76 per cent of the small organisations covered by its analysis. FWD.us President Todd Schulte called the proposal a “massive tax on American businesses” and said it formed part of a broader effort to weaken legal immigration. “Policies like the H-1B innovation tax and the rumored tax on Optional Practical Training will only hinder our ability to compete globally for top talent and economic leadership. Jobs and businesses will move overseas, and all workers will be worse off for it,” Schulte said. He also questioned the government’s legal authority to charge an amount extending beyond the direct cost of processing an individual petition. “This proposed tax clearly violates the law by charging far more than is allowed, which should be the cost to adjudicate an H-1B petition,” Schulte said. DHS, however, maintained that federal immigration law permits the government to establish fees at a level sufficient to recover the full cost of immigration adjudication and naturalisation services. It said cap-subject H-1B employers were generally more able to pay than individual immigration applicants. The H-1B programme allows US employers to hire foreign professionals for specialised jobs requiring advanced knowledge. Technology, engineering, finance, medicine and research are among the sectors that regularly use the programme."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aNFVfZ5xUNkB0-bC_H1Bvisa.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T01:04:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"us-proposes-103265-fee-for-h-1b-visas"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","two"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Sneha’s World, Minus Allu?"},"content":{"text":"Sneha Reddy recently gave fans a glimpse into her happy family life as she shared a series of pictures featuring her children and their pets.  Calling her babies as her “world”, Sneha expresses her joy of having them around. The pictures feature Sneha posing with her son Allu Ayaan and daughter Allu Arha in what appears to be their lush green garden. The family can be seen enjoying some quality time outdoors along with their two dogs. Sharing the pictures on her social media account, Sneha wrote, “The little people who make my heart full, and the little paws that make home feel like home. My world, in pictures.” Somehow the post prompted fans of her star husband Allu Arjun's absence in the pictures. One fan asked, “Where is AA?” Another wrote, “Where is Allu Arjun?” A third fan commented, “What a beautiful family, but Allu missing.” Talking about Sneha Reddy and Allu Arjun, the couple have been married for more than a decade now. In March this year, the couple celebrated 15 years of marriage. Sneha Reddy had celebrated the major milestone by thanking her husband for “being my partner in every chapter” and shared a series of pictures featuring the two of them. Sneha had penned a heartfelt note for the Pushpa actor, expressing her happiness over the life and family they have built together. She wrote, “15 years later We’ve built a life full of love, a family that means everything to me, and a home filled with warmth — our two beautiful kids, our two dogs, and countless memories in between. Thank you for being my partner in every chapter. Happy anniversary (sic),” followed by a red heart and an evil-eye emoji. For those who do not know, Allu Arjun and Sneha Reddy got married in March 2011 after reportedly meeting through common friends. The two began their association as friends, which later blossomed into love and eventually culminated in marriage."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/9ngHT8y_Lvh6RmQ2_snehareddy.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C281%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T03:14:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"snehas-world-minus-allu"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Urvashi’s Tricolour Dress Sparks Row"},"content":{"text":"The Miss Universe India 2026 pageant unfolded in grand style at Zee Studios in Jaipur, Rajasthan, bringing together contestants from across the country. Kerala’s Kesia Liz Mejia emerged as the winner and secured the coveted Miss Universe India 2026 crown. With the victory, she is set to represent India at the 75th Miss Universe competition. The event also attracted considerable attention thanks to its star-studded judging panel, which included former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen, actress Celina Jaitly and Bollywood star Urvashi Rautela. While the competition itself remained the main attraction, Urvashi Rautela’s appearance quickly became a talking point online. The actress, who has frequently grabbed attention for her fashion choices, turned heads in a striking gown inspired by the colours of the Indian national flag. The outfit featured saffron, white and green shades, creating a dramatic tricolour effect. While some viewers praised the bold styling and eye-catching design, others questioned the choice of using the national colours in such a fashion. Photos and videos of Urvashi from the event soon circulated widely across social media, triggering mixed reactions from netizens. A section of users criticised the outfit as inappropriate and accused the actress of being overly experimental with the tricolour theme, while others defended her fashion statement and viewed it simply as a glamorous interpretation of national colours. The debate has since added another layer of controversy to the pageant, with Urvashi’s outfit becoming one of the most discussed moments from the event."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/XpZsFMZLTp_fpESZ_urvashi.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T04:29:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"urvashis-tricolour-dress-sparks-row"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"T'gana assembly session to begin on Sep 7"},"content":{"text":"The Telangana Legislative Assembly session will commence on September 7.  Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy informed this to MLAs during a meeting held at the Secretariat on Monday. The Chief Minister discussed development programmes in their Assembly constituencies and instructed legislators to complete pending land acquisition for irrigation projects expeditiously. CM Revanth Reddy warned that projects would never be completed if land acquisition was delayed. He assured that the government would sanction funds for land acquisition, Relief and Rehabilitation (R&R), and forest clearances. He also directed legislators to focus more on constituency development. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy, Tummala Nageswara Rao, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and Seethakka, along with some MPs and MLAs, attended the meeting. There was no official word on the duration of the Assembly session or the issues to be discussed. However, as announced earlier by the Chief Minister, the session is likely to pass a resolution seeking to reduce the minimum age for contesting Assembly and Lok Sabha elections from 25 to 21 years. The resolution will be sent to the Centre for consideration and possible introduction of a Bill in Parliament. Last month, the Chief Minister had called for lowering the minimum age limit for contesting Assembly and Lok Sabha elections to enable youth to step into legislatures. He demanded an amendment to the relevant law to allow contesting for the Legislative Assembly and Lok Sabha at 21 years and for the Rajya Sabha at 25 years. He stated that there is a need for the youth’s voice to be heard through the platforms of the Legislative Assembly, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The Chief Minister had announced that a special session of the State Legislative Council and Assembly would be convened in the first week of August to pass a resolution for reducing the minimum age limit for contesting Assembly elections. However, he later deferred his plans."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aea7b3c2-e534-41b1-8c58-25502d2a9ad9_TS+assembly.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-24T18:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"tgana-assembly-session-to-begin-on-sep-7"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Andhra Shooting Coach Remanded in Murder Case"},"content":{"text":"A court in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada city on Monday sent the coach of a rifle shooting academy to judicial custody for 14 days in a case of murder and abetment to suicide. Sadhik Khan, founder and coach of Pro Shooting Academy, who was arrested in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, four days ago, was brought to Andhra Pradesh on Monday. After questioning, police produced him before a court, which sent him to judicial custody for two weeks. He was subsequently shifted to Kakinada Sub‑Jail. Police said Khan also faces allegations of forceful conversion and extortion. On August 16, K. Nooka Raju (61), Assistant Engineer at the Panchayat Raj Department in Pithapuram mandal of Kakinada district, along with his wife Meena (58), daughter Sowjanya (38) and 10‑year‑old grandson Karthikya Reddy, jumped into the Godavari from the Road‑cum‑Rail bridge in Rajamahendravaram. The boy was rescued by fisherfolk after being found unconscious on an island in the river. The bodies of Raju, his wife and daughter were retrieved. A suicide note, believed to have been left by Raju in the car, alleged that Khan had been harassing his daughter after the demise of her husband Jagdish Reddy. Raju wrote that Khan had threatened to eliminate him and his grandson when they rejected his proposal and had taken their valuables. He said the family decided to end their lives as they were unable to face the atrocities against his daughter. Based on the statement of Raju’s grandson and the suicide letter, a case was registered against Khan on charges of abetment of suicide under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Later, Soujanya’s father‑in‑law Bhaskar Reddy lodged a complaint alleging Khan’s involvement in his son Jagdish Reddy’s death. He claimed his son died after a poisonous substance was injected into him on July 2. Bhaskar Reddy said new facts came to light after speaking to his grandson, who was learning rifle shooting at Khan’s academy. He alleged Khan had started visiting their house after Jagdish’s death and tried to get closer to Soujanya. On his complaint, a case was registered at Sarpavaram police station in Kakinada. Kakinada SP G. Bindu Madhav told the media that Khan was arrested after a chase across five states by police teams from Kakinada and East Godavari. More than 10 teams tracked his movements. He was finally arrested in Meerut, produced before a magistrate and brought to Andhra Pradesh on a transit warrant. The SP said Khan was avoiding phone use and online transactions to evade arrest. He was traced in Meerut through technical evidence and human intelligence, where he had taken shelter at an acquaintance’s house. Police registered FIRs based on suicide notes of Nooka Raju and Sowjanya and Bhaskar Reddy’s complaint. According to the SP, Sowjanya was in a relationship with Khan for some days. A case of murder, forceful conversion and extortion was registered against him in Kakinada, while in Rajamahendravaram a case was registered for abetment to suicide."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/539c5623-b802-4b45-980b-2c2f345f9b95_jail+clash.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-24T15:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"andhra-shooting-coach-remanded-in-murder-case"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Pony Verma, Prakash Raj Mark 16 Years"},"content":{"text":"Veteran actor Prakash Raj and choreographer Pony Verma celebrated 16 years of marital bliss on Monday.  Commemorating their wedding anniversary, Pony treated the netizens to an unseen romantic photo of the couple. She further expressed her wish to spend eternity with Prakash Raj. The photo dropped by the choreographer on her official handle featured her and Prakash Raj sitting on a rock overlooking the mountains, soaking in the view. Both of them had their back towards the camera. For the caption, Pony wrote, “16 done (heart emojis) and an Infinity to go….(sic)” She further added the hashtags, “#happyanniversarymylove @joinprakashraj (evil eye emojis).”  Prakash Raj also re-shared the rare picture with his better half on the Stories section of his Instagram. Several industry members reacted to the post in the comment section. Actor Bhavna Pani commented, “Congratulations to one of the coolest couples I know. Love you Pony!!!! God bless the beautiful pair.”  Filmmaker Nandini Reddy penned \"Hugs,\" along with hug emojis. Actors Shweta Menon and Pragathi also dropped heart emojis for the post. For the unversed, Prakash was initially married to actress Lalitha Kumar in 1994. The couple was blessed with three children: daughters Meghana and Pooja and son Sidhu. Unfortunately, their son passed away in 2004 when he was only five years old. The two decided to go their separate ways in 2009.  On August 24, 2010, Prakash got married for the second time to Pony. In 2016, the couple welcomed their son Vedhant. Work-wise, Prakash Raj will soon be seen playing a crucial role in Ajay Devgn's 'Drishyam 3'. On Monday, the makers revealed that the third instalment in the franchise has been titled ‘Drishyam: The Conclusion’, hinting that this would be the final chapter in the story of Vijay Salgaonkar and his family. They captioned the post went, “Har insaan ka nazariya alag hota hai… mere liye meri family hi sab kuch hai. #DrishyamTheConclusion in cinemas 2nd October. @ajaydevgn @tabutiful @shriya_saran1109 @rkrkay @jaideepahlawat @joinprakasgraj @abhishekpathakk @kumarmangatpathak @sanju_r_joshi #AlokJain @ajit_andhare @ishidutta @jadhavmrunal73 @panorama_studios #DrishyamDay #2ndOct .”"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Rp_shQuI8Q2zOG4N_ponipr.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C103%2C800%2C394&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-24T15:15:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"pony-verma-prakash-raj-mark-16-years"}},{"node":{"tags":["NRI"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Job Hunt Ends in Tragedy for Hyd Youth in US"},"content":{"text":"A young man from Hyderabad, who had travelled to the United States with hopes of building a successful career after completing his higher education, has died by suicide. The deceased, identified as Saipradeep, was reportedly under severe emotional distress after struggling to secure a job despite his efforts. His death has left his family and loved ones devastated. Saipradeep had reportedly invested significant hopes in his education and future in the US, expecting to begin his professional journey after completing his studies. However, repeated difficulties in finding suitable employment are said to have taken a heavy toll on him. The prolonged uncertainty and disappointment reportedly pushed him into a state of deep distress. The incident has sparked concern over the immense pressure faced by international students and young graduates trying to establish themselves abroad. For many, completing higher education comes with expectations of finding stable employment and building a better future, but an uncertain job market can add significant emotional and financial pressure. Saipradeep’s tragic death has once again highlighted the importance of timely emotional support and reaching out for help during periods of overwhelming distress."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/p5UWAU4s-PDX62f5_saipradeep.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-24T06:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"job-hunt-ends-in-tragedy-for-hyd-youth-in-us"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Teja Sajja: I've never really celebrated my birthdays!"},"content":{"text":"Overwhelmed by the outpouring of love he witnessed on the occasion of this birthday on Sunday, Telugu star Teja Sajja on Monday penned a note of gratitude to his fans, friends and family for the love, support and blessings of everyone that had brought him this far.  Taking to his social media timelines to pen his thoughts on the phenomenal amount of love that had been showered on him by way of messages, greetings and posts on socila media, Teja Sajja wrote, \"As far as I can remember, I’ve never really celebrated my birthdays. I always felt that I hadn’t achieved anything worth celebrating yet in life.\" The star, who has delivered two blockbusters back to back, further said, \"Birthdays have usually been a time for me to reflect on my journey, but yesterday, for the first time, I truly felt — from where we started to where we are today, we have come a very, very long way.\" He said, \"I’m incredibly grateful and happy for everyone’s love, support, and blessings that have brought me this far.\" In particular, the actor thanked his directors and producers. He wrote, \"A very special thanks to all my directors and producers who have been such an important part of this journey. I’m always aware that whatever I have achieved has only been possible because of the support and love of the audience and the blessings of God. Hopefully, someday, I will celebrate when we achieve something that creates real change, makes an impact, and is truly meaningful and helpful to society. There is still a very long way to go. Big dreams ahead.\" For the unaware, the makers of the actor's next film chose to announce the film's title on the occasion of his birthday on Sunday. They announced the film's title as 'Zombie Reddy2 NXT LVL- Dead Or Alive' and said that the film was slated to hit screens next year in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, Nepali and Japanese. Superhero Teja Sajja, who has delivered two sensational blockbusters with HanuMan and Mirai, returns as the lead in this second instalment of the Zombie franchise.  Director Prasanth Varma, who introduced the zombie genre to Telugu cinema with 'Zombie Reddy', has now taken on the role of a creator for the sequel, with Suparn S Varma directing the upcoming film. The new-age zombie entertainer is being mounted on a massive scale by TG Vishwa Prasad and Krithi Prasad under the People Media Factory banner. This marks the second collaboration between Teja Sajja and PMF, after the Pan India blockbuster 'Mirai'. Real Star Upendra plays a prominent role, while Bollywood actress Shanaya Kapoor makes her Telugu debut with the movie. The project also boasts an impressive technical crew. Gowra Hari, who previously collaborated with Teja Sajja on 'HanuMan' and 'Mirai', is to score the music for this film as well. Abhinandan Ramanujam will be behind the camera for this film, which will have Banglam as its production designer and Vijay Velukutty as its editor. Hussain Dalal, Abbas Dalal, Prasanth Varma and Suparn S Varma have penned the screenplay, with Subbu K writing the dialogues."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aLvx82GNHVfTOutG_tejasajjamirai.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-24T12:07:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"teja-sajja-ive-never-really-celebrated-my-birthday"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"TCS to buy Porsche’s IT consulting arm for over 3,500 cr "},"content":{"text":"Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on Monday said it will acquire MHP Management‑ und IT‑Beratung GmbH, the management and IT consulting arm of German automaker Porsche, for an enterprise value of Rs 3,573.44 crore.  TCS will set up a dedicated AI Mobility Centre of Excellence for Porsche under a five‑year strategic partnership for enabling AI services across the mobility value chain for Porsche. The Centre of Excellence will focus on industrialising use cases in several core technologies for the mobility sector. TCS said the acquisition deal is expected to close within three to four months, subject to regulatory approvals and will be executed through a TCS subsidiary, which will buy 100 per cent of MHP’s shares. MHP reported turnover of roughly €742 million in calendar year 2025 and employs about 4,500 people. The CoE’s role will be to convert AI ideas into secure and scalable solutions that enhance velocity, operations resilience and competitiveness across Porsche’s product and value chain. \"MHP brings strong automotive and industrial consulting and implementation experience, with strengths in business transformation, AI, SAP, manufacturing digitalization, and connected mobility,\" a statement from TCS said. MHP is a leading automotive and industrial consulting firm with expertise in business consulting, digital transformation, AI, software-defined mobility, SAP and manufacturing digitalisation. Its long-standing track record in delivering complex automotive and industrial transformation programs will complement TCS’ global scale and engineering prowess. “As AI, software, and data redefine the automotive industry, this partnership brings together TCS’ capabilities in AI, engineering, technology and business transformation with MHP’s strong automotive consulting expertise,\" said K. Krithivasan, CEO and Managing Director, Tata Consultancy Services. \"Together, we will industrialize AI at scale for Porsche, accelerating innovation across the value chain to deliver intelligent, software-defined mobility experiences of the future,” he added. Dr. Michael Leiters, CEO, Porsche AG, said that combining Porsche’s automotive expertise with TCS’ digital technology and AI capabilities, will strengthen the latter's innovative power, efficiency, and competitiveness in an increasingly data and software-driven world of mobility."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/1a66400a-a0f7-4444-b918-c980bf94ec7a_TCS.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-24T12:58:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"tcs-to-buy-porsches-it-consulting-arm-for-over-350"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"RR: US Visit Denial ‘Insult’ to T'gana"},"content":{"text":"Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday termed the denial of permission by the Centre for his visit to the United States an ‘insult’ to the 4 crore people of Telangana. He accused the Modi government of resorting to ‘political discrimination’ and creating an obstruction in the flow of investment and development of Telangana. Addressing a press conference after his return from the United Kingdom, the Chief Minister slammed the Centre for denying permission to visit the United States. Describing the Centre’s move as ‘dictatorial’, he said this had undermined the spirit of federalism. Revanth Reddy, who was scheduled to leave for the US from the UK on August 23 for a week-long visit, said the reason for the denial of permission was clear from the Ministry of External Affairs’ communication, which says clearance from a political angle is denied. “The political angle is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi belongs to the BJP and comes from Gujarat while I belong to the Congress party and I am from Telangana,” he said. Citing the official correspondence from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) to the Ministry of External Affairs to seek permission for his visit to the UK and US, he said the purpose was clearly mentioned. He said the purpose of his visit to both countries was to seek collaboration with prestigious world-class universities and sports academies, invite investments, and hold meetings with investors and strategic partners. Stating that his government wants to promote Telangana as a premier sports and education hub, the Chief Minister said the Telangana delegation wanted to invite investors to 'Telangana Rising Global Summit 2.0' scheduled to be held in December in Hyderabad. Revanth Reddy said their visit was part of the efforts to achieve the objectives of Telangana Rising-2047 formulated in tune with the Viksit Bharat vision of the Government of India. He asked, when the purpose of his visit to both the UK and the US was the same, why the Centre refused permission for the US visit. The Chief Minister claimed that this was because Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was on a visit to the US to attract investors for Vibrant Gujarat 2047. “The Gujarat Chief Minister was granted permission to visit the US and Canada from August 17 to 24. Permission was granted to him for investment-related visits under the 'Vibrant Gujarat' initiative. However, I was blocked when I sought to visit the US as part of the 'Telangana Rising 2047' initiative,” he said. He remarked that Prime Minister Modi considers himself ambassador of Gujarat and does not want to see growth of other states. He alleged they were afraid of Telangana as the visit would have helped the State to attract more investments. The Chief Minister said that denial of permission to him was not an insult to Revanth Reddy but an insult to 4 people of Telangana. “You can stop me but not my goal for the development of Telangana,” he said. Revanth Reddy said the Congress party would not tolerate this political discrimination and would raise the issue in both Houses of the Parliament. When asked about reports that his proposed meeting with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani could be the reason for denial of permission for his visit, he asked if Mamdani was an anti-social element. “He has been elected as mayor by the people of New York,” he said. The Chief Minister asked whose permission Prime Minister Modi had taken to visit Pakistan and have ‘biryani’ with his friends. “PM Modi can go to Pakistan, which is not a friendly country, but we can’t go to the US,” he remarked. The Chief Minister slammed the BJP leaders from Telangana for levelling political allegations against him over the issue. Reminding the BJP that Telangana elected eight MPs of the party, he said they should speak up for Telangana. "},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/9lxygfiEd8SfRVkE_rrUS.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-24T12:36:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rr-us-visit-denial-insult-to-tgana"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Yash Hums DSP’s ‘Gabbar Singh’ Tunes"},"content":{"text":"Yash, who is presently busy promoting his forthcoming period gangster drama, 'Toxic', was recently asked about his favourite Telugu songs, the ones he finds himself humming often.  The 'KGF' actor admitted that he loves all the songs by renowned composer Devi Sri Prasad aka Rockstar DSP. Yash said, \"I love that Dekho Dekho Gabbar Singh. I like one more song. Aakaleste Annam Pedta.\" All the DSP songs. He is a dear friend. All his songs I really like,\" he went on to add. Yash and Rockstar DSP are known to share a great bond. Yash leaves no chance to shower praise on those he believes deserve it."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/sYLeQIPkZDKGQlRT_DSPYASH.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C449%2C221&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-24T13:52:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"yash-hums-dsps-gabbar-singh-tunes"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Why Urvashi Calls Sushmita Her ‘Wings’!"},"content":{"text":"Actress and former beauty queen Urvashi Rautela was one of the judges for Miss Universe India for the fourth consecutive time.   The evening became even more special for Urvashi as she got to share it with Sushmita Sen, someone who has played a crucial role in Urvashi’s journey. She recalled that Sushmita was the one who gave her the wings and confidence to fly. Talking about sharing the moment with her 'Guru' Sushmita, Urvashi said, “Sharing this moment with my first mentor, my guru, and our first-ever Miss Universe, Sushmita Sen, makes it infinitely more special. She was the woman who gave me the wings to fly; when she personally crowned me on my coronation night, which is the rarest thing as she never does it, it became one of the most surreal and cherished moments of my life.” Urvashi further opened up about how deeply the faith shown towards her by Sushmita has stayed with her over years. Expressing her gratitude towards the former Miss Universe, Urvashi added, “I still wonder why she chose to believe in me, but perhaps some blessings are not meant to be explained, only cherished. I feel blessed beyond measure to God, my parents, my family, my fans, my loved ones, and especially my guru Sushmita. I owe a gratitude that words can barely contain. Some dreams are achieved, others transcend imagination. This feels like the latter.