{"data":{"all":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Rohit Sharma's show titled ‘Family Full House'"},"content":{"text":"India’s World Cup-winning captain, Rohit Sharma, will be seen headlining Sony Pictures Networks India's forthcoming show, 'Family Full House'.  The show will mark Rohit Sharma's debut in the entertainment sector. The makers announced the title of the show on Monday, along with the premiere date. 'Family Full House' is slated to premiere on 19th September 2026 only on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV. Rohit has already announced his retirement from Test and T20 cricket formats. However, he continues to be an ODI player.  Cricket lovers are eagerly waiting to see whether the 39-year-old player is a part of the 2027 World Cup. During his recent tour to England, it was speculated that the series decider would be Rohit's last international match for the country. However, Rohit ended up scoring 138 in the 388 chase against England, endeding the England ODIs with 175 runs in three matches at an average of 58.33 and a strike rate of 98.31. Meanwhile, earlier this month, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) announced its expansive festive-season content slate which also included 'Family Full House'. It further included the latest season of the reality game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', hosted by Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, and the 'Indian Game Show' hosted by popular television couple Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa. The show has some popular faces from the television world coming together for fun challenges. In addition to this, Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn has also turned host for the true-crime series 'Crime Patrol 2026'.  This festive season, the audience will also witness 'Scam 2010', which is being made under the direction of the National Award-winning filmmaker Hansal Mehta. The Sony LIV, Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment series will show the rise and fall of a massive financial empire."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/QylqZAZrD_TulSXL_rohithfamilyshow%60jj.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T13:31:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rohit-sharmas-show-titled-family-full-house"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Aamir’s ‘Race 4’ Role: Truth Revealed"},"content":{"text":"Reports were doing the rounds that Bollywood's Mr Perfectionist Aamir Khan has been roped in as the lead for the highly awaited 'Race 4'. However, on Monday, the makers rubbed the claims, saying that the casting for the fourth instalment of the popular franchise has not been finalised till now.  Taurani shared an official statement on his Instagram handle urging all to refrain from circulating such unverified reports. The filmmaker further requested everyone to wait for the official announcement regarding the cast of 'Race 4'. The statement read, “We would like to clarify that the cast of Race 4 has not yet been finalized. We sincerely request the media and social media pages to refrain from speculation and from engaging with or circulating any unverified or false news regarding the cast. Once the cast is finalized, we will make an official announcement from our end. Until then, we kindly request everyone to wait for an official confirmation before reporting or sharing any information (sic).” \"The #Race4 cast is yet to be finalised stay tuned for the official announcement (sic),\" they further captioned the post. A lot of speculation has been made in the past regarding the cast of 'Race 4'. In January this year, it was reported that Akshaye Khanna, who was part of 'Race', would be returning for 'Race 4'. However, producer Ramesh Taurani refuted the claims, saying that the makers have not approached Akshaye. Speaking to a media portal, he added that Akshaye's track in the franchise has already come to an end. Reports further suggested that Sidharth Malhotra and Tiger Shroff were also narrated the script for 'Race 4'. However, nothing has been made official till now. The primary instalment in the franchise, 'Race' starring Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif, and Anil Kapoor, was released back in 2008. This was followed by 'Race 2' in 2013 and 'Race 3' in 2018."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/TU3hhcu-8WtHEOJh_aamir.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T13:34:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"aamirs-race-4-role-truth-revealed"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"స్వీయ-నియంత్రణ మరియు అభద్రతా రాజకీయం"},"content":{"text":"రాజకీయ శాస్త్రవేత్తలు ఒక చక్కని మాట చెబుతారు—\"నిరంకుశ పాలకులు విధించే ఆంక్షలు వారి అపరిమిత అధికారానికి ప్రతీకలు కావు, వారి అంతర్గత భయాలకు నిదర్శనాలు.\" అంటే, ఒక నాయకుడు లేదా ప్రభుత్వం ప్రజల గొంతు నొక్కడానికి ప్రయత్నిస్తోందంటే, అది వారి సత్తా కాదు, వారి వెన్నులో పుట్టిన వణుకు అని అర్థం. ఒక పాలకుడి అహంకారాన్ని లిఖితపూర్వకమైన అక్షరం కంటే ఎక్కువగా భయపెట్టేది ప్రపంచంలో ఏదీ లేదు అనడానికి చరిత్రే ఒక సజీవ సాక్ష్యం. ఉదాహరణకు, 1614వ సంవత్సరంలో ఇంగ్లాండ్ రాజు కింగ్ జేమ్స్ I, సర్ వాల్టర్ రాలీ రాసిన ‘ది హిస్టరీ ఆఫ్ ది వరల్డ్’ అనే పుస్తకంపై తీవ్ర ఆగ్రహం వ్యక్తం చేశాడు. ఆ పుస్తకం చేసిన తప్పల్లా ఒక్కటే—అవినీతిపరులైన పాలకులకు ఎప్పటికైనా కాలం కలిసిరాదని, ప్రకృతి నియమం ప్రకారం వారికి శిక్ష తప్పదని హెచ్చరించడం. తానే దేవుడి ప్రతిరూపాన్ని అనే భ్రమల్లో బతికే ఆ రాజు, ఈ పుస్తకం వల్ల తన ప్రతిష్ట ఎక్కడ మంటగలిసిపోతుందోనని గాభరా పడ్డాడు. ఆ భయంతో, భవిష్యత్తు ముద్రణల్లో రాలీ పేరును, ముఖచిత్రాన్ని, పుస్తక శీర్షికను పూర్తిగా తొలగించాలని పబ్లిషర్లను ఆదేశించాడు. అధికారం ఎప్పుడైతే అభద్రతాభావానికి లోనవుతుందో, అప్పుడు ఆంక్షలు విధించడమే పాలకులకు పరమ రక్షణగా మారుతుందని ఈ ఘటన నిరూపించింది. ఈ చారిత్రక ప్రహసనం ఒక నిరంకుశ వ్యవస్థ పిచ్చెక్కినప్పుడు ఏం జరుగుతుందో స్పష్టం చేస్తుంది. అధికారం మొత్తం ఒకే ఒక్క అహంకారం చుట్టూ కేంద్రీకృతమైనప్పుడు, ప్రజాస్వామ్య విధానాల స్థానంలో అనుమానాలు, భయాలు రాజ్యమేలుతాయి. నిజాలు మొట్టమొదటి బలిపశువులవుతాయి. ఇలాంటి విషపూరిత వాతావరణంలో, వ్యవస్థలోని ప్రతి సంస్థ తన అసలు బాధ్యతను పక్కనపెట్టి, రాజు మనసులో ఏముందో ముందే ఊహించే ‘మైండ్ రీడింగ్’ ఆట మొదలుపెడుతుంది. పాలకుడికి కోపం రాకుండా, ఆయనకు నచ్చిన భజన మాత్రమే చేయడానికి తాపత్రయపడతాయి. ఇక నేటి కాలానికి వస్తే, ‘పెంగ్విన్ రాండమ్ హౌస్ ఇండియా’ (PRHI) పబ్లిషింగ్ సంస్థ సోనియా గాంధీ ఆత్మకథ ‘బిలాంగింగ్: ఎ జర్నీ ఆఫ్ లవ్ ఇన్ ఇండియా’ పుస్తక ప్రచురణ విషయంలో సరిగ్గా ఇలాంటి సందిగ్ధంలోనే పడింది. తెరవెనుక నుంచి ఎవరో ఆదేశాలు ఇస్తున్నట్లుగా వారి ప్రవర్తన కనిపిస్తోంది. ఇది కేవలం ఒక వ్యాపార వివాదం కాదు; ఎవరూ అడగకుండానే ముందే చేతులెత్తేసే ‘లొంగుబాటు తత్వానికి’ ఇదొక చక్కని ఉదాహరణ. సమాజానికి ఏ సమాచారం అవసరమో, ప్రజలు ఎంతవరకు తట్టుకోగలరో నిర్ణయించడానికి ఈ పుస్తక సంపాదకులకు ఎవరు అధికారం ఇచ్చారు? వీరేమైనా అప్రకటిత రక్షణ శాఖా? భారత-చైనా సంబంధాలు, ఆర్‌ఎస్‌ఎస్, మరియు ప్రధానమంత్రి నరేంద్ర మోదీ ప్రస్తావనలు ఉన్న కొన్ని భాగాలను తొలగించాలని పెంగ్విన్ ఇండియా కోరినట్లు, దానికి సోనియా గాంధీ నిరాకరించినట్లు వార్తలు వస్తున్నాయి. వాస్తవాలను తనిఖీ చేసే హక్కు పబ్లిషర్‌కు ఉన్నప్పటికీ, ఒక రచయిత్రి తన సొంత రాజకీయ జ్ఞాపకాలను మార్చుకోవాలని ఒత్తిడి చేయడం భావప్రకటన స్వేచ్ఛను హరించడమే అవుతుంది. ఇక్కడ విచిత్రమైన డబుల్ స్టాండర్డ్స్ ఏంటంటే—పెంగ్విన్ ఇండియా ఈ పుస్తకాన్ని ఇక్కడ ముద్రించడానికి భయపడుతుంటే, వారిదే అయిన ‘ఆల్ఫ్రెడ్ ఎ. నాఫ్’ అనే అంతర్జాతీయ సంస్థ ప్రపంచవ్యాప్తంగా లక్ష కాపీలను సులువుగా ముద్రిస్తోంది. అంటే ప్రపంచమంతటికీ క్షేమకరమైన అక్షరాలు, ఢిల్లీకి వచ్చేసరికి ప్రమాదకరంగా మారిపోయాయన్నమాట! ఒక ప్రచురణ సంస్థ సాహిత్యాన్ని పక్కనపెట్టి, పాలకుల ముఖకవళికలను చదవడం మొదలుపెట్టినప్పుడు, అది ప్రింటింగ్ ప్రెస్‌ను మూసేసి ‘అధికార పక్ష కార్యాలయం’గా మారినట్లే లెక్క. ప్రజాస్వామ్యానికి నిజమైన ముప్పు ప్రభుత్వం విధించే ప్రత్యక్ష నిషేధాల వల్ల రాదు; భవిష్యత్తులో వచ్చే ఐటీ దాడులు, చట్టపరమైన చిక్కులు, లేదా రాజకీయ వ్యతిరేకతలను ముందే ఊహించుకుని భయపడే ‘స్వీయ-నియంత్రణ’ (Self-Censorship) వల్లే వస్తుంది. ఒక ప్రచురణకర్త బాధ్యత పుస్తకానికి విశ్వసనీయతను కల్పించడమే కానీ, పాలకుల మెప్పు పొందడం కాదు. మన దేశంలోని పబ్లిషర్లు ఇలా ప్రతి అడుగులోనూ వెనక్కి తిరిగి చూసుకుంటూ ఉంటే, భవిష్యత్తులో మనకు ఎలాంటి నిజాలు లేని, కేవలం భజనతో కూడిన నిరుపయోగమైన సాహిత్యం మాత్రమే మిగులుతుంది. రచయితలు తమ సొంత జీవితాలను గుర్తుచేసుకోవడానికి కూడా ముందే పర్మిషన్ తీసుకోవాల్సిన విచిత్రమైన రోజుల్లోకి మనం వెళ్తున్నాం. బాలీవుడ్ భాషలో చెప్పాలంటే, \"పిక్చర్ అభి బాకీ హై మేరే దోస్త్\" (సినిమా ఇంకా మిగిలే ఉంది మిత్రమా). కానీ, ఈ గేట్ కీపర్లు నిజాలన్నింటినీ ఎడిట్ చేసుకుంటూ పోతే, రేపు మన చరిత్ర కేవలం ఒక ఖాళీ తెరగా మాత్రమే మిగులుతుంది. ఈ ముందస్తు లొంగుబాటు ప్రహసనాన్ని ఉర్దూ కవి అహ్మద్ ఫరాజ్ తన కవితలో ఎంతో అద్భుతంగా చెప్పారు: షిక్వా-ఎ-జుల్మత్-ఎ-షబ్ సే తో కహీ బెహ్తర్ థా,అప్నే హిస్సే కీ కోయి శమా జలాతే జాతే\"(చీకటిని తిట్టుకుంటూ కూర్చోవడం కంటే, నీ వంతుగా ఒక చిన్న దీపాన్ని వెలిగించి ఉంటే బాగుండేది). కానీ విచారకరమైన విషయమేమిటంటే, మన ఆధునిక సాహిత్య రక్షకులు ఆ సత్యమనే దీపాన్ని వెలిగించాల్సింది పోయి, తామే స్వయంగా ఊది ఆర్పేస్తున్నారు. అందరూ చీకట్లోనే ప్రశాంతంగా నిద్రపోవాలని కోరుకుంటున్నారు."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/6kJMQTvPg_05X-bB_sg.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T13:07:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"self-control-and-the-politics-of-insecurity"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics","featured","one"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Liquor scam: SC Raps SIT Over Kesireddy Arrest"},"content":{"text":"The Supreme Court on Monday declined to stay an Andhra Pradesh High Court order quashing the arrest and consequential remand of Kesireddy Rajasekhara Reddy, alias Raj Kesireddy, in connection with the multi-crore liquor scam, while expressing serious concern over the manner in which the Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducted the probe.  A Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana questioned the SIT's decision to seek a production warrant against Raj Kesireddy when his anticipatory bail petition was pending, and he was already in custody in another case. The CJI Kant-led Bench observed that since Raj Kesireddy was already in custody, there was no question of him absconding and questioned the need for seeking a production warrant in such circumstances. The apex court also questioned the apparent contradiction in the SIT's stand, remarking that while the investigating agency had sought custodial interrogation and obtained a production warrant, it was reportedly not prepared to take Kesireddy into police custody when he was produced before the court and instead sought his judicial custody. The CJI Kant-led Bench issued notice on the petition filed by the State of Andhra Pradesh and the Additional Superintendent of Police challenging the High Court's order and adjourned the matter after the respondents sought time to file their counter. The Andhra Pradesh High Court had earlier held Raj Kesireddy's arrest and consequential remand to be legally unsustainable, finding that the manner in which the grounds of arrest were communicated violated the constitutional safeguard under Article 22(1). The High Court held that informing an arrested person of the grounds of arrest was not a mere procedural formality but a substantive safeguard of personal liberty. It observed that the grounds had to be communicated in writing and within a timeframe that enabled the accused to consult counsel, oppose remand and seek bail. The High Court further relied on the Supreme Court's rulings to hold that written grounds of arrest should be furnished at the earliest and, even in exceptional circumstances, no later than two hours before production before the Magistrate for remand. It consequently quashed the arrest and remand while allowing the investigation to continue. A single-judge Bench of Justice Tuhin Kumar Gedela directed Kesireddy to cooperate with the investigation whenever called and comply with the conditions imposed by the court. The proceedings relate to the alleged Rs 349 crore liquor transportation scam in Andhra Pradesh during the previous YSR Congress Party government. The ED has been investigating the case on the basis of an FIR registered by the Andhra Pradesh CID following a complaint alleging a loss of around Rs 4,000 crore to the state exchequer. The ED has claimed that hundreds of crores changed hands through kickbacks, hawala and money-laundering channels. According to the financial probe agency, its investigation traced a money trail of Rs 1,048.45 crore in alleged kickbacks, with payments allegedly collected in cash and gold and through other financial arrangements. In March, the ED had attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs 441.63 crore belonging to Raj Kesireddy, his family members and related entities, besides properties linked to other accused and entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Raj Kesireddy, a former advisor to former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, was arrested by the Andhra Pradesh CID's SIT in 2025. The Andhra Pradesh High Court had granted him bail on April 7, 2026. The ED had also conducted searches at premises linked to Raj Kesireddy and other accused as part of its probe into the alleged liquor transportation scam."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aAfFIPIqRLdaBepj_rajkasireddy.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T15:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"liquor-scam-sc-raps-sit-over-kesireddy-arrest"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics","featured","four"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Messi announces retirement"},"content":{"text":" Lionel Messi on Monday announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 20-year Argentina career that included a World Cup triumph, two Copa América titles and a record 207 appearances for his country, saying the decision had been on his mind since the World Cup final defeat to Spain before the death of his father further convinced him it was time to step away.  The 39-year-old revealed the decision in a statement posted on his official Instagram account, confirming that he would no longer wear the Argentina jersey after one of the most celebrated international careers in football history. \"After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national tea,\" Messi wrote on Instagram. Messi said the decision had been painful, particularly because of the emotional bond he has shared with the national team and Argentina's supporters throughout his career. “It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deeply, but I understand that this is the right time. I swear I always gave everything — not just during the last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave my all for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.\" Having made his senior Argentina debut in 2005, Messi experienced both the highest and most difficult moments of international football. He led his country to the World Cup title in 2022 after years of near misses and also helped Argentina win two Copa América crowns. His international journey also included World Cup final defeats in 2014 and again this summer, with the loss to Spain in July proving to be a significant moment in his decision-making process. Messi revealed that the words announcing his retirement had originally been written shortly after the final before the death of his father, Jorge, made him even more certain about bringing his international career to a close. \"I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my father, I am even more convinced than before,\" read the statement from Messi on Instagram. The Argentine great said the passage of time and the emergence of a new generation of players also played a role in his decision to leave the national team. \"There is little time left and chapters are beginning to close, and this is one that hurts me a lot. I love, have loved and will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had; I have nothing more left to give. Besides, there are some great young players coming through who deserve their opportunity.\" Messi thanked Argentina's supporters for standing by him throughout two decades of international football and said he would continue supporting the national team from outside the stadium. \"Thank you for all the love and support over these 20 years. I will miss hearing you from inside the stadium very much. Now I will be one of you, always supporting and cheering from the outside — in good times and bad, even more so in the bad times.\" The former Argentina captain also paid tribute to the people who accompanied him throughout his journey, including his family, coaches, teammates and officials. \"Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and official I had the chance to share this journey with. I am taking with me unforgettable memories and moments.\" Looking back on everything Argentina achieved during his time with the national team, Messi said he was leaving with pride and satisfaction over the moments he and his teammates had created for the country. \"I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, moments we could only have dreamed of. It was crazy to experience it all with you. I love you!\" Messi ended his emotional farewell with a tribute to his country. \"Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.\" \"Let's go, Argentina!\" While his international career has now come to an end, Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he remains under contract until 2028. His departure from the Argentina national team closes a remarkable chapter that began in 2005 and ultimately saw him achieve the World Cup triumph that had long defined his international ambition."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aQBspLpReVYa3vGD_messi.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T14:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"messi-announces-retirement"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"'Toxic' Sees Dramatic Slump After Strong Debut"},"content":{"text":"Yash's latest cinematic venture, 'Toxic', has not only captured attention with its star-studded cast but has also made waves at the box office, recording a fifth-day collection of ₹23 crore across India. The film's total gross now stands at an impressive ₹285.20 crore worldwide, with ₹255.95 crore generated domestically and ₹29.25 crore from international audiences. However, a closer look reveals a concerning trend; the initial fervor that propelled the film to an opening day collection of ₹101.10 crore is waning, as evidenced by a significant drop in revenues in subsequent days, attributed largely to unfavorable reviews and audience response. On its fifth day, 'Toxic' achieved its ₹23 crore milestone from a staggering 16,241 shows, with box-office analysts noting that the upward trajectory seen in the initial days has succumbed to an unsettling decline. By Day 2, earnings plummeted to ₹37.65 crore, reflecting a drastic drop in occupancy rates, which hovered around 26.6%. This downward trend continued, with daily collections decreasing to ₹27.20 crore on Day 3 and further to ₹25.15 crore on Day 4, culminating in the latest figures that suggest a troubling retention issue among viewers. The film, directed by Geetu Mohandas and produced by Venkat K Narayana and Rocking Star Yash under the banners of KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, features a robust ensemble cast including Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, and Huma Qureshi. This star power initially drew vast audiences, yet the sharp decline in attendance raises pressing questions about the film's content and critical reception. Language-specific performances varied, with the Hindi version leading the charge with ₹14.50 crore from 11,734 shows, while the Kannada original maintained a commendable 50% occupancy despite a smaller number of screenings. As the film's narrative unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that initial box office success does not guarantee sustained audience interest. The rapid descent from blockbuster status to a looming box office question mark highlights the unpredictable nature of film-viewing trends, especially when tempered by critical feedback. The cinematic landscape is ever-evolving, and 'Toxic' stands as a reflective case study on the delicate balance between star power, audience expectation, and the imperatives of storytelling in today's cinema."