{"data":{"all":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"DSC issue rocks Andhra Council"},"content":{"text":"The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council was on Monday rocked by alleged irregularities in Mega DSC-2025 recruitment for 16,347 teaching posts as opposition YSR Congress Party tried to stall the proceedings, demanding a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in DSC and resignation of Education Minister Nara Lokesh.  As soon as the House assembled on the first day of the Monsoon session, the YSRCP moved an adjournment motion, demanding discussion on the alleged irregularities. Council Chairman K. Moshen Raju rejected the notices given by YSRCP members and took up question hour. The Chairman said a decision on the demand for discussion will be taken in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting. However, the YSRCP members tried to stall the proceedings by raising slogans, insisting that the House suspend listed business to take up the adjournment motion. Leader of Opposition in Council, Botsa Satyaranayana, alleged that three lakh people were betrayed in the name of DSC recruitment. He claimed that the ruling coalition gave teachers’ jobs to candidates of their choice in the name of sports quota. The YSRCP leader said the House should debate the issue. Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar raised an objection to the Chairman allowing the Leader of Opposition to speak. Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu lashed out at the YSRCP, saying it has absolutely no moral right to speak about DSC recruitments now, after having raised hopes among unemployed youth with the promise of a \"Mega DSC\" during their five-year tenure only to ultimately let them down. In a strong rebuttal to the comments made by Satyanarayana, he remarked that it is shameful for Botsa Satyanarayana, who, as Education Minister, failed to deliver even a single \"Mega DSC\" for the unemployed, to now preach about alleged irregularities in the DSC process. He lashed out at the YSRCP for ultimately failing to issue the notification, thereby dashing their hopes and playing with their future. Satyanarayana, who served as the Education Minister in the previous government, must answer for this failure. He questioned whether it was not a case of political double standards for someone to raise questions about the DSC in the Upper House now, after failing to take the necessary action while in power. Atchannaidu said after coming to power, the coalition government issued the DSC notification and initiated steps to provide timely employment to the youth. He alleged that the YSRCP attempted to obstruct the process by filing as many as 300 court cases. Some remarks made by Atchannaidu while referring to Satyanarayana evoked strong protest from the YSRCP The Chairman adjourned the House amid the din as the YSRCP members continued their protest. After the House re-assembled, Satyanarayana demanded that Atchannaidu withdraw his unparliamentary words. However, the minister insisted that the words used by him were not unparliamentary. He said he was ready to apologise if the Chairman gives a ruling that his remarks were unparliamentary. As the YSRCP members continued their protest, the Chairman adjourned the House."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/d221dd98-e4a5-4c5d-9d7b-6c4b3ec02f12_entrance+exams.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T11:32:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"dsc-issue-rocks-andhra-council"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","two"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Balayya–Koratala Film Runs Into Trouble?"},"content":{"text":"The much-awaited collaboration between Nandamuri Balakrishna and director Koratala Siva appears to be facing an uncertain phase. The upcoming film, tentatively titled NBK112, was launched with considerable buzz, raising expectations among fans. However, reports now suggest that the project may not move into production as smoothly as initially expected, with several issues reportedly emerging before filming begins. A major concern is said to be the film’s proposed financial scale. The project was initially planned with an estimated budget of around ₹150 crore, but changing market conditions may have prompted the makers to reconsider the investment. Balakrishna is reportedly keen to avoid excessive financial exposure and discussions are believed to be underway to bring down the budget while making suitable changes to the script and overall scale. Beyond finances, there is also speculation about possible creative differences between the actor and Koratala Siva. While budget constraints are being discussed as a key factor, industry buzz suggests that differences over the film’s creative direction could also be contributing to the uncertainty. If true, the team may need to find common ground before taking the project forward. Despite the growing speculation, there has been no official confirmation that NBK112 has been shelved. The project could still undergo changes before production begins, including adjustments to its budget, screenplay and execution. Until the filmmakers make an official announcement, reports of the film being completely called off remain unconfirmed."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/apdlhU4cBdLavuDC_koratalabalaiah.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T12:51:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"balayyakoratala-film-runs-into-trouble"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","one"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Horror Awaits Megastar Chiru?"