\" Meanwhile, Urvashi also made a lot of heads turn during the event with her gorgeous tricolour gown. “Our team was told that my fourth consecutive appearance as a judge at Miss Universe India has created a world record and made history, and I am truly humbled and profoundly grateful. At Cannes, when an international journalist asked me what India meant to me, I instinctively answered, ‘I am India.’ Today, while judging Miss Universe India 2026 in a tricolour gown, those words feel even more profound. I am immensely proud to be Indian,” Urvashi shared."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/yuNfUzQcPxIl3a_S_susurv.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-24T11:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"why-urvashi-calls-sushmita-her-wings"}},{"node":{"tags":["Videos"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Ramba Oorvasi Menaka Trailer"},"content":{"text":"Ramba Oorvasi Menaka Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/-QS0rCC_pxb8vCIC_RVMtrailer.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-24T14:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp3mBhXY8Y8"}},"uid":"ramba-oorvasi-menaka-trailer"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Deepika is not part of ‘Brahmastra 2’"},"content":{"text":"Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, who was last seen in ‘Singham Again’, is not  part of the upcoming instalment of the fantasy action adventure film ‘Brahmastra’. On Monday, the actress’ spokesperson issued a statement, and cleared the air around the rumours about her casting in ‘Brahmastra 2’. The spokesperson said, “All recent reports of Deepika Padukone being a part of ‘Brahmastra 2’ or associated with the project in any capacity are untrue”. Speculation around Deepika Padukone’s casting in ‘Brahmastra 2’ intensified with recent reports suggesting she is in talks to play Amruta, a character teased in the first film. Some reports claimed her involvement as effectively locked, while others stress that the casting has not been officially confirmed. Some media reports also indicate that production could begin in April 2027. Deepika Padukone had a brief but crucial appearance as Amrita, Shiva’s mother in the first part of the film.Amrita is associated with the Jal Astra (water weapon) and is central to Shiva’s origins and destiny. The clarification with regards to the reports around her casting in the 2nd part follows the debate around her ousting from the Prabhas-starrer ‘Spirit’, which reignited after director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s brother Pranay Reddy Vanga claimed that Deepika wanted 10% of the film’s profits, along with remuneration and specific working-hour terms. Deepika was originally attached to ‘Spirit’ opposite Prabhas, but exited the project in 2025. At the time, reports centred on disagreements over remuneration, working hours and other conditions. At the time, Sandeep reacted strongly to Deepika’s “PR games”, and for allegedly leaking the details of the script. The actress will be next seen in the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer ‘King’, which practically stars almost the entire Hindi film industry. The film is set to release in December this year."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2Fc3ec253e-52c9-47eb-a87b-484dbbdf5425_deepika+padukone.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C1200%2C592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-24T14:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"deepika-is-not-part-of-brahmastra-2"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Kajol chooses peace over arguments"},"content":{"text":"Kajol, on Monday, shared a witty yet pointed message saying that she prefers choosing peace over getting into arguments with people who seek attention more than logic. Taking to Instagram, the ‘Dilwale’ actress shared her pictures and wrote, “I don’t argue with people who need attention more than logic. #namaste #ichoosepeace #humourousbone.” With her characteristic sense of humour, Kajol appeared to suggest that not every argument is worth engaging in. In the photos, the actress exuded charm in a stylish off-shoulder black dress. To amp up her look, the ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ actress opted for subtle makeup, featuring highlighter, kohl-rimmed eyes, bronzer, and nude lipstick. Kajol posed with utmost grace, exuding elegance and confidence in her stylish look. Notably, her sister Tanishaa Mukerji also raved about her look. She commented, “Nysa ki mummy! Looking stunning!.” Previously, Kajol had shared stunning photos from a photoshoot in a stylish outfit and reflected on the importance of noticing the good things in life. The ‘Baazigar’ actress had written, “I recently read something that really struck me “The amount of good things in your life depends on your ability to notice them” .. and now I can’t unsee it !.” Meanwhile, Kajol, who turned 52 earlier this week, penned a heartfelt note expressing gratitude to “every single person” who wished her on her birthday. Calling herself “lucky,” the actress said she was grateful to have such a “delightfully crazy group of people” by her side. “Not going to sit here and write a whole emotional essay, but I really couldn’t let the day end without saying thank you. To every single person who took two minutes out of their day to send a message, make a video, or just drop some love, thank you,” she wrote as the caption. Kajol added, “So lucky to have such a loyal & delightfully crazy group of people in my corner. Sending you all the tightest hugs imaginable...now go eat a piece of cake on my behalf! Love you guys!”"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aFmJS3fc4bHWioPi_kajol%3B.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-24T06:28:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"kajol-chooses-peace-over-arguments"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Tanushree Dutta’s ‘Veteran’ Warning"},"content":{"text":"Actress Tanushree Dutta has questioned the notion of giving someone automatic respect or trust simply because they are older or considered a “veteran” in the film industry. Reflecting on her own journey, the ‘Aashiq Banaya Aapne’ actress said she has learnt to judge people by their character rather than their age. “Never trust a person just for their age,” she said, adding that she now gives respect based on a person’s character rather than their age.” On Monday, Tanushree Dutta posted a video in which she opened up about her experiences in Bollywood and reflected on the lessons she learnt during her career. She also reflected on a phase when she was at the peak of her career. Recalling her popularity at the time, she said, “I was a very big star. I may not have been the top number one star, or I may not have been a super duper star, but I was a very big star.” The ‘Dhol’ actress also questioned the conventional understanding of seniority in Bollywood, arguing that age and talent alone do not determine a person's standing in the industry. “There is no senior in Bollywood by age. The one whose stars are high is a senior. The one whose movie is getting a hit is a star,” she said. Tanushree also recalled an experience on a film set where she felt she became the target of controversy. She claimed that several people came together and that she was made a “scapegoat” despite being the biggest star on the set at that time. Looking back, she said she was not “street smart” and did not fully understand the dynamics of the industry during her early years of success. “I was definitely not street smart. I did not get a chance to learn the grace, mischief, and cunning of God.” The actress concluded her reflections by urging people to look beyond age, appearance and background and instead recognise individuals for who they are. Alongside the video, Tanushree wrote in the caption, “Mujhe bhi yehi laga that ki aged actor hai, koi kaam nahi de raha, help kar deti hoon. But no, Bollywood mein \"veteran\" ka matlab hai shatir-dimag manjha hua khiladi jo ghat ghat ka paani peekar saari chaalbaazi seekh chukar hai, jissko saari media & Public manipulation aati hai. \"So they can cover up their crimes and real character. Yeh hai real world definition of veteran.” (sic) \"Never trust a person just for their age. Some of these very evil and negative people with very dark and nefarious intentions towards youngsters are in the category of veteran. They hate young privilaged people and will do anything to destroy them. Bollywood has seen this phenomenon time and time again.” “See them as souls. See everyone as a soul before you see age, appearance or background. This world is built by people like us and destroyed by those who wear masks of propriety. Recognise souls and divinity. Demons are also veteran!! They are older than humans, yes the demons are ancient beings. So they are veteran evil, meaning they doing evil for a long time. Some humans are incarnations of demons and rakshasas meant to lead humanity astray. I learnt a big lesson. Today I give respect according to character, not age,” added Tanushree."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/KMBCktqPxoqWy7Ee_tanusreedutta.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-24T08:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"tanushree-duttas-veteran-warning"}}]},"featured":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Is 'Spirit' Buzz Fading?"},"content":{"text":"Prabhas and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s 'Spirit' has been one of the most eagerly awaited projects in Indian cinema ever since it was announced. The combination of the 'Arjun Reddy', 'Kabir Singh' and 'Animal' director with a pan-India star like Prabhas immediately created enormous expectations. Over time, several reports about the film’s scale and storyline added to the excitement, including speculation that the movie would explore an international mafia backdrop and feature Korean star Don Lee in a prominent role. However, recent reports have reportedly painted a different picture. Instead of being a globe-trotting mafia thriller, Spirit is now said to be centred around a local cop story set in Hyderabad. Reports also claim that the buzz surrounding Don Lee’s involvement may not be true, with the producer reportedly clarifying the matter. These developments have left some fans disappointed, particularly those who were expecting a massive international action spectacle. Social media discussions about the film’s allegedly controlled budget have also added to the debate, considering the enormous scale audiences usually associate with Prabhas’ movies. Amid the mixed buzz, fresh reports are now attempting to reignite interest in 'Spirit'. The latest talk suggests that the film’s pre-climax and climax sequences could be among the biggest highlights of Prabhas’ career, with an unexpected twist reportedly planned for the finale. If these claims turn out to be true, the final stretch could take the narrative in a completely different direction and showcase Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s trademark shock factor. However, the makers are yet to officially confirm these details. With some fans already questioning the recent reports surrounding the movie, speculation is now rife over whether the climax buzz is genuine or simply an attempt to bring the hype back."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/96fJYMdI82hm6Trs_spirit.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T03:10:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"is-spirit-buzz-fading"}}]},"politics":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Jagan’s Local Poll Game Plan!"},"content":{"text":"Asserting that there is a strong anti-incumbency factor in Andhra Pradesh, former Chief Minister and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday called upon the party cadres to fight for every inch of ground in the ensuing local body elections.  Addressing the party leaders and cadres at the party’s central office at Tadepalli, he claimed that the anti-incumbency factor has a strong current against the coalition government. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said that if the anger of all sections of people against the coalition translates into votes, YSRCP will have a resolute win. He said all the nefarious malpractices of Chandrababu should be fought tooth and nail. “Though it is clear that in the two years, the coalition has failed on all fronts, we will win hands down if the elections are held in a free and fair manner, and we should ensure there is a contest for every seat, giving no scope for manipulation of any sort by TDP,” a party release quoted YS Jagan as saying.  He told the party leaders that their endurance in these elections will pave the way for a future big victory. He made it clear that any unanimous election will be taken seriously.  “Our candidate should be there in the contest for people to decide, and many of them are convinced that they were flawed in the previous elections. We have to field strong candidates who can scrape through the elections and make the most of the announcement of elections to local bodies. We will not tolerate unanimous elections, and MLA aspirants should work hard to ensure the contest and victory of our candidate,” he said. Every house should be visited, and the contrast between the ‘backstabbing party’ and YSRCP should be explained with clarity, the YSRCP chief told the party cadres. On the preparatory side, he said ID cards with QR code to cadre up to the village level will be distributed along with propaganda and other election material. Meetings will be held at district and Assembly constituency level, besides mandal and division levels. The legal cell should be active in dealing with the atrocities, harassment and other coercive methods of the coalition, while the media and social media should be active in highlighting anti-people policies of the government. Training should be given as to how the Jagan 2.0 App should be used and kept active, he said.  Leaders who are not active on social media should be acclimatised, and there is no scope for laxity, Jagan said and warned that there is no place for egos and should work as a single unit to get effective results. In the coming couple of months, leaders should be in their respective constituencies and work for the party as this is the crucial juncture, he said. The former Chief Minister alleged that the coalition is known for misusing the police force and if the force steps out of the limits and conducts unreasonably, their names will be logged in the digital book and will have to face future consequences, he said. Party Coordinators, in-charges of 175 Assembly constituencies and other leaders attended the meeting."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/810d1863-6597-42fe-a381-561dedc41fcd_Jagan+Padayatra.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T12:11:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"jagans-local-poll-game-plan"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Illness Forces T'gana BJP Chief to End Fast"},"content":{"text":"Telangana BJP President N. Ramchander Rao called off his hunger strike after he fell ill on Tuesday.   He had launched a 48-hour hunger strike on Monday, demanding the state government to release the pending reimbursement dues. As Ramchander Rao’s blood pressure dropped, causing concern among party cadres, he was advised by senior leaders to end the hunger strike. Senior leader and MP K. Laxman offered lemon juice to the state BJP chief to end the strike. Earlier, former Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, MP Eatala Rajender, BJP floor leader in Telangana Assembly Maheshwar Reddy, party MLAs and other leaders expressed solidarity with Ramchander Rao. Rajender slammed Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy over pending fee reimbursement dues. He urged the Chief Minister to think about the future of the students. Earlier, Ramchander Rao posted on ‘X’ that he was commencing the second day of his hunger strike for Telangana’s students. \"Neither the 58-year-old self-proclaimed “youth” leader nor his “Ghulam” in Hyderabad can hear the Goonj of Telangana’s students. 40 lakh students are suffering, they are unable to pursue higher education or secure jobs because Congress government has failed to clear their fee reimbursement dues,\" he wrote. \"This is the real face of Congress, its utter indifference towards our youth. All its recent attempt to project itself as the so-called custodian of India’s youth are nothing but a sham. Youth of Telangana have awakened, and are ready to teach this Congress government a fitting lesson,\" he added. The BJP leader alleged that the Congress government’s failure to clear pending fee reimbursement dues of nearly Rs 15,000 crore has put the future of 40 lakh students at stake. Ramchander Rao alleged that the government has miserably failed to implement every major promise made to students and youth. \"Due to the Congress government's negligence and irresponsibility, Telangana's education system has plunged into a severe crisis. The education, jobs, and futures of lakhs of students have become uncertain. The Congress government should remember one thing — these very students and youth you've deceived will topple your government tomorrow,\" he said."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/cghbcqcQf3C4YqPU_TSBJPChief.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C73%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T11:51:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"illness-forces-tgana-bjp-chief-to-end-fast"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Konda Surekha, Chinna Reddy likely to face axe!"},"content":{"text":"Telangana Forest and Endowments Minister Konda Surekha and Planning Board Vice-Chairman G. Chinna Reddy are likely to face the axe as the Disciplinary Committee of the state Congress unit has recommended strict action against them for indiscipline.  The Disciplinary Committee, in its report submitted to the state unit, is understood to have recommended that the party drop Surekha from the Cabinet and also remove Chinna Reddy from his post. The action was recommended against Surekha and Chinna Reddy for their remarks considered damaging to the party and its leadership. Chinna Reddy, a senior leader, enjoys the Cabinet rank in his capacity as the Vice-Chairman of the Planning Board. Disciplinary Committee Chairman Mallu Ravi and Vice-Chairman Shyam Mohan on Tuesday submitted the report to state party President Mahesh Kumar Goud, and he has forwarded the report to AICC in-charge for Telangana, Meenakshi Natrajan. Party sources said the AICC leadership will take a final decision on the action to be taken against the two leaders. The Disciplinary Panel reportedly observed that Surekha should have condemned the remarks made by her daughter Konda Sushmita against Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The report also mentioned that this was not the first time that she violated party discipline. In her reply to the show-cause notice issued by the Disciplinary Committee, Surekha had distanced herself from the comments made by Sushmita at an event at Parkala in Warangal district. The minister stated in her reply that she should not be held politically responsible for remarks made against the Chief Minister, and that those were personal views of her daughter. She had urged the Disciplinary Committee to withdraw the notice issued to her. Chinna Reddy had also urged the Disciplinary Committee to withdraw the notice issued to him. He said in his reply that the comments made by him recently were only an expression of the grievances of long-standing party leaders and workers. The Planning Board Vice-Chairman had made the remarks against the party leadership and Wanaparthy MLA T Megha Reddy during the inauguration of the mandal Congress office at Gopalpet in Wanaparthy district on August 16. At a press conference on Monday, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had declined to comment on the controversy involving Surekha and her daughter. He said he would not like to speak on the party’s internal matters before the media as the issue was already being handled by the Disciplinary Committee. The Chief Minister, while underlining the importance of discipline in the party, said that the party high command’s decision would be final and all leaders have to abide by it."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/kBgr5lxb7TOlAPGr_kondachinna.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T14:41:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"konda-surekha-chinna-reddy-likely-to-face-axe"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Vijay Gets HC Deadline"},"content":{"text":"The Madras High Court has warned Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and Minister Aadhav Arjuna that they could each face a penalty of Rs 50,000 if they fail to file applications seeking the dismissal of election petitions against them by August 27.   The warning was issued by Justice V. Lakshminarayanan while hearing petitions challenging the election victories of the two leaders from the Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East Assembly constituencies. DMK candidate R.D. Sekar, along with voters Dinesh and Lakshmi Narasimhan, had filed separate election petitions questioning Vijay’s victory from the Perambur constituency. In a similar petition, DMK candidate Inigo Irudayaraj challenged Aadhav Arjuna’s election from the Tiruchirappalli East constituency. When the cases came up for hearing, counsel representing the Chief Minister sought two weeks to file an application requesting the dismissal of the petitions. The judge, however, declined to grant the requested time, observing that the court had already made it clear during the previous hearing that no further extension would be allowed for filing such an application. Justice Lakshminarayanan referred to Section 86 of the Representation of the People Act and underlined the need for the speedy disposal of election disputes. He observed that election petitions should, as far as practicable, be heard continuously and concluded within six months from the date on which they are presented before the High Court. Counsel appearing for Aadhav Arjuna also informed the court that the minister intended to submit an application seeking rejection of the election petition against him and requested additional time for completing the process. The court refused to provide a two-week extension to his side as well. The judge ultimately granted both Vijay and Aadhav Arjuna time until August 27 to file their respective dismissal applications. The court made it clear that failure to submit the applications within the stipulated deadline would result in the imposition of a Rs 50,000 penalty. The matter is expected to be taken up again after the deadline, when the court will consider any applications filed by the Chief Minister and the minister and decide the further course of proceedings in the election disputes."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/c0VCUoFzn1gsFR0a_vijay.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C64%2C449%2C221&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T08:05:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"vijay-gets-hc-deadline"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Family of 5 Found Hanging In Srisailam"},"content":{"text":"Five members of a family allegedly died by suicide at a rest house in the temple town of Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, police said on Tuesday.  Two men and three women were found hanging in a room in Vaddera Sataram, one of the rest houses for devotees visiting Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy temple. According to police, two men were found hanging to a fan in the room while three women were found hanging in the washroom. They were believed to have taken the extreme step three days ago, but it came to light on Tuesday when the staff alerted the police after a foul smell emanated from the locked room. Police broke open the door to find all five dead. Atmakur DSP Ramanjaneyulu, who visited the scene, said the family hailed from Battalapalli in Sri Sathya Sai district.  Financial problems believed to have driven the family to suicide.  One Sudhakar, his three sisters and a nephew had come to Srisailam last month. They were staying in the room for nearly a month. The deceased have been identified as Pallapu Sudhakar (50), Gogula Adilakshmi (36), Malleshwari (45), Sridevi (33) and Manikantha (15). Manikantha was the son of Malleshwari. The DSP said the family had come by an auto-rickshaw on July 28. They had checked into room number 11 and were paying daily rent of Rs 29. When the staff asked them to vacate the room, they requested more time, saying they were not keeping good health and wanted to make a pledge at the temple.  Preliminary investigation by the police revealed that the family was facing financial difficulties. Two of the women were divorcees. Sudhakar had not married and was taking care of his sisters. Police shifted the bodies to a government hospital in Srisailam for post-mortem examination. Police registered a case and took up further investigation. DSP Anjaneyulu said they were investigating the case from all angles."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F7af0aded-dd1a-454d-9c06-d59f081dc408_hanged.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,54,1200,592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T06:47:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"family-of-5-found-hanging-in-srisailam"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"T'gana assembly session to begin on Sep 7"},"content":{"text":"The Telangana Legislative Assembly session will commence on September 7.  Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy informed this to MLAs during a meeting held at the Secretariat on Monday. The Chief Minister discussed development programmes in their Assembly constituencies and instructed legislators to complete pending land acquisition for irrigation projects expeditiously. CM Revanth Reddy warned that projects would never be completed if land acquisition was delayed. He assured that the government would sanction funds for land acquisition, Relief and Rehabilitation (R&R), and forest clearances. He also directed legislators to focus more on constituency development. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy, Tummala Nageswara Rao, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and Seethakka, along with some MPs and MLAs, attended the meeting. There was no official word on the duration of the Assembly session or the issues to be discussed. However, as announced earlier by the Chief Minister, the session is likely to pass a resolution seeking to reduce the minimum age for contesting Assembly and Lok Sabha elections from 25 to 21 years. The resolution will be sent to the Centre for consideration and possible introduction of a Bill in Parliament. Last month, the Chief Minister had called for lowering the minimum age limit for contesting Assembly and Lok Sabha elections to enable youth to step into legislatures. He demanded an amendment to the relevant law to allow contesting for the Legislative Assembly and Lok Sabha at 21 years and for the Rajya Sabha at 25 years. He stated that there is a need for the youth’s voice to be heard through the platforms of the Legislative Assembly, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The Chief Minister had announced that a special session of the State Legislative Council and Assembly would be convened in the first week of August to pass a resolution for reducing the minimum age limit for contesting Assembly elections. However, he later deferred his plans."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aea7b3c2-e534-41b1-8c58-25502d2a9ad9_TS+assembly.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-24T18:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"tgana-assembly-session-to-begin-on-sep-7"}}]},"entertainment":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Darshan Gets Setback in Fan Murder Case"},"content":{"text":"In a significant development in the sensational Renukaswamy murder case, a Bengaluru trial court on Tuesday allowed Pradosh S. Rao, accused No. 14 in the case, to turn an approver and provide details of the events surrounding the crime.  