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/qQEp52QIbCMQklmr_toxic.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T11:18:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"toxic-sees-dramatic-slump-after-strong-debut"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Shalini Pandey on the Dark Side of Tech"},"content":{"text":"Popular actress Shalini Pandey, who was recently seen in a pivotal role in actor Dhanush's 'Idli Kadai', on Monday said that a recent video that had been circulated online was a fake, Al-generated video of her and that the video was a completely fabricated one which did not depict her. Taking to her social media timelines to address the issue of the fake video, the actress wrote, \"I want to address a fake, Al-generated video of me that is currently being circulated online. The video is completely fabricated and does not depict me.\" Stating that it was deeply disturbing to see technology being misused in this way to target and harm individuals, especially women, the actress said, \"I strongly condemn this kind of abuse and believe such misuse of technology should never be normalised.\" Appealing to her fans and the general public to report the video immediately if they came across it, the actress said, \"If you come across this video, please do not share, forward, download, or engage with it. Instead, please report it immediately. I request everyone to be responsible and mindful, and help stop its circulation rather than giving it further reach. Thank you!\" It may be recalled that in February this year, the actress, during an exclusive interaction with media, had urged everyone to pursue their dreams. When asked how she looked back at that phase of her life when she decided to leave her home to pursue her dreams, Shalini had replied, \"I think that was the best decision of my life because I feel anyone who wants to do something should pursue their dreams. I believe if I had not pursued my dream and had done something else, I would not have been happy. So, I am glad that I made that decision. I always look back and see it with very kind eyes, and I am very grateful that I made myself go through that to be here.\" The 'Arjun Reddy' actress had stated that the industry had taught her to have self-belief. Reiterating her belief that constancy is the key to growing in life, Shalini had shared, \"I think it is not about the industry, but in life as well, it takes a lot of patience and consistency when you are growing. So, I think that's life, and I believe this industry has taught me a lot, and it has taught me to be patient, it has also taught me to have self-belief, and all this has only gotten stronger with time. I do believe that consistency matters in your growth, and that is also my approach to life in general.\""},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ARCPZAIxH8OCJnmM_shalinipandey.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T09:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"shalini-pandey-on-the-dark-side-of-tech"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","two"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Mahesh’s Message: Chase Your Dreams, Gautam"},"content":{"text":"Telugu Superstar Mahesh Babu has penned an adorable birthday wish for his son Gautham Ghattam on the occasion of his 20th birthday on Monday in which he has urged the youngster to always chase his dreams with courage and kindness. Taking to his Instagram page to pen the birthday wish, Mahesh Babu wrote, \"Happy 20 GG!! As you step into this new chapter, may you always chase your dreams with courage and kindness….. Proud of you today and every day…. @gautamghattamaneni.\" Interestingly, only three weeks ago, Gautam had wished his dad, Mahesh Babu, a happy birthday. Gautam Ghattamaneni had in his birthday wish to his dad said, \"Happy Birthday, Nanna! Wishing you the best year ahead. Love you always! @urstrulymahesh.\" In fact, Mahesh Babu had been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love that he received from family members, friends and fans on the occasion of his birthday earlier this month that the Telugu superstar had gone on to say that his \"heart was full\". Taking to his social media timelines to express gratitude for all the love that he had received on his special day, Mahesh Babu had said, \"Heart is full reading all your wishes. Truly overwhelmed in ways words can’t express. A big thank you to all my well wishers, friends, colleagues and media for your beautiful wishes and blessings.\" Addressing his fans, the actor had said, \"And to all my fans, thank you will never be enough. You have always been my constant love, strength and emotion. The love you continue to give me is something I feel incredibly blessed and grateful for.\" He went on to say, \"I promise to keep working hard and make you even prouder. #VARANASI is very close to my heart and I truly believe it’s going to be something special. I can’t wait for you all to experience it. Let’s make this journey together. Much love to each and every one of you. Always.\" For the unaware, the makers of director S S Rajamouli's much awaited magnum opus 'Varanasi'unveiled two exclusive stills from the film on the occasion of the actor's birthday. The still offered the world its first glimpse of Mahesh Babu's character Rudhra in his element. The first still captured Rudhra at rest on a bamboo raft, surrounded by a dense jungle, effortlessly cool, magnetic and carrying the quiet intensity that defined his character while the second transported fans to the sweeping plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, where Rudhra was seen standing with a commanding look, amidst giraffes and wild beasts. 'Varanasi', which is Mahesh Babu's upcoming film with SS Rajamouli, sources say, will be a globe-trotting, century-spanning epic in which one man’s extraordinary journey will be seen taking him from the sacred waters of India to the wildest corners of the earth."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/G8DcsDFexv5xXMbS_mbgk.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T07:55:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"maheshs-message-chase-your-dreams-gautam"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Janhvi bids summer a sweet goodbye"},"content":{"text":"Actress Janhvi Kapoor said goodbye to the summer season with a sweet note on social media. Sharing glimpses from her summer memories, the ‘Mili’ actress looked back on the season with fondness. Taking to Instagram, Janhvi posted a series of pictures and moments from her summer and captioned them, “Goodbye summer, you were so good.” The post offered a glimpse into the actress’ summer diaries as she bid farewell to the season. The carousel of photos features Janhvi Kapoor’s stunning solo pictures, along with candid moments with her friends. The actress also shared glimpses of her makeup sessions and behind-the-scenes moments, giving a peek into her summer memories. A few days ago, Janhvi also shared a video from Paris, giving fans a glimpse of her time in the city. Sharing the video on Instagram, she wrote, “7 hrs in Paris but not without my French girl lip stick and blush from @orry on the vibes and vids.” Janhvi Kapoor is quite active on social media and regularly shares glimpses of her photoshoots, travels, family time, and candid moments, keeping her fan base updated about her life. On the professional front, Janhvi Kapoor was last seen in Shashank Khaitan’s “Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari,” which also starred Varun Dhawan, Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf, Maniesh Paul and Akshay Oberoi. She made her acting debut in 2018 with Dhadak and has since appeared in films including “Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl,” “Roohi,” “Good Luck Jerry,” “Mili,” “Mr. & Mrs. Mahi,” “Ulajh” and “Devara: Part 1.” Janhvi was also seen in “Peddi” alongside Ram Charan. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the sports action-drama featured Ram Charan as a crossover athlete who took on three demanding sports—cricket, wrestling, and sprinting."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0-pswLrCOIwJz-jm_jahnvi.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T09:20:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"janhvi-bids-summer-a-sweet-goodbye"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Anupam Kher announces his landmark 555th film"},"content":{"text":"Veteran actor Anupam Kher has announced a major milestone in his illustrious career. The actor revealed that he is set to feature in his landmark 555th film while keeping details about the project under wraps for now. Taking to Instagram, Anupam shared a note expressing his excitement about the announcement. He wrote, “Announcement! Some things are better kept close to the heart for a little while!! Because the joy of revealing them at the right time is something else! So, for now, all I will say is: I am delighted to announce my landmark 555th film. Details at the right time. Till then, please allow me to enjoy the suspense too! Jai Ho! #555 #Gratitude.” Anupam’s industry colleagues also took to the comments section to congratulate him on the milestone and express their excitement about his upcoming project. Ashoke Pandit wrote, “This is just the beginning .Orzu tu dorkut.” Karanveer Sharma commented, “Wow! Heartiest congrats sir. To many more.” Tara Sharma wrote, “Congrats and good luck AKji.” Meanwhile, Anupam Kher will next be seen in “Shri Rambhoomi,” for which he has recently completed shooting. The veteran actor portrays the role of late Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal in the film. Sharing the wrap-up announcement on Instagram, the ‘Special 26’ actor described the project as a deeply meaningful and spiritual experience. Anupam also reflected on how some films leave a lasting impression and become more than just another project in an actor’s professional journey.  “My work on the film Shri Rambhoomi has been completed. Some films give an actor the satisfaction of knowing that they have done good work. Some bring the pride of being part of a significant and important cinematic project. But there are some films that touch not just an actor but a human being at the deepest level. They purify the soul and fill the heart with a profound and peaceful spiritual experience,” he wrote. “Shri Ram Bhoomi,” centered on the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, will chronicle the decades-long journey surrounding the temple and the key events associated with it. Directed by Kamakhaya Narayan Singh, the film features Anupam Kher as late Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ashok Singhal. The upcoming drama also stars Ritwik Bhowmik and Amruta Khanvilkar in pivotal roles."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aDw4j7h8WN-LVc3H_anupamkher.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T04:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"anupam-kher-announces-his-landmark-555th-film"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"'Bigg Boss' Stars Caught in Food Mix-Up"},"content":{"text":"The makers of the upcoming regional editions of the reality show ‘Bigg Boss’ unveiled a new promo featuring Vijay Sethupathi, Nagarjuna, Kichcha Sudeepa and Mohanlal on Monday. The 4 actors are the hosts of ‘Bigg Boss’ Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam with all 4 editions set to premiere on September 6, 2026. At the heart of the promo is a playful celebration of the 4 regional markets and their cultures.The promos shows the hosts finding themselves in a mix-up involving food from one another’s states, adding a fun twist to the narrative. The humour, observations, interventions and weekend conversations of the hosts are among the most anticipated parts of every season, often driving conversations well beyond the house. Krishnan Kutty, Head, Entertainment (South), JioStar, said, “Each of our four hosts has a very distinct equation with his audience, and that relationship is an important part of what makes Bigg Boss so powerful in every market”. “This promo gave us an opportunity to bring Vijay Sethupathi, Nagarjuna, Kichcha Sudeepa and Mohanlal together in a way that is fun, rooted in the cultures of the South and true to their personalities. For fans, seeing all four of them share the screen is a moment in itself. It captures the scale and excitement we are building towards as all four editions begin together”, he added. ‘Bigg Boss’ Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam are set to air simultaneously on September 6 on JioStar television channels and JioHotstar. ‘Bigg Boss’ is a format owned by Endemol Shine and Banijay Entertainment."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/1PU6DEPPYqDZAfHp_mohanlalnagsethupathi.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T08:49:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"bigg-boss-stars-caught-in-food-mix-up"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"VDK’s “War” Bond With Vanga"},"content":{"text":"Stating that the love he had for ace director Sandeep Reddy Vanga was not something that he could express in words, popular Telugu star Vijay Deverakonda has said that he could go to any extent for the sake of director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The actor, who participated in the pre-release event of director Venu Gopal Reddy's romantic drama 'Romanchakam', which is being presented by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Vijay Deverakonda said, \"I can't express the love I have for Sandeep in words. It's not just a director-actor relationship. It's not just a brother relationship or a friend relationship. It's something else.\" Recalling the difficulties they faced during the making of the blockbuster film 'Arjun Reddy', Vijay Deverakonda went on to say, \"Back then, we went to war together. We didn't know what we were doing. Had the film not worked out, we would have gone crazy. Both of us didn't have money. We did not have influence. We didn't have any pull. There were no fans at that time because Pellichoopulu hadn't released then.\" \"I miss Sandeep Reddy not for Arjun Reddy's success or what it has gone on to become. I miss him for all the moments we spent together -- building a film together, sharing our lives, our stress and sharing our battles. Pranay and Prabhakar uncle mortgaged their lands to get money to make that film. They made that film showing faith in Sandeep and he in turn, had faith in me. He also got them to believe in me and made that film,\" he recalled and pointed out that the stakes were really high for that film.  \"You put your entire family, earnings and future on film. Sandeep will go to any extent for me and I will go to any extent for Sandeep,\" he said, revealing the deep bond of trust and affection he shared with the ace director.  For the unaware, Romanchakam, which has triggered huge expectations, is slated to hit screens worldwide on September 3 this year. Excitement about the film shot up after the makers chose to release a glimpse video of the film a couple of weeks ago. The glimpse video begins with Sumanth Prabhas and Ananthika Sanilkumar's characters in the film being madly in love with each other. Just when you begin to think that the couple is made for each other, the second half of the glimpse shows both characters beginning to hate each other. Adding to the excitement and intrigue is the character played by actor Upendra Limaye in the film. The glimpse gives the impression that the actor plays a cop in the film.   Apart from Sumanth Prabhas, Ananthika Sanilkumar and Upendra Limaye, the film will also feature actors Venkatesh Kakumanu, Narendra Ravi, Mani Aegurla and Sai Sohan among others. Produced by Pranay Reddy Vanga, the film has cinematography by Pavan Pappula and music by Vasuki Vaibhav. Gobind Kotap has choreographed the dances in the film, which has costumes by Akunur Keerthana."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/vIj0FwTO9Fr8Vh1V_vangavdk.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T05:43:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"vdks-war-bond-with-vanga"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"How Hospital Stories Shaped Sreeleela’s Acting"},"content":{"text":"Actress Sreeleela, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film with Kartik Aaryan, has shared how her medical career has shaped the actress in her. The actress opened up about how her exposure to real-life situations during her medical journey has helped her approach acting with greater sensitivity and perspective. Talking about whether her medical experience helps her in cinema, Sreeleela shared, “Definitely. 100 percent. I feel it is important for an actor to have a lot of knowledge about everything around the world. General knowledge is also very important. Experiences and your sensitivity meter has to be high”. She further mentioned that her hospital postings exposed her to several deeply personal stories and emotional journeys. She went on, “Hospital stories, what I've seen in my course of being in the hospital or in my postings, was, people's emotional journeys very closely. You see life and death, you see situations, you see people having financial situations to clear bills. There's so many stories. What is cinema? It's a story and like that I've been grateful”. “I mean I was exposed to around three, four stories like this every day so it gives you so much perspective. It gives, it opens your mind up very differently. You're very sensitive about microscopic things and you're very real with. That's what I say that this side it's just one colorful world, dancing, there's wonderful costumes, there's so many people and there 's a white coat. It's a completely different situation. You're seeing life and death, so that really matures you as an actor”, she added. On the work front, Sreeleela will make her Bollywood debut with Anurag Basu's upcoming musical drama."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Z1bLppbqstJ98N-O_sreeleela.