},"content":{"text":"After nearly five decades in cinema and a career spanning an enormous variety of roles, Megastar Chiranjeevi still has one major genre left unexplored—horror. From action and mass entertainers to family dramas, comedy, fantasy and experimental films, he has successfully built a signature across almost every space. Yet, a full-fledged horror story has never been part of his filmography. For years, filmmakers may have stayed away from horror projects because of Chiranjeevi’s larger-than-life image and massive mass following. A genre built around fear and suspense was once considered difficult to blend with his established screen persona. But the industry has changed significantly, with audiences now placing greater emphasis on strong concepts and immersive theatrical experiences rather than simply a star’s familiar image. The growing popularity of horror, supernatural thrillers and horror-comedies among younger audiences has further opened the door for established stars to experiment. With pan-Indian cinema embracing darker and more unconventional storytelling, fans are increasingly curious about what Chiranjeevi could bring to a visually rich horror thriller. A well-written story, striking visuals and genuine suspense could potentially create a completely new dimension to Chiranjeevi’s stardom. If the film delivers the kind of gripping, edge-of-the-seat experience seen in successful Telugu supernatural thrillers, combining that atmosphere with his trademark mass appeal could make a Chiranjeevi horror film a major theatrical attraction."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0bf1fb7a-ecbd-4372-bc73-58c55a97ec70_chiru.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T12:08:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"horror-awaits-megastar-chiru"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","three"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Yash Counters Allu Aravind’s Remarks"},"content":{"text":"In a recent interview, Yash, the celebrated actor who rose to prominence with the blockbuster film 'KGF', addressed contentious remarks made by veteran Telugu producer Allu Aravind. Aravind's comments, which implied that Yash was relatively unknown prior to the film's release in 2018, ignited a wave of backlash among fans and industry insiders alike. The producer's assertion that 'KGF''s grand scale and presentation were pivotal to its success, rather than Yash's pre-established talent, has drawn sharp criticism and raised questions about the nature of celebrity in Indian cinema. During a candid conversation with journalist Rajat Sharma on the program 'Aap Ki Adalat', Yash reflected on the dynamics between producers and actors, asserting that the success of a film cannot be attributed to a single individual. He emphasized the collective effort involved in filmmaking, noting, \"A film does not belong only to the producer. Many people work on a film, but the actor often gets most of the credit.\" This statement underscores the collaborative nature of the industry and highlights the multifaceted roles that contribute to a film's success. Yash's career trajectory prior to 'KGF' is noteworthy, marked by significant accomplishments in Kannada cinema that laid the groundwork for his national recognition. Films such as 'Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari', 'Googly', and 'Masterpiece' showcased his talent and solidified his status as a leading figure in the Kannada film industry. Despite Aravind's dismissal of his pre-'KGF' achievements, Yash's fans have long celebrated his contributions, suggesting that an actor's journey is often overlooked in the wake of sudden fame. Addressing the emotional connection that audiences forge with actors, Yash shared, \"I sometimes wonder why an actor gets all the love. Then I realized that despite all the pressure, when an actor is able to connect with the audience and perform emotionally through the film, it works.\" His reflections not only resonate with fans but also reiterate the vital role that emotional engagement plays in cinema, challenging the notion that a film's success can be reduced to mere production values. Yash’s remarks serve as a reminder that behind every successful film lies a tapestry of talent and effort, deserving of recognition beyond a single star's stardom."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/zroDQhNWYMiMPrVj_yashallu.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T10:29:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"yash-counters-allu-aravinds-remarks"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics","featured","four"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Naga Babu appointed chairman of APGEC"},"content":{"text":"Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan's brother Nagendra Rao Konidela, also known as Naga Babu, has been appointed as the chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Green Executive Committee. Naga Babu is a member of the State Legislative Council and one of the key leaders of Jana Sena headed by his brother. Environment and Forest Department on Monday issued a Government Order (G.O) nominating Nagababu as the Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the ‘Andhra Pradesh Society for Greening and Reforestation for Ecological Enrichment (AP Green).’ According to the G.O, Nagababu will enjoy Cabinet rank in his capacity as the chairperson of the AP Green Executive Committee. Pawan Kalyan is also the minister for environment and forests. Nagababu has been appointed as the head of a body which comes under the department headed by Pawan Kalyan. According to an official release, the government has set a primary objective for AP Green to increase the combined forest cover and greenery in Andhra Pradesh to 50 per cent of the state's total geographical area. AP Green will work towards achieving this goal by 2047.  To ensure the effective implementation of this programme across the state, the government announced the establishment of district-level governing bodies alongside the AP Green Governing Board and Executive Committee.  As the Chairperson of the Executive Committee, Nagababu will shoulder key responsibilities such as coordinating between various departments and district-level agencies, accelerating the implementation of programmes, and monitoring their progress.  Nagababu was elected to the Legislative Council in March 2025 as the candidate of Jana Sena. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced in December 2024 that Naga Babu would be inducted into the Cabinet. He, however, later changed his decision, reportedly on the advice of Pawan Kalyan. The Cabinet already has three ministers from Jana Sena, and two of them, including Pawan Kalyan, are from the Kapu community. The ruling coalition did not want to disturb the caste equation by appointing another Kapu representative as a minister.  Nagababu, also an actor and producer, is the General Secretary of Jana Sena. He actively campaigned in last year's elections. He has been working with Pawan Kalyan ever since the latter floated Jana Sena in 2014. Both had earlier actively worked for Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) floated by their eldest brother and superstar Chiranjeevi in 2008. However, the party came a cropper in the 2009 polls, and two years later Chiranjeevi had merged it with the Congress party."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/hjNQOh4jx8MV_gbV_nagababu.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T10:48:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"naga-babu-appointed-chairman-of-apgec"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Somy Ali Backs Govinda Amid Wife Rift"},"content":{"text":"Former Pakistani actress Somy Ali is the first co-actor of Govinda to come out in support of the actor, who has been at the centre of relentless attacks by his wife Sunita Ahuja. On Sunday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared a collage of throwback pictures of herself with the actor. She also penned a long note in his support as she recollected their journey together. She wrote, “I am going to chime in here as no one else will and show support whenever it’s necessary, I have known Govinda personally and professionally which is why I can say a few things about him from both ends. Chichi is one of the greatest talents in the Hindi film industry and he is one of the most humble actors I got to know during my time within that industry”. The controversy started after Sunita turned the promotion of the actor’s upcoming film into a public reckoning, calling him actress Komal’s \"sugar daddy\" after he was spotted with the actress she had previously accused him of having an affair with. Sunita said the 62-year-old actor should be ashamed of roaming around with a woman his daughter's age, mocked Komal's clothes. The actress further mentioned that Govinda isn’t anywhere wrong in starring opposite a younger actress. She went on, “I have immense respect for both Chichi and Sunita. However, there is nothing ageist about an actor accepting a role with a younger actress. Talent doesn’t have an expiration date. At a time when work may be difficult to find, choosing to keep working is something to respect, not ridicule. An actor’s worth isn’t determined by his age or by the age of his co-star. It’s determined by his talent, professionalism, and willingness to keep going. Getting another opportunity when doors have been difficult to open should be celebrated”. “Every actor deserves the chance to prove that they still have something meaningful to offer. Age should never become a weapon against someone who is simply trying to earn a living and continue doing what he loves. Perhaps the most admirable thing about an actor is his refusal to give up when the industry or others start telling him he’s too old”, she added."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/4-yI1Oz3r8oHKh5S_somialigovinda.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-16T21:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"somy-ali-backs-govinda-amid-wife-rift"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Avika Gor apologises to Farrhana Bhatt"},"content":{"text":"Actress Avika Gor has apologised to Farrhana Bhatt after a tense moment between the two on the stunt-based reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 15.  The actress admitted that she did not like her own behaviour and had wrongly taken out her frustration on her co-contestant. The incident unfolded after Avika joined Farrhana’s team. Farrhana was seen congratulating her and wishing her luck, but Avika, who appeared upset, responded in a visibly curt manner, telling her, “Aap, aap toh chahti nahi thi main aaoon” (You didn't want me to come to the team) Now after all the shoot is over, and the cast is back to India, Avika took to her social media account to acknowledge her behaviour and apologise to Farrhana. Sharing a video of the incident, she wrote: “I honestly didn't like my behavior @farrhana_bhatt I'm sorry. Team par upset hokar aap par reaction nikalna galat tha. Lots of love” In another comment, Avika wrote: “I didn't really like what I did. Sorry @farrhana_bhatt I think I was just upset aur woh aap ki taraf nikla. Not cool. Sorry sweetheart.” Talking about the show, Khatron Ke Khiladi', the show now in its 15th season, features a mix of fresh faces and many familiar contestants. The lineup includes Gaurav Khanna, Avinash Mishra, Farrhana Bhatt, Shagun Sharma, Avika Gor, Orhan Awatramani aka Orry, Harsh Gujral, Jasmin Bhasin, Rubina Dilaik, Karan Wahi, Rithvik Dhanjani, Ruhaanika Dhawan and Vishal Aditya Singh. The season has particularly stood out for bringing back former contestants, including Avika Gor, Jasmin Bhasin, Karan Wahi, Rithvik Dhanjani, Rubina Dilaik and Vishal Aditya Singh, giving the competition a mix of returning experience and new energy."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F733bc73e-8c16-409d-9164-80150b4e6efc_avika+gore.