Pradosh Rao had filed an application seeking permission to become an approver in the case, in which actor Darshan and his partner Pavithra Gowda are among the accused. Accepting his application, Judge Sujatha Madivalappa Sambhrani passed the order permitting Pradosh Rao to turn approver subject to certain conditions. Under the conditions, Pradosh Rao will have to remain in judicial custody until the completion of the legal process. The court has also warned that if he violates the conditions or gives false evidence, a case of perjury (the act of telling a lie in a court of law) could be registered against him and he could lose his status as an approver and again be made an accused in the case. The court has directed Pradosh Rao to disclose all truthful facts within his knowledge concerning the case. It warned that if he conceals material facts or fails to disclose the truth, he could be withdrawn from the status of an approver and treated as an accused. A copy of the court order has been sent to Pradosh through the prison authorities. Pradosh Rao had earlier told the court that he decided to become an approver voluntarily and that he was not acting under the influence, pressure or coercion of anyone. His statement is now expected to be significant to the investigation and trial, as the court's permission could result in the disclosure of further details about the events leading up to and following the alleged murder of Renukaswamy. Pradosh Rao had filed an application before the court through his advocate in the first week of August, stating that he was prepared to reveal all facts related to the case and sought pardon from the court by turning an approver.  The development assumes significance as his revelations will have a bearing on the ongoing trial.    The case relates to the alleged murder of Renukaswamy, whose body was found in Bengaluru in June 2024. The Renukaswamy murder case has drawn widespread public attention since Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and 16 others, including his partner Pavithra Gowda, were arrested and charge-sheeted for the alleged abduction and murder of the 33-year-old fan from Chitradurga.  According to the prosecution, Renukaswamy was allegedly abducted and brought to Bengaluru in June 2024 over obscene messages he had allegedly sent to Pavithra Gowda. Investigators claim he was brutally assaulted and tortured inside a shed before succumbing to his injuries. His body was later dumped near a stormwater drain on the outskirts of the city.  The Supreme Court had earlier cancelled Darshan's bail, directing his immediate re-arrest and ordering that no VIP privileges be extended to him in prison. The trial in the sensational case is currently underway before the Bengaluru Sessions Court."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aISzzFGsbswqTR0H_darshanscecurity.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T12:35:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"darshan-gets-setback-in-fan-murder-case"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Taapsee Calls for End to Kangana Feud"},"content":{"text":"Actress Taapsee Pannu, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film ‘Gandhari’, has reacted to the ongoing war of words between her and the actress and politician Kangana Ranaut. On Tuesday, the actress attended the trailer launch of her film in Mumbai where she was asked about the tiff between her and Kangana. Reacting to the same, Taapsee said that the media doesn’t let the issue die a natural death, and it constantly picks up on their reactions. She told the media, “Aap khatam kyun nahi hone dete yeh baat? Koi question poocchna hum dono se band karega jab yeh wala, toh ye issue bhi khatam ho jayega. Ya fir aap sab logo’n ko maza aa raha hai yeh sab dekh ke, isiliye wahi sawaal puch rahe hain. Aise sawaal puchna agar aap band kar dete, toh ye baat kab ki khatam ho jati (Why don't you let this matter end? If someone stops asking questions to both of us when this one does, then this issue will also be resolved. Or else you all are enjoying watching this, that's why you keep asking the same questions. If you had stopped asking such questions, this matter would have been over long ago)”. Recently, Taapsee opened up about her equation with Kangana during a media interaction. Revealing that she has not met Kangana, Taapsee had shared that her opinion about Kangana was reflective of her upbringing and her way of talking and perceiving things. She said, \"So, I think that's enough for everybody to look and decide who comes from where”. Reacting to the statement, Kangana flared up, and penned a scathing attack without taking any names. She wrote on the Stories section of her Instagram, “One Sasti copy is out and about with her upcoming B grade film but as usual only headline point with the media is Kangana Ranaut, but today she crossed all limits shamelessly ridiculing my upbringing /parents, I think all parents do their best and I never bring any parents in to any argument, but today I also want to ask her parents why they couldn't birth someone original like my parents did? Why a cheap Sasti copy? Feel sorry for your efforts (sic)”. “This is so unfortunate and so wrong, but she is not the only one; many people who grew up in shady, cramped-up outskirts of cities in dingy rented apartments with questionable backgrounds and incomes often question my upbringing and malign my parents and background who hail from a renowned Rajput zamindar family and were raised by educated, distinguished parents. It was a personal choice for me to start from scratch; why attack my parents for that?”, she added. However, Kangana later deleted the post. Kangana and Taapsee got into a feud in 2019. The situation got worse after Kangana’s sister Rangoli Chandel called Taapsee a “sasti copy” of Kangana on social media."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/3ktJsJY4-OU9djFt_taapseekangana.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T13:00:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"taapsee-calls-for-end-to-kangana-feud"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Toxic' Makers Plead: Don’t Post Clips"},"content":{"text":"The makers of director Geetu Mohandas's much awaited pan Indian film, 'Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups', featuring actor Yash in the lead, on Tuesday urged the public not to record scenes from the film and post it on social media.   With just hours to go for the film to release, the makers of the film took to their social media timelines to share a statement.  KVN productions, the production house producing the film, in its statement titled 'A Note from Team Toxic' said, \"Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is not just a film for us, it's years of heart poured into a world we built frame by frame, scene by scene, choice by choice. Every technician, artist, and crew member involved in the making and release of this film intends for you to have a similar experience. An experience made for the big screen as a community.\" The production house further went on to say, \"The love you've already shown this film, the excitement, the thunderous advance we've seen coming in, means more to us than words can carry. Thank you for your support throughout our journey.\" It then made a request to fans and film buffs. It wrote, \"There's one thing we sincerely request from you, let the experience unfold the way it was meant to. Don't record scenes from the movie in theatres and post them on social media, don't give away story beats and spoilers and ruin it for others. Let the next person walk into the world of Toxic exactly the way you did. #ToxicOn26thAug.\" For the unaware, bookings for the film, which is to hit screens on August 26, had opened on August 21. Rocking Star Yash took to his X timeline to announce the opening of advance bookings. He wrote, \"A fairy tale isn't just what this film is. It's also what making it was. One string of thought, talent from everywhere, each doing right by their craft, avalanching into TOXIC. \"Peculiar Alchemy,\" as our Director calls it. Five days to go. Book now.\" Sources in the industry claimed that the film had gotten off to a very strong start, reflecting the immense anticipation surrounding it. The early response further underlined the audience pull surrounding Yash and the curiosity around a world that is entirely new to the big screen, they claimed. To mark the opening of bookings, the makers unveiled a special video featuring Rocking Star Yash, director Geetu Mohandas and the film’s ensemble cast. Through a collection of candid moments and reflections, actors Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, Huma Qureshi, Akshay Oberoi and Sudev Nair shared what made Toxic a special film for them. From the film’s distinctive world to Geetu Mohandas’s unconventional approach, the cast’s words offered a glimpse into the belief and excitement surrounding the film ahead of its theatrical release. The announcement further built anticipation to see Yash back on the big screen following the phenomenal success of the 'KGF' franchise. 'KGF: Chapter 2' had gone on to emerge as a global box-office phenomenon, grossing over ₹1,200 crore worldwide, cementing Yash’s stature as one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars. With 'Toxic', the actor returns with a film that has already generated significant anticipation for its scale, distinctive world and ambitious cinematic vision. Shot simultaneously in Kannada and English, 'Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups' will also be released in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam, taking its world to audiences across languages."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/qQEp52QIbCMQklmr_toxic.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T15:52:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"toxic-makers-plead-dont-post-clips"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Is Shriya Saran a part of 'Dharman'?"},"content":{"text":"A picture posted by actress Shriya Saran on her Instagram page in which the actress is seen next to Superstar Rajinikanth has now sparked off rumours that she too is a part of director Ashwath Marimuthu's eagerly awaited action entertainer, 'Dharman', featuring Rajinikanth in the lead.  Shriya Saran, who took to her Instagram stories section to post the picture, captioned the picture, \"Happy Day.\" The picture has triggered rumours in the industry suggesting that the actress would again be seen working with Rajinikanth in 'Dharman'. Shriya had earlier starred opposite Rajinikanth in director Shankar's blockbuster film 'Sivaji'. Meanwhile, sources in the industry said that the third schedule of Dharman had commenced in Hyderabad on Monday. It may be recalled that the unit had only recently completed the second schedule of the film. In fact, the unit had commenced its second schedule only on August 13 this year. Raaj Kamal Films International, the production house of veteran actor and parliamentarian Kamal Haasan, had then taken to its social media timelines to drop an update with a video clip. It wrote, \"The deadly doctor. #Dharman Schedule 2 Begins, and this one's legendary. #KettaPaiyanSir. #SuperstarRajinikanth #KamalHaasan.\" The video clip that the production house shared on Thursday showed Rajinikanth on the sets of the film and Ashwath Marimuthu in conversation with the star. The film has triggered huge excitement among fans ever since the makers announced the project. In June this year, the makers had dropped a making video that showed how the team had arrived at Superstar Rajinikanth's look in the film. Taking to his X timeline, director Ashwath Marimuthu shared a brand new poster of Rajinikanth from the film and wrote, \"We heard you !! Ithan hair styleu (This is the hair style)!! Ithan looku (This is the look)! Sexy work @kabilanchelliah.\" Earlier, Raaj Kamal Films International, the production house of actor Kamal Haasan which is producing this film, shared a glimpse video and wrote, \"THE OG SWAG. #Dharman. The Making of the First Look.\" The video featured a shot of the accessories that were kept for Rajini to choose from. It also showed director Aswath showing the exact pose in which he wanted the Superstar to stand. The video also showed Kamal Haasan accompanying Rajinikanth and the two legends of Tamil cinema exchanging pleasantries. For the unaware, Rajinikanth plays a doctor who takes on criminals in Dharman. Actor, producer and parliamentarian Kamal Haasan, while announcing the title of the film, had said, \"Dharmame vellum! (Only Dharma will win) #Dharman #Thalaivar173 #SuperstarRajinikanth @rajinikanth #Mahendran @Dir_Ashwath @anirudhofficial @anbariv @RKFI @turmericmediaTM @magizhmandram.\" The title poster of the film that was released on the occasion showed Rajinikanth in an operation theatre in a hospital holding a scalpel, even as he seemed to have one leg placed over the body of a slain rowdy sheeter. The film is to have music by Anirudh. Cinematography for the film is by Niketh Bommi and editing will be by Pradeep E Raghav. Stunts in the film are being choreographed by National Award winning duo Anbariv. The film is being produced by Kamal Haasan and R Mahendran and co-produced by S Disney."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Huxdz6vGie6QIu_2_shriya.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T05:05:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"is-shriya-saran-a-part-of-dharman"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Extortion Plot Behind Salman Threat"},"content":{"text":" Mumbai Police have claimed to have busted an alleged extortion plot targeting Salman Khan, with the accused allegedly creating fake WhatsApp chats and identities to make it appear that an organised crime gang was threatening the Bollywood superstar.  The police said the investigation found discrepancies in the WhatsApp chats and CCTV footage failed to support the accused’s claims, leading to his alleged confession that he had fabricated the entire story to extort money. During questioning, the accused allegedly admitted to creating a fake identity and fabricated WhatsApp chats using electronic means with the intention of scaring Salman and extorting money from him. Police said the accused had hidden two mobile phones near the Bandra seafront.  The devices were later recovered and seized based on information provided by him. Screenshots of the alleged fake WhatsApp chats were also seized in the presence of witnesses. The investigation further revealed that the accused allegedly received around Rs 1.30 lakh from Siwan in Bihar through PhonePe and later collected the money in cash through a money transfer agent in Bandra. The accused has been booked under Sections 336(3), 351(3), 353(2), 271, 340 and 248 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act. Mumbai Police said the investigation is underway to determine whether the accused allegedly acted alone or whether any other person or gang was involved in the purported fake threat and extortion conspiracy. In other news, Salman is gearing up for “Bigg Boss 20.”  Speaking about the new season, Salman Khan said in a statement, “Every season of Bigg Boss brings a fresh game, new dynamics and unexpected twists. But this season, there's a mystery at the heart of it that makes it unlike anything we've seen before. The first hint is already out there, you just have to look at it twice. The teaser is just the beginning, and I can't wait for audiences to start piecing the clues together when Bigg Boss Hindi Season 20 begins.” According to reports, the makers are planning a complete makeover of the Bigg Boss house design this season. Omung Kumar and his wife Vanita Garud Kumar, who have previously designed the set, will reportedly not be creating the house this year.  According to reports, several celebrities are being considered as potential contestants for Bigg Boss 20. The rumoured list includes Mahhi Vij, Geeta Basra, Jannat Zubair, Faisal Shaikh (Mr Faisu), Sunil Pal, Nia Sharma, Pearl V Puri, and Showik Chakraborty.  The reality show will premiere on Colors TV and JioHotstar on September 6, 2026."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/f2a9abfd-4554-44e1-9dbb-6f5ec03d2d44_salman+dabangg+3.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T06:15:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"extortion-plot-behind-salman-threat"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Vishnu Restores Dad Mohan Babu’s First Car"},"content":{"text":"Well known actor and producer Vishnu Manchu, whose pan-Indian magnum opus 'Kannappa' completed one year recently, on Tuesday disclosed that he had now restored his dad, first car, a Premier Padmini, to its former glory and that the vehicle was now ready to hit the roads again.  Taking to his social media timelines to share a video of the car that had been restored, the actor wrote, \"Some things are more than just machines. This vintage Premier Padmini was my dad’s first car — a memory that deserved to be brought back to life. After restoring it with a lot of love and attention to detail, it’s finally ready to hit the road again. A little piece of our family history, restored to its former glory. #premierpadmini #vintagecar #oldisgold.\" Only recently, the actor had celebrated his pan Indian film Kannappa's completion of one year. In June this year, the actor had written, \"One year ago today, Kannappa found its way to all of you. Some films entertain. Some films change you. Kannappa did both for me.\" He went on to add, \"It was a journey of faith, sacrifice, and belief. A journey that tested me in every possible way and gave me memories I will carry for a lifetime. To everyone who watched it in theatres, discovered it later on OTT, celebrated it, critiqued it, and kept talking about it… thank you. Your love has kept Kannappa alive far beyond its release. A year later, my heart is still full. Har Har Mahadev. #Kannappa #1YearOfKannappa #harharmahadev.\" For the unaware, 'Kannappa', which was directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, had Vishnu Manchu playing the titular role of Thinnadu(Kannappa), the fearless warrior-turned-devotee who transformed into the ultimate devotee of Lord Shiva. Akshay Kumar essayed the role of Lord Shiva, while Mohanlal commanded attention as Kirata. Prabhas played the role of Rudra in the film, which had Preity Mukhundan playing the role of Nemeli."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/hZx_M8_2BLrbly3p_manchuvishnudadscar.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T08:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"vishnu-restores-dad-mohan-babus-first-car"}}]},"tech":{"edges":[]},"fashion":{"edges":[]},"business":{"edges":[]},"health":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Scorching Heat: The Unseen Toll on Teen Mental Health"},"content":{"text":"As global temperatures soar, a troubling new study reveals that extreme heat is not merely an environmental concern but a significant threat to the mental health of adolescents. Research indicates that for every 1°C rise in daily temperature, the risk of adverse mental health outcomes in teenagers escalates by nearly 1%. While this statistic may seem modest at first glance, it becomes alarming when considering the frequency of heatwaves in recent summers, underscoring the urgent need to address this evolving crisis. The comprehensive review analyzed data from 23 studies worldwide, pinpointing children and teenagers aged five to eighteen as the most vulnerable demographic. On particularly hot days, this group experiences a 1.5% increase in the likelihood of poor mental health outcomes; however, during actual heatwaves, this figure skyrockets to an astonishing 25%. Such stark differences highlight the psychological ramifications of sustained heat exposure, which extends beyond mere discomfort to include serious implications such as increased anxiety, depression, and even suicide attempts. Experts, including co-author Jacqueline Stephens from Flinders University, emphasize that the intersection of climate change and mental health cannot be ignored. The patterns of rising temperatures and more frequent heat events are not restricted to a single region; they are a global phenomenon with widespread repercussions. Adolescents are particularly susceptible during this pivotal developmental stage, where their routines—schooling, recreation, and social interactions—are disrupted by extreme weather conditions, causing significant emotional distress. Moreover, researchers note that the physical impact of heat, such as sleep disruption, compounds mental health challenges. Poor sleep exacerbates mood regulation, while family stress during heatwaves creates a ripple effect that permeates households. Although the findings point to population-level trends rather than individual predictions, they call for a re-evaluation of how public health strategies address heat-related issues. Current responses prioritize physical safety measures like hydration and cooling centers but overlook the critical need for mental health support tailored to young people. This oversight underscores the need for a more holistic approach to climate adaptation strategies that incorporate mental health services as integral components of public health initiatives."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/CJ8ZpPonvzZKyB1t_mentalhealth.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-11T10:28:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"scorching-heat-the-unseen-toll-on-teen-mental-heal"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"The Distinction Between Brain Tumors and Brain Cancer"},"content":{"text":"The phrases 'brain tumor' and 'brain cancer' often evoke a visceral reaction among the public, conjuring images of gravely serious health threats. However, contrary to common perception, these terms describe distinct medical conditions that warrant different approaches to diagnosis and treatment. A brain tumor is simply an abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain, which can be classified as benign or malignant. While all brain cancers are tumors, not all tumors exhibit cancerous characteristics; this critical distinction can influence a patient's treatment plan and overall prognosis. The medical community underscores the importance of understanding these differences. Brain tumors, irrespective of their benign or malignant status, can lead to severe health consequences because of the brain’s confined environment within the skull. This means that even non-cancerous tumors can exert pressure on vital neurological functions, leading to symptoms such as persistent headaches, seizures, and cognitive deficits. Dr. Praveen Gupta, a prominent neurologist, emphasizes that benign tumors, while non-cancerous, can still necessitate significant medical intervention depending on their size and location. The implications of this are crucial for anyone facing a diagnosis related to brain health. Historically, the classification of brain tumors has evolved as medical science has advanced. The National Cancer Institute and other leading neurological institutions categorize these tumors into myriad types, each demanding tailored treatment strategies. For instance, malignant tumors possess the aggressive ability to invade surrounding brain tissue, often requiring complex interventions that may include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Understanding whether a growth is benign or malignant is not just a matter of terminology; it directly impacts the urgency and nature of the interventions required. Symptoms often overlap between benign and malignant tumors, complicating self-diagnosis and reinforcing the necessity for professional evaluation. Medical imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans, along with biopsies, are essential to ascertain the nature of the tumor. Experts caution against relying on symptomatology alone, as the presence of alarming symptoms could mask a benign condition, while milder manifestations could signify a malignant threat. As such, timely medical evaluation is paramount, as early detection can significantly enhance treatment effectiveness and patient quality of life."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/f6803c8c-7220-433e-b58f-ef269a3ecf79_brain+stroke.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-24T10:10:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"the-distinction-between-brain-tumors-and-brain-can"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Heatwaves, Sleepless Nights"},"content":{"text":"As the world grapples with the escalating repercussions of climate change, a less visible yet profoundly affecting consequence is emerging: significant sleep loss. Current research indicates that individuals in India are losing nearly four nights of sleep annually due to rising nighttime temperatures driven by climate change. Specifically, average citizens are suffering an estimated sleep deprivation of 56 hours each year, a disturbing trend that has doubled since the 1970s. This phenomenon is particularly acute in Southern India and Southeast Asia, where soaring nighttime temperatures have rendered restful sleep increasingly elusive. A recent study conducted by Climate Central, a respected US-based climate science organization, sheds light on the quantifiable impact of climate change on human sleep patterns. The analysis reveals that from 2020 to 2025, global average losses in sleep reached nearly 56 hours, with over six hours directly attributed to climate change rather than seasonal fluctuations. This groundbreaking research merges existing studies on heat and sleep with empirical temperature data, highlighting the stark reality that warmer nights are profoundly undermining the quality of rest for millions. With findings spanning 1,338 cities worldwide, the analysis indicates a troubling acceleration in sleep loss, particularly in urban areas where heat islands intensify nighttime temperatures. Regions most adversely affected include cities in the Middle East, where residents in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE report losing between 55 and 87 hours of sleep each year, with 12 to 16 hours attributable to climate change alone. In contrast, the United States presents a slightly milder scenario, with average sleep losses around 36 hours annually, though climate-related losses have nearly tripled since the early 1970s. States such as Arizona and California are notably suffering from extreme heat, exacerbating the public health crisis stemming from sleep deprivation. In comparison, Indian citizens, particularly in the warmer southern states, face staggering sleep losses of between 78 to 91 hours, with a significant portion directly linked to anthropogenic climate factors. The implications of this widespread sleep deficiency are deeply troubling, extending beyond mere fatigue. Research consistently correlates poor sleep with numerous health issues, including impaired mood, cognitive decline, and increased susceptibility to cardiovascular and immune system disorders. As the burden of sleep loss accumulates, it becomes increasingly detrimental to individuals already struggling to achieve restorative sleep. While air conditioning may mitigate some impacts, access remains inequitable, with only about 35% of households equipped with cooling systems as of 2021, disproportionately affecting lower-income populations. Consequently, the underreported consequences of climate-induced sleep deprivation reflect a critical challenge that demands urgent attention from policymakers and health advocates alike."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F37239656-628a-4814-9f5d-a1f31a14cfd0_sleep.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C108%2C1200%2C592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-17T17:03:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"heatwaves-sleepless-nights"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"How Smoking Hurts Pregnancy!"},"content":{"text":"When planning to start a family, many couples focus on preparing for pregnancy by discussing nursery plans and choosing baby names. However, what often goes unnoticed is the detrimental impact of smoking on fertility and pregnancy. Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can damage reproductive cells in both men and women, making it harder to conceive and increasing the risk of pregnancy complications and poor outcomes for babies.  