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T10:32:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"how-hospital-stories-shaped-sreeleelas-acting"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Amitabh revealed secret about son Abhishek"},"content":{"text":"Megastar Amitabh Bachchan recently opened up about his special bond with his son and actor Abhishek Bachchan during an episode of the popular quiz reality show Kaun Banega Crorepati. Responding to a contestant's observation about the close relationship he shares with Abhishek, Amitabh revealed a quirky food habit of his son, saying that the actor does not eat fruits. “Arey sir, hum toh unko apna mitra maante hain. Aur bhaisahab yeh badi vichitra ek aadat hai unki, woh phal nahi khate hain. Yeh ek alag baat hai, kyunki hum sab log phal-val khate hain. Haan, agar dudh ka koi pakwaan ho toh, thoda sa jhijak hoti hain usko lene ke liye, lekin phal jo hai, woh khayenge hi nahi.” (I consider him my friend. And brother, he has this very peculiar habit, he does not eat fruits at all. This is a different matter altogether because all of us eat fruits. Yes, if it is a dish made with milk, he may hesitate a little before having it, but as far as fruits are concerned, he simply will not eat them) The conversation then took an emotional turn as Amitabh recalled a profound poem written by his late father and celebrated poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan about father-son relationships, legacy and true inheritance. “Mere bete, bete hone se mere uttaradhikari nahi honge. Jo mere uttaradhikari honge, woh mere bete honge.” (My sons will not become my heirs simply by virtue of being my sons. Those who prove to be my true heirs will be my sons.) Talking about Abhishek Bachchan, over his career spanning 25 years, the actor has proven to be an actor par excellence with his performances in movies like Zameen, Bluffmaster, Guru, and many more. The actor is married to Bollywood superstar Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and they are parents to a teenage daughter Aaradhya Bachchan."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ZzzS5K8jQArT1CzK_amithababhishek.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T04:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"amitabh-revealed-secret-about-son-abhishek"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Gold Could Hit $5,600 by Year-End?"},"content":{"text":"Gold could reach $5,000-$5,600 per ounce and silver $95-$120 per ounce in the bull case, which is assigned a 25 per cent probability, a new report has said.  The bull case scenario assumes weakness in the labour market, forcing the Fed to ease repo rates and real yields roll over, the report from Monarch PMS said. Further institutional reallocation into precious metals must resume and physical tightness in silver should return for the bull case to materialise. Gold is likely to trade in the range of $4,300-$4,700per ounce and silver at $70-$85 per ounce by end-2026 in a base case, with a 55 per cent probability. The scenario assumes the US Federal Reserve holds rates through September, energy prices normalise, real yields plateau and central banks maintain purchases of around 250 tonnes a quarter. The bear case, with a 20 per cent probability, sees gold at $3,400-$3,900per ounce and silver at $45-$55 per ounce if the Fed delivers a rate hike in September, oil falls further, and disinflation turns into demand weakness. “The principal headwind is the 10-year TIPS real yield, which stands at 2.41 per cent and remains a genuine competing return to a zero-coupon asset such as gold,” the report said. “Silver's supply-demand fundamentals also remain supportive, with a sixth consecutive annual deficit, 762 million ounces drawn from above-ground stocks since 2021 and mine supply broadly flat for a decade,” the report said. The firm forecasted physical tightness to amplify upside moves if demand strengthens with paper claims on COMEX roughly 5.6 times registered physical inventory. “The gold-silver ratio has also normalised, rising from 46x at January's peak to around 69-fold today, close to its 21st-century average,” the report said, adding that silver has given back much of its earlier outperformance and now looks relatively cheaper than gold."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/2b83eec7-174d-4d85-90a0-65faf6e44e22_gold.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T07:56:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"gold-could-hit-5600-by-year-end"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Samantha flaunts baby bump in black & white"},"content":{"text":"Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu was seen flaunting her baby bump in black-and-white attire as she was captured at the airport.   On Monday, the 'Yashoda' actress was clicked by the shutterbugs at the Mumbai airport. Samantha aced the breezy avatar in a loose and comfy white shirt paired with black trousers. She kept the off-duty look simple yet chic with white-and-black sunglasses and open hair. Ever since announcing her first pregnancy in June this year, Samantha has been sharing several sneak peeks from her journey towards motherhood with the netizens. Recently, she uploaded a string of photographs on her official account, and the Insta users soon flooded the comment section with some baby names. One of the cybercitizens suggested, \"How about Samaira (Girl) or Samaraj (Boy)? Perfect mix of Sam & Raj! Take care, Samantha garu!\" Samantha responded to the suggestion in a hilarious manner, saying, “SAMRAJ. A little full of ourselves, don’t you think?” accompanying by a laughing emoji. Prior to this, Samantha dropped a glimpse of her pregnancy workout on social media. She revealed that her approach towards fitness and training has changed post-pregnancy. The 'Khushi' actress further went on to share a disclaimer that she has been strength training for a long time now and is working out during pregnancy only after getting a 'go-ahead' from her doctor.  Dropping a couple of photos of herself sweating it out in the gym, Samantha wrote, “A little disclaimer: I’ve strength trained for years and have continued through pregnancy with my doctor’s clearance. My trainer is also certified in prenatal training, and everything you see here is modified for my body, my experience, and my pregnancy.” “Every pregnancy is different, so please don’t use my workouts as a guide for yours. Speak to your doctor and work with someone qualified before exercising during pregnancy,\" she went on to add."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/lfhDrn0h3iAJHf_x_sama.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C36%2C449%2C221&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T11:04:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"samantha-flaunts-baby-bump-in-black--white"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"US Open: Navone stuns Djokovic in first round"},"content":{"text":"The 2026 US Open started most disappointingly for Novak Djokovic, the most successful male player in Grand Slam tournaments, as the fourth seed made a stunning and dramatic exit from the men's singles competition on the opening day in New York.  Mariano Navone upset Djokovic in a five-set stunner on Monday (IST), handing the 24-time Grand Slam champion his first opening-round defeat at a Grand Slam since 2006. Navone earned a 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 win in Arthur Ashe Stadium, pulling away in the final two sets as Djokovic struggled physically under the closed roof. The fourth-seeded Djokovic, a four-time US Open champion, looked out of sorts after bursting from the gate in a four-hour, 36-minute match, the longest first-rounder ever in a major. The physical troubles that waylaid the Serb in a recent loss at Cincinnati visited once again, as energy and winners were in short supply. \"It's amazing. The way we played, five sets against the GOAT,\" Navone was quoted as saying by the ATP Tour website. \"I'm very happy. I don't know, what can I say?\" There were many signs pointing towards Djokovic finding a way past the Argentine inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, including the fact that the fourth seed had not lost in the first round of a major since the 2006 Australian Open. Even when Djokovic let slip a break advantage at 2-1 in the fourth set and needed a decider, history was still on his side. The Serbian was 42-12 in five-set matches, while Navone was 0-4. The Argentine was just 12-29 in tour-level matches on hard courts. But the 39-year-old Djokovic was unable to battle through. During the four hours and 36 minutes of play, the 101-time tour-level titlist struggled to move at times and vomited on multiple occasions. After winning his first game of the fifth set to trail 1-3, Djokovic teared up while standing behind the baseline as the fans roared to try to urge him back into the clash. On match point, Navone scrambled to retrieve a drop volley and shovelled the ball into the open court before embracing a gracious Djokovic at the net just before midnight. The ATP No. 1 Club member stopped to sign several autographs on his way off the court. \"It's unbelievable. It means a lot for me,\" Navone said of facing Djokovic, one of his idols, for the first time. \"It's a dream come true, I mean seriously, 100 per cent. Now I have to recover. I think it's almost 12 o'clock, so we have to go to sleep.\" With World No. 1 Jannik Sinner not competing in the US Open due to injury and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz playing his first tournament since Barcelona in April, Djokovic had a big opportunity to pursue his 25th major trophy. Instead, he departs New York after the first round."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/p6TqrYljEsOfFRAq_dijkovicout.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T04:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"us-open-navone-stuns-djokovic-in-first-round"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Mannara Chopra gets body-shamed"},"content":{"text":"Actress Mannara Chopra has once again found herself at the receiving end of body-shaming comments on social media after sharing a dance video on her social media account.  The Bigg Boss 17 fame actress posted a video of herself dancing to Aroob Khan's popular Punjabi track Gucci. In the video, Mannara can be seen dancing and posing for the camera while dressed in a black structured, jacket-style outfit. Sharing the video, Mannara wrote in the caption: “Why chase a label when you're already a brand? ...” While several fans showered the actress with love and compliments, some social media users chose to comment on her appearance and weight. One user wrote, “Aap motu kyu ho rahe ho ”(Why are you becoming fat?), while another commented, “Bahut moti” (Very fat). Another user wrote, “Pls.... Go to gym & do some workout, that's not body shaming it's my concern for you as a fan.” The comments come amid a series of instances in which Mannara has faced trolling over her appearance and weight. In 2025, she was body-shamed following appearances at public events, with social media users commenting on her weight and telling her to lose weight. In one instance, users reacted to her appearance in a white saree and low-cut blouse, with comments including “How much weight has she put on?”, “She is putting on weight every day,” and “She needs to do something about her gaining weight.” Mannara rose to wider popularity with her stint on Bigg Boss 17, where she emerged as the second runner-up. She had earlier made her Hindi film debut with Anubhav Sinha's Zid in 2014 and has also worked in Telugu, Tamil and Kannada films, including Prema Geema Jantha Nai, Jakkanna, Thikka, Rogue and Sita."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/c52fa3c7-791a-4675-b462-9ba70ce1086b_Mannara+CHopra+%2811%29.jpeg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C44%2C900%2C444&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T05:51:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"mannara-chopra-gets-body-shamed"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Why SRK Didn’t Visit Kashmir for Years"},"content":{"text":"Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film ‘King’, once revealed the reason behind him not going to Kashmir for the longest time. An old clip from the quiz based reality show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ has resurfaced on the Internet, and it shows the megastar talking about his family roots. He told the show host Amitabh Bachchan, “It's a very emotional story, Amitji. My father's mother was Kashmiri. He had told me in my life, to look at three places in life, whether I live or not. He said, look at Istanbul, look at Italy, Rome, and look at Kashmir. But look at the other two places without me, but don't look at Kashmir without me. So he died very early, and I've been all over the world, but I never went to Kashmir”. He further mentioned, “And I got many opportunities, many friends invited me, and my family went on vacation. But I never went to Kashmir, because my father had told me, ‘Don't visit Kashmir without me, I'll show you’. And then, suddenly this happened, and Yash Chopra told me, ‘We'll shoot in Kashmir’. And normally I have refused, not for any other reason, not for any political, geographical, or any other reason, but because there was an emotion, that I'll look at Kashmir with my father. But I just felt that's not the case. So the best would be actually, to go with Yashji”. SRK was talking about shooting for ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ which was shot in Kashmir. Yash Chopra decided to hang his boots after directing the film. However, the legendary filmmaker passed away in 2012, marking his last collaboration with SRK."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2Fd7c3715f-9ab8-4ba1-ba6d-72fec0066f53_srk.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C1200%2C592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-30T22:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"why-srk-didnt-visit-kashmir-for-years"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","three"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Tollywood’s Box Office Revival"},"content":{"text":"In an unexpected revival, Telugu cinema is witnessing a robust resurgence as six films have remarkably captured audience attention and box office revenues within a mere two months. This phenomenon, characterized by a series of successful theatrical releases, marks a significant turnaround for an industry that has grappled with dwindling viewer numbers in recent years. The latest successes, from diverse narratives and innovative storytelling to the enduring allure of the cinematic experience, highlight a renewed faith in the power of the silver screen amidst the rise of digital streaming platforms. The recent slate of hits includes notable films such as Nandini Reddy's 'Maa Inti Bangaaram' and Murali Kishor Abburu's 'Lenin,' each contributing to a period of sustained theatrical interest. This is particularly remarkable given the contemporary shift in viewer preferences toward OTT platforms, where immediate consumption has often overshadowed the communal experience of cinema. According to Mohan V, joint secretary of the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, the influx of successful films indicates that audiences are eager to return to theaters when the content resonates, suggesting a potential shift back to pre-pandemic norms. Historically, the Telugu film industry has been renowned for its ability to produce blockbusters that draw in crowds for extended runs, with 50-day and 100-day celebrations a once-frequent occurrence. However, the pandemic has reshaped audience habits, prompting a decline in traditional box office metrics. Filmmaker Madhura Sridhar noted that the prevailing benchmarks have shifted—where once theatrical runs were measured in months, even a two-week performance is now regarded as commendable. Yet, the recent successes, with several films maintaining a solid four-week presence in theaters, signal a significant cultural shift, reigniting hope among filmmakers and exhibitors alike. The current cinematic landscape features a refreshing variety of narratives that defy the conventional star-driven formulas. Enthusiasts like S Ramakrishna observe that films such as 'Chennai Love Story' and 'Korean Kanakaraju' break away from typical storytelling molds, portraying complex characters and innovative themes. This departure from the norm suggests that filmmakers are not just responding to market demands but are also shaping a new cinematic lexicon that celebrates originality. As production houses adapt to the evolving tastes of a more discerning audience, there is a palpable excitement in the air, underlining the enduring relevance of theaters in the age of streaming."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/wMZx7GTpaubcqXwk_tollhyhits.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-30T18:39:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"tollywoods-box-office-revival"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"AIMIM leader stabbed to death in Hyd"},"content":{"text":"An All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader was stabbed to death in Hyderabad's Falaknuma area, officials said on Monday. The deceased has been identified as 60-year-old Mahboob Ali. The incident occurred late Sunday night. The officials said that the motive for the murder was not immediately known.  According to initial information, the AIMIM leader was stabbed in Wattepally, Falaknuma police station area, on Sunday night.  Officials said that a group of five to six people attacked Ali. They added that the attackers surrounded him near the Almas Hotel and attacked him with knives and sickles. The AIMIM leader was seriously injured by the multiple stab wounds. The perpetrators fled the scene after the incident. The officials said that following the incident, Ali fell on the road and was like that for about 15 minutes. He was then taken to a hospital; however, he died during treatment. Upon receiving information about the attack, Falaknuma police arrived at the scene and began an investigation.  In an official statement regarding the incident, the police said, \"Three special teams have been formed to apprehend the suspects. The motive for the murder was not immediately known.\" Following the incident, AIMIM MLA Mohammed Mubeen met with the bereaved family and expressed his condolences.  \"Deeply saddened and shocked by the brutal murder of Marhoom Mahboob Ali Sahab, AIMIM Worker, who was attacked by unidentified assailants with deadly weapons at Alam's Hotel, Vattepally,\" Mubeen wrote in a post on X. The MLA reached the police station and met with police officers and demanded strict and immediate action against those responsible for this crime.  \"We urge the Government of Telangana and Hyderabad Police to strengthen patrolling, crack down on anti-social elements, and take stringent action against the growing menace of drugs and violent crime, so that the safety and security of every citizen is ensured,\" Mubeen added. Police said that an investigation is currently underway and information is being gathered from the eyewitnesses and the family of the deceased."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/f5a9c2a1-8baf-4f48-83ca-6820e03857ab_youth+attacked.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T04:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"aimim-leader-stabbed-to-death-in-hyd"}},{"node":{"tags":["Videos"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"The Paradise: 'Yeshanagula Katta Meeda' Song"},"content":{"text":"The Paradise: 'Yeshanagula Katta Meeda' Song"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/6e1Re5QxT_20hJqe_paradiseyeshakulasong.