Dr. Vandana Bhatia, a Senior Fertility Specialist, emphasizes that smoking silently affects fertility, pregnancy, and the long-term development of the child. Both partners play a crucial role in protecting fertility as smoking can reduce sperm count, affect sperm movement, and damage egg quality, hormone levels, and ovarian reserve. Additionally, passive smoking also poses risks to fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Quitting smoking as a couple not only improves motivation and emotional support but also encourages healthier habits, leading to improved fertility and overall health.  The quality of eggs and sperm before conception significantly influences the health of the future child, making it essential for both parents to quit smoking before starting a family. Dr. Bhatia recommends practical steps for quitting smoking together, emphasizing that healthy choices are crucial in building a healthy family. Parenthood begins with the quiet promise of choosing health together, even before the first heartbeat is heard on an ultrasound."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/akDOG1bRV8_Qf8Cd_smokefertility.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-27T19:33:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"how-smoking-hurts-pregnancy"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Even 1% Sleep Loss Could Heighten Dementia Risk"},"content":{"text":"A recent study published in JAMA Neurology has shed light on the potential link between minimal sleep loss and an increased risk of dementia. The research suggests that as little as a 1% reduction in deep sleep per year for individuals over 60 could translate to a 27% elevated risk of developing dementia. Deep sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep, plays a crucial role in the body's repair processes and the clearance of toxic proteins associated with dementia.  Associate Professor Matthew Pase from Monash University's Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health emphasized the significance of deep sleep in supporting the aging brain and facilitating the removal of metabolic waste, including proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease. The study, which drew from the Framingham Heart Study, examined 346 participants over 60 years of age, tracking their sleep patterns and dementia development over a 17-year period. Even after adjusting for various factors, including age, genetic predisposition, and medication use, the findings consistently pointed to a 27% increased dementia risk for each percentage decrease in deep sleep annually.  It's important to note that the natural decline in deep sleep with age is gradual, peaking between 75 and 80 years old and then stabilizing. However, the cumulative effect of a 27% increase per percentage-point decrease underscores the long-term impact on dementia risk. While there's no straightforward solution to preserving deep sleep, maintaining consistent sleep schedules, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, creating a conducive sleep environment, and addressing conditions like sleep apnea can potentially support better sleep quality. Additionally, regular exercise has been linked to improved slow-wave sleep in older adults. Although these measures aren't a guarantee, the study highlights the importance of prioritizing deep sleep for brain health as individuals age."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/50a54145-f24c-4c83-80b9-e6d19ba52027_sleep.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-25T06:59:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"even-1-sleep-loss-could-heighten-dementia-risk"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Is Your Soda Habit Causing Hair Loss?"},"content":{"text":"Are your beloved sodas harming your hair? While soft drinks have long been criticized for their impact on weight, diabetes, and heart health, a new concern has emerged regarding their potential effects on hair. The discussion gained traction after hair transplant surgeon Dr. Abhishek Pilani highlighted the issue on Raj Shamani's Figuring Out podcast.  According to Dr. Pilani, regular consumption of sugary cold drinks may create conditions within the body that are not conducive to healthy hair growth. While consuming one soda is unlikely to cause sudden hair loss, a study published in the journal Nutrients in 2023 found a link between higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and male-pattern hair loss in young men. However, it's essential to note that the study established a correlation, not causation. The potential connection between soft drinks and hair health lies in the impact of high-sugar beverages on overall health.  Excessive sugar consumption can lead to repeated spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, potentially contributing to inflammation and metabolic issues that affect the body, including hair growth. However, hair loss is rarely attributed to a single factor and is typically the result of various elements accumulating over time, including genetics, hormones, nutrition, lifestyle, and overall health. Healthy hair growth relies on a balanced intake of nutrients such as iron, protein, zinc, vitamin D, and B vitamins. While soft drinks don't directly deplete these nutrients, excessive consumption may lead to healthier options being replaced.  The concern lies in long-term habits rather than occasional consumption. The normal range of daily hair loss is between 50 and 100 strands, but concerns arise when lost hairs aren't adequately replaced. While soft drinks may not directly cause hair loss, their impact on overall health could potentially affect hair growth. Instead of fixating on individual cans of soda, experts emphasize the importance of considering overall lifestyle factors such as sleep, stress management, balanced nutrition, and reduced sugar intake. Ultimately, addressing concerns about hair health may begin with dietary and lifestyle adjustments."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aDbfAydWJ-7kSniS_jucessoda.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-11T18:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"is-your-soda-habit-causing-hair-loss"}}]},"nri":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"H-1B fee may push US jobs overseas"},"content":{"text":"An Indian-American policy group has urged the US government to reconsider a proposed additional fee of $103,265 for cap-subject H-1B petitions, warning that the measure could hurt startups, weaken America's technological edge and push high-value jobs overseas. The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) said the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) should adopt a more proportionate approach that protects American workers without restricting access to global talent. FIIDS added that it supported legal and merit-based immigration, fair compensation and strong action against fraud. It also acknowledged the costs involved in processing applications, preventing fraud, conducting national security checks and administering the legal immigration system. However, it warned that imposing such a high additional fee could make legitimate recruitment economically impractical. For cash-strapped startups, the proposed $103,265 charge for hiring a single skilled worker could significantly affect recruitment decisions, the organisation said. Large technology companies sponsoring thousands of employees could face hundreds of millions of dollars in cumulative costs. \"If employing critical talent in the United States becomes substantially more expensive than hiring workers abroad, companies could move jobs and investments out of the country,\" it added. FIIDS also raised concern about the combined effect of the proposed H-1B charge and a previously proposed $100,000 fee affecting Optional Practical Training, or OPT. If both charges applied to the route from international education to practical training and H-1B employment, the total burden could reach $203,265, it said. Such a cost could undermine OPT as a bridge between American universities and the US labour market. \"We recognise that DHS and USCIS need adequate resources to protect national security, prevent fraud and administer legal immigration. But a $103,265 H-1B fee could choke cash-strapped startups, while companies hiring thousands of H-1B workers could face hundreds of millions of dollars—and potentially close to a billion dollars—in additional costs,\" said Khanderao Kand, chief of policy and strategy at FIIDS. \"Combined with a potential $100,000 OPT fee, totaling $203,265, the policy risks making the student-to-work pathway effectively unaffordable,\" he added. FIIDS said the proposal came as the international student pipeline in the United States was already showing signs of weakness. Citing data from the Institute of International Education, it said new international student enrolment fell by 17 per cent in autumn 2025. It also cited a 2026 outlook from NAFSA that projected as many as 111,000 fewer international students. That would represent a possible 9.5 per cent decline and an economic loss of up to $3.4 billion, it added. FIIDS said USCIS already received around 96 per cent of its funding through fees paid by applicants and petitioners. It called on Congress to consider funding immigration administration through existing revenue, appropriations and reasonable fees instead of placing an exceptional burden on one legal immigration category. \"We urge DHS and USCIS to find a more proportionate funding approach, Congress to ensure adequate agency funding, and industry to make America's talent needs clear,\" Kand said. \"Protecting American workers and maintaining America's technological leadership must go hand in hand.\" The H-1B programme allows US employers to recruit foreign professionals for specialised occupations. Indian nationals have historically formed the largest group of H-1B beneficiaries, particularly in technology, engineering and other skilled sectors. OPT permits eligible international students to gain temporary work experience connected to their field of study. Students in designated science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines can seek an extension, making the programme an important route from US higher education to skilled employment."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/HymTP5b8EFoUZ_2m_FIIDS.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T15:48:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"h-1b-fee-may-push-us-jobs-overseas"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"US proposes $103,265 fee for H-1B visas"},"content":{"text":"The Trump administration has proposed imposing an additional $103,265 fee on employers filing cap-subject H-1B petitions, a sweeping increase that could sharply raise the cost of recruiting skilled foreign workers, including professionals from India. The Department of Homeland Security said the fee would apply to every cap-subject petition, including filings for workers eligible under the advanced degree exemption. Employers would pay it when filing the petition and in addition to all other applicable fees or payments. The proposal is not yet final. It is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, beginning a 30-day period for public comments. DHS estimated that the fee would raise about $8.8 billion annually, based on a projected 85,000 cap-subject petitions each year. “The proposed H-1B fee is intended to recover the costs incurred across the federal government to adjudicate, vet, and support lawful immigration programs that otherwise must be funded by taxpayers,” US Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesperson Zach Kahler said. The money would be used to recover part of the federal government’s costs of operating the legal immigration system. DHS listed immigration benefit adjudications, fraud detection, national security screening, modernisation of government systems and record collection among those expenses. The revenue would also support immigration courts, consular visa processing, labour standards enforcement and coordination among federal agencies, according to the proposed regulation. The department said the fee would fund immigration-related activities undertaken by USCIS, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Justice Department’s immigration courts, the State Department and the Department of Labor. It would not apply to cap-exempt petitions filed by certain non-profit research organisations, government research bodies and institutions of higher education. The annual H-1B allocation is limited to 65,000 visas, with a further 20,000 places available to foreign nationals who have earned a master’s degree or higher qualification from a US institution. DHS said the fee would be imposed uniformly, irrespective of an employer’s size or non-profit status. Its analysis found that 14,541 of the 28,649 organisations filing cap-subject petitions in fiscal 2025 were small entities. The department estimated that the regulation would have a significant financial impact on 11,051 small entities, representing 76 per cent of the small organisations covered by its analysis. FWD.us President Todd Schulte called the proposal a “massive tax on American businesses” and said it formed part of a broader effort to weaken legal immigration. “Policies like the H-1B innovation tax and the rumored tax on Optional Practical Training will only hinder our ability to compete globally for top talent and economic leadership. Jobs and businesses will move overseas, and all workers will be worse off for it,” Schulte said. He also questioned the government’s legal authority to charge an amount extending beyond the direct cost of processing an individual petition. “This proposed tax clearly violates the law by charging far more than is allowed, which should be the cost to adjudicate an H-1B petition,” Schulte said. DHS, however, maintained that federal immigration law permits the government to establish fees at a level sufficient to recover the full cost of immigration adjudication and naturalisation services. It said cap-subject H-1B employers were generally more able to pay than individual immigration applicants. The H-1B programme allows US employers to hire foreign professionals for specialised jobs requiring advanced knowledge. Technology, engineering, finance, medicine and research are among the sectors that regularly use the programme."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aNFVfZ5xUNkB0-bC_H1Bvisa.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T01:04:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"us-proposes-103265-fee-for-h-1b-visas"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Job Hunt Ends in Tragedy for Hyd Youth in US"},"content":{"text":"A young man from Hyderabad, who had travelled to the United States with hopes of building a successful career after completing his higher education, has died by suicide. The deceased, identified as Saipradeep, was reportedly under severe emotional distress after struggling to secure a job despite his efforts. His death has left his family and loved ones devastated. Saipradeep had reportedly invested significant hopes in his education and future in the US, expecting to begin his professional journey after completing his studies. However, repeated difficulties in finding suitable employment are said to have taken a heavy toll on him. The prolonged uncertainty and disappointment reportedly pushed him into a state of deep distress. The incident has sparked concern over the immense pressure faced by international students and young graduates trying to establish themselves abroad. For many, completing higher education comes with expectations of finding stable employment and building a better future, but an uncertain job market can add significant emotional and financial pressure. Saipradeep’s tragic death has once again highlighted the importance of timely emotional support and reaching out for help during periods of overwhelming distress."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/p5UWAU4s-PDX62f5_saipradeep.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-24T06:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"job-hunt-ends-in-tragedy-for-hyd-youth-in-us"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"New US green card rule may hit Indians"},"content":{"text":"Thousands of Indians seeking US green cards could face wider scrutiny of their finances and use of public benefits under new immigration guidance taking effect on September 18. US Citizenship and Immigration Services said officers may consider housing assistance, food stamps, college financial aid and other means-tested benefits when deciding whether an applicant is likely to become a public charge. The guidance follows the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to rescind the 2022 Biden-era public charge regulations. The final rule was announced on July 16 and published in the Federal Register on July 20. It will apply to Forms I-485 seeking permanent residence or adjustment of status that are postmarked or electronically submitted on or after September 18. Applications submitted from December 23, 2022, through September 17, 2026, will continue to be decided under the 2022 regulations and related guidance. The change could affect Indians seeking permanent residence through family and employment categories. It does not apply to people who already hold green cards or US citizenship. Most family-sponsored applicants will be subject to the public charge assessment. They include spouses, children and parents of US citizens, as well as spouses and children of lawful permanent residents. Adult children and siblings of US citizens, fiancé(e)s of citizens, and widows or widowers of citizens are also covered. Employment-based categories subject to the assessment include priority workers, professionals holding advanced degrees, people of exceptional ability, skilled workers, investors and religious workers. Foreign medical school graduates, international broadcasters and certain current or former US government employees abroad are also listed among those subject to the provision. Congress has exempted several humanitarian and special immigration categories. These include refugees, asylees, applicants for Temporary Protected Status, victims of human trafficking and qualifying criminal activity, and certain self-petitioners under the Violence Against Women Act. Special immigrant juveniles, certain Afghan and Iraqi nationals who worked for the US government, Cuban Adjustment Act applicants and some surviving relatives of military personnel are among the other exempt groups. USCIS officers must consider five statutory factors: the applicant’s age, health, family status, assets and financial position, and education and skills. They may also consider Form I-864, an affidavit through which a sponsor agrees to use personal financial resources to support the immigrant. For benefits received before September 18, USCIS will consider only public cash assistance for income maintenance and government-funded long-term institutional care. For means-tested benefits received on or after that date, officers may consider any such benefits, including housing and food assistance. The agency said officers must examine all relevant evidence and decide applications individually under the totality of the circumstances. Receiving a covered benefit will not by itself lead to rejection. No single factor, apart from the absence of a sufficient affidavit of support when one is required, can alone establish that an applicant is likely to become a public charge. An applicant found inadmissible solely on public charge grounds may be invited to post a cash or surety bond. The amount will be based on the government assistance the person could potentially receive over the next five years. Applicants may submit Form I-945 for a public charge bond only after USCIS issues a Notice of Intent to Deny containing an invitation to post one. The agency will not accept unsolicited bonds. About 66,800 India-born immigrants obtained US green cards in fiscal 2024, accounting for 4.9 per cent of the 1.36 million people granted lawful permanent residence that year, according to Department of Homeland Security data. About 61 per cent of the Indian recipients secured permanent residence through adjustment of status while already living in the United States."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/91d05705-c80f-4b7c-9364-539789be74b1_US+Green+Card.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C16%2C1200%2C592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-19T06:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"new-us-green-card-rule-may-hit-indians"}}]},"videos":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Ramba Oorvasi Menaka Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/-QS0rCC_pxb8vCIC_RVMtrailer.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-24T14:25:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"ramba-oorvasi-menaka-trailer"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Jailer 2's first single 'Ala Bolelo' out"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/2sHyUz864qMC477e_alaboleojailersing.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C83%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-21T13:54:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"jailer-2s-first-single-ala-bolelo-out"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Chiru @ Bandla Ganesh Daughter Wedding"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/bcgSROuy3Huxk6pf_Chiru.png?auto=format,compress&rect=0,20,603,297&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-16T21:16:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"chiru--bandla-ganesh-daughter-wedding"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Irumudi' Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aXdDtQIvOtkhB7gE_irumudi.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-12T13:20:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"irumudi-trailer"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Ramba Oorvasi Menaka' Teaser"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/VeMmBqBTJ_EOw7XS_rambhavoorvashimenaka.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-11T18:30:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"ramba-oorvasi-menaka-teaser"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Toxic' Movie Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/C68meqHgwMXfdC2G_toxic.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-08T18:22:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"toxic-movie-trailer"}}]},"editorial":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Branding Intellectual Dissent As A Threat"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/yz4BCa9PVnn_ELqT_modi.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-22T06:29:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"branding-intellectual-dissent-as-a-threat"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"The BJP's Rejig: The Insulation Policy"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/evT-f8cirRdEjvY6_BJPinsu.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-19T05:22:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"the-bjps-rejig-the-insulation-policy"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"T-Congress: Will Varuna Yagam Turn Into Ashwamedha Yagam?"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/X0AsBoOJ8Yr2l0Hs_VarunaYagam.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-12T07:42:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"t-congress-will-varuna-yagam-turn-into-ashwamedha-"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"RSS: Deploying The Script Of Obsolete Playbook?"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/x5IBIdVo1uCMDqU6_modirss.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-11T06:46:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"rss-deploying-the-script-of-obsolete-playbook"}}]},"gallery":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-08-12T08:19:18+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Mouni Roy Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Mouni Roy is an Indian actress who primarily works in Hindi television and films. One of the highest-paid television actresses in India, Roy is widely known for her portrayal of a shape-shifting snake in Naagin and its sequel Naagin 2."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/8nkSdpm8T3G0jWQk_mouniroy2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"mouni-roy-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-08-07T16:20:40+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Vishnu Priya Latest Spicy Stills"},"content":{"text":"Vishnupriya Ramchandran Pillai (born in Bahrain), known mononymously and better as Vishnupriya, is an Indian actress, dancer and model. She started off her career participating in the dance reality show Vodafone Thakadimi which was aired on Asianet. She made her acting debut in 2007 with Speed Track, playing a supporting character. Later, she played the lead character in Keralotsavam 2009 and got noticed for her character in Penpattanam (2010)."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/EKRVCL6edvfOM1nL_vp2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"vishnu-priya-latest-spicy-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-07-21T16:54:06+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Shraddha Das Spicy Pics"},"content":{"text":"Shraddha Das is an Indian actress and model who predominantly appears in Telugu, Hindi, Bengali, and Kannada language films. She made her acting debut in the 2008 Telugu film Siddu from Sikakulam, and since then has worked across six different film industries throughout her career."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/J5KjgIk60wE63lRg_shraddhadas.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"shraddha-das-spicy-pics"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-07-20T16:44:06+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Rakul Looks Radiant In Yellow Saree"},"content":{"text":"Rakul Preet Singh is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Telugu, Hindi and Tamil films. Singh is a recipient of several accolades including a SIIMA Award, in addition to four nominations at the Filmfare Awards South. Singh started her career as a model and made her acting debut with the Kannada film Gilli"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/_eGbGvnqa1VVLLAH_rps2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"rakul-looks-radiant-in-yellow-saree"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-07-17T12:42:16+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Pragya Jaiswal Spicy Stills"},"content":{"text":"Pragya Jaiswal is an Indian actress and model who predominantly works in Telugu films. She made her acting debut in 2014 with the Tamil-language film Virattu in 2014. Jaiswal had her breakthrough with the Telugu period drama Kanche, for which she was awarded the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/HTcjp1FBdNZf7hDK_pragya2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"pragya-jaiswal-spicy-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-06-27T18:04:47+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Aakankshaa Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Aakankshaa Glam Stills"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aj-0fFbRV8_Qf7sW_aakankshaa.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"aakankshaa-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-06-27T18:04:47+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Anasuya Bharadwaj Saree Pics"},"content":{"text":"Anasuya Bharadwaj is an Indian television presenter and actress who works in Telugu films and television. She has received two SIIMA Awards, an IIFA Utsavam Award and a Filmfare Award South for her performances in Kshanam and Rangasthalam."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aj-3gFbRV8_Qf7se_anasuya2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"anasuya-bharadwaj-saree-pics"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-05-02T12:20:57+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Kajal Aggarwal Stunning Stills"},"content":{"text":"Kajal A Kitchlu, known professionally as Kajal Aggarwal, is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi films. Aggarwal is considered one of the highest paid actresses of South Indian cinema. She is a recipient of three SIIMA Awards and a Filmfare Award."