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C12%2C870%2C429&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-30T06:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Uk_BsDUJmc"}},"uid":"the-paradise-yeshanagula-katta-meeda-song"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"149 Indian nationals rescued in Nepal after floods"},"content":{"text":"A total of 149 Indian nationals have been rescued so far in Nepal after the devastating floods, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Sunday  The MEA shared the list of all 149 Indian nationals who were rescued, as of 5.30 p.m. on Sunday, in a post on X. Meanwhile, the 4th flight carrying 11 tonnes of relief assistance landed in Nepal, and relief material has been handed over. \"Standing with Nepal. The 4th flight carrying 11 tonnes of relief assistance landed in Nepal, and relief material has been handed over. It consists of a tunnel technical contingent along with equipment for search and rescue operations; a team of forensics experts for DNA analysis and relief supplies, including blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulin, plastic sheets and hygiene kits,\" the MEA posted on X. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday said that 16 trucks carrying equipment for a 230 feet Single Lane Modular Steel Bridge have reached Nepal. \"Equipment for installation of seven more Bailey bridges will be supplied soon. Technical teams for their installation are expected to reach shortly. So far, a total of 68.5 tonnes of relief material comprising essential medicines, portable generator sets, food packets, water purification tablets and technical equipment have been airlifted to Kathmandu,\" he said on X. Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava on Sunday met members of the Indian Forensic Team deployed in Nepal to assist in identifying the mortal remains of victims of the devastating flash floods and reiterated that India will continue to strongly support Nepal's ongoing rescue and relief operations. \"Ambassador Naveen Srivastava met members of the Indian Forensic Team deployed to Nepal. The team will work alongside their Nepali counterparts in analysing DNA samples to assist in identifying the mortal remains of the victims of the recent flash floods,\" the MEA stated on X."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/g5C3QQcdGjpS2GX-_nepalfloods.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-30T13:32:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"149-indian-nationals-rescued-in-nepal-after-floods"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Weekend’s Box Office & Controversy Buzz"},"content":{"text":"As August draws to a close, the Indian entertainment industry remains abuzz with intriguing developments, particularly in the box office arena. Yash's latest film, \"Toxic,\" has captured significant audience attention, amassing an impressive ₹190.45 crore in India and a remarkable ₹254.75 crore globally as of its fourth day in theaters. This gangster action drama demonstrates not only Yash's star power but also the film's resonance with viewers, even as it faces competition from other titles vying for box office supremacy. In parallel, the film industry gears up for fresh projects, notably Kartik Aaryan's long-anticipated action drama, \"Captain India,\" which is set to commence shooting in London on September 1. This film, slated for an August 2027 release, has been in the pipeline since its announcement in 2021. Such projects underscore the industry's potential for revitalization as filmmakers and actors alike navigate the evolving landscape of audience preferences and cinematic storytelling. Moreover, the discourse surrounding comedy and respect in entertainment has taken center stage with actor Manoj Bajpayee's comments regarding the ongoing controversy involving comedian Samay Raina and the show \"India's Got Latent 2.\" Bajpayee emphasized the importance of humor as a tool for self-reflection and mutual respect among diverse cultural backgrounds, recalling his own experiences with stereotypes. His perspective adds a layer of complexity to the conversation about creative expression and the boundaries of humor in contemporary media. In related news, the entertainment world continues to witness notable collaborations and legal disputes. Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi's reunion with Sunny Deol for \"Ghatak Ghus Ke Maarega\" promises to evoke nostalgia for fans of the 1996 cult classic \"Ghatak.\" Meanwhile, actor Chandrachur Singh has taken legal action against family members, alleging forgery of his grandfather's will. These developments highlight the multifaceted nature of the entertainment sphere, where artistry intersects with personal narratives and societal issues, captivating audiences and industry insiders alike."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/bb90ecfe-5f59-4f57-9c23-771b423a3b3d_movies.jpg?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-30T11:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"weekends-box-office--controversy-buzz"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"PC's daughter Malti celebrates first Rakhi"},"content":{"text":"Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas's daughter, Malti Marie Chopra Jonas, celebrated her first Rakhi with Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha's son Neer.  The 4-year-old Malti sent a Rakhi to her little cousin. Parineeti also shared the special moment with the netizens. She took to the Stories section of her official Instagram handle and dropped a picture of Neer wearing the rakhi sent by Malti.  Thanking his elder sister for the love, the 'Chamkila' actress had shared on her son's behalf, \"Thankyou Malti didi for my first rakhi! Lots of love, Neer (sic).\"  Priyanka also reciprocated the love, expressing Malti's love for her little brother. \"Didi loves you baby Neer\", she commented. This is not the first time that PeeCee has pampered her nephew with gifts. After Neer was born on October 19, 2025, Priyanka had sent a couple of goodies for the latest member of the Chopra family on her, Nick, and Malti's behalf. Thanking PeeCee for the lovely gesture, Parineeti had shared a picture of the gifts on her Instagram Stories, along with the text, \"Neer getting spoilt already! Thankyou Mimi masi, Nick masa and Malti didi.\" Talking about Priyanka's exciting professional lineup, she will next be seen in SS Rajamouli's globe-trotting adventure drama 'Varanasi', which will be headlined by Mahesh Babu. The eagerly awaited project will also see Prithviraj Sukumaran in a key role. PeeCee will be seen playing the role of Mandakini in her next, a fierce historian who will accompany Rudhra (Played by Mahesh Babu) in his mission to save the holy city of Varanasi from an asteroid named Shambhavi. Shifting our focus to Parineeti, she will be returning to the screen with 'Shaque: Trust No One', co-starring Jennifer Winget and Tahir Raj Bhasin. Created by Rensil D'Silva and Siddharth P Malhotra, the drama is expected to stream on Netflix soon."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/orzTRHGn2nRwH9Jy_raakhi.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C64%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-30T06:20:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"pcs-daughter-malti-celebrates-first-rakhi"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Why Chiranjeevi Doubted Juhi Chawla?"},"content":{"text":"Megastar Chiranjeevi had once admitted that he was not certain about Juhi Chawla being right for her role in the 1990 movie 'Pratibandh'.  During a throwback media interaction, Chiranjeevi shared that he had seen Juhi in the movie 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak', in which she was seen as a bubbly young girl and hence was not sure if Juhi would be entirely suitable for her role as Shanti in 'Pratibandh'. However, as he saw her photograph in the look, they decided to give her a chance. Chiranjeevi shared that Juhi had an innocent face required for the part.  Talking about his experience working with Juhi in the movie, Chiranjeevi said, \"I had seen 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak', where she is a teenage girl and a very bubbly character. So, we had doubts whether she would be apt for this character or not. Once we happened to see her photograph which is similar to our getup. Then we thought it would be nice, 'Definitely, why can't we cast'. And she had a similar sympathetic face, so we tried Juhi. She was so nice, and she accepted.\" Chiranjeevi even went on to applaud Juhi's performance in the movie, saying that she did a great job. Mentioning one scene in particular, the 'Megastar' shared, \"And I think we are very much happy with her performance, especially the court scene. That jail scene, near the jail, when I am trying to convince her. And she did very well.\" Made under the direction of Ravi Raja Pinisetty, 'Pratibandh' also featured Rami Reddy in a crucial role, along with others. The project also marked the Bollywood debut of Chiranjeevi. 'Pratibandh', which is a remake of the 1989 Telugu film 'Ankusam', turned out to be a commercial success at the box office."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/tQQn6p01Dpo-l0uq_chirujuhi.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-30T14:00:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"why-chiranjeevi-doubted-juhi-chawla"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Rashmika’s Comeback Begins"},"content":{"text":"Actress Rashmika Mandanna is all set to get back to work after recovering from her recent hip injury. In her latest post on social media, the 'Pushpa' actress shared that she is going to miss all of the fun things she got to do during her time at home. \"I am getting back to work soon and I am definitely going to miss all of this! (sic),\" Rashmika wrote on the photo-sharing app. The latest post of 'The Girlfriend' actress also included glimpses from her recovery time with her loved ones. It included offering prayers, watching movies, solving puzzles, and spending time with her pets. Elated to see Rashmika getting back to her normal life, netizens commented things such as, \"Seeing you all healed and getting back to work makes me so happy...I’ve been waiting to see you back to your usual self, smiling and doing what you love. Please take care of yourself and don’t push too hard. So happy to see you back, Rashmika.\", \"Waiting to see u on on-screen\", and \"May God bless you\". Previously, Rashmika admitted in another one of her posts that all this time away from work has made her realize the importance of slowing down. Sharing her new perspective, the 'Animal' actress said that earlier, when she was hustling, ‘slowing down’ seemed scary to her, but now she finds hustling extremely scary. Putting her thoughts into words, Rashmika wrote on the photo-sharing app, \"My days always look like this if ever I am just home for this long.. It’s amazing how when you are hustling your days away the other side which is ‘slowing down’ seems scary but when you are pushed into ‘slowing down’ - the hustling like a crazy person now seems scary.. maybe that’s what is life...\" Rashmika recently suffered a serious hip tendon injury while shooting her upcoming film 'Mysaa'."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/4VSNjcObHYuxLqCK_rashmika.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-30T13:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rashmikas-comeback-begins"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Stalin’s Security Slashed from Z+ to Z"},"content":{"text":"The Tamil Nadu Police have scaled down the security cover provided to former chief minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin from Z+ to Z category following a periodic assessment of the threats faced by protected political leaders, officials said.   The decision followed a review by the Core Cell Security Wing at the State Secretariat. Chief Secretary Sai Kumar, Home Secretary K. Manivasan, Director General of Police Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal and other senior officers participated in the exercise, examining intelligence inputs and Stalin’s protection requirements. Under the revised arrangement, Stalin will continue to receive substantial police protection. Security teams will be positioned in the front, core and rear segments of his convoy. The formation will include pilot, escort, backup and close-protection vehicles to safeguard him during travel and public engagements. Officials described the change as a rationalisation of the deployment rather than a withdrawal of protection. The number of personnel assigned to Stalin was not disclosed. The new cover will remain in force until the next assessment unless fresh intelligence prompts an earlier review. Security provided to VIPs and VVIPs in Tamil Nadu is reassessed every six months. The exercise considers intelligence reports, the nature and immediacy of threats, public exposure, travel patterns and protection needs. A security category may be retained, enhanced or reduced based on the committee’s findings. The downgrade comes months after Stalin and the DMK suffered a drubbing in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election. The party, which won 133 seats in 2021 and governed for five years, was reduced to 59 seats as actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged as the largest party with 108 seats. Compounding the setback, Stalin was defeated in Kolathur, his home turf and a constituency he had represented for three consecutive terms. TVK candidate V.S. Babu secured 82,997 votes against Stalin’s 74,202, registering a victory margin of 8,795 votes. Stalin has since challenged Babu’s election before the Madras High Court. Despite losing power and his Assembly seat, Stalin remains the DMK president and one of Tamil Nadu’s most prominent opposition leaders. Officials maintained that the revision of his security was based solely on a professional threat assessment and was part of a routine statewide review of protected persons, unrelated to political standing or the election result."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aH47rUMqNJQqIJZa_stallin.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-30T03:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"stalins-security-slashed-from-z-to-z"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Apple era: From $350 bn giant to $4 tn powerhouse"},"content":{"text":"When Tim Cook took over as chief executive of Apple in August 2011, following Steve Jobs’ second departure from the company amid his deteriorating health, expectations were sky-high and doubts were equally strong.  Cook was widely viewed as an operations and supply-chain expert rather than a traditional product guy like Jobs. The key question at the time was whether he could sustain Apple’s extraordinary run of innovation and growth. Fifteen years later, the numbers offer a compelling answer. Under Cook, Apple’s market capitalisation has surged from roughly $350 billion to around $4 trillion, while its stock has jumped nearly 25-fold.  Apple shares, which traded at about $13 when Cook assumed the top job, have risen 2,359.2% to $319.70 at the latest close. Apple’s annual revenue has also grown dramatically, rising from about $108 billion in 2011 to more than $400 billion. The expansion has been supported by resilient iPhone demand, a rapidly growing services business and the company’s continued global expansion. One of Cook’s biggest achievements has been transforming Apple into a business that extends well beyond hardware. Services including the App Store, Apple Music and Apple Pay have become an increasingly important growth engine.  The services segment now generates more than $100 billion annually and carries broader margins than Apple’s hardware business. Cook also oversaw a major shift in Apple’s chip strategy. The company moved away from its dependence on Intel and began designing its own processors for Mac computers under the Apple Silicon platform.  The transition gave Apple greater control over performance, product development and its broader hardware-software ecosystem. His tenure also produced new product categories. Apple introduced the Apple Watch in 2015, with a focus on health, fitness and everyday connectivity.  A year later, the company launched AirPods, helping turn wireless earbuds into a mainstream consumer category and creating another significant revenue stream for Apple. Cook’s record, however, has not been without setbacks. Apple Maps, launched in 2012, faced widespread criticism over inaccurate and incomplete data in its early days.  More recently, the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, introduced in 2023, has struggled to achieve broad adoption, with its high price emerging as a major barrier for consumers. Apple also eventually abandoned its ambitious electric and autonomous vehicle programme, known as Project Titan. After years of development, high costs and an uncertain commercial path led the company to pull the plug on the project. Perhaps the biggest question surrounding Apple’s next chapter is artificial intelligence. While Microsoft, Google and OpenAI have moved aggressively to integrate AI into consumer and enterprise products, Apple has taken a more measured approach, emphasising privacy, software integration and on-device computing. That strategy could become one of the defining tests for Cook’s successor, John Ternus. Apple has made progress in bringing AI capabilities into its ecosystem, but the company faces growing pressure to match the pace of rivals in a technology race that is reshaping the global tech industry. Cook’s Apple journey has therefore been a mix of extraordinary financial growth, successful new businesses and products, alongside ventures that failed to meet expectations. Yet the transformation in Apple’s scale remains difficult to overlook."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/3c04d333-6ea9-42d0-b16e-616cbb8f303f_tim+cook.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-30T06:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"apple-era-from-350-bn-giant-to-4-tn-powerhouse"}},{"node":{"tags":["Editorial"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Self-Censorship And The Politics Of Fear"},"content":{"text":"\"Authoritarian regimes frequently utilize censorship not as an assertion of state power, but as a defensive mechanism to neutralize perceived threats to their political legitimacy.