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/afXrHcBOoF08xjQk_kajal2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"kajal-aggarwal-stunning-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-04-14T10:45:57+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Janhvi Kapoor Radiant Look Stills "},"content":{"text":"Janhvi Kapoor is an Indian actress who works predominantly in Hindi films. Born to film actress Sridevi and producer Boney Kapoor, she made her acting debut in 2018 with the romantic drama Dhadak, which was a commercial success."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ad3-7Z1ZCF7ETKag_janhvi2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"janhvi-kapoor-radiant-look-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-04-02T15:03:07+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Nabha Natesh Glam Pics"},"content":{"text":"Nabha Natesh is an Indian actress and model who primarily appears in Telugu films. She made her debut with Kannada film Vajrakaya and later in Telugu with Nannu Dochukunduvate. She had her breakthrough with iSmart Shankar in 2019 due to which she is popularly referred as \"Ismart Beauty\" in the media."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ac6Er5GXnQHGZNWp_nabha2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"nabha-natesh-glam-pics"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-29T11:03:07+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Nidhhi Agerwal Royal Blue Sari Stills"},"content":{"text":"Nidhhi Agerwal is an Indian actress who primarily works in Telugu and Tamil films. After participating in Miss Diva Universe 2014, Agerwal made her acting debut with the Hindi film Munna Michael, for which she received Zee Cine Award for Best Female Debut."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ackGR5GXnQHGZEvS_nidhhi2028.jpg?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"nidhhi-agerwal-royal-blue-sari-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-29T07:22:02+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Rakul New Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Rakul Preet Singh is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Telugu, Hindi and Tamil films. She has won a South Indian International Movie Award, in addition to four nominations at the Filmfare Awards South. Singh made her acting debut with the Kannada film Gilli."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/acjShZGXnQHGZErj_RPS2028.jpg?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"rakul-new-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-17T09:44:26+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Rashi Khanna New Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Rashii Khanna (born 30 November 1990) is an Indian actress and playback singer who predominantly works in Telugu and Tamil film industries. She made her acting debut in a supporting role with the Hindi film Madras Cafe (2013) and subsequently made her debut as female lead with Telugu film Oohalu Gusagusalade (2014), in Tamil with Imaikkaa Nodigal (2018) and Malayalam with Villain (2017)."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/abkhxbbci2UF6Gme_rashikhanna.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"rashi-khanna-new-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-12T18:30:32+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Meenakshi Chaudhary Red Bold Stills"},"content":{"text":"Meenakshi Chaudhary is an Indian actress and beauty pageant titleholder who works predominantly in Telugu and Tamil films. She represented the state of Haryana at the Femina Miss India 2018 pageant, where she was crowned as Femina Miss India Grand International 2018."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/abMFmVxvIZEnjoQC_meenakshi2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"meenakshi-chaudhary-red-bold-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-10T18:35:00+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Shruti Haasan Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Shruti Haasan is an Indian actress and singer who works in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi films. She is the recipient of various accolades, including two Filmfare Award South and seven South Indian International Movie Awards. Haasan has appeared in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list of 2015 and 2016."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aa__a1xvIZEnjhl8_shruthi2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"shruti-haasan-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-03T18:03:05+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Bhagyashri Borse New Stills"},"content":{"text":"Bhagyashri Borse is an Indian actress who appears primarily in South films. After doing cameo appearances in Hindi films Yaariyan 2 and Chandu Champion, she made her lead debut in South with the Telugu film Mr. Bachchan for which she has won the SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut – Telugu."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aachiFxvIZEnjSV9_bhagya2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"bhagyashri-borse-new-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-02-27T11:14:55+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"ViRosh Wedding Stills"},"content":{"text":"ViRosh Wedding Stills"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aaF4t8FoBIGEg6zW_virosh.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"virosh-wedding-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-02-21T12:37:04+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Niharika Konidela New Stills"},"content":{"text":"Niharika Konidela is an Indian actress and producer who predominantly works in Telugu films. She made her debut with the film Oka Manasu. She produces films and web series under her banner. "},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aZmdKsFoBIGEgndO_niharika2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"niharika-konidela-new-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-02-01T18:21:28+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Rashmi Gautam Red Hot Sills"},"content":{"text":"Rashmi Gautam is an Indian actress and television presenter who appears in Telugu-language films and TV. She hosts the Telugu television comedy show Extra Jabardasth and is a conceptual team leader in reality dance show Dhee."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aX-WA90YXLCxVPdl_rashmi2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"rashmi-gautam-red-hot-sills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-01-29T19:41:55+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Rithu Chowdary Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Rithu Chowdary is an Indian actress and anchor known for her work in Telugu television and films. She began her career as an anchor on Star Maa Music and gained popularity through reality shows like Pelli Choopulu (2018). She debuted in Telugu TV with the serial Gorintaku (2019) and later appeared in Suryavamsam and Inti Guttu. Her film debut was in Mouname Ishtam (2019), followed by a role in Uppena (2021). Rithu is also a regular on comedy shows like Jabardasth and Sridevi Drama Company, known for her comedic timing and charm. In 2021, she launched her YouTube channel, Rithu Chowdhary, with over 70,000 subscribers. She participated in Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 (2024)."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aXu3QAIvOtkhCGJU_rithuchoudhary.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"rithu-chowdary-glam-stills"}}]},"one":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"The BJP's Rejig: The Insulation Policy"},"content":{"text":"“The ultimate weakness of an all-powerful leadership is its own fake image. As long as people believe the show of its being invincible, it would have total control. But the moment a single, undeniable truth exposes the reality behind the show, the psychological spell over the public breaks instantly.” This aphorism encapsulates the fragile nature of theatrical power, which disintegrates the moment its underlying reality is exposed. Today, this dynamic is vividly playing out in the BJP’s sweeping organizational restructuring. This reshuffle is a calculated move by the leadership to recalibrate its strategy just as its facade of absolute political charisma begins to fracture. The leadership’s sudden pivot toward RSS backing is an exercise in pure political expediency, a calculated, pre-election insurance policy masked as ideological renewal. For audiences of Game of Thrones, the maneuver mirrors Queen Rhaenyra’s realization that her royal lineage alone could not secure victory, prompting her to enlist commoners to ride her idle dragons. Similarly, as the central charisma of the BJP's top leadership faces diminishing returns, the party has launched an organizational overhaul. This is no routine administrative exercise; it is a deliberate political reset engineered to reactivate its core ideological machinery. By integrating RSS loyalists, veteran stalwarts, and emerging women leaders into pivotal roles, the BJP is aggressively re-establishing its structural links with the broader Sangh ecosystem. This alignment is born of strategic necessity rather than sudden gratitude for traditional cadres. It serves as an admission that when personal popularity fails to neutralize the opposition, the ruling dispensation must weaponize the institutional muscle of its grassroots allies. Rhaenyra’s true objective, however, was less about expanding military capability and more about constructing a human shield for her own reputation. If the lowborn riders triumphed, the crown claimed the glory; if they perished, the monarchy remained insulated from failure. The BJP's current restructuring operates on this exact asymmetrical formula: success ascends, while failure is contained below. By dispersing responsibility to RSS affiliates and new office-bearers, the top leadership establishes a structural buffer to absorb electoral shocks. If the party triumphs in upcoming contests, the political capital will be monopolized by the top. Should it falter, the narrative will swiftly pivot, offloading the blame entirely onto organizational coordination, state-level leadership, and flawed candidate selection. To cement this institutional insulation, a cabinet reshuffle appears imminent. This secondary reset will project the illusion of a refreshed political generation while granting the central leadership maximum flexibility to reassign accountability during the next phase, preserving absolute control at the apex. Yet, this internal re-engineering demands an effective external diversion. When damaging scrutiny began surfacing over the management of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir funds, the political apparatus engineered a swift redirection. The subsequent escalation of the CJP protests successfully funneled public discourse into an emotionally charged arena of ideological polarization. Whether this was an orchestrated sleight-of-hand or a fortuitous coincidence, the outcome was identical: public attention shifted from financial auditing to a familiar \"BJP versus Opposition\" binary, purchasing the leadership the necessary breathing room to fortify its defensive chessboard. The upcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly elections represent the definitive crucible where this myth of invincibility faces its ultimate stress test. A decisive victory in UP would instantly replenish the leadership's political capital and reinforce the perception of an unstoppable electoral machine. Conversely, a defeat would trigger a profound narrative crisis, transforming a localized organizational failure into a direct challenge to leadership credibility. There is a strict temporal limit to how long such psychological defenses can endure. Coalition partners, regional powerbrokers, and corporate stakeholders do not align with pure ideology; they align with the trajectory of power. A major setback in Uttar Pradesh would shatter the illusion of centralized political inevitability, inducing a cold-blooded recalibration among allies toward the opposition. The coming months will determine whether this insurance policy can restore the leadership’s aura of invincibility, or if the structural fissures will widen beyond repair. When the illusion of power finally dissolves, it is never the courtiers who dictate the verdict, but the electorate."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/evT-f8cirRdEjvY6_BJPinsu.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-19T05:22:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"the-bjps-rejig-the-insulation-policy"}}]},"two":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Sneha’s World, Minus Allu?"},"content":{"text":"Sneha Reddy recently gave fans a glimpse into her happy family life as she shared a series of pictures featuring her children and their pets.  Calling her babies as her “world”, Sneha expresses her joy of having them around. The pictures feature Sneha posing with her son Allu Ayaan and daughter Allu Arha in what appears to be their lush green garden. The family can be seen enjoying some quality time outdoors along with their two dogs. Sharing the pictures on her social media account, Sneha wrote, “The little people who make my heart full, and the little paws that make home feel like home. My world, in pictures.” Somehow the post prompted fans of her star husband Allu Arjun's absence in the pictures. One fan asked, “Where is AA?” Another wrote, “Where is Allu Arjun?” A third fan commented, “What a beautiful family, but Allu missing.” Talking about Sneha Reddy and Allu Arjun, the couple have been married for more than a decade now. In March this year, the couple celebrated 15 years of marriage. Sneha Reddy had celebrated the major milestone by thanking her husband for “being my partner in every chapter” and shared a series of pictures featuring the two of them. Sneha had penned a heartfelt note for the Pushpa actor, expressing her happiness over the life and family they have built together. She wrote, “15 years later We’ve built a life full of love, a family that means everything to me, and a home filled with warmth — our two beautiful kids, our two dogs, and countless memories in between. Thank you for being my partner in every chapter. Happy anniversary (sic),” followed by a red heart and an evil-eye emoji. For those who do not know, Allu Arjun and Sneha Reddy got married in March 2011 after reportedly meeting through common friends. The two began their association as friends, which later blossomed into love and eventually culminated in marriage."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/9ngHT8y_Lvh6RmQ2_snehareddy.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C281%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T03:14:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"snehas-world-minus-allu"}}]},"three":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Is 'Spirit' Buzz Fading?"},"content":{"text":"Prabhas and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s 'Spirit' has been one of the most eagerly awaited projects in Indian cinema ever since it was announced. The combination of the 'Arjun Reddy', 'Kabir Singh' and 'Animal' director with a pan-India star like Prabhas immediately created enormous expectations. Over time, several reports about the film’s scale and storyline added to the excitement, including speculation that the movie would explore an international mafia backdrop and feature Korean star Don Lee in a prominent role. However, recent reports have reportedly painted a different picture. Instead of being a globe-trotting mafia thriller, Spirit is now said to be centred around a local cop story set in Hyderabad. Reports also claim that the buzz surrounding Don Lee’s involvement may not be true, with the producer reportedly clarifying the matter. These developments have left some fans disappointed, particularly those who were expecting a massive international action spectacle. Social media discussions about the film’s allegedly controlled budget have also added to the debate, considering the enormous scale audiences usually associate with Prabhas’ movies. Amid the mixed buzz, fresh reports are now attempting to reignite interest in 'Spirit'. The latest talk suggests that the film’s pre-climax and climax sequences could be among the biggest highlights of Prabhas’ career, with an unexpected twist reportedly planned for the finale. If these claims turn out to be true, the final stretch could take the narrative in a completely different direction and showcase Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s trademark shock factor. However, the makers are yet to officially confirm these details. With some fans already questioning the recent reports surrounding the movie, speculation is now rife over whether the climax buzz is genuine or simply an attempt to bring the hype back."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/96fJYMdI82hm6Trs_spirit.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T03:10:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"is-spirit-buzz-fading"}}]},"four":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Illness Forces T'gana BJP Chief to End Fast"},"content":{"text":"Telangana BJP President N. Ramchander Rao called off his hunger strike after he fell ill on Tuesday.   He had launched a 48-hour hunger strike on Monday, demanding the state government to release the pending reimbursement dues. As Ramchander Rao’s blood pressure dropped, causing concern among party cadres, he was advised by senior leaders to end the hunger strike. Senior leader and MP K. Laxman offered lemon juice to the state BJP chief to end the strike. Earlier, former Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, MP Eatala Rajender, BJP floor leader in Telangana Assembly Maheshwar Reddy, party MLAs and other leaders expressed solidarity with Ramchander Rao. Rajender slammed Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy over pending fee reimbursement dues. He urged the Chief Minister to think about the future of the students. Earlier, Ramchander Rao posted on ‘X’ that he was commencing the second day of his hunger strike for Telangana’s students. \"Neither the 58-year-old self-proclaimed “youth” leader nor his “Ghulam” in Hyderabad can hear the Goonj of Telangana’s students. 40 lakh students are suffering, they are unable to pursue higher education or secure jobs because Congress government has failed to clear their fee reimbursement dues,\" he wrote. \"This is the real face of Congress, its utter indifference towards our youth. All its recent attempt to project itself as the so-called custodian of India’s youth are nothing but a sham. Youth of Telangana have awakened, and are ready to teach this Congress government a fitting lesson,\" he added. The BJP leader alleged that the Congress government’s failure to clear pending fee reimbursement dues of nearly Rs 15,000 crore has put the future of 40 lakh students at stake. Ramchander Rao alleged that the government has miserably failed to implement every major promise made to students and youth. \"Due to the Congress government's negligence and irresponsibility, Telangana's education system has plunged into a severe crisis. The education, jobs, and futures of lakhs of students have become uncertain. The Congress government should remember one thing — these very students and youth you've deceived will topple your government tomorrow,\" he said."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/cghbcqcQf3C4YqPU_TSBJPChief.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C73%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-25T11:51:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"illness-forces-tgana-bjp-chief-to-end-fast"}}]},"five":{"edges":[]},"review":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Irumudi'"},"content":{"text":"It has been a long time since Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja scored a hit. At a time when his fans were also giving up hope on Ravi Teja, expectations have increased hugely on the film directed by Shiva Nirvana, who is known as a sensible director. A positive buzz has been created for Ravi Teja's film like never before and huge advance bookings have been registered. Let's see how this film is in this review. Story: Trinath (Ravi Teja) is a devotee of Ayyappa. He wears an Ayyappa garland every year. Trinath, who is very devoted when he wears a garland, cannot stop drinking when he does not have one. No matter how much he drinks, he takes good care of his wife Kaveri (Priya Bhavani Shankar) and daughter Manikantha (Baby Nakshatra), leads a happy life with them, and works in the banana plantation. Trinath, who lives in a village, loves his daughter. He takes care of every girl in the village and is the first to come to his aid if any danger comes to them. At such a time, a girl studying in high school is murdered. What changes does Trinath's life bring about with that murder? Why does Trinath swear to his daughter that he will stop drinking? What else does Trinath do for his daughter is the story of the film. Actors' Performance: Everyone who acted in the film acted very well. Ravi Teja, as always, acted with full energy and impressed. Especially in the action scenes and sentimental scenes with his daughter, Ravi Teja acted very well. Ravi Teja appeared for the first time in Ayyappa Mala. As expected, Ravi Teja impressed in the devotional scenes as well. Overall, he carried the film on his shoulders and carried it forward, impressing everyone including the fans. Heroine Priya Bhavani Shankar acted as if she had a good future. She was seen in a de-glamor look in this film. Still, she impressed in terms of looks. Apart from that, she impressed with her acting. In recent times, we have been seeing the level of importance given to the acting of heroines. It has been proven once again that heroines will create dust if they get roles that have potential for acting. There is no doubt that Baby Nakshatra has given life to the film. Ajay Ghosh and Sai Kumar impressed with their roles. Technical: Music director GV Prakash Kumar impressed with the background score. The theater was rocked by the song Mallepula Pallaki. However, it must be said that the credit does not go to GV Prakash. The other songs are mediocre. The more GV lifts the film with the background score, the more it lifts it. Director Shiva Nirvana's writing is good. Some dialogues are touching, while some scenes are like the best of Ravi Teja's career. Overall, the director has succeeded in all respects. There are no major mistakes in editing. It would have been even better if some scenes in the second half had been cut to three or four minutes. The cinematography is good. The beauty of the village has been shown well. There is no compromise in the structural values. Analysis: Director Shiva Nirvana has conveyed the point he wanted to convey with devotion and sentiments. The director has shown the injustice being done to girls in the current society well. Apart from that, there is no doubt that he has made a good decision in choosing Ravi Teja for this film and taking Ayyappa Mala as the backdrop. Ravi Teja has never done such roles in the past. That is why there is a concern about how he will be seen in this film, how the character will be, and how the film will be. After watching the film, it feels like we are seeing Trinath instead of Ravi Teja. The director has taken us into the film in a very short time. This film can be called a movie with good sentiment and devotion along with entertainment. Ravi Teja's films have been criticized for a long time in the industry. There is no doubt that this film is the answer to all of them. It went like an all-round movie. Plus points: Ravi Teja, Other Actors' Performances, Mallepula Pallaki Song, Action Sequences Minus points: Some Emotional Scenes Final Verdict:  Ravi Teja tied 'Irumudi' to Ayyappa and scored a hit Banner: Mythri Movie Makers Producer: Naveen Yerneni, Y Ravi Shankar Director: Shiva Nirvana Music: G.V. Prakash Kumar Cast: Ravi Teja, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Sai Kumar, Baby Nakshatra, Ajay Ghosh and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/HcTr2KkaiWO37ssK_irumudi.jpg?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-21T08:18:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-irumudi"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Awarapan 2'"},"content":{"text":"Some characters become so closely associated with an actor that bringing them back after nearly two decades is a risky proposition. Shivam Pandit is one such character for Emraan Hashmi. Awarapan 2 takes that risk and, for the most part, understands why the 2007 film became a cult favourite. Directed by Nitin Kakkar, the film picks up the emotional thread of the original rather than simply recreating it. Shivam is still carrying the memory of Aaliyah when he comes across an abandoned infant girl at her grave. He takes her to an orphanage, quietly pays for her care and names her Aaliyah. When a couple later adopts the girl, Shivam convinces himself that giving her a family is the right thing to do. He soon discovers that they are connected to an international child-trafficking syndicate, and when Interpol tells him that Aaliyah has been abducted, the man who had walked away from the criminal world has no choice but to return. That premise gives Awarapan 2 a natural reason to bring Shivam back rather than forcing a reunion for nostalgia's sake. Interpol wants his help in taking down the syndicate, but Shivam's motivation is much more personal. His guilt over Aaliyah and his inability to protect her pull him back into the world he desperately wanted to leave behind. This is where the sequel expands the franchise. The first Awarapan was raw, intimate and deeply rooted in Shivam's personal transformation. The new film moves from that compact moral awakening into a larger crime thriller involving trafficking, organised crime, revenge and sacrifice. The scale is bigger, the action is more prominent and the storytelling is designed for a theatrical audience, but the emotional core remains Shivam's search for redemption. The narrative has moved from 2007 to 2026, and this genuinely feels like the next chapter rather than a film simply borrowing the name of a beloved original. A major part of that evolution comes from Vishesh Bhatt. As the co-producer of Awarapan and now the writer-producer behind Awarapan 2, Bhatt's vision of turning Awarapan into a franchise is central to the film. This isn't just a sequel made because the first film developed a cult following. There is a clear attempt to build the next chapter of Shivam Pandit's story while retaining the emotional and musical DNA of Vishesh Films. Bhatt's creative direction gives the film its larger ambition, with Kakkar and the entire team following that lead. The collaboration between Emraan Hashmi and Vishesh Films remains one of the film's strongest forces. Emraan, unsurprisingly, is the film's biggest strength, but the supporting characters deserve attention. Disha Patani plays Zara, a woman who becomes an unintentional victim of the criminal world surrounding her family. Her brother Zorawar, played by Puran Gabbi, is involved in the drug trade, and the film uses their relationship to show how crime can trap people who never chose that life. Patani gets a stronger dramatic focus and brings a vulnerability that gives Zara's portions emotional weight. Gabbi is one of the film's discoveries, bringing an unpredictability that makes Zorawar stand out without turning him into a standard gangster caricature. Shabana Azmi as Nafisa brings the expected gravitas, while Suvinder Vicky as Jaideep, Vijayant Kohli as Mehmood, Atul Kumar as Samarth and Aniruddh Rawal as Sikandar add further layers to the criminal and investigative world around Shivam. The music is where Awarapan 2 makes perhaps its most important connection with the original. Mithoon, Amaal Mallik and Jeet Gannguli carry forward the musical identity of the franchise, with lyrics by Sayeed Quadri and Rashmi Virag. The returning favourites \"Tera Mera Rishta\" and \"Toh Phir Aao\" have been reimagined by Mithoon, while \"Yeh Awarapan\", sung by Arijit Singh, adds another emotional layer. But the soundtrack is not simply a collection of songs designed to trigger nostalgia. The music is integral to the story. It carries Shivam's emotional state, builds the atmosphere and becomes part of the film's narrative language. This is also a soundtrack that deserves to be experienced in a theatre, where the sound design, scale of the compositions and visuals create a different audio-visual experience. The film also makes its marketing campaign look smarter once the story unfolds. Some of what has been shown and teased begins to make sense only after watching it, and there are elements of the narrative better experienced without knowing too much beforehand. Awarapan 2 is not merely selling the return of Emraan Hashmi or the nostalgia of its music. It is attempting to make audiences curious about what happened to Shivam and where his story goes next. The big-screen presentation adds to that appeal. Awarapan 2 succeeds because it respects where the franchise came from without pretending that cinema hasn't changed since 2007. It is bigger, more ambitious and more conventional as a thriller than the original, but it retains the grief, rage, sacrifice and search for redemption that made Shivam Pandit memorable. Vishesh Bhatt's franchise vision, Vishesh Films' creative identity, Nitin Kakkar's direction, Bilal Siddiqui's writing and Emraan Hashmi's return all work toward the same goal: taking Shivam's story forward rather than simply repeating it. Disha Patani gets a meaningful role, Puran Gabbi emerges as a genuine discovery, the supporting cast adds weight and the music remains an essential part of the experience. It may not have the same bleak intimacy as Awarapan, but that isn't what this film is trying to be. This is the 2026 chapter of Shivam Pandit's journey much bigger, louder and still carrying the same old wound. Director: Nitin Kakkar,  Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Puran Gabbi, Suvinder Vicky and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/nH0_7NckLLpkJ8vL_awarapan2.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-14T04:07:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-awarapan-2"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Vishwanath and Sons'"},"content":{"text":"Despite being a Tamil hero, Surya is a hero who has a good craze in Telugu. Telugu audiences have raised their expectations as soon as he says that he is working with a Telugu director. The film Surya, which was made in a Telugu production company and directed by a Telugu director, was promoted as a Telugu film. Let's see how this film, which has huge expectations among the audience, is doing in this review. Story: Sanjay Vishwanath (Surya) is a big businessman. Sanjay, who has everything, is not interested in marriage. But his mother (Radhika) insists on marriage and having a family. Sanjay becomes a father to a baby boy through surrogacy for his mother. While he is happy with Babu, unexpected developments take place. Babu develops serious health problems. Babu needs bone marrow. Then Sanjay goes to Maddy (Mamita Baiju), who is in the US. She has to give the bone marrow to Babu. 22-year-old Maddy, who came for Babu, falls in love with 42-year-old Sanjay. Where did that love lead? Who is Maddy really? You have to watch the movie to know these things. Performance: There is no need to mention the performance of the hero Surya. Millionaire Sanjay Vishwanath impressed in the role. Surya scored 100 out of 100 marks in showing that modesty. Surya impressed in a role that shows love while appearing serious in some scenes. Overall, there is no doubt that Sanjay Vishwanath brought the character to life. Fans enjoyed the shades of Surya's character. Surya impressed with his 40+ age look. Maddy's role is very crucial in the movie. The entire first half is based on that character. Mamita Baiju appeared in the role of an orphan with no one. Generally, any heroine would look good in the role of a naughty girl. But Mamita in the role of Maddy made me laugh, cry, and get angry. She was the main attraction of the film. It seemed that Maddy's role would have been better in the second half as well. Radhika impressed in the role of Sanjay's mother. She seemed to have transformed into a small child and acted. The other actors acted and impressed within the scope of their roles. Technical: It seemed that the music director focused more on the background score than on the songs. It must be said that his hard work was rewarded. Because the background score came out well. It led some scenes in an impressive way. Let's talk about cinematography. Generally, it is easy to show the beauty of the village, but to bring a rich family look, cinematography has more work. That work is good. It would have been better if the director had worked more on the second half. The structural values ​​are good. Editing needs to be improved in the second half. Plus points: Mamita Baiju Surya Entertainment Some sentimental scenes Minus points: Second half Fights Analysis: Director Venky seems to have come up with a mature story once again. However, this time, the addition of a love story made it a youthful entertainer. Especially in the first half, the scenes with the heroine should definitely make the audience fall in love. The scenes between the hero and heroine make you laugh on one side and cry on the other. Although the second half seemed to be a bit sentimental, it ended on a positive note. There is no doubt that if the first half was as entertaining as the second half, it would have been even better if it had been more entertaining along with sentiment. Overall, this film can be watched for the heroine Mamita Baiju and for the sentimental scenes. Finally... The first half is fun, the second half is balanced with emotion. Banner: Sitara Entertainments Producer: Suryadevara Nagavamsi Director: Venky Atluri Music: G.V. Prakash Kumar Cast: Surya, Mamita Baiju, Radhika Sarath Kumar, Raveena Tandon, Nassar, Sudha and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ahgA9bK9tuLqENie_vishwanathandsons.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-14T07:46:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-vishwanath-and-sons"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Korean Kanakaraju'"},"content":{"text":"Mega hero Varun Tej, who has been greeting the audience with a series of films, has once again come to the Telugu audience with a different concept. This time, he has come to the audience with a Korean ghost concept like never before. He has attracted everyone's attention by coming to the audience with a ghost concept.  A large-scale publicity program was organized before the release. With that, a huge buzz was created. Let's see if the movie lives up to that buzz in the review. Story: Kanakaraju (Varun Tej) from Penukonda area leads a smooth life. He falls in love with Chaitra (Rithika), who works for Kia car companies. An angry Kanakaraju has a fight with a local rowdy gang. At that time, in the wake of unforeseen developments, the ashes of a person from Korea arrive in India. They reach Penugonda. The soul of the deceased Korean man enters Kanakaraju's body. Why did that soul enter Kanakaraju's body and what happens next is the rest of the story. Actors' performance: Varun Tej seems to have done 100 percent justice to the character of Kanakaraju. There is no doubt that he acted as if the angry Kanakaraju was really in front of us, and there is no doubt that the way he spoke in Korean when the Korean soul entered him took Varun's acting to another level. Varun, who maintained a good physique to match the character, also impressed with his comedy timing. It is no exaggeration to say that Varun has never done this level of comedy before. Varun impressed with his acting in the action scenes, but he could not do much with his dance. Heroine Rithika impressed with her cute looks. However, despite the importance of her role in the story, she did not get much opportunity to appear in the screenplay. The scenes with Satya were good, but Satya's dominance is clearly visible in it. Rithika impressed in two or three scenes along with her cute beauty display.  Comedian Satya appeared on the screen more than the second hero. At the same time, he impressed with his comedy. Overall, Satya's comedy was the main attraction in the film. Those who played the rest of the characters did not seem to care. Technical: The songs provided by music director Thaman seemed mediocre, but the background score was good here and there. Thaman impressed in some horror scenes. Overall, it must be said that Thaman's work is not up to his level. It would have been better if the songs were two or three good. The cinematography seems to be okay. It seemed like the focus on action scenes was reduced in order to show Korean beauties. The heroine was shown as cute. More care should have been taken in the matter of hero elevation. It would have been better if director Gandhi had rewritten the story and given a different treatment to the screenplay. The production values ​​are good. There is a possibility of trimming some of the second-off scenes. Analysis: The main attraction of the movie is the concept. It seems that director Gandhi has not been completely successful in carrying out that concept with a proper screenplay. However, he has brought the movie to a close with comedy. It is commendable that the director has chosen Satya for that role with full faith. The comedy has the potential to make the movie closer to the family audience. Since there have been no movies with the concept of a Korean ghost movie so far, this movie is sure to feel new. Director Gandhi has a reputation for making different movies.. This movie is a continuation of that. Varun Tej has fully fulfilled the responsibility assigned to him. It would have been better if he had thought better about the screenplay and worked out the horror scenes. The graphics seem poor. It seems like it was made using AI technology. Plus points: Concept, Hero heroine, True comedy Minus points: Routine horror, Graphics, Korean language. Finally... A routine horror drama that will please mega fans Banner: UV Creations Director: Merlapaka Gandhi Producer: Vamsi, Pramod Music: Thaman Cast: Varun Tej, Rithika Nayak, Satya and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Ui6FbufwpUs86SxR_KoreanKanakaraju.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-07T06:59:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-korean-kanakaraju"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Chennai Love Story'"},"content":{"text":"Small films are having a good time in Tollywood. The makers have been repeatedly saying that they are bringing this film to the audience as a content-oriented film, in the wake of the huge success of making content-oriented films. The makers who gave a super hit film like Baby have brought this film to the audience. Let's see how this film, which was released today, is like in the review. Story: Niv (Sri Gauri), who wanted to fall in love and get married, is unexpectedly cheated by her boyfriend Ajay (Trigun). He leaves her by saying that he loves another girl before the wedding. With that, Nivi turns into a lady Devadasu and becomes addicted to drinking. At that time, her friends take her to Chennai and try to change her a little. But her behavior does not change. That's when Steven Shankar (Kiran Abbavaram) steps into Chennai to show his mettle as a director. Friends help Shankar, an orphan, and allow him to stay in their room. The room is close to Nivi. At first, Shankar's words used to irritate Nivi. Slowly, she gets closer to him. Love blossoms between the two. But amidst unpredictable developments, their love runs into a problem. What is that problem and will the two meet again is the plot. Acting: Kiran Abbavaram impressed with his good acting, like in the past, he impressed with his looks as if he was the boy next door. Playing the role of an innocent person is not an easy thing. But Kiran Abbavaram played the role very easily. Kiran Abbavaram showed well in this role what an innocent person who steps into Chennai with an effort to impress the director would be like. There is no doubt that this heroine Gowry Priya  is the most crucial role in the story. She has done complete justice to her role. Siri Hanumanthu has once again impressed with her acting in a good role. She is likely to get more good roles in the future. Those who played other roles impressed within the scope of their roles. Technical: When the director thought that the story was being handled well, he tried to say something new by saying Atma Paramatma in the second half. It must be said that it failed. In terms of screenplay, the second half failed. The music was impressive, especially the background score was impressive. Manisharma once again showed his magic. Cinematography is good. There is no doubt that cinematography has definitely been useful in showing the beauty of Chennai. The dialogues are good. There are some flaws in the editing, and there is still work to be done in the second half. The structural values ​​are according to the story. Plus points: Hero, heroine acting, Manisharma's background score First off Minus points: Second half, Routine screenplay. Analysis: Producer Sai Rajesh has been making comments in several media conferences and interviews that this film is definitely a baby range cult love story, but it doesn't seem like it has any scenes. While you think that the first half of the film will be smooth and interesting, he made the second half boring by adding unnecessary elements. If the same love story had been continued simply, the second half would definitely have been a good talk. Hero Kiran Abbavaram impressed with his good performance. The audience will definitely appreciate him, and heroine Gauri also did full justice to her role. Gauri impressed in the role of a drunkard and Lady Devadasu, but it must be said that the screen did not match their performance. Overall, Chennai Love Story turned out to be an average love story. Finally... It makes feel like going all the way to Chennai for this love story Banner: Mass Movie Makers Producer: SKN, Sai Rajesh Director: Ravi Namburu Music: Mani Sharma Cast: Kiran Abbavaram, Gowri Priya, Siri and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0yN9tZHPaAuq2hyg_CLS.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-24T08:01:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-chennai-love-story"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Jana Nayakudu' "},"content":{"text":"Expectations have increased among all sections of the audience on the film Jana Nayaku, which was advertised as the last film of Tamil superstar Vijay. Although it was not officially announced that it is a remake of the film Bhagwant Kesari, which came in the combo of Balakrishna and Anil Ravipudi, the makers have been unofficially saying it.  This film, which was delayed a lot due to Tamil Nadu politics, made a royal entry without any problems as Vijay became the CM of Tamil Nadu. And how is this film? Will the audience like this story again in Telugu? Let's see in this review. Story: Vetri Kondan's (Vijay) mother dies in jail. Out of humanity, the jailer releases Vetri Kondan on parole and sends him out to see his mother for the last time. When Vetri is sent out, the jailer gets into a big problem. Vetri Kondan learns that the jailer who helped him is in trouble, and goes to his house. In the wake of unexpected developments, the jailer dies. His only daughter, Viji (Mamita Baiju), becomes an orphan.  The jailer who helped him looks after his daughter and wants to make her an army officer. But Viji says she will not join the army out of fear. Why does Vetri want to send Viji to the army? Will Viji finally join the army? What difficulties will Vetri face in doing so? This is the story. Performance: There is no need to mention anything special about Superstar Vijay's performance. Just as Balakrishna adapted to the role in Bhagwant Kesari, there is no doubt that Vijay also adapted to the role of Vetri. The screenplay was such that the entire story of the film was carried on his shoulders. Even so, Vijay acted well in every scene without giving up. There is no doubt that he impressed with his comedy timing. His fans will enjoy the action scenes to the fullest. Now that he is the CM, he has tried to show Vijay in that angle as well, which is a feast for the eyes of the fans. Since this is Vijay's last film, it seems that he gave his best. Pooja Hegde, who played the heroine, does not have much screen presence. It must be said that Pooja Hegde's screen presence is less than what Kajal Aggarwal's role was in the original Telugu version. Mamita Baiju played the role of Viji, played by Srileela in Telugu and got good marks. It seemed that Mamita did Viji's role even better than Srileela. Along with impressive looks, the two heroines gave good expressions to suit their roles. However, Pooja Hegde's role did not get priority. Mamita impressed as much as she did. Bobby Deol impressed in terms of looks. It would have been better if he had been shown as a stronger and better villain. Since the villain role was not given priority in the story, Bobby Deol's performance became like water poured on ashes. Technical: Director H Vinod tried to make the Telugu story as it is and add Tamil flavor to the screenplay. He made the story without making many changes in the first half. However, when it came to the second half, he made many changes. The entire screenplay changed as if it was a new story. Vijay's character also left the audience in a bit of a quandary. There is nothing much to say about the music. Anirudh, as usual, gave a good background score to Vijay's film. But since the songs did not have much scope, Anirudh's work did not come out much.  The cinematography is good. The cinematography is definitely good in elevating the action scenes. There are errors in the editing. Some scenes in the second half, especially the villain scenes, could have been trimmed. It would have been better if the heroine scenes that are not part of the story were also trimmed a bit. The production values ​​are good. The story was produced with added weight without detracting from it. Plus points: Vijay, Some Action Scenes, Mamita Baiju Minus points: Story, screenplay, Being a familiar story, Second half, Villain role. Analysis: The film Jana Nayakkudu, which was supposed to be released early this year, did not see its release due to censor problems due to Tamil Nadu politics. Officials said that permission could not be given for the release of the film in the wake of the assembly elections. With Vijay becoming the CM, the film Jana Nayakkudu came plowing ahead without any problems and shook the Tamil box office. This movie has been seen in Telugu before. Even though it is known that this is a remake of Balakrishna Bhagwant Kesari, many enthusiasts booked in advance and watched the movie. The movie got a good opening in Telugu states.  It is undeniable that Jana Nayakkudu could not satisfy the Telugu audience completely. Tamil audience will think aha.. oh my for Vijay Elevations. Moreover, they will like it because it is a new story, but Telugu people do not have much to like about this movie, even though the second half seems to have changed a bit, it felt like it was forced. The political elements were not set in the story at all. There is action but no emotion. The magic is missing in the screenplay. Overall, Jana Nayakkudu does not have anything new that the Telugu audience will like much. Finally... A Tamil mass leader who cannot please Telugu people. Banner: KVN Productions Producer: Venkat K. Narayan Director: H Vinod Music: Anirudh Cast: Vijay, Pooja Hegde, Mamita Baiju, Sunil, Bobby Deol and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/8WXmx3hoavnPTLpj_jananayakudu.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-23T08:18:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-jana-nayakudu-"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Dhamaal 4'"},"content":{"text":"STORY: Over the years, the Dhamaal franchise has carved out a unique, bulletproof space in Bollywood, one built entirely on unapologetic, leave-your-brain-at-home comedy. Director Indra Kumar returns to this signature comfort zone scaling up the adventure with itns fourth installment. This time, the chaos revolves around a massive 100-year-old hidden treasure belonging to the legendary Shaitaan Singh. The key to its location is locked away in the faulty memory of Prithvi (Upendra Limaye). When the secret slips out, it triggers a wild, breathless race to a mysterious island marked by a giant \"M.\" Every character is out to outsmart the other to reach the khazana first, paving the way for endless confusion, wrong clues, and frantic chases. SITUATIONAL COMEDY: Chaos at Its Peak What makes Dhamaal 4 work so effectively is its reliance on situational comedy. The film throws a massive ensemble of eccentric, greedy, and hilariously unlucky individuals into bizarre environments, from wild jungle disasters to unexpected pirate encounters. The script doesn’t ask you to look for logic; instead, it invites you to surrender to the sheer ridiculousness of the situations. The first half is exceptionally fast-paced, packed with clever nods to older films in the franchise that will keep longtime fans chuckling. ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCES: The Ultimate Laughter Brigade The true strength of the film lies in its stellar ensemble cast, where Ajay Devgn leads the pack with absolute swagger alongside Sanjay Mishra, whose iconic comic timing results in sharp laugh-out-loud moments. The heartbeat of the franchise, Arshad Warsi and Jaaved Jaaferi, return with their signature electric chemistry, beautifully joined by Sanjeeda Shaikh who adds great charm to their chaotic dynamic. Riteish Deshmukh delivers a thoroughly entertaining performance with his desi flavor alongside Anjali Anand, who plays his wife Paro with a hilarious domestic touch. Stealing scenes effortlessly, Ravi Kishan brings a fresh wave of comedy as the quirky pirate leader Adhoora. Finally, Upendra Limaye is fantastic as the main catalyst of the plot with his high-energy performance, while Esha Gupta brings a wonderful charm and flair to the screen. DIRECTION, SCREENPLAY, AND MUSIC Indra Kumar proves yet again that he is a master at delivering high-energy situational comedies. The engaging screenplay keeps the audience hooked with a constant stream of rapid-fire jokes and entertaining jungle and island survival sequences. On the technical side, the massive scale of the film looks stunning on the big screen, making it a true theatrical spectacle. The music seamlessly fits this energetic narrative, with tracks like Chatni and Qeher keeping the mood light, and celebratory throughout. THE VERDICT: The Perfect Family Entertainer Dhamaal 4 is a fun-filled joyride that is tailor-made for the big screen. It effortlessly delivers on its promise of pure, non-stop entertainment from start to finish. It stands out as an excellent, wholesome entertainer that will easily appeal to all age groups, from grandparents to little kids, who will absolutely love the comedy and thrilling pirate adventures. If you are looking to share a hearty laugh with your entire family this weekend, Dhamaal 4 is a highly recommended watch! Director: Indra Kumar Cast: Ajay Devgn, Arshd Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, Jaaved Jaaferi, Sanjay Mishra, Ravi Kishan, Upendra Limaye, Anjali Anand, Esha Gupta and Sanjeeda Shaikh"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/51qvs_NXLgg3Shrm_dhamaal3.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-10T04:00:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-dhamaal-4"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Lenin'"},"content":{"text":"Years have passed since Akhil made his debut as a hero from the Akkineni family, yet he has not managed to achieve commercial success. Consequently, fans' confidence in him has been waning. At this juncture, Akhil has worked hard on the movie 'Lenin' with great hope. Let us see how the movie fares in this review. Story: The story unfolds in a remote village in Andhra Pradesh. Lenin (Akhil) arrives as an orphan in a village named Sriramapuram. A woman, who is the village head, takes him under her wing and raises him just like her own son. Her son, Vasanth, and Lenin become best friends. While Vasanth pursues his studies and becomes a doctor, Lenin stays back in the village and becomes an integral part of everyone's lives. It has become a tradition for the village's prestigious 18-day festival to be conducted under Lenin's supervision every year. During one such festival, Lenin sees Bharati (Bhagyashree) and falls in love with her. This romance marks a turning point in the entire story. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Vasanth is compelled to marry Bharathi. Meanwhile, Lenin ends up in prison. The story revolves around why Lenin went to jail and whether Vasanth actually marries Bharathi. Performances: As has been noted from the start, it is evident on screen that Akhil has put in a great deal of effort for this film. There is no doubt that this is a distinctively different role compared to the characters he has played previously. Furthermore, he successfully molded himself to fit the character, displaying impressive range and variations in his acting. He also adopted a fresh style of dialogue delivery for this movie. Visually, he is impressive, and in the action sequences, he comes across as a high-voltage action hero; he delivers exactly what fans desire. Beyond the action, he also impresses in the romantic scenes. The heroine, Bhagyashree, charms the audience with her beauty—something she has done in several previous films. However, in this movie, she also impresses with her acting prowess where the script demands it. She certainly leaves a mark on the role assigned to her, though one cannot help but feel that her character could have been written with more depth.  The supporting cast also delivers impressive performances within the scope of their roles; Eswari Rao, Pramod, and Brahmaji, in particular, stand out with their acting.  Technical: The director needed to work a bit more on the story, though he did try to make an impact with the screenplay. He succeeded in engaging the audience during the opening 10–15 minutes, effectively building suspense and sparking curiosity about what would unfold next. However, the dialogues could have been sharper. Thaman delivered a decent musical score, as always; however, there were certain scenes where one felt he could have done more with the background music. The cinematography is impressive—crucial for a film set against a village backdrop. There are minor flaws in the editing, but the production values ​​are good. Plus points: Akhil Akkineni, Jathara (fair) scenes The plot twist Minus points: Some dragged-out scenes Background score Story and screenplay Analysis: There is no doubt that the film lived up to the high expectations of Akkineni fans. However, it remains to be seen how well the general audience will receive it. Akhil had stated from the beginning that he worked very hard for this film, and that effort is clearly visible on screen. The director aimed to present something fresh;...yet, the film would have been even better with more work on the story and a tighter screenplay. It must be noted that there was a lack of sufficient commercial elements to appeal to all sections of the audience, not just the fans. The music also felt a bit underwhelming. Akhil fulfilled his role with 100% commitment; however, the director failed to craft a strong screenplay for the supporting characters, leaving them with little scope to showcase their true acting potential. Overall, this village-based drama manages to engage the audience and appeals to fans. Final verdict: Akhil Akkineni impresses the fans Banner: Sithara Entertainments, Manam Enterprises Producers: Suryadevara Naga Vamsi, Akkineni Nagarjuna Director: Murali Kishore Music: Thaman Cast: Akhil, Bhagyashree, Eeshwari Rao, Pramod, Brahmaji, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/SNyf-1iLls6NrA-j_lenin.