\" This quote means that when a government or leader forces people to stay silent, they are actually acting out of fear, not strength. History is full of examples proving that nothing terrifies a powerful ego quite like the written word. Back in 1614, King James I had a historic royal meltdown over Sir Walter Raleigh’s bestseller, “The History of the World”. The book’s unforgivable crime? Suggesting that corrupt dictators eventually face cosmic karma. Since the King was fully invested in the delusional fantasy of absolute divine right, he panicked that a little accountability might ruin his perfect reputation. To neutralize this terrifying outbreak of literacy, he forced publishers to delete Raleigh’s name, face, and branding from the book. His reaction effectively proved that when absolute power gets triggered, censorship becomes the ultimate safe space. This historical farce perfectly illustrates what happens when an autocracy loses its mind. When power is concentrated within a single, fragile ego, paranoia replaces policy, and facts become the first casualties of an insecure authority. This toxic environment forces every spineless institution under the regime to abandon its actual duty. Instead, they pivot to a desperate game of mind-reading, frantically trying to predict what the supreme leader wants to hear just to avoid brushing against the wrong side of power. Fast forward to today, where Penguin Random House India (PRHI) finds itself in a tough spot over publishing Sonia Gandhi's memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love in India. It almost looks as if they are acting under secret orders. This isn't just a simple business argument; it is a perfect example of giving up before anyone even asks you to a pre-emptive surrender. It makes one wonder: since when did book editors become the secret police, deciding exactly what information the public is grown-up enough to handle? Reports indicate that PRHI sought changes or deletions regarding references to Indo-China relations, the RSS, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gandhi's memoir, which the author reportedly refused. While a publisher holds the absolute right to fact-check and manage commercial or legal risks, demanding sweeping revisions on personal political recollections crosses the line into ideological censorship. PRHI’s squeamish refusal to handle the memoir locally, while Alfred A. Knopf happily prints a lakh copy globally, exposes a farcical double standard where text deemed perfectly safe for the rest of the world suddenly becomes radioactive in Delhi. When a publishing house pivots from literature to political mind-reading, it effectively trades its printing press for a badge in the Ministry of Truth. Self-censorship driven by anticipatory anxiety, such as the fear of political backlash, tax raids, or regulatory complications, poses a far greater threat to free expression in a democracy than formal government bans. A publisher's true role is to ensure credibility and legal defensibility rather than to seek universal approval from the ruling establishment. By yielding to political apprehension, contemporary gatekeepers establish a dangerous precedent of conformity. If Indian publishers continue to look over their shoulders before turning the printing presses on, they will succeed in creating a perfectly sanitized, utterly useless literary landscape. We are fast approaching a bizarre reality where writers must ask permission to remember their own lives. To borrow a classic Bollywood phrase: \"Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost.\" But if the gatekeepers keep editing out all the inconvenient truths, the final cut of our history will be nothing but a blank screen. This tragic comedy of pre-emptive silence is perfectly captured in the timeless words of the poet Ahmad Faraz: \"Shikwa-e-zulmat-e-shab se to kahin behtar tha,Apne hisse ki koi shama jalate jaate\"(Complaining about the darkness of the night was useless; it would have been far better if you had lit a candle of your own). Sadly, instead of lighting that candle of truth, our contemporary gatekeepers chose to blow it out themselves, ensuring everyone stays comfortably in the dark."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/fz_3UOaw-QVMIfIm_belongings.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-30T06:35:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"self-censorship-and-the-politics-of-fear"}}]},"featured":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Liquor scam: SC Raps SIT Over Kesireddy Arrest"},"content":{"text":"The Supreme Court on Monday declined to stay an Andhra Pradesh High Court order quashing the arrest and consequential remand of Kesireddy Rajasekhara Reddy, alias Raj Kesireddy, in connection with the multi-crore liquor scam, while expressing serious concern over the manner in which the Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducted the probe.  A Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana questioned the SIT's decision to seek a production warrant against Raj Kesireddy when his anticipatory bail petition was pending, and he was already in custody in another case. The CJI Kant-led Bench observed that since Raj Kesireddy was already in custody, there was no question of him absconding and questioned the need for seeking a production warrant in such circumstances. The apex court also questioned the apparent contradiction in the SIT's stand, remarking that while the investigating agency had sought custodial interrogation and obtained a production warrant, it was reportedly not prepared to take Kesireddy into police custody when he was produced before the court and instead sought his judicial custody. The CJI Kant-led Bench issued notice on the petition filed by the State of Andhra Pradesh and the Additional Superintendent of Police challenging the High Court's order and adjourned the matter after the respondents sought time to file their counter. The Andhra Pradesh High Court had earlier held Raj Kesireddy's arrest and consequential remand to be legally unsustainable, finding that the manner in which the grounds of arrest were communicated violated the constitutional safeguard under Article 22(1). The High Court held that informing an arrested person of the grounds of arrest was not a mere procedural formality but a substantive safeguard of personal liberty. It observed that the grounds had to be communicated in writing and within a timeframe that enabled the accused to consult counsel, oppose remand and seek bail. The High Court further relied on the Supreme Court's rulings to hold that written grounds of arrest should be furnished at the earliest and, even in exceptional circumstances, no later than two hours before production before the Magistrate for remand. It consequently quashed the arrest and remand while allowing the investigation to continue. A single-judge Bench of Justice Tuhin Kumar Gedela directed Kesireddy to cooperate with the investigation whenever called and comply with the conditions imposed by the court. The proceedings relate to the alleged Rs 349 crore liquor transportation scam in Andhra Pradesh during the previous YSR Congress Party government. The ED has been investigating the case on the basis of an FIR registered by the Andhra Pradesh CID following a complaint alleging a loss of around Rs 4,000 crore to the state exchequer. The ED has claimed that hundreds of crores changed hands through kickbacks, hawala and money-laundering channels. According to the financial probe agency, its investigation traced a money trail of Rs 1,048.45 crore in alleged kickbacks, with payments allegedly collected in cash and gold and through other financial arrangements. In March, the ED had attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs 441.63 crore belonging to Raj Kesireddy, his family members and related entities, besides properties linked to other accused and entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Raj Kesireddy, a former advisor to former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, was arrested by the Andhra Pradesh CID's SIT in 2025. The Andhra Pradesh High Court had granted him bail on April 7, 2026. The ED had also conducted searches at premises linked to Raj Kesireddy and other accused as part of its probe into the alleged liquor transportation scam."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aAfFIPIqRLdaBepj_rajkasireddy.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T15:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"liquor-scam-sc-raps-sit-over-kesireddy-arrest"}}]},"politics":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Rohit Sharma's show titled ‘Family Full House'"},"content":{"text":"India’s World Cup-winning captain, Rohit Sharma, will be seen headlining Sony Pictures Networks India's forthcoming show, 'Family Full House'.  The show will mark Rohit Sharma's debut in the entertainment sector. The makers announced the title of the show on Monday, along with the premiere date. 'Family Full House' is slated to premiere on 19th September 2026 only on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV. Rohit has already announced his retirement from Test and T20 cricket formats. However, he continues to be an ODI player.  Cricket lovers are eagerly waiting to see whether the 39-year-old player is a part of the 2027 World Cup. During his recent tour to England, it was speculated that the series decider would be Rohit's last international match for the country. However, Rohit ended up scoring 138 in the 388 chase against England, endeding the England ODIs with 175 runs in three matches at an average of 58.33 and a strike rate of 98.31. Meanwhile, earlier this month, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) announced its expansive festive-season content slate which also included 'Family Full House'. It further included the latest season of the reality game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', hosted by Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, and the 'Indian Game Show' hosted by popular television couple Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa. The show has some popular faces from the television world coming together for fun challenges. In addition to this, Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn has also turned host for the true-crime series 'Crime Patrol 2026'.  This festive season, the audience will also witness 'Scam 2010', which is being made under the direction of the National Award-winning filmmaker Hansal Mehta. The Sony LIV, Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment series will show the rise and fall of a massive financial empire."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/QylqZAZrD_TulSXL_rohithfamilyshow%60jj.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T13:31:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rohit-sharmas-show-titled-family-full-house"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"స్వీయ-నియంత్రణ మరియు అభద్రతా రాజకీయం"},"content":{"text":"రాజకీయ శాస్త్రవేత్తలు ఒక చక్కని మాట చెబుతారు—\"నిరంకుశ పాలకులు విధించే ఆంక్షలు వారి అపరిమిత అధికారానికి ప్రతీకలు కావు, వారి అంతర్గత భయాలకు నిదర్శనాలు.\" అంటే, ఒక నాయకుడు లేదా ప్రభుత్వం ప్రజల గొంతు నొక్కడానికి ప్రయత్నిస్తోందంటే, అది వారి సత్తా కాదు, వారి వెన్నులో పుట్టిన వణుకు అని అర్థం. ఒక పాలకుడి అహంకారాన్ని లిఖితపూర్వకమైన అక్షరం కంటే ఎక్కువగా భయపెట్టేది ప్రపంచంలో ఏదీ లేదు అనడానికి చరిత్రే ఒక సజీవ సాక్ష్యం. ఉదాహరణకు, 1614వ సంవత్సరంలో ఇంగ్లాండ్ రాజు కింగ్ జేమ్స్ I, సర్ వాల్టర్ రాలీ రాసిన ‘ది హిస్టరీ ఆఫ్ ది వరల్డ్’ అనే పుస్తకంపై తీవ్ర ఆగ్రహం వ్యక్తం చేశాడు. ఆ పుస్తకం చేసిన తప్పల్లా ఒక్కటే—అవినీతిపరులైన పాలకులకు ఎప్పటికైనా కాలం కలిసిరాదని, ప్రకృతి నియమం ప్రకారం వారికి శిక్ష తప్పదని హెచ్చరించడం. తానే దేవుడి ప్రతిరూపాన్ని అనే భ్రమల్లో బతికే ఆ రాజు, ఈ పుస్తకం వల్ల తన ప్రతిష్ట ఎక్కడ మంటగలిసిపోతుందోనని గాభరా పడ్డాడు. ఆ భయంతో, భవిష్యత్తు ముద్రణల్లో రాలీ పేరును, ముఖచిత్రాన్ని, పుస్తక శీర్షికను పూర్తిగా తొలగించాలని పబ్లిషర్లను ఆదేశించాడు. అధికారం ఎప్పుడైతే అభద్రతాభావానికి లోనవుతుందో, అప్పుడు ఆంక్షలు విధించడమే పాలకులకు పరమ రక్షణగా మారుతుందని ఈ ఘటన నిరూపించింది. ఈ చారిత్రక ప్రహసనం ఒక నిరంకుశ వ్యవస్థ పిచ్చెక్కినప్పుడు ఏం జరుగుతుందో స్పష్టం చేస్తుంది. అధికారం మొత్తం ఒకే ఒక్క అహంకారం చుట్టూ కేంద్రీకృతమైనప్పుడు, ప్రజాస్వామ్య విధానాల స్థానంలో అనుమానాలు, భయాలు రాజ్యమేలుతాయి. నిజాలు మొట్టమొదటి బలిపశువులవుతాయి. ఇలాంటి విషపూరిత వాతావరణంలో, వ్యవస్థలోని ప్రతి సంస్థ తన అసలు బాధ్యతను పక్కనపెట్టి, రాజు మనసులో ఏముందో ముందే ఊహించే ‘మైండ్ రీడింగ్’ ఆట మొదలుపెడుతుంది. పాలకుడికి కోపం రాకుండా, ఆయనకు నచ్చిన భజన మాత్రమే చేయడానికి తాపత్రయపడతాయి. ఇక నేటి కాలానికి వస్తే, ‘పెంగ్విన్ రాండమ్ హౌస్ ఇండియా’ (PRHI) పబ్లిషింగ్ సంస్థ సోనియా గాంధీ ఆత్మకథ ‘బిలాంగింగ్: ఎ జర్నీ ఆఫ్ లవ్ ఇన్ ఇండియా’ పుస్తక ప్రచురణ విషయంలో సరిగ్గా ఇలాంటి సందిగ్ధంలోనే పడింది. తెరవెనుక నుంచి ఎవరో ఆదేశాలు ఇస్తున్నట్లుగా వారి ప్రవర్తన కనిపిస్తోంది. ఇది కేవలం ఒక వ్యాపార వివాదం కాదు; ఎవరూ అడగకుండానే ముందే చేతులెత్తేసే ‘లొంగుబాటు తత్వానికి’ ఇదొక చక్కని ఉదాహరణ. సమాజానికి ఏ సమాచారం అవసరమో, ప్రజలు ఎంతవరకు తట్టుకోగలరో నిర్ణయించడానికి ఈ పుస్తక సంపాదకులకు ఎవరు అధికారం ఇచ్చారు? వీరేమైనా అప్రకటిత రక్షణ శాఖా? భారత-చైనా సంబంధాలు, ఆర్‌ఎస్‌ఎస్, మరియు ప్రధానమంత్రి నరేంద్ర మోదీ ప్రస్తావనలు ఉన్న కొన్ని భాగాలను తొలగించాలని పెంగ్విన్ ఇండియా కోరినట్లు, దానికి సోనియా గాంధీ నిరాకరించినట్లు వార్తలు వస్తున్నాయి. వాస్తవాలను తనిఖీ చేసే హక్కు పబ్లిషర్‌కు ఉన్నప్పటికీ, ఒక రచయిత్రి తన సొంత రాజకీయ జ్ఞాపకాలను మార్చుకోవాలని ఒత్తిడి చేయడం భావప్రకటన స్వేచ్ఛను హరించడమే అవుతుంది. ఇక్కడ విచిత్రమైన డబుల్ స్టాండర్డ్స్ ఏంటంటే—పెంగ్విన్ ఇండియా ఈ పుస్తకాన్ని ఇక్కడ ముద్రించడానికి భయపడుతుంటే, వారిదే అయిన ‘ఆల్ఫ్రెడ్ ఎ. నాఫ్’ అనే అంతర్జాతీయ సంస్థ ప్రపంచవ్యాప్తంగా లక్ష కాపీలను సులువుగా ముద్రిస్తోంది. అంటే ప్రపంచమంతటికీ క్షేమకరమైన అక్షరాలు, ఢిల్లీకి వచ్చేసరికి ప్రమాదకరంగా మారిపోయాయన్నమాట! ఒక ప్రచురణ సంస్థ సాహిత్యాన్ని పక్కనపెట్టి, పాలకుల ముఖకవళికలను చదవడం మొదలుపెట్టినప్పుడు, అది ప్రింటింగ్ ప్రెస్‌ను మూసేసి ‘అధికార పక్ష కార్యాలయం’గా మారినట్లే లెక్క. ప్రజాస్వామ్యానికి నిజమైన ముప్పు ప్రభుత్వం విధించే ప్రత్యక్ష నిషేధాల వల్ల రాదు; భవిష్యత్తులో వచ్చే ఐటీ దాడులు, చట్టపరమైన చిక్కులు, లేదా రాజకీయ వ్యతిరేకతలను ముందే ఊహించుకుని భయపడే ‘స్వీయ-నియంత్రణ’ (Self-Censorship) వల్లే వస్తుంది. ఒక ప్రచురణకర్త బాధ్యత పుస్తకానికి విశ్వసనీయతను కల్పించడమే కానీ, పాలకుల మెప్పు పొందడం కాదు. మన దేశంలోని పబ్లిషర్లు ఇలా ప్రతి అడుగులోనూ వెనక్కి తిరిగి చూసుకుంటూ ఉంటే, భవిష్యత్తులో మనకు ఎలాంటి నిజాలు లేని, కేవలం భజనతో కూడిన నిరుపయోగమైన సాహిత్యం మాత్రమే మిగులుతుంది. రచయితలు తమ సొంత జీవితాలను గుర్తుచేసుకోవడానికి కూడా ముందే పర్మిషన్ తీసుకోవాల్సిన విచిత్రమైన రోజుల్లోకి మనం వెళ్తున్నాం. బాలీవుడ్ భాషలో చెప్పాలంటే, \"పిక్చర్ అభి బాకీ హై మేరే దోస్త్\" (సినిమా ఇంకా మిగిలే ఉంది మిత్రమా). కానీ, ఈ గేట్ కీపర్లు నిజాలన్నింటినీ ఎడిట్ చేసుకుంటూ పోతే, రేపు మన చరిత్ర కేవలం ఒక ఖాళీ తెరగా మాత్రమే మిగులుతుంది. ఈ ముందస్తు లొంగుబాటు ప్రహసనాన్ని ఉర్దూ కవి అహ్మద్ ఫరాజ్ తన కవితలో ఎంతో అద్భుతంగా చెప్పారు: షిక్వా-ఎ-జుల్మత్-ఎ-షబ్ సే తో కహీ బెహ్తర్ థా,అప్నే హిస్సే కీ కోయి శమా జలాతే జాతే\"(చీకటిని తిట్టుకుంటూ కూర్చోవడం కంటే, నీ వంతుగా ఒక చిన్న దీపాన్ని వెలిగించి ఉంటే బాగుండేది). కానీ విచారకరమైన విషయమేమిటంటే, మన ఆధునిక సాహిత్య రక్షకులు ఆ సత్యమనే దీపాన్ని వెలిగించాల్సింది పోయి, తామే స్వయంగా ఊది ఆర్పేస్తున్నారు. అందరూ చీకట్లోనే ప్రశాంతంగా నిద్రపోవాలని కోరుకుంటున్నారు."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/6kJMQTvPg_05X-bB_sg.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T13:07:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"self-control-and-the-politics-of-insecurity"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Liquor scam: SC Raps SIT Over Kesireddy Arrest"},"content":{"text":"The Supreme Court on Monday declined to stay an Andhra Pradesh High Court order quashing the arrest and consequential remand of Kesireddy Rajasekhara Reddy, alias Raj Kesireddy, in connection with the multi-crore liquor scam, while expressing serious concern over the manner in which the Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducted the probe.  A Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana questioned the SIT's decision to seek a production warrant against Raj Kesireddy when his anticipatory bail petition was pending, and he was already in custody in another case. The CJI Kant-led Bench observed that since Raj Kesireddy was already in custody, there was no question of him absconding and questioned the need for seeking a production warrant in such circumstances. The apex court also questioned the apparent contradiction in the SIT's stand, remarking that while the investigating agency had sought custodial interrogation and obtained a production warrant, it was reportedly not prepared to take Kesireddy into police custody when he was produced before the court and instead sought his judicial custody. The CJI Kant-led Bench issued notice on the petition filed by the State of Andhra Pradesh and the Additional Superintendent of Police challenging the High Court's order and adjourned the matter after the respondents sought time to file their counter. The Andhra Pradesh High Court had earlier held Raj Kesireddy's arrest and consequential remand to be legally unsustainable, finding that the manner in which the grounds of arrest were communicated violated the constitutional safeguard under Article 22(1). The High Court held that informing an arrested person of the grounds of arrest was not a mere procedural formality but a substantive safeguard of personal liberty. It observed that the grounds had to be communicated in writing and within a timeframe that enabled the accused to consult counsel, oppose remand and seek bail. The High Court further relied on the Supreme Court's rulings to hold that written grounds of arrest should be furnished at the earliest and, even in exceptional circumstances, no later than two hours before production before the Magistrate for remand. It consequently quashed the arrest and remand while allowing the investigation to continue. A single-judge Bench of Justice Tuhin Kumar Gedela directed Kesireddy to cooperate with the investigation whenever called and comply with the conditions imposed by the court. The proceedings relate to the alleged Rs 349 crore liquor transportation scam in Andhra Pradesh during the previous YSR Congress Party government. The ED has been investigating the case on the basis of an FIR registered by the Andhra Pradesh CID following a complaint alleging a loss of around Rs 4,000 crore to the state exchequer. The ED has claimed that hundreds of crores changed hands through kickbacks, hawala and money-laundering channels. According to the financial probe agency, its investigation traced a money trail of Rs 1,048.45 crore in alleged kickbacks, with payments allegedly collected in cash and gold and through other financial arrangements. In March, the ED had attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs 441.63 crore belonging to Raj Kesireddy, his family members and related entities, besides properties linked to other accused and entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Raj Kesireddy, a former advisor to former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, was arrested by the Andhra Pradesh CID's SIT in 2025. The Andhra Pradesh High Court had granted him bail on April 7, 2026. The ED had also conducted searches at premises linked to Raj Kesireddy and other accused as part of its probe into the alleged liquor transportation scam."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aAfFIPIqRLdaBepj_rajkasireddy.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T15:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"liquor-scam-sc-raps-sit-over-kesireddy-arrest"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Messi announces retirement"},"content":{"text":" Lionel Messi on Monday announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 20-year Argentina career that included a World Cup triumph, two Copa América titles and a record 207 appearances for his country, saying the decision had been on his mind since the World Cup final defeat to Spain before the death of his father further convinced him it was time to step away.  The 39-year-old revealed the decision in a statement posted on his official Instagram account, confirming that he would no longer wear the Argentina jersey after one of the most celebrated international careers in football history. \"After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national tea,\" Messi wrote on Instagram. Messi said the decision had been painful, particularly because of the emotional bond he has shared with the national team and Argentina's supporters throughout his career. “It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deeply, but I understand that this is the right time. I swear I always gave everything — not just during the last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave my all for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.