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-10T07:34:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-lenin"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Rao Bahadur'"},"content":{"text":"Satyadev has carved a unique niche for himself as an actor by choosing diverse films. Meanwhile, director Venkatesh Maha has already earned a strong reputation for delivering distinctive movies. Expectations soared when a superstar like Mahesh Babu stepped forward to present this collaboration between the two. Let us see in this review whether the film lives up to those expectations. Story: Bhuvanam Ramappa Rao Bahadur (Satyadev), a man of royal lineage, grapples with severe mental turmoil in his old age. He harbors suspicions regarding his younger son, Kusumappa—who passed away in childhood—doubting whether the boy was truly his biological son. Driven by this doubt, he clings to life for years despite suffering from cancer. Ramappa’s wife, Renuka, is also confined to a single room. The story unfolds by exploring the reasons behind Ramappa’s condition and Renuka’s confinement, as well as how it was ultimately confirmed that Kusumappa was indeed Ramappa’s son. Performances: A notable aspect of the film is that, apart from Satyadev, the entire cast consists of newcomers. It is commendable that Satyadev committed to such a role; not every actor could pull off a character like this. He delivered a brilliant performance, nailing the makeover, expressions, and body language. Satyadev truly embodied the persona of a scion of the Rao Bahadur lineage. He impressed everyone with a look that perfectly captured the persona of an elderly king. Furthermore, Satyadev deserves full marks for his acting and dialogue delivery. Generally, young heroes are reluctant to take on such roles, but Satyadev put in immense effort to breathe life into this character. It was revealed that the makeup process took four hours; seeing the 'Ramappa' character on screen, one feels that the actual time spent on makeup might have been even longer. Deepa Thomas, playing the female lead, impressed with her distinctive look. There is a growing opinion that she might secure good opportunities in Tollywood in the future. Vikas Muppala also impressed with his acting, and the supporting cast performed well within the scope of their roles. Venkatesh Maha, appearing in a guest role, also made a strong impression. Technical: Director Venkatesh Maha presented a completely fresh concept to the audience. However, the narrative pacing felt somewhat tedious. The first half moved slowly. While he attempted to pick up the pace in the second half, the twists introduced towards the end felt unintentionally funny. He failed in the attempt to blend humor into what otherwise seemed like a serious story. Some of the dialogues were good. The cinematography was impressive; it effectively brought the atmosphere of the 1960s and 1990s to life. The music was also decent. The songs failed to impress, but the background score was certainly impressive. The production values ​​are good; it is truly commendable that such a significant budget was allocated for an experimental story like this. There are flaws in the editing; some scenes in the first half should have been trimmed. Overall, the film would have benefited from a runtime reduction of 20 to 25 minutes. Analysis: Director Venkatesh attempted an experiment by utilizing a talented actor like Satyadev. Satyadev deserves praise for agreeing to be part of this experimental project. The story revolves around the consequences arising from a suspicion harbored by an elderly man. In an era where films generally achieve commercial success only with compelling storylines and narratives, Director Venkatesh brought this film to the audience without worrying about how such an experiment would be received. He attempted to drive the film using screenplay wizardry. Although the story itself is simple, his execution deserves appreciation. However, the inclusion of more thrilling elements would have improved the film; the first half, in particular, is somewhat underwhelming. The climax manages to generate interest, though the final twist lacks a sense of realism. Ultimately, instead of leaving the audience with the impression of having watched a serious film, the movie ends up feeling more like a comedy.  Plus Points: Satyadev Background music, cinematography Second half, climax Minus Points: Boring first half Illogical scenes Climax twist Verdict: 'Rao Bahadur' is for those looking to watch a thriller rather than a regular commercial movie. Banner: Sree Chakras Entertainments, Mahayana Motion Pictures Producers: Anurag Reddy, Sharath Chandra, Chinta Gopalakrishna Reddy, Eswaran Vijayaraghavan Directior: Venkatesh Maha Music: Smaran Sai Cast: Satyadev, Deepa Thomas, Vikas Muppala, Bala Parasar, Kunal Kaushik, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ruDZrQh1uyTKyATR_RaoBahadur.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-03T09:26:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-rao-bahadur"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Nagabandham' "},"content":{"text":"South makers have done wonders once again. At a time when audiences are craving larger-than-life cinematic experiences rooted in Indian culture and mythology, Nagabandham arrives as an ambitious spectacle that blends mystery, mythology, fantasy and adventure into an engrossing big-screen entertainer. Foremost credit goes to the producers Nishitha Nagireddy and Kishore Annapureddy, the duo under the banners of NIK Studios and Abhishek Pictures, have given the film the scale, craft and budget it demands. The budget, the scale and the vision of the film is at par in comparison with some of the biggies. Mounted on a lavish scale, the film starts on a very intriguing note and right from the first frame it captures you into the world, the drama. As it progresses it continues to impresses with its visual ambition, the character introduction, immersive world-building and sincere storytelling, making it one of the most ambitious pan-India releases of the year. Without wasting any single time the film sticks to the subject. The unfolding of mysterious universe where ancient secrets, divine legends and hidden treasures shape the narrative. Rather than rushing through its mythology, the film gradually builds intrigue around the ancients and what 'Nagabandham' is. This measured approach keeps the audience invested while continuously expanding the film's rich cinematic universe. The film begins with the impresive introduction of Rishabh Sawhney who is olayiytge main antagonist in the film and then transports us to the drama that is very interesting. Director Abhishek Nama deserves appreciation for attempting a genre that demands conviction and imagination. His vision remains consistent throughout, balancing mythology with fantasy while ensuring the emotional core never gets lost beneath the visual grandeur. The screenplay unfolds like an adventure, introducing fresh mysteries at regular intervals and maintaining curiosity until the very end. Visuals are Nagabandham's undoubtedly the biggest strengths. Every frame reflects meticulous craftsmanship, from magnificent temple architecture and ancient kingdoms to breathtaking action sequences and mystical landscapes. The production values are first-rate, while the VFX complement the storytelling without overwhelming it. The film consistently feels designed for the biggest screens. Virat Karrna, who is essaying the main protoganist delivers a confident performance, carrying the narrative with sincerity and intensity. Nabha Natesh lends grace and emotional depth to her character, while Rishabh Sawhney leaves a strong impression with his commanding screen presence in the character of the main antagonist. Mahesh Manjrekar stands out in a pivotal role of saint ,adding gravitas whenever he appears. Daksha Nagarkar and the supporting cast contribute effectively, making the expansive world feel believable. The action choreography especially the Interval block and CLIMAX deserves special mention. Instead of relying solely on spectacle, the action sequences are integrated into the mythology, making every confrontation feel purposeful. Several moments involving serpents, ancient rituals and large-scale battles generate genuine goosebumps and showcase the makers' ambition. Technically, Nagabandham is polished across departments. The cinematography captures both the grandeur and mysticism beautifully, while the background score elevates the emotional and adventurous moments. The editing keeps the narrative engaging despite the film's expansive scale, and the sound design enhances the theatrical experience. One of the film's biggest achievements is how it respects Indian mythology while presenting it through an entertaining fantasy-adventure lens. Rather than merely recreating familiar legends, it creates its own mythology-inspired universe that feels fresh and cinematic. If there is one area where the film occasionally slows down, it is during portions dedicated to explaining the mythology, which may slightly affect the pace. However, the narrative quickly regains momentum with compelling twists, visually stunning sequences and emotionally satisfying payoffs. With Nagabandham, South filmmakers once again demonstrate why they continue to lead the way in creating ambitious, pan-India cinematic spectacles. The film combines mythology, fantasy, adventure and emotion into an entertaining package that is tailor-made for the theatrical experience. For audiences looking for a grand visual adventure filled with mystery, ancient legends, spectacular action and impressive world-building, Nagabandham is a rewarding watch. Banner: NIK Studios, Abhishek Pictures Producer: Nishitha Nagireddy, Kishore Annapureddy Director: Abhishek Nama Cast: John Vijay, Nabha Natesh, Iswarya Menon, Mahesh Manjrekar and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/S_t-IVjB2yqa78-Q_nagabandham.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-02T16:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-nagabandham-"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Welcome To The Jungle'"},"content":{"text":"There was a time when Bollywood regularly produced big, unapologetic comedy entertainers that families could watch together. Films weren't trying to preach, surprise audiences with complicated twists or leave behind social messages. They existed for one simple reason—to make people laugh. Welcome To The Jungle embraces exactly that philosophy, and that's what makes it work. Director Ahmed Khan doesn't try to reinvent the Welcome franchise. Instead, he understands its DNA and amplifies it. The laughs are bigger, the cast is bigger, the scale is grander and the madness is turned up several notches. The result is a film that knows exactly what it wants to be—and rarely loses sight of it. The story itself is delightfully ridiculous. A billionaire comes up with an absurd plan to convert his black money into losses by deliberately producing a flop film. To execute this bizarre mission, he assembles a film full of struggling stars, forgotten heroes and eccentric personalities. Among them are Yeda Anna (Suniel Shetty), the brother of Anna from the Welcome universe, and Romeo (Arshad Warsi), Majnu's equally eccentric brother. Just when the production begins, an Income Tax raid wipes out the financier's money, forcing the crew to abandon the expensive setup and continue the shoot in a remote village with real people—while the actors remain blissfully convinced that everything happening around them is part of the script. From there, the film spirals into complete comic chaos involving mistaken identities, fake heroics, terrorists, villagers and nonstop confusion. If there is one actor who reminds audiences why he has ruled Bollywood comedy for decades, it is Akshay Kumar. This is comfortably one of his strongest comic performances in recent years. His expressions, dialogue delivery, body language and effortless timing hold the enormous ensemble together without trying to dominate it. He lets the humour breathe and trusts the situations to generate laughs. Suniel Shetty is undoubtedly one of the film's biggest surprises. His Yeda Anna is wonderfully eccentric and consistently entertaining, delivering several laugh-out-loud moments. Arshad Warsi slips into the franchise's familiar madness with ease, while Lara Dutta, as the Army trainer preparing the clueless actors, adds another enjoyable layer to the comedy. The supporting cast is where the film truly shines. Veterans like Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever and Rajpal Yadav prove once again why they remain among Hindi cinema's finest comic performers. But the film's biggest scene-stealers are undoubtedly Farida Jalal and Kiran Kumar. Every single time they appear on screen, the theatre erupts in laughter. Farida Jalal's delightfully confused character, speaking in her own hilarious gibberish language, becomes one of the film's biggest highlights. Kiran Kumar matches her brilliantly with his exaggerated, heavily Urdu-laced dialogues delivered with complete conviction. Their chemistry, impeccable comic timing and effortless performances produce some of the loudest laughs in the film. There's another emotional layer that longtime Bollywood lovers will instantly appreciate. Watching Akshay Kumar reunite with Suniel Shetty and Raveena Tandon brings back memories of an era when entertainers were built around fun rather than formulas. Thankfully, these reunions never feel forced. They blend naturally into the narrative while allowing the film to create its own identity instead of living entirely on nostalgia. Managing such a massive ensemble is never easy, yet Ahmed Khan deserves credit for ensuring almost every actor gets at least one memorable moment. Despite featuring dozens of familiar faces, the screenplay rarely feels overcrowded. The humour constantly shifts between situational comedy, visual gags, witty one-liners, misunderstandings and complete comic mayhem, ensuring the energy rarely drops. The adventure angle also gives the franchise a refreshing twist. Instead of repeating the exact template of the earlier films, Welcome To The Jungle expands its canvas with larger action set pieces and a more adventurous narrative while still retaining the flavour that fans associate with the franchise. Visually, the film looks colourful and vibrant. The production design suits the exaggerated world perfectly, while the songs arrive naturally without disturbing the pace. The background score effectively enhances both the comic situations and the action sequences. What deserves appreciation is that the film never pretends to be more intelligent than it is. It doesn't chase awards, social commentary or emotional manipulation. It simply focuses on entertaining its audience for over two hours—and judging by the laughter echoing through the auditorium, it succeeds. Welcome To The Jungle is designed for the big-screen experience. Many jokes become funnier because they are enjoyed collectively. The whistles, applause and laughter inside a packed theatre become an extension of the film itself. That's something no OTT platform can replicate. Directed by Ahmed Khan, the film boasts one of the biggest ensemble casts in recent Hindi cinema, featuring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Farida Jalal, Johnny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Aftab Shivdasani, Mukesh Tiwari, Yashpal Sharma, Kiran Kumar, Zakir Hussain, Vindu Dara Singh, Urvashi Rautela, Hemant Pandey, Brijendra Kala, Feroze Khan (Arjun), Late Pankaj Dheer, Puneet Issar, Sudesh Berry, Jeetu Verma, Vrihi Kodvara, Adityaa Singgh and Bhagya Bhanushali. Presented by A.A. Nadiadwala, Cape of Good Films and Star Studios in association with Seeta Films and Rakesh Dang, the film is a Base Industries Group production produced by Rakesh Dang and Vedant Vikaas Baali, and produced by Firoz A. Nadiadwala. If your expectation is meaningful cinema, look elsewhere. But if you simply want to laugh, switch off your brain and enjoy a grand Bollywood entertainer with your family, Welcome To The Jungle delivers exactly what it promises. Sometimes, that's more than enough. Director : Ahmed Khan, Producer : Firoz A Nadiadwala Cast : Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aj1hFVbRV8_Qf44R_welcometothejungle.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-25T15:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-welcome-to-the-jungle"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Cocktail 2'"},"content":{"text":"Some relationships don’t end because people stop loving each other. They end because love alone isn’t always enough. Backed by Maddock Films and producer Dinesh Vijan, a banner known for delivering some of the most memorable entertainers and relationship dramas in recent years, Cocktail 2 is yet another winner. Directed by Homi Adajania, the film explores modern relationships with warmth, maturity and emotional honesty, resulting in a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. While the original film thrived on youthful chaos, Cocktail 2 takes a more mature route. It examines what happens when comfort begins to replace excitement, when commitment feels heavier than romance, and when life forces people to question whether the relationship they’ve built is still the one they truly want. The Story: Kunal (Shahid Kapoor) and Diya (Rashmika Mandanna) have been together for years. What started as a college romance has survived distance, changing priorities and the challenges of adulthood. Their relationship is comfortable, familiar and seemingly stable, but beneath the surface, cracks have begun to appear. Diya finds herself grappling with expectations around marriage and commitment, while Kunal continues holding on to a version of their relationship that may no longer exist. Their lives take an unexpected turn during a trip to Sicily, where they meet Ally (Kriti Sanon), a free spirited woman who lives entirely on her own terms. As the three grow closer, the film gradually unfolds into something far more complex than a traditional love triangle. Friendships blur into emotional attachments, loyalties are tested and difficult questions emerge about love, compatibility and personal happiness. What makes the narrative work is that it never reduces its characters to heroes or villains. Everyone is flawed, everyone makes mistakes and that honesty gives the film its emotional weight. Performances: Shahid Kapoor delivers one of his most mature performances in recent years. Kunal is a character filled with contradictions and Shahid captures every shade beautifully. Whether he’s expressing quiet heartbreak, frustration or vulnerability, he keeps the audience invested throughout. Rashmika Mandanna brings warmth and authenticity to Diya. Many of her moments feel incredibly relatable, particularly when she navigates the pressures placed on women regarding relationships and life choices. She handles both the lighter and emotionally intense scenes with confidence and restraint. Kriti Sanon is exceptional as Ally. What initially appears to be a carefree and impulsive character slowly reveals surprising emotional depth. Kriti balances Ally’s charm, unpredictability and vulnerability effortlessly, creating one of the film’s most memorable performances. Together, the trio share terrific chemistry. Their interactions feel natural and lived-in, making every friendship, confrontation and emotional conflict feel genuine. Kriti and Rashmika also share some thoroughly entertaining moments, adding another engaging layer to the film’s relationship dynamics. Writing, Dialogues and Relationships: One of the film’s biggest strengths is its writing. The relationships feel layered and believable, with conversations that reflect how people actually communicate rather than how movie characters are expected to speak. The dialogues are sharp, mature and emotionally effective. Several confrontations land with impact because they come from a place of truth rather than melodrama. The film consistently keeps you invested in its characters and the choices they make, while balancing romance, friendship and self-discovery with remarkable ease. Music and Visuals: Pritam’s music blends seamlessly into the storytelling, elevating both the emotional and romantic moments. The songs never interrupt the narrative and instead become a natural extension of it. Visually, the film is stunning. Sicily provides a breathtaking backdrop, with every frame looking postcard worthy without ever feeling excessive. The cinematography, fashion and overall production design add tremendous richness to the viewing experience, making the film as beautiful to look at as it is emotionally engaging. What Could Have Worked Better: A few emotional stretches in the latter half could have been slightly more concise. The Verdict: Cocktail 2 is a beautifully crafted film about love, friendship, self discovery and the difficult choices that come with growing up. It doesn’t offer easy answers and that’s precisely what makes it work. Produced by Maddock Films and Luv Films, backed by outstanding performances from Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, thoughtful writing, gorgeous visuals and strong emotional payoffs, the film delivers a deeply satisfying experience. A heartfelt, visually stunning and emotionally resonant drama that reminds us that sometimes the hardest part of love isn’t finding it, it’s understanding what to do with it once you have it. The result is a relationship drama that stays with you long after the credits roll. Banner: Maddock Films and Luv Films Producer: Dinesh Vijan Director: Homi Adajania Music: Pritam Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Kriti Sanon and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ah7YRgeQX7-eWjSA_cocktail2.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-19T04:48:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-cocktail-2"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Maa Inti Bangaram'"},"content":{"text":"At a time when it was widely assumed Samantha had limited her career to Bollywood, all eyes are on this Telugu film she has undertaken. It is well known that Samantha has previously worked under Nandini Reddy's direction; their collaboration naturally generates positive buzz. Furthermore, expectations have soared because the film is produced by Raj Nidimoru. Let us see in this review whether the movie lives up to those expectations. Story: Swarna (Samantha), who entered into a love marriage with Anirudh (Diganth Manchale), steps into her in-laws' home after a long time due to certain circumstances. She struggles to fit into the joint family environment. Despite the difficulties, she makes earnest efforts to bond with the family members and win their approval. Swarna carries a past—a flashback—associated with her love marriage. This flashback becomes the source of emerging problems within her in-laws' household.  What are these problems? What exactly is Swarna's flashback? To find out what Swarna did at her in-laws' house, one simply has to watch the movie. Performances: Samantha’s acting needs no special introduction. The action sequences she performed in this film are impressive; seeing her execute action scenes while dressed in a traditional saree felt fresh and novel. She delivered a performance that felt distinct—and even better—than her work in previous films. Beyond action, she also showcased her acting prowess in emotional and dramatic scenes. It is evident that she poured her experience into the role, truly doing justice to the character of Swarna. Her appearance seemed slightly different compared to the past, but that change suited the character perfectly.  Overall, Samantha succeeded in fully justifying the role she chose. The supporting cast performed well within the scope of their roles; Gulshan Devaiah, in particular, stood out, and his portrayal of the villain was impressive. Gautami had limited screen time but made a good impression within that scope. Sreemukhi also impressed with a different look. Technical: Director Nandini Reddy has once again presented a unique concept to the audience, and her direction is impressive. The storytelling and screenplay could have benefited from a bit more detail. Some of the dialogues are excellent, particularly those in the emotional scenes, which are truly touching. The music is decent; one or two songs have already gained popularity among the audience, though there isn't much else to highlight regarding the soundtrack beyond those tracks.  However, the background score was impressive. The cinematography was good; Om Prakash’s work made the action scenes appear quite realistic, ensuring the film remained engaging. The cinematography also deserves praise for how it presented Samantha’s look. The production values ​​align well with the story. Apart from minor editing flaws, everything else was solid. Analysis: The mere mention of a Samantha film generates audience interest comparable to that of movies starring big male stars. Director Nandini Reddy lived up to this expectation by weaving the story around a massive flashback sequence, much like those seen in big-star films. However, there are some illogical scenes. More care could have been taken with the dramatic elements; specifically, the portrayal of the new daughter-in-law's conduct in her in-laws' home didn't feel quite right.  Additionally, there were some issues in seamlessly connecting the flashback episode to the present-day narrative. An effort was made to deliver good entertainment. Overall, the film appeals to the average viewer, particularly family audiences. If one overlooks a few illogical scenes, the movie is enjoyable. It is a must-watch for Samantha’s fans and serves as a good \"time-pass\" movie for general audiences. Plus Points: Samantha, Flashback scenes, Action sequences.  Minus Points: Some illogical scenes, Boring moments here and there, Lack of mass elements. Verdict: A film that Samantha's fans will appreciate Banner: Tralala Moving Pictures Producers: Samantha, Raj Nidimoru, Himank Reddy Duvvuru Director: B.V. Nandini Reddy Music: Santhosh Narayanan Cast: Samantha, Sreemukhi, Gulshan Devaiah, Diganth Manchale, Gautami, Srinivas Gavireddy, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ajUbm41P9HI4UuRN_MIB.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-19T07:36:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-maa-inti-bangaram"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai'"},"content":{"text":"Some films are designed to make you think. Others are designed to make you laugh till your cheeks hurt. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, directed by David Dhawan, proudly belongs to the latter category. Loaded with misunderstandings, larger-than-life characters, romance, family drama and non-stop comedy, the film embraces the classic Bollywood entertainer template and delivers exactly what it promises. Written by David Dhawan with screenplay by Yunus Sajawal and dialogues by Farhad Samji, the film thrives on its energetic storytelling and unapologetically chaotic humour. The Story: At the heart of the film is Jass, a lovable and impulsive man whose life takes an unexpected turn when personal relationships, family expectations and a series of unfortunate circumstances collide at the same time. Without revealing too much, the story follows Jass as he finds himself caught in an increasingly complicated situation involving his estranged wife Baani and Preet, a woman who unexpectedly enters his life. What begins as a relationship drama soon snowballs into a full-fledged comedy of errors, leading to a chain of misunderstandings, secrets and hilarious situations. The narrative constantly throws Jass from one problem into another, ensuring there is never a dull moment. While the premise is outrageous, the film fully commits to its madness, making the ride entertaining from start to finish. Performances: Varun Dhawan is in his element as Jass. His comic timing, boundless energy and natural screen presence carry the film effortlessly. He understands the rhythm of David Dhawan's brand of comedy and delivers a performance that is both charming and consistently entertaining. Mrunal Thakur brings warmth and emotional depth to Baani, ensuring that the character remains relatable amidst the chaos unfolding around her. She balances the film's emotional moments effectively and shares a comfortable chemistry with Varun. Pooja Hegde lights up the screen as Preet. Confident, glamorous and full of spark, she adds freshness to the narrative and keeps the momentum alive whenever she appears. Among the supporting cast, Maniesh Paul is a scene stealer, delivering several laugh-out-loud moments with effortless ease. Jimmy Sheirgill, Chunky Pandey, Kubbra Sait, Rakesh Bedi and Mouni Roy contribute well to the ensemble, each adding their own flavour to the madness. Dialogues and Humour: Farhad Samji's dialogues play a major role in keeping the entertainment quotient high. The punchlines land well, the situational comedy works and several one-liners are likely to draw applause from audiences in packed theatres. The film embraces old-school Bollywood comedy while updating it for contemporary viewers, creating a blend that feels familiar yet accessible. Music and Technical Aspects: The music complements the film's upbeat tone, while the vibrant visuals and colourful production design add to its festive appeal. David Dhawan keeps the pace brisk for most parts, ensuring the narrative rarely loses momentum. What Could Have Worked Better: Some comedic stretches feel slightly overextended and a few situations require audiences to completely suspend disbelief. However, these are minor concerns in a film that is more interested in entertaining than being realistic. Final Word: Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is a quintessential David Dhawan entertainer that embraces confusion, comedy and chaos with complete conviction. Powered by Varun Dhawan's infectious energy, solid support from Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, the film delivers a thoroughly enjoyable big-screen experience. If you're looking for logic, this may not be your destination. If you're looking for laughter, fun and a dose of classic Bollywood masala, this film delivers in abundance."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aiKZMAeQX7-eW1yO_HaiJawaniTohIshqHonaHai.jpg?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-05T03:39:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-hai-jawani-toh-ishq-hona-hai"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Peddi'"},"content":{"text":"Buchi Babu grabbed everyone's attention with his debut film, 'Uppena'. Having grossed over 100 crores with his very first movie, he caught the eye of several star heroes. Even NTR expressed interest in working with him. A project with NTR was confirmed; however, for various reasons, it never materialized.  Buchi Babu subsequently spent the last two years collaborating closely with Ram Charan to bring this film to life. Given the massive hype surrounding it, let's see how the movie actually turned out in this review. Story: The story of 'Peddi' revolves around the journey of a 'sports laborer'—a man named Peddi (Ram Charan)—who is driven by an unwavering determination to showcase the existence of his village to the world. Hailing from a village that doesn't even have a name, Peddi earns his livelihood as a sports laborer. While he has built a good reputation as a cricketer, he eventually comes to believe that true recognition for his village can be achieved not through cricket, but through wrestling. However, recognition for the village does not come through wrestling either. So, how did the entire world eventually come to talk about this nameless village—exactly as 'Peddi' had wished? What daring feat did 'Peddi' undertake to make that happen? That forms the crux of the story.  Performances: Ram Charan’s performance is magnificent. Throughout the entire first half of the film, he captivates the audience in his role as a cricketer. He appears to execute spectacular shots, just like a professional cricketer would; indeed, one feels as though they are watching a genuine cricketer in Ram Charan. It is often said that Ram Charan naturally excels in emotional scenes, and there is absolutely no doubt that he truly lived the emotional moments leading up to the interval and during the film's climax. Furthermore, he elevated the musical numbers to extraordinary heights through his dancing—going above and beyond what was expected. Ram Charan showcases his absolute best dancing skills in this movie. He also impresses equally in both the action sequences and the sports-centric scenes. As for the female lead, Janhvi Kapoor—while she is credited as the heroine, she has very little scope to perform and is not an integral part of the core narrative. Moreover, her screen presence is shockingly brief. Janhvi Kapoor practically disappears entirely during the second half of the film. However, it must be noted that she did manage to grab some attention in the first half by flaunting her physique.  Jagapathi Babu, who appears in the first half, delivers a captivating performance in his emotional scenes. Meanwhile, Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar impresses in his role as a wrestling mentor; his mere look alone wins over half the audience, and his acting prowess requires no special mention. Finally, it must be stated that none of the other supporting characters were given any significant prominence. Technical: The film's music has been a prominent topic of discussion right from the very beginning. Director Buchi Babu made a deliberate and specific choice to enlist A.R. Rahman as the music director for the film. Consequently, everyone anticipated that 'Peddi' would capture the audience's attention primarily through its musical elements. True to expectations, the songs proved to be a resounding success. Furthermore, the background score was equally impressive; with the exception of one or two isolated moments, Rahman's background music was captivating throughout the rest of the film. The cinematography also earns high marks. A commendable effort was made to authentically depict the atmosphere and conditions of the 1990s era. The camera work was particularly effective in a few sequences—most notably during the sports scenes. The first half of the film felt somewhat dragged out, suggesting that the editing could have been tighter. The production values, however, were excellent. Director Buchi Babu selected a compelling core concept; yet, it felt as though he was unable to craft a screenplay that did full justice to that premise. Some of the dialogues were well-written. Analysis: Buchi Babu has garnered a strong reputation as a director who managed to achieve a ₹100-crore box office collection with his very first film. Moreover, since the outset, there has been considerable buzz suggesting that he is in no way inferior to his mentor, Sukumar. Reports have surfaced claiming that this particular story—which was originally penned with NTR in mind—was ultimately filmed with Ram Charan. Leaving aside the veracity of those reports, it appears that Ram Charan gave his approval to the project based solely on the strength of the story's core premise. However, watching the film makes it evident that a compelling premise alone is not sufficient to carry an entire movie. The narrative centers on the protagonist participating in three distinct sports to showcase the existence and identity of his hometown to the world. Given this premise, it was imperative that the portrayal of these specific sports be significantly elevated and given greater prominence within the film. Apart from cricket, no other sport was given significant prominence.  The first half dragged on in a boring manner. The second half was somewhat passable, barring a few emotional scenes. It must be said that Director Buchi Babu failed to effectively showcase the sports elements—which are absolutely crucial to the screenplay. With the exception of a few sequences, the majority of the film feels tedious. However, there is no doubt that this serves as a delightful treat for Ram Charan's fans. Viewed from a fan's perspective, the film earns high marks; yet, it must be acknowledged that for a regular moviegoer, it may not quite hit the mark. Plus Points: Ram Charan A few sports sequences The songs Minus Points: The slow pacing of the first half The screenplay The heroine's role The lack of prominence given to the villains Conclusion... The 'Peddi' games are boring. Banners: Vriddhi Cinemas, Mythri Movie Makers Producers: Venkata Satish Kilaru, Ishan Saxena Direction: Buchi Babu Music: A.R. Rahman Cast: Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, Divyendu, Boman Irani, Upendra, Satya, Chammak Chandra, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aiCF9AeQX7-eWrDe_peddi.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-03T19:52:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-peddi"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: Made in India – A Titan Story"},"content":{"text":"Rarely does a series manage to be both inspiring and cinematically gripping—but Made in India – A Titan Story achieves exactly that, and does it with remarkable finesse. The Story: Where Vision Meets Legacy   At its core, the series is a tribute to belief—the kind that builds institutions. It traces the journey of Xerxes Desai, a man driven by vision, and the unwavering faith J.R.D. Tata placed in him. What unfolds is not just the story of Titan Watches, but of an idea that refused to stay small. It is about ambition, risk, and the quiet power of trust that turns dreams into legacy. Performances That Stay With You   Jim Sarbh delivers one of his most layered performances to date. His portrayal of Xerxes Desai is controlled yet deeply emotional, capturing the vulnerability and determination of a man chasing something bigger than himself. Naseeruddin Shah, as J.R.D. Tata, is understated brilliance. Even with limited screen time, his presence defines the emotional spine of the series—commanding, graceful, and quietly powerful. The ensemble cast adds richness to the narrative. Each character feels lived-in and purposeful—whether it’s Namita Dubey’s sincerity, Lakshveer Saran’s emotional weight, or Kaveri Seth’s authenticity. Supporting performances from Vaibhav Tatwawadi, Paresh Ganatra, Ashwath Bhatt, Viraf Patel, Joy Sengupta, and Prateeksha Lonkar create a world that feels real and immersive. Craft, Scale, and Storytelling :  Director Robbie Grewal handles the material with precision and maturity, allowing the story to breathe while maintaining a steady narrative grip. The storytelling never feels rushed, yet never loses momentum. The writing by Karan Vyas is sharp and confident, with dialogues that feel organic yet impactful. Visually, the show carries a cinematic scale—elegant production design, carefully chosen locations, and a background score that subtly amplifies the emotional beats. The integration of classic music adds texture without overwhelming the narrative. Final Word: Backing a story like this requires both courage and conviction, and Almighty Motion Picture deserves credit for bringing it to life. Co-produced with T-Series Films, Made in India – A Titan Story is not just a series—it’s an experience that fills you with immense pride for India and reminds you of the power of vision, perseverance, and nation-building. Patriotism naturally seeps in as the story unfolds. It’s one of a kind story that inspires, engages, and stays with you long after it ends."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ah_UIAeQX7-eWo7C_madeinindia.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-03T05:14:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-made-in-india--a-titan-story"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Drishyam 3'"},"content":{"text":"This film serves as a sequel to 'Drishyam 1' (released in 2013) and 'Drishyam 2' (released in 2021). With the 'Drishyam' franchise, Jeethu Joseph garnered a nationwide fan base. Consequently, whenever a new 'Drishyam 3' installment is announced, it immediately sparks immense curiosity among audiences.  Venkatesh had previously remade the first two 'Drishyam' films, bringing them to the Telugu audience. However, for this third installment, Mohanlal himself has presented the film directly to the Telugu audience today. Despite being a dubbed film, the expectations and interest among the Telugu audience are exceptionally high. Let's see in this review whether the film lives up to those expectations. Story: George (Mohanlal) produces a feature film titled 'Drishyam', based on the actual events that unfolded in his own life. The movie receives a positive reception and garners massive box-office collections. Meanwhile, discussions regarding Varun's murder resurface once again. As the topic of Varun's murder gains traction on social media, George begins looking for suitable alliances to arrange the marriage of his eldest daughter, Anu.  In this sequence of events, Varun's father, Prabhakar (Siddique), devises a plan to reopen the Varun murder case and execute an arrest precisely on the day of Anu's wedding. However, George cleverly manages to evade capture. Nevertheless, George and his family members find themselves in deep trouble due to another plan orchestrated by Prabhakar.  What are these troubles? And how does George manage to protect his family from them? That forms the crux of the film's story. Performances: Just as he impressed audiences with his nuanced and understated acting in the first two installments, Mohanlal once again delivers a captivating performance in this film as a responsible and devoted father. In particular, the anguish he portrays in certain scenes makes him feel truly like a real-life father. There is absolutely no doubt that Mohanlal has delivered a stellar performance as an average father who constantly worries about the future of his two daughters—never going overboard, yet never holding back. There isn't much to say regarding Meena's role, as she was given very little scope to showcase her acting prowess. However, she was impressive in terms of her appearance in the role of a mother, and she performed aptly in accordance with the demands of a character who is a mother to two children. The actresses who played George's daughters were also impressive; their characters have been a continuous presence since the very first installment. Much like in the first two films, their acting and on-screen presence were captivating in this installment as well. However, it must be noted that in this particular film, their screen time and scope for acting were significantly limited. As for the actors playing the supporting roles, their performances were decent and adequate for their respective characters.  Technical: Music director Anil Johnson does not appear to have put in much effort. He relied heavily on the background score used in the first installment. During suspense sequences, the music felt formulaic and uninspired; it should have been composed in a manner that heightened the intrigue.  There are significant flaws in the editing; specifically, many scenes in the first half felt dragged out. Despite the first half being relatively short in duration, it still came across as boring. It appears that director Jeethu Joseph focused more on the protagonist's character and on maintaining the suspense than on the narrative itself this time around.  The production values, as always, remained modest and aligned with the requirements of the story. Analysis: For audiences who have previously watched both installments of the 'Drushyam' franchise in Telugu, watching the dubbed version this time around might feel somewhat unfamiliar. In other words, viewers accustomed to seeing Venkatesh and the other actors in those roles across the first two films may feel slightly disoriented upon seeing Mohanlal and the Malayalam cast. Many scenes also retain a distinct \"Malayalam flavor,\" placing the film quite far removed from a typical Telugu cultural context.  Consequently, it may not be particularly easy for Telugu audiences to fully connect with the story. Nevertheless, for those who enjoyed the previous two installments of the 'Drushyam' franchise, this film is worth a one-time watch. The first half unfolded very slowly and failed to effectively draw the audience into the narrative. Conversely, the second half felt rushed, as if hurrying to reach the climax. Some of the suspense sequences felt forced and shoehorned into the plot.  However, one or two of the twists introduced within the story were engaging. However, on the whole, it must be admitted that the film failed to captivate audiences in the way its predecessors did. Towards the end, a hint was dropped suggesting the possibility of a 'Drishyam 4'. It remains to be seen when that installment will arrive and what form it will take. Plus Points: Mohanlal's performance, The twists in the plot, The main storyline. Minus Points: Slow-paced screenplay in the first half, Editing, Lack of prominence given to characters other than George. Conclusion: This Malayalam 'Drishyam' sequel feels somewhat forced Banner: Aashirvad Cinemas Producer: Antony Perumbavoor Direction: Jeethu Joseph Music: Anil Johnson Cast: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Asha Sharath, Shanthi Mayadevi, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ag7UpaYofJOwHelj_Drushyam3.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-21T09:20:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-drishyam-3"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Aakhri Sawal'"},"content":{"text":"There are films that entertain, there are films that provoke, and then there are films like Aakhri Sawal that arrive like a storm and force an entire nation to confront the questions it has avoided for decades. Directed by Abhijeet Mohan Warang and Produced by Nikhil Nanda, this hard-hitting political drama is not designed to comfort the audience. It is designed to challenge them, disturb them, and leave them thinking long after the credits roll. At a time when mainstream cinema often plays safe, Aakhri Sawal chooses courage. The film openly touches upon some of the nation’s most controversial and emotionally charged subjects — from the demolition of the Babri Masjid to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi — and raises questions that generations have debated but never fully answered. What makes the film even more shocking is the unapologetic honesty with which these conversations are presented. The narrative dares to ask whether organizations like the RSS had deeper involvement in these historic events, and the way the film lays out its perspective and facts leaves the audience stunned. There are moments where the sheer boldness of the writing genuinely makes your jaw drop. Sanjay Dutt delivers what can easily be called one of the most intense performances of his career. This is not the larger-than-life Sanjay Dutt audiences are used to seeing. This is a restrained, wounded, fearless performer carrying the weight of history, anger, and truth in his eyes. Every dialogue lands with impact, and every silent moment speaks even louder. His performance elevates the film from being just politically relevant to emotionally unforgettable. The biggest surprise package, however, is Namashi Chakraborty. He emerges as the soul of the film and proves that he is far more than what audiences expected. His sincerity, emotional depth, and screen presence add an unpredictable energy to the narrative. Several scenes involving him leave a lasting impact and showcase an actor ready for much bigger recognition. One of the strongest aspects of Aakhri Sawal is its newsroom debate sequences. These portions are written with remarkable intensity and intelligence, constantly keeping the audience intrigued. The confrontations feel raw and real, almost like watching a nation argue with itself on screen. Some sequences are so emotionally charged and haunting that they genuinely stir your soul. Visually, the film maintains tension throughout. Every frame carries weight and purpose, ensuring that the audience remains invested till the very end. The storytelling never loses grip despite dealing with layered political and historical themes. Instead of becoming preachy, the film remains emotionally engaging and deeply human. The supporting cast including Amit Sadh, Sameera Reddy, Neetu Chandra and Tridha Choudhury deliver some of their most impactful performances ever, adding further strength to the film’s emotionally heavy narrative. Producer Nikhil Nanda deserves appreciation for backing a subject this fearless and uncompromising. Aakhri Sawal does not feel like just another film. It feels like a conversation India was never prepared to have openly. Bold, unsettling, emotional, and brutally honest, the film succeeds in doing what very few political dramas achieve it makes the audience uncomfortable while also keeping them completely engaged. This is courageous cinema in its purest form."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/agbLRqYofJOwHQ43_aakhrisawal.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-15T06:29:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-aakhri-sawal"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: Daadi Ki Shaadi"},"content":{"text":"The film revolves around Kapil, who is navigating an arranged marriage setup when he meets Sadia Khateeb, his prospective match. Just when things begin to settle into a traditional roka, the situation takes an unexpected turn, Sadia’s daadi announces her own decision to get married, completely shifting the emotional and social dynamics of the family. The story moves to Shimla, where the daadi (Neetu Kapoor) lives alone. Her two sons and daughter rush to Shimla after reading online about her decision to remarry at this age, especially as her phone is switched off, leaving them worried and unable to reach her. Caught in the middle of this chaos is Kapil, who is deeply in love with Sadia Khateeb. Even after his own roka is called off under the belief that his union cannot continue if the daadi is remarrying, he chooses to stay connected to Sadia. He eventually joins the family’s chaotic mission, though with a very different intent: to stop the daadi’s wedding and salvage his own love story in the process. What unfolds is a mix of emotional clashes, comedic misunderstandings, and generational conflict, eventually building towards a surprisingly heartfelt resolution that touches upon family, acceptance, and letting go. Performances: Neetu Kapoor is the undeniable anchor of the film, delivering a graceful yet fearless performance as the daadi. She brings warmth, dignity, and emotional unpredictability, making her character both endearing and impactful. Kapil Sharma balances humour and emotion with ease. His performance feels natural, especially as his character transitions from a hopeful groom to someone emotionally entangled in a much larger family conflict. Sadia Khateeb lends quiet strength to her role, portraying confusion, affection, and emotional restraint with sincerity. She remains the emotional bridge between the chaotic family dynamics. The supporting cast, playing the daadi’s children, effectively drives the central conflict, bringing in frustration, humour, and generational resistance that fuels the narrative. Direction and Writing: The film stands out for its emotional clarity and grounded storytelling, leaning into relatable family dynamics and human reactions. The writing is on point and effective, allowing situations to unfold naturally rather than forcefully. Ashish R Mohan’s direction is confident and patient, often letting silence, reactions, and awkward family exchanges carry as much weight as dialogue. This gives the film its authenticity and emotional depth. Music and Visuals: The music complements the narrative without overwhelming it, subtly enhancing emotional and light-hearted moments. Visually, the film maintains a warm, accessible tone, making the world feel familiar and lived-in. Verdict: A heartfelt, well-crafted family entertainer that blends generational conflict, humour, and emotion into a cohesive experience. It works because of its sincerity and its ability to find humour within emotional chaos. Final Word: Warm, chaotic, and deeply human, this is family cinema done right."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/af2G8qYofJOwG-KX_KapilDaadiKiShaadi.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C874%2C431&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-08T05:59:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"daadi-ki-shaadi-movie-review"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Raja Shivaji'"},"content":{"text":"Riteish Deshmukh returns to direction with Raja Shivaji, and the ambition here is immediately evident. Taking on the roles of actor, writer, and director, he reshapes the familiar historical biopic into something more reflective and immersive. Told through a chapter-based narrative in a bilingual format, the film unfolds less like a conventional drama and more like a carefully written manuscript, measured, deliberate, and emotionally layered. What stands out most is the film’s clear intent: this is not a story of war, but of a warrior. There are no overwhelming, large-scale battle sequences designed purely for spectacle. Instead, the narrative chooses to focus on the making of Shivaji Maharaj, his thoughts, his influences, and the journey that shaped him into a leader. This approach gives the film a quieter strength, allowing it to connect on a more personal level. A significant portion of the film is devoted to Shivaji’s early years and coming-of-age. It thoughtfully explores the lesser-known aspects of his upbringing, placing strong emphasis on the role of his mother, Jijabai. Her presence becomes the emotional anchor of the story, illustrating how values, vision, and resilience were instilled in him long before he became a legendary figure. The focus on family and formative relationships adds richness, making his evolution feel deeply human rather than mythic. At the center, Riteish Deshmukh delivers a restrained and composed performance. His portrayal avoids excessive grandeur, instead leaning into stillness and quiet intensity. As a filmmaker, he shows notable control allowing moments to breathe and trusting the material rather than overdramatizing it. Genelia Deshmukh’s involvement is felt in the film’s emotional texture. There’s a softness in how relationships are handled, a sensitivity that balances the larger historical canvas. This is especially evident in the film’s quieter passages, where personal moments are given as much importance as political developments. Young Rahyl Deshmukh brings a natural charm to the role of the young Shivaji, capturing innocence and curiosity in a way that makes the early chapters particularly engaging and heartfelt. Among the supporting cast, Vidya Balan as Badi Begam leaves a strong impression with a performance marked by subtlety and intelligence. She brings both emotional depth and political nuance without resorting to overt dramatics. Sanjay Dutt’s Afzal Khan is equally compelling - his portrayal carries an underlying tension, defined by cunning, cruelty, and a quiet, looming menace that makes him deeply unsettling.   Fardeen Khan’s Shah Jahan is defined by restraint. Much of his presence is built around observation and waiting particularly in moments linked to the completion of the Taj Mahal giving the character a composed, watchful quality rather than overt authority. Abhishek Bachchan, as Sambhaji, delivers one of the film’s more emotionally layered performances, reflecting the burden of legacy with quiet internal conflict. A brief but impactful cameo by Salman Khan as Jiva Mahala adds emotional weight. The moment resonates not because of scale, but because of the personal loyalty it represents. The supporting ensemble including Bhagyashree as Jijabai, Sachin Khedekar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Boman Irani, Jitendra Joshi, and Amole Gupte ensures that the world feels complete and intentional. Each character contributes meaningfully to the narrative’s emotional and political fabric. Visually, Santosh Sivan’s cinematography lends the film a grounded grandeur. The landscapes feel authentic, and even the action is staged with clarity rather than chaos. Ajay–Atul’s music further elevates the experience, maintaining an emotional rhythm that complements the storytelling without overwhelming it. The blend of Marathi and Hindi elements adds cultural authenticity. Backed by Jio Studios and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under Mumbai Film Company, the film maintains a fine balance between scale and discipline. Its ambition is evident, but it never loses control of its narrative focus. While Raja Shivaji is designed as a Pan-India film, it carries a special resonance for audiences in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Releasing around Maharashtra Day, it feels like more than just a cinematic event, it comes across as a heartfelt cultural tribute.  More than a tale of war, it stands as a lesson in leadership, resilience, and pride, one that deserves to be known and felt by every Indian. Director: Riteish Deshmukh,   Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amole Gupte, Genelia Deshmukh and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/afRcDsBOoF08xh7T_rajashivaji.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-05-01T06:54:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-raja-shivaji"}}]}},"pageContext":{"isCreatedByStatefulCreatePages":true}}