\" Having made his senior Argentina debut in 2005, Messi experienced both the highest and most difficult moments of international football. He led his country to the World Cup title in 2022 after years of near misses and also helped Argentina win two Copa América crowns. His international journey also included World Cup final defeats in 2014 and again this summer, with the loss to Spain in July proving to be a significant moment in his decision-making process. Messi revealed that the words announcing his retirement had originally been written shortly after the final before the death of his father, Jorge, made him even more certain about bringing his international career to a close. \"I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my father, I am even more convinced than before,\" read the statement from Messi on Instagram. The Argentine great said the passage of time and the emergence of a new generation of players also played a role in his decision to leave the national team. \"There is little time left and chapters are beginning to close, and this is one that hurts me a lot. I love, have loved and will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had; I have nothing more left to give. Besides, there are some great young players coming through who deserve their opportunity.\" Messi thanked Argentina's supporters for standing by him throughout two decades of international football and said he would continue supporting the national team from outside the stadium. \"Thank you for all the love and support over these 20 years. I will miss hearing you from inside the stadium very much. Now I will be one of you, always supporting and cheering from the outside — in good times and bad, even more so in the bad times.\" The former Argentina captain also paid tribute to the people who accompanied him throughout his journey, including his family, coaches, teammates and officials. \"Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and official I had the chance to share this journey with. I am taking with me unforgettable memories and moments.\" Looking back on everything Argentina achieved during his time with the national team, Messi said he was leaving with pride and satisfaction over the moments he and his teammates had created for the country. \"I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, moments we could only have dreamed of. It was crazy to experience it all with you. I love you!\" Messi ended his emotional farewell with a tribute to his country. \"Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.\" \"Let's go, Argentina!\" While his international career has now come to an end, Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he remains under contract until 2028. His departure from the Argentina national team closes a remarkable chapter that began in 2005 and ultimately saw him achieve the World Cup triumph that had long defined his international ambition."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aQBspLpReVYa3vGD_messi.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T14:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"messi-announces-retirement"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Gold Could Hit $5,600 by Year-End?"},"content":{"text":"Gold could reach $5,000-$5,600 per ounce and silver $95-$120 per ounce in the bull case, which is assigned a 25 per cent probability, a new report has said.  The bull case scenario assumes weakness in the labour market, forcing the Fed to ease repo rates and real yields roll over, the report from Monarch PMS said. Further institutional reallocation into precious metals must resume and physical tightness in silver should return for the bull case to materialise. Gold is likely to trade in the range of $4,300-$4,700per ounce and silver at $70-$85 per ounce by end-2026 in a base case, with a 55 per cent probability. The scenario assumes the US Federal Reserve holds rates through September, energy prices normalise, real yields plateau and central banks maintain purchases of around 250 tonnes a quarter. The bear case, with a 20 per cent probability, sees gold at $3,400-$3,900per ounce and silver at $45-$55 per ounce if the Fed delivers a rate hike in September, oil falls further, and disinflation turns into demand weakness. “The principal headwind is the 10-year TIPS real yield, which stands at 2.41 per cent and remains a genuine competing return to a zero-coupon asset such as gold,” the report said. “Silver's supply-demand fundamentals also remain supportive, with a sixth consecutive annual deficit, 762 million ounces drawn from above-ground stocks since 2021 and mine supply broadly flat for a decade,” the report said. The firm forecasted physical tightness to amplify upside moves if demand strengthens with paper claims on COMEX roughly 5.6 times registered physical inventory. “The gold-silver ratio has also normalised, rising from 46x at January's peak to around 69-fold today, close to its 21st-century average,” the report said, adding that silver has given back much of its earlier outperformance and now looks relatively cheaper than gold."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/2b83eec7-174d-4d85-90a0-65faf6e44e22_gold.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T07:56:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"gold-could-hit-5600-by-year-end"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"US Open: Navone stuns Djokovic in first round"},"content":{"text":"The 2026 US Open started most disappointingly for Novak Djokovic, the most successful male player in Grand Slam tournaments, as the fourth seed made a stunning and dramatic exit from the men's singles competition on the opening day in New York.  Mariano Navone upset Djokovic in a five-set stunner on Monday (IST), handing the 24-time Grand Slam champion his first opening-round defeat at a Grand Slam since 2006. Navone earned a 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 win in Arthur Ashe Stadium, pulling away in the final two sets as Djokovic struggled physically under the closed roof. The fourth-seeded Djokovic, a four-time US Open champion, looked out of sorts after bursting from the gate in a four-hour, 36-minute match, the longest first-rounder ever in a major. The physical troubles that waylaid the Serb in a recent loss at Cincinnati visited once again, as energy and winners were in short supply. \"It's amazing. The way we played, five sets against the GOAT,\" Navone was quoted as saying by the ATP Tour website. \"I'm very happy. I don't know, what can I say?\" There were many signs pointing towards Djokovic finding a way past the Argentine inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, including the fact that the fourth seed had not lost in the first round of a major since the 2006 Australian Open. Even when Djokovic let slip a break advantage at 2-1 in the fourth set and needed a decider, history was still on his side. The Serbian was 42-12 in five-set matches, while Navone was 0-4. The Argentine was just 12-29 in tour-level matches on hard courts. But the 39-year-old Djokovic was unable to battle through. During the four hours and 36 minutes of play, the 101-time tour-level titlist struggled to move at times and vomited on multiple occasions. After winning his first game of the fifth set to trail 1-3, Djokovic teared up while standing behind the baseline as the fans roared to try to urge him back into the clash. On match point, Navone scrambled to retrieve a drop volley and shovelled the ball into the open court before embracing a gracious Djokovic at the net just before midnight. The ATP No. 1 Club member stopped to sign several autographs on his way off the court. \"It's unbelievable. It means a lot for me,\" Navone said of facing Djokovic, one of his idols, for the first time. \"It's a dream come true, I mean seriously, 100 per cent. Now I have to recover. I think it's almost 12 o'clock, so we have to go to sleep.\" With World No. 1 Jannik Sinner not competing in the US Open due to injury and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz playing his first tournament since Barcelona in April, Djokovic had a big opportunity to pursue his 25th major trophy. Instead, he departs New York after the first round."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/p6TqrYljEsOfFRAq_dijkovicout.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T04:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"us-open-navone-stuns-djokovic-in-first-round"}}]},"entertainment":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Aamir’s ‘Race 4’ Role: Truth Revealed"},"content":{"text":"Reports were doing the rounds that Bollywood's Mr Perfectionist Aamir Khan has been roped in as the lead for the highly awaited 'Race 4'. However, on Monday, the makers rubbed the claims, saying that the casting for the fourth instalment of the popular franchise has not been finalised till now.  Taurani shared an official statement on his Instagram handle urging all to refrain from circulating such unverified reports. The filmmaker further requested everyone to wait for the official announcement regarding the cast of 'Race 4'. The statement read, “We would like to clarify that the cast of Race 4 has not yet been finalized. We sincerely request the media and social media pages to refrain from speculation and from engaging with or circulating any unverified or false news regarding the cast. Once the cast is finalized, we will make an official announcement from our end. Until then, we kindly request everyone to wait for an official confirmation before reporting or sharing any information (sic).” \"The #Race4 cast is yet to be finalised stay tuned for the official announcement (sic),\" they further captioned the post. A lot of speculation has been made in the past regarding the cast of 'Race 4'. In January this year, it was reported that Akshaye Khanna, who was part of 'Race', would be returning for 'Race 4'. However, producer Ramesh Taurani refuted the claims, saying that the makers have not approached Akshaye. Speaking to a media portal, he added that Akshaye's track in the franchise has already come to an end. Reports further suggested that Sidharth Malhotra and Tiger Shroff were also narrated the script for 'Race 4'. However, nothing has been made official till now. The primary instalment in the franchise, 'Race' starring Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif, and Anil Kapoor, was released back in 2008. This was followed by 'Race 2' in 2013 and 'Race 3' in 2018."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/TU3hhcu-8WtHEOJh_aamir.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T13:34:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"aamirs-race-4-role-truth-revealed"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Toxic' Sees Dramatic Slump After Strong Debut"},"content":{"text":"Yash's latest cinematic venture, 'Toxic', has not only captured attention with its star-studded cast but has also made waves at the box office, recording a fifth-day collection of ₹23 crore across India. The film's total gross now stands at an impressive ₹285.20 crore worldwide, with ₹255.95 crore generated domestically and ₹29.25 crore from international audiences. However, a closer look reveals a concerning trend; the initial fervor that propelled the film to an opening day collection of ₹101.10 crore is waning, as evidenced by a significant drop in revenues in subsequent days, attributed largely to unfavorable reviews and audience response. On its fifth day, 'Toxic' achieved its ₹23 crore milestone from a staggering 16,241 shows, with box-office analysts noting that the upward trajectory seen in the initial days has succumbed to an unsettling decline. By Day 2, earnings plummeted to ₹37.65 crore, reflecting a drastic drop in occupancy rates, which hovered around 26.6%. This downward trend continued, with daily collections decreasing to ₹27.20 crore on Day 3 and further to ₹25.15 crore on Day 4, culminating in the latest figures that suggest a troubling retention issue among viewers. The film, directed by Geetu Mohandas and produced by Venkat K Narayana and Rocking Star Yash under the banners of KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, features a robust ensemble cast including Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, and Huma Qureshi. This star power initially drew vast audiences, yet the sharp decline in attendance raises pressing questions about the film's content and critical reception. Language-specific performances varied, with the Hindi version leading the charge with ₹14.50 crore from 11,734 shows, while the Kannada original maintained a commendable 50% occupancy despite a smaller number of screenings. As the film's narrative unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that initial box office success does not guarantee sustained audience interest. The rapid descent from blockbuster status to a looming box office question mark highlights the unpredictable nature of film-viewing trends, especially when tempered by critical feedback. The cinematic landscape is ever-evolving, and 'Toxic' stands as a reflective case study on the delicate balance between star power, audience expectation, and the imperatives of storytelling in today's cinema."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/qQEp52QIbCMQklmr_toxic.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T11:18:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"toxic-sees-dramatic-slump-after-strong-debut"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Shalini Pandey on the Dark Side of Tech"},"content":{"text":"Popular actress Shalini Pandey, who was recently seen in a pivotal role in actor Dhanush's 'Idli Kadai', on Monday said that a recent video that had been circulated online was a fake, Al-generated video of her and that the video was a completely fabricated one which did not depict her. Taking to her social media timelines to address the issue of the fake video, the actress wrote, \"I want to address a fake, Al-generated video of me that is currently being circulated online. The video is completely fabricated and does not depict me.\" Stating that it was deeply disturbing to see technology being misused in this way to target and harm individuals, especially women, the actress said, \"I strongly condemn this kind of abuse and believe such misuse of technology should never be normalised.\" Appealing to her fans and the general public to report the video immediately if they came across it, the actress said, \"If you come across this video, please do not share, forward, download, or engage with it. Instead, please report it immediately. I request everyone to be responsible and mindful, and help stop its circulation rather than giving it further reach. Thank you!\" It may be recalled that in February this year, the actress, during an exclusive interaction with media, had urged everyone to pursue their dreams. When asked how she looked back at that phase of her life when she decided to leave her home to pursue her dreams, Shalini had replied, \"I think that was the best decision of my life because I feel anyone who wants to do something should pursue their dreams. I believe if I had not pursued my dream and had done something else, I would not have been happy. So, I am glad that I made that decision. I always look back and see it with very kind eyes, and I am very grateful that I made myself go through that to be here.\" The 'Arjun Reddy' actress had stated that the industry had taught her to have self-belief. Reiterating her belief that constancy is the key to growing in life, Shalini had shared, \"I think it is not about the industry, but in life as well, it takes a lot of patience and consistency when you are growing. So, I think that's life, and I believe this industry has taught me a lot, and it has taught me to be patient, it has also taught me to have self-belief, and all this has only gotten stronger with time. I do believe that consistency matters in your growth, and that is also my approach to life in general.\""},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ARCPZAIxH8OCJnmM_shalinipandey.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T09:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"shalini-pandey-on-the-dark-side-of-tech"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Mahesh’s Message: Chase Your Dreams, Gautam"},"content":{"text":"Telugu Superstar Mahesh Babu has penned an adorable birthday wish for his son Gautham Ghattam on the occasion of his 20th birthday on Monday in which he has urged the youngster to always chase his dreams with courage and kindness. Taking to his Instagram page to pen the birthday wish, Mahesh Babu wrote, \"Happy 20 GG!! As you step into this new chapter, may you always chase your dreams with courage and kindness….. Proud of you today and every day…. @gautamghattamaneni.\" Interestingly, only three weeks ago, Gautam had wished his dad, Mahesh Babu, a happy birthday. Gautam Ghattamaneni had in his birthday wish to his dad said, \"Happy Birthday, Nanna! Wishing you the best year ahead. Love you always! @urstrulymahesh.\" In fact, Mahesh Babu had been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love that he received from family members, friends and fans on the occasion of his birthday earlier this month that the Telugu superstar had gone on to say that his \"heart was full\". Taking to his social media timelines to express gratitude for all the love that he had received on his special day, Mahesh Babu had said, \"Heart is full reading all your wishes. Truly overwhelmed in ways words can’t express. A big thank you to all my well wishers, friends, colleagues and media for your beautiful wishes and blessings.\" Addressing his fans, the actor had said, \"And to all my fans, thank you will never be enough. You have always been my constant love, strength and emotion. The love you continue to give me is something I feel incredibly blessed and grateful for.\" He went on to say, \"I promise to keep working hard and make you even prouder. #VARANASI is very close to my heart and I truly believe it’s going to be something special. I can’t wait for you all to experience it. Let’s make this journey together. Much love to each and every one of you. Always.\" For the unaware, the makers of director S S Rajamouli's much awaited magnum opus 'Varanasi'unveiled two exclusive stills from the film on the occasion of the actor's birthday. The still offered the world its first glimpse of Mahesh Babu's character Rudhra in his element. The first still captured Rudhra at rest on a bamboo raft, surrounded by a dense jungle, effortlessly cool, magnetic and carrying the quiet intensity that defined his character while the second transported fans to the sweeping plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, where Rudhra was seen standing with a commanding look, amidst giraffes and wild beasts. 'Varanasi', which is Mahesh Babu's upcoming film with SS Rajamouli, sources say, will be a globe-trotting, century-spanning epic in which one man’s extraordinary journey will be seen taking him from the sacred waters of India to the wildest corners of the earth."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/G8DcsDFexv5xXMbS_mbgk.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T07:55:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"maheshs-message-chase-your-dreams-gautam"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Janhvi bids summer a sweet goodbye"},"content":{"text":"Actress Janhvi Kapoor said goodbye to the summer season with a sweet note on social media. Sharing glimpses from her summer memories, the ‘Mili’ actress looked back on the season with fondness. Taking to Instagram, Janhvi posted a series of pictures and moments from her summer and captioned them, “Goodbye summer, you were so good.” The post offered a glimpse into the actress’ summer diaries as she bid farewell to the season. The carousel of photos features Janhvi Kapoor’s stunning solo pictures, along with candid moments with her friends. The actress also shared glimpses of her makeup sessions and behind-the-scenes moments, giving a peek into her summer memories. A few days ago, Janhvi also shared a video from Paris, giving fans a glimpse of her time in the city. Sharing the video on Instagram, she wrote, “7 hrs in Paris but not without my French girl lip stick and blush from @orry on the vibes and vids.” Janhvi Kapoor is quite active on social media and regularly shares glimpses of her photoshoots, travels, family time, and candid moments, keeping her fan base updated about her life. On the professional front, Janhvi Kapoor was last seen in Shashank Khaitan’s “Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari,” which also starred Varun Dhawan, Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf, Maniesh Paul and Akshay Oberoi. She made her acting debut in 2018 with Dhadak and has since appeared in films including “Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl,” “Roohi,” “Good Luck Jerry,” “Mili,” “Mr. & Mrs. Mahi,” “Ulajh” and “Devara: Part 1.” Janhvi was also seen in “Peddi” alongside Ram Charan. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the sports action-drama featured Ram Charan as a crossover athlete who took on three demanding sports—cricket, wrestling, and sprinting."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0-pswLrCOIwJz-jm_jahnvi.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T09:20:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"janhvi-bids-summer-a-sweet-goodbye"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Anupam Kher announces his landmark 555th film"},"content":{"text":"Veteran actor Anupam Kher has announced a major milestone in his illustrious career. The actor revealed that he is set to feature in his landmark 555th film while keeping details about the project under wraps for now. Taking to Instagram, Anupam shared a note expressing his excitement about the announcement. He wrote, “Announcement! Some things are better kept close to the heart for a little while!! Because the joy of revealing them at the right time is something else! So, for now, all I will say is: I am delighted to announce my landmark 555th film. Details at the right time. Till then, please allow me to enjoy the suspense too! Jai Ho! #555 #Gratitude.” Anupam’s industry colleagues also took to the comments section to congratulate him on the milestone and express their excitement about his upcoming project. Ashoke Pandit wrote, “This is just the beginning .Orzu tu dorkut.” Karanveer Sharma commented, “Wow! Heartiest congrats sir. To many more.” Tara Sharma wrote, “Congrats and good luck AKji.” Meanwhile, Anupam Kher will next be seen in “Shri Rambhoomi,” for which he has recently completed shooting. The veteran actor portrays the role of late Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal in the film. Sharing the wrap-up announcement on Instagram, the ‘Special 26’ actor described the project as a deeply meaningful and spiritual experience. Anupam also reflected on how some films leave a lasting impression and become more than just another project in an actor’s professional journey.  “My work on the film Shri Rambhoomi has been completed. Some films give an actor the satisfaction of knowing that they have done good work. Some bring the pride of being part of a significant and important cinematic project. But there are some films that touch not just an actor but a human being at the deepest level. They purify the soul and fill the heart with a profound and peaceful spiritual experience,” he wrote. “Shri Ram Bhoomi,” centered on the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, will chronicle the decades-long journey surrounding the temple and the key events associated with it. Directed by Kamakhaya Narayan Singh, the film features Anupam Kher as late Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ashok Singhal. The upcoming drama also stars Ritwik Bhowmik and Amruta Khanvilkar in pivotal roles."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aDw4j7h8WN-LVc3H_anupamkher.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T04:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"anupam-kher-announces-his-landmark-555th-film"}}]},"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":"US clears plan to scrap H-1B job-loss window"},"content":{"text":"The Trump administration has completed its review of a proposal to eliminate the discretionary 60-day grace period available to H-1B and other foreign professionals after their employment ends, potentially affecting thousands of Indian workers and their families. The Department of Homeland Security proposal, titled “Eliminating the Discretionary 60-day Grace Period”, was submitted to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on August 6. The review concluded on August 27 with the action listed as “Consistent with Change”, according to the official regulatory record. The designation means the proposal cleared the White House review process with changes. The proposal has not been published, and its full provisions remain unavailable. The existing 60-day protection therefore remains in force. The next step would ordinarily be publication of the proposed rule in the Federal Register, followed by a public comment period. DHS would then have to consider the comments and issue a final rule before any change could take effect. The proposal carries Regulatory Information Number 1615-AD22 and is being developed by US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The regulatory record describes it as a proposed rule that is not economically significant and has no legal deadline. Under the current regulation, eligible workers may receive up to 60 consecutive days after their employment ends, or until the expiration of their authorised stay, whichever period is shorter. The window allows affected workers to find another employer willing to sponsor them, seek a change of immigration status or prepare to leave the United States. It covers people holding H-1B, L-1, O-1 and several other temporary employment visas. Indian nationals, who constitute the largest group of H-1B beneficiaries, could face particular uncertainty if the administration proceeds with the proposal. Ajay Jain Bhutoria, a former member of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, condemned the proposed change and called for the existing grace period to be extended rather than eliminated. “I strongly condemn and slam this proposed DHS policy. Eliminating the 60-day grace period is both inhumane and unworkable. When a high-skilled worker faces a sudden termination, 60 days was already dangerously short. Stripping away this protection entirely leaves thousands of law-abiding individuals with zero time to wrap up their lives,” Bhutoria said. He warned that affected families may not have sufficient time to manage their homes, children’s education and other personal matters after an unexpected termination. Bhutoria said he had secured unanimous support from the White House advisory commission in 2023 for a recommendation to extend the grace period from 60 days to 180 days. He argued that recruitment in technology, healthcare and engineering frequently involves several interviews, followed by immigration paperwork required to transfer a worker’s status to a new employer. “Eliminating the 60-day grace period for retrenched H-1B workers is a drastic step backward. When I presented my recommendation to the White House AANHPI Commission in March 2023 to extend the window to 180 days, it was grounded in the reality of corporate hiring—where multi-stage interview cycles and visa transfer paperwork take months to complete,” Bhutoria said. “Removing this window entirely will force skilled Indian professionals and their families out of the country overnight. I call on community organizations and business leaders across the U.S. to mobilize and submit public comments against this regulation as soon as it opens in the Federal Register,” he added. The 60-day provision became effective in January 2017 as part of a broader regulation covering high-skilled immigrant and non-immigrant workers. It permits the grace period once during each authorised validity period but allows immigration authorities to shorten or deny it as a matter of discretion. The H-1B programme permits American employers to hire foreign professionals for specialised occupations requiring advanced knowledge. Technology companies are among its largest users, and Indian nationals have consistently accounted for a substantial majority of approved H-1B beneficiaries."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2Fcf9b726b-0761-4f6a-bef9-41aa90a09c27_h1b+visa.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C18%2C1200%2C592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-29T01:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"us-clears-plan-to-scrap-h-1b-job-loss-window"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Indian applicants to US colleges fall 15 %"},"content":{"text":"The number of students from India seeking first-year undergraduate admission to US colleges through the Common Application fell 15 per cent during the 2025–26 admissions cycle, reversing years of rapid growth. India recorded 14,424 applicants, down from about 16,900 during the previous cycle, according to Common App's end-of-season report released on August 20. The decline was sharper than the two per cent fall recorded for China, which remained the largest source of international applicants on the platform with 18,435 students. China now has 4,011 more international applicants than India. The gap had narrowed to about 1,000 during the 2023–24 admissions cycle after years of strong growth from India and a prolonged decline from China. Common App did not identify a reason for the fall in Indian applications. International applicants overall fell 10 per cent from the previous year. Applicants from Asia, the largest source region outside the United States, declined 11 per cent to 79,287. The report said the Asian decline was driven by the 15 per cent reduction in applicants from India. The change stands in contrast to the broader Common App pool. A total of 1,527,328 first-year applicants used the platform during the cycle, two per cent more than in 2024–25. Those students submitted about 10.79 million applications to 1,146 member institutions. Total applications rose six per cent, indicating that students applied to more colleges even though the overall applicant count grew more slowly. Each applicant submitted an average of 7.06 applications, up from 6.79 during the previous cycle. India's latest decline followed almost a decade of expansion. Common App recorded about 7,900 first-year international applicants from India in 2016–17, compared with nearly 29,700 from China. The Indian number rose gradually before accelerating to about 16,900 in 2021–22. It remained near that level for the next three cycles, bringing India close to overtaking China as the leading international source country on the platform. The fall to 14,424 erased a significant part of those recent gains. China, meanwhile, declined from nearly 29,700 applicants in 2016–17 to 18,435 in the latest cycle. A different pattern emerged among applicants already living in the United States. The number of domestic applicants identifying with an Indian background rose six per cent to 40,949. That figure has more than doubled from nearly 18,500 in 2016–17. Domestic applicants reporting a Chinese background increased one per cent to 26,296 during the latest cycle. The divergence means the number of US-based applicants identifying as Indian continued to grow even as applications from students residing in India declined. The Common App report covers applicants to its member institutions and does not represent every undergraduate applicant or university in the United States. India remains the largest source of international students in the United States. The latest available Open Doors data counted 363,019 students from India during the 2024–25 academic year, an increase of 10 per cent from the previous year."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/964c631e-7f0b-40f5-b5e9-2a6ead05e4da_US+University.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-26T18:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"indian-applicants-to-us-colleges-fall-15-"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Florida Crash Claims 3 Telangana Lives"},"content":{"text":"The American dream has drawn thousands of young Indians to the US in search of higher education, better career opportunities and a secure future. However, a tragic road accident in Florida has now left three young men from Telangana dead, turning a journey that began with hopes and aspirations into a heartbreaking tragedy. According to preliminary information, the victims were travelling in a car that reportedly lost control and crashed into a tree. All three are said to have died at the spot due to the severity of the impact. One of the deceased has been identified as Rahul, a resident of Goopanpally on the outskirts of Nizamabad. Rahul had reportedly travelled to the United States just three months ago to pursue his MS studies. Having left India with dreams of building a better future through education, his sudden death has left his family and loved ones devastated. News of the tragedy reportedly triggered immense grief among his relatives, who are struggling to come to terms with the loss of the young student. The exact circumstances that led to the crash are yet to be established, and authorities are expected to provide more details as the investigation progresses. The identities of the other two victims have also not been confirmed so far. Further information regarding the accident, including what caused the vehicle to collide with the tree and details about the victims, is awaited. The incident has once again highlighted the devastating consequences of road accidents, leaving three Telangana families facing an unimaginable loss thousands of miles away from home."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/b6408721-6237-4bf2-808a-c15bbdffec97_accident.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-26T10:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"florida-crash-claims-3-telangana-lives"}},{"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"}}]},"videos":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"The Paradise: 'Yeshanagula Katta Meeda' Song"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/6e1Re5QxT_20hJqe_paradiseyeshakulasong.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C12%2C870%2C429&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-30T06:30:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"the-paradise-yeshanagula-katta-meeda-song"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Mahendragiri Varahi' Movie Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Fw4Thm7zri3IDsEk_MGVH.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C1500%2C740&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-29T00:31:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"mahendragiri-varahi-movie-trailer"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'SAHAA – Life of Sanju' Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/3Ug3la2eZXL8pEX8_saahaytrailer.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C11%2C1000%2C493&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-27T13:39:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"sahaa--life-of-sanju-trailer"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"‘Loser’ song from 'I'm Game'"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aB_IJQYcS-TqoGVO_dalquar.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C49%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-27T13:25:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"loser-song-from-im-game"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Gandhari' Official Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/3KmH-A7IvReHZGWx_gandharitrailer.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,42,1200,592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-26T06:10:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"gandhari-official-trailer"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Aakali Rajyam' Movie Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/TsSxlLU-iWjK6X1g_aakalirajyamtrailer.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-26T07:42:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"aakali-rajyam-movie-trailer"}}]},"editorial":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Self-Censorship And The Politics Of Fear"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/fz_3UOaw-QVMIfIm_belongings.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-30T06:35:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"self-censorship-and-the-politics-of-fear"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Moral Policing Or Performative Outrage?"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ou78kXs0xr8ok45o_kangkriti.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-28T08:31:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"moral-policing-or-performative-outrage"}},{"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"}}]},"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":"Liquor scam: SC Raps SIT Over Kesireddy Arrest"},"content":{"text":"The Supreme Court on Monday declined to stay an Andhra Pradesh High Court order quashing the arrest and consequential remand of Kesireddy Rajasekhara Reddy, alias Raj Kesireddy, in connection with the multi-crore liquor scam, while expressing serious concern over the manner in which the Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducted the probe.  A Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana questioned the SIT's decision to seek a production warrant against Raj Kesireddy when his anticipatory bail petition was pending, and he was already in custody in another case. The CJI Kant-led Bench observed that since Raj Kesireddy was already in custody, there was no question of him absconding and questioned the need for seeking a production warrant in such circumstances. The apex court also questioned the apparent contradiction in the SIT's stand, remarking that while the investigating agency had sought custodial interrogation and obtained a production warrant, it was reportedly not prepared to take Kesireddy into police custody when he was produced before the court and instead sought his judicial custody. The CJI Kant-led Bench issued notice on the petition filed by the State of Andhra Pradesh and the Additional Superintendent of Police challenging the High Court's order and adjourned the matter after the respondents sought time to file their counter. The Andhra Pradesh High Court had earlier held Raj Kesireddy's arrest and consequential remand to be legally unsustainable, finding that the manner in which the grounds of arrest were communicated violated the constitutional safeguard under Article 22(1). The High Court held that informing an arrested person of the grounds of arrest was not a mere procedural formality but a substantive safeguard of personal liberty. It observed that the grounds had to be communicated in writing and within a timeframe that enabled the accused to consult counsel, oppose remand and seek bail. The High Court further relied on the Supreme Court's rulings to hold that written grounds of arrest should be furnished at the earliest and, even in exceptional circumstances, no later than two hours before production before the Magistrate for remand. It consequently quashed the arrest and remand while allowing the investigation to continue. A single-judge Bench of Justice Tuhin Kumar Gedela directed Kesireddy to cooperate with the investigation whenever called and comply with the conditions imposed by the court. The proceedings relate to the alleged Rs 349 crore liquor transportation scam in Andhra Pradesh during the previous YSR Congress Party government. The ED has been investigating the case on the basis of an FIR registered by the Andhra Pradesh CID following a complaint alleging a loss of around Rs 4,000 crore to the state exchequer. The ED has claimed that hundreds of crores changed hands through kickbacks, hawala and money-laundering channels. According to the financial probe agency, its investigation traced a money trail of Rs 1,048.45 crore in alleged kickbacks, with payments allegedly collected in cash and gold and through other financial arrangements. In March, the ED had attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs 441.63 crore belonging to Raj Kesireddy, his family members and related entities, besides properties linked to other accused and entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Raj Kesireddy, a former advisor to former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, was arrested by the Andhra Pradesh CID's SIT in 2025. The Andhra Pradesh High Court had granted him bail on April 7, 2026. The ED had also conducted searches at premises linked to Raj Kesireddy and other accused as part of its probe into the alleged liquor transportation scam."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aAfFIPIqRLdaBepj_rajkasireddy.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T15:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"liquor-scam-sc-raps-sit-over-kesireddy-arrest"}}]},"two":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Mahesh’s Message: Chase Your Dreams, Gautam"},"content":{"text":"Telugu Superstar Mahesh Babu has penned an adorable birthday wish for his son Gautham Ghattam on the occasion of his 20th birthday on Monday in which he has urged the youngster to always chase his dreams with courage and kindness. Taking to his Instagram page to pen the birthday wish, Mahesh Babu wrote, \"Happy 20 GG!! As you step into this new chapter, may you always chase your dreams with courage and kindness….. Proud of you today and every day…. @gautamghattamaneni.\" Interestingly, only three weeks ago, Gautam had wished his dad, Mahesh Babu, a happy birthday. Gautam Ghattamaneni had in his birthday wish to his dad said, \"Happy Birthday, Nanna! Wishing you the best year ahead. Love you always! @urstrulymahesh.\" In fact, Mahesh Babu had been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love that he received from family members, friends and fans on the occasion of his birthday earlier this month that the Telugu superstar had gone on to say that his \"heart was full\". Taking to his social media timelines to express gratitude for all the love that he had received on his special day, Mahesh Babu had said, \"Heart is full reading all your wishes. Truly overwhelmed in ways words can’t express. A big thank you to all my well wishers, friends, colleagues and media for your beautiful wishes and blessings.\" Addressing his fans, the actor had said, \"And to all my fans, thank you will never be enough. You have always been my constant love, strength and emotion. The love you continue to give me is something I feel incredibly blessed and grateful for.\" He went on to say, \"I promise to keep working hard and make you even prouder. #VARANASI is very close to my heart and I truly believe it’s going to be something special. I can’t wait for you all to experience it. Let’s make this journey together. Much love to each and every one of you. Always.\" For the unaware, the makers of director S S Rajamouli's much awaited magnum opus 'Varanasi'unveiled two exclusive stills from the film on the occasion of the actor's birthday. The still offered the world its first glimpse of Mahesh Babu's character Rudhra in his element. The first still captured Rudhra at rest on a bamboo raft, surrounded by a dense jungle, effortlessly cool, magnetic and carrying the quiet intensity that defined his character while the second transported fans to the sweeping plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, where Rudhra was seen standing with a commanding look, amidst giraffes and wild beasts. 'Varanasi', which is Mahesh Babu's upcoming film with SS Rajamouli, sources say, will be a globe-trotting, century-spanning epic in which one man’s extraordinary journey will be seen taking him from the sacred waters of India to the wildest corners of the earth."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/G8DcsDFexv5xXMbS_mbgk.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T07:55:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"maheshs-message-chase-your-dreams-gautam"}}]},"three":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Tollywood’s Box Office Revival"},"content":{"text":"In an unexpected revival, Telugu cinema is witnessing a robust resurgence as six films have remarkably captured audience attention and box office revenues within a mere two months. This phenomenon, characterized by a series of successful theatrical releases, marks a significant turnaround for an industry that has grappled with dwindling viewer numbers in recent years. The latest successes, from diverse narratives and innovative storytelling to the enduring allure of the cinematic experience, highlight a renewed faith in the power of the silver screen amidst the rise of digital streaming platforms. The recent slate of hits includes notable films such as Nandini Reddy's 'Maa Inti Bangaaram' and Murali Kishor Abburu's 'Lenin,' each contributing to a period of sustained theatrical interest. This is particularly remarkable given the contemporary shift in viewer preferences toward OTT platforms, where immediate consumption has often overshadowed the communal experience of cinema. According to Mohan V, joint secretary of the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, the influx of successful films indicates that audiences are eager to return to theaters when the content resonates, suggesting a potential shift back to pre-pandemic norms. Historically, the Telugu film industry has been renowned for its ability to produce blockbusters that draw in crowds for extended runs, with 50-day and 100-day celebrations a once-frequent occurrence. However, the pandemic has reshaped audience habits, prompting a decline in traditional box office metrics. Filmmaker Madhura Sridhar noted that the prevailing benchmarks have shifted—where once theatrical runs were measured in months, even a two-week performance is now regarded as commendable. Yet, the recent successes, with several films maintaining a solid four-week presence in theaters, signal a significant cultural shift, reigniting hope among filmmakers and exhibitors alike. The current cinematic landscape features a refreshing variety of narratives that defy the conventional star-driven formulas. Enthusiasts like S Ramakrishna observe that films such as 'Chennai Love Story' and 'Korean Kanakaraju' break away from typical storytelling molds, portraying complex characters and innovative themes. This departure from the norm suggests that filmmakers are not just responding to market demands but are also shaping a new cinematic lexicon that celebrates originality. As production houses adapt to the evolving tastes of a more discerning audience, there is a palpable excitement in the air, underlining the enduring relevance of theaters in the age of streaming."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/wMZx7GTpaubcqXwk_tollhyhits.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-30T18:39:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"tollywoods-box-office-revival"}}]},"four":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Messi announces retirement"},"content":{"text":" Lionel Messi on Monday announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 20-year Argentina career that included a World Cup triumph, two Copa América titles and a record 207 appearances for his country, saying the decision had been on his mind since the World Cup final defeat to Spain before the death of his father further convinced him it was time to step away.  The 39-year-old revealed the decision in a statement posted on his official Instagram account, confirming that he would no longer wear the Argentina jersey after one of the most celebrated international careers in football history. \"After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national tea,\" Messi wrote on Instagram. Messi said the decision had been painful, particularly because of the emotional bond he has shared with the national team and Argentina's supporters throughout his career. “It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deeply, but I understand that this is the right time. I swear I always gave everything — not just during the last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave my all for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.\" Having made his senior Argentina debut in 2005, Messi experienced both the highest and most difficult moments of international football. He led his country to the World Cup title in 2022 after years of near misses and also helped Argentina win two Copa América crowns. His international journey also included World Cup final defeats in 2014 and again this summer, with the loss to Spain in July proving to be a significant moment in his decision-making process. Messi revealed that the words announcing his retirement had originally been written shortly after the final before the death of his father, Jorge, made him even more certain about bringing his international career to a close. \"I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my father, I am even more convinced than before,\" read the statement from Messi on Instagram. The Argentine great said the passage of time and the emergence of a new generation of players also played a role in his decision to leave the national team. \"There is little time left and chapters are beginning to close, and this is one that hurts me a lot. I love, have loved and will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had; I have nothing more left to give. Besides, there are some great young players coming through who deserve their opportunity.\" Messi thanked Argentina's supporters for standing by him throughout two decades of international football and said he would continue supporting the national team from outside the stadium. \"Thank you for all the love and support over these 20 years. I will miss hearing you from inside the stadium very much. Now I will be one of you, always supporting and cheering from the outside — in good times and bad, even more so in the bad times.\" The former Argentina captain also paid tribute to the people who accompanied him throughout his journey, including his family, coaches, teammates and officials. \"Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and official I had the chance to share this journey with. I am taking with me unforgettable memories and moments.\" Looking back on everything Argentina achieved during his time with the national team, Messi said he was leaving with pride and satisfaction over the moments he and his teammates had created for the country. \"I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, moments we could only have dreamed of. It was crazy to experience it all with you. I love you!\" Messi ended his emotional farewell with a tribute to his country. \"Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.\" \"Let's go, Argentina!\" While his international career has now come to an end, Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he remains under contract until 2028. His departure from the Argentina national team closes a remarkable chapter that began in 2005 and ultimately saw him achieve the World Cup triumph that had long defined his international ambition."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aQBspLpReVYa3vGD_messi.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-31T14:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"messi-announces-retirement"}}]},"five":{"edges":[]},"review":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Toxic'"},"content":{"text":"After delivering the massive success of KGF, Yash took considerable time before announcing his next project. He reportedly heard several scripts and met numerous filmmakers before finally joining hands with Geetu Mohandas for Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. The collaboration itself raised eyebrows, with many wondering how Mohandas’ filmmaking sensibilities would blend with Yash’s larger-than-life action image. The result is an ambitious gangster action drama that aims for the scale and intensity of KGF, but struggles to match its emotional impact. Story: Set against the backdrop of Goa in 1947, the film revolves around a powerful drug and underworld network led by Salvador, a feared gang lord. Raya (Yash) and Ganga (Nayanthara), who are siblings, are among his most trusted associates. Ganga dreams of seeing her younger brother rise to the top of Goa’s drug empire. Raya’s life takes an unexpected turn when he falls in love with Salvador’s daughter, Rebecca (Tara Sutaria), and marries her. This eventually helps him become the head of the drug syndicate, fulfilling Ganga’s long-standing ambition. However, Raya later develops feelings for Nadia (Kiara Advani), a circus performer. Their relationship leads to Nadia’s pregnancy and creates a devastating conflict after Rebecca discovers the affair. Overcome by the situation, Rebecca takes her own life. The central conflict then revolves around Salvador’s reaction and Ganga’s desperate attempts to protect her brother from his wrath. Performances: Yash delivers a convincing performance as Raya and carries much of the film on his shoulders. However, the screenplay is so heavily centred on his character that several supporting roles fail to make a lasting impact. Some of his action sequences also feel exaggerated, with the hero overpowering villains almost effortlessly. While his emotional moments work reasonably well, the action lacks the grounded quality needed to make the violence feel convincing. Nayanthara gets a powerful character as Ganga, but the writing does not provide her with enough substantial scenes. She makes an impression whenever she appears, despite having limited material. Kiara Advani, unfortunately, has little scope to demonstrate her acting abilities, with her character largely confined to glamour and romance. Tara Sutaria fares better, delivering a natural performance in several emotional sequences. The remaining cast members are adequate within the limitations of their respective roles. Technical: Geetu Mohandas deserves credit for attempting a dark and ambitious gangster drama, but the execution falls short of the potential of the premise. The screenplay repeatedly relies on elaborate action sequences, seemingly assuming that Yash’s screen presence and large-scale set pieces alone will sustain the film. Considerably more attention is given to the protagonist than to the development of the supporting characters. The dubbing is another noticeable weakness, occasionally giving the film the feel of a dubbed production rather than a seamless multilingual project. The cinematography is impressive and succeeds in creating the required visual scale. However, the background score does not leave a strong impact. Ravi Basrur’s music fails to live up to expectations, while the songs struggle to connect because of their placement within the romantic portions. Editing is one of the film’s major drawbacks, particularly in the second half, where several sequences feel unnecessarily stretched. The production values, however, remain impressive and contribute to the film’s grand visual presentation. Analysis: The biggest challenge for Toxic was always going to be the enormous expectations surrounding Yash after KGF. Audiences naturally expected another high-octane action spectacle, and the film clearly attempts to recreate that larger-than-life formula. But KGF worked not merely because of its action; its emotional core gave the spectacle considerable weight. Toxic struggles in that department. The film repeatedly prioritises action, violence and glamour while failing to build sufficiently strong emotional connections with its characters. The result is a movie that looks ambitious but often feels emotionally hollow. The excessive romantic and adult-oriented content may also alienate a significant section of family audiences. Instead of complementing the gangster narrative, several such sequences feel unnecessarily provocative and distract from the core story. The film appears determined to push its mature tone, but the approach does not always feel organic to the narrative. Ultimately, Toxic showcases Yash’s immense screen presence and delivers a few visually striking action sequences, but it falls short of replicating the emotional resonance that made KGF such a phenomenon. The attempt to create another massive Yash action vehicle is evident, yet the absence of a compelling emotional backbone prevents the film from reaching its full potential. Plus Points: Yash’s performance Tara Sutaria’s natural acting A few well-executed action sequences Grand production values Impressive cinematography Minus Points: Weak story and screenplay Limited depth for supporting characters Excessive romance and adult content Over-the-top action in places Underwhelming music and background score Slow and stretched second half Dubbing issues Verdict: Toxic sets out to deliver another KGF-style action extravaganza but misses the emotional ingredient that made Yash’s previous blockbuster so effective. Despite its scale, star power and flashes of impressive action, the film struggles to create a satisfying overall impact. Final Take: Another KGF was attempted, but the emotion is missing. Banner: KVN Productions Producer: Venkat K. Narayana Director: Geethu Mohandas Music: Ravi Basrur Cast: Yash, Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, Sudev and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/E2UJr6qTDfzc_kvt_TOXIC.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-26T07:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-toxic"}},{"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"}}]}},"pageContext":{"isCreatedByStatefulCreatePages":true}}