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C1200%2C592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T03:41:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"avika-gor-apologises-to-farrhana-bhatt"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"AR Rahman launches search for ‘Tamil Idol’"},"content":{"text":"Music maestro A.R. Rahman is set to lead the search for the next Tamil singing sensation with “Tamil Idol,\" as auditions open across Tamil Nadu. The statewide talent hunt aims to discover promising voices from different parts of the state, giving aspiring singers an opportunity to showcase their talent under the guidance of one of India’s most celebrated composers. Speaking about the show, A.R. Rahman said in a statement, “The search for new voices is at the heart of music, voices that go on to reach millions. Through this journey, we uncover new talent, fresh perspectives, and the untold stories of generations. With Tamil Idol, for the very first time, we bring together the extraordinary voices of Tamil Nadu and give them a platform to be celebrated.” Sony Vizha unveiled Tamil Idol, the first-ever Tamil edition of one of the world’s most iconic singing competition formats. A.R. Rahman announced the opening of auditions from 18th August, inviting aspiring singers across Tamil Nadu to register through the Sony LIV app. Aspiring singers who are unable to attend the auditions in person can also participate from anywhere through the Sony LIV app. To audition, participants need to select the Tamil Idol Audition section on the app and complete the registration process by providing their personal details. Meanwhile, Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman recently unveiled the soundtrack for the critically acclaimed Arabic psychological fantasy-thriller “Baab,” directed by Nayla Al Khaja. The project marked Rahman’s first-ever collaboration on an Arabic film. The original soundtrack was released across major streaming platforms through Rahman’s music label KM Musiq and was distributed worldwide by Divo. It featured 10 evocative compositions by the celebrated composer. Talking about his association with \"Baab,\" Rahman said he was drawn to the project because of its emotional complexity and the unique world created by director Nayla Al Khaja."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/4gjUraAbhxLsHy52_rahmantamilidol.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C102%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T05:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"ar-rahman-launches-search-for-tamil-idol"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"US Colorado River Crisis Worsens"},"content":{"text":"Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the two largest reservoirs of the United States on the Colorado River, have both fallen to record-low levels since they were filled, according to federal data. US water officials and experts said the declines are increasing risks to water supplies, agriculture and hydropower across the Southwest. Lake Powell fell to 3,519.91 feet (about 1,072.869 meters) above sea level on Saturday, according to provisional data published Sunday by the US Bureau of Reclamation. The reading was marginally below the previous record of 3,519.92 feet set in April 2023, and the bureau said provisional data are subject to revision. Downstream, Lake Mead fell to as low as 1,039.85 feet Sunday afternoon, according to the bureau's report. Bureau records show that the previous record low was 1,040.58 feet, recorded in July 2022. Jack Schmidt, director of the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, was quoted by CNN on Sunday as saying the basin was \"in uncharted territory.\" Lake Mead and Lake Powell were formed by the Hoover Dam and Glen Canyon Dam, respectively, and together they serve as the primary water storage and supply system for the Colorado River's 40 million downstream users across seven US states and Mexico. The US Interior Department told a Senate hearing in June that long-term drought had reduced Colorado River system storage to about 34 per cent of capacity, reports Xinhua news agency. Lake Powell, located in southern Utah and northern Arizona, is now about 9 metres above the 1,063.75-meter minimum power pool identified by the Bureau of Reclamation, the lowest elevation at which Glen Canyon Dam can currently generate hydropower. According to data released by Grand Canyon Trust, the Glen Canyon Powerplant churns out about 5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity every year, enough to power nearly half a million US households. The Hoover Powerplant has a long-term average annual output of about 4 billion kilowatt-hours, said the Bureau of Reclamation, which warned in April that falling Lake Mead levels could further reduce generating capacity. The bureau also announced then plans to move up to about 1.23 billion cubic meters of additional water from Flaming Gorge Reservoir, a large reservoir on a major tributary of the Colorado River, toward Lake Powell, and reduce annual releases from Lake Powell to Lake Mead by about 1.83 billion cubic meters as drought conditions worsened. The federal government is also preparing new rules for operating the river system after current guidelines expire at the end of 2026. On July 31, the Bureau of Reclamation released a Final Environmental Impact Statement outlining a preferred framework for the future management of Lake Powell and Lake Mead, with guidelines designed to remain in place through 2036. Sharon Megdal, director of the Water Resources Research Center at the University of Arizona, told ABC News on Sunday that \"it's kind of a critical situation on the river\" because the two reservoirs had not faced such conditions since they were filled."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/uTtBrY_BR4yxGtLd_usre4servoirs.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T07:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"us-colorado-river-crisis-worsens"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"RR issues bold challenge to KCR"},"content":{"text":"In a striking display of political bravado, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has announced that the state Assembly will convene in September, challenging his predecessor, K Chandrasekhar Rao, to attend and account for his decade-long governance. Speaking at a public gathering in Parkala near Warangal, Reddy urged Rao to engage in a meaningful discussion on the welfare and development initiatives purportedly undertaken during his time in office. The call to action comes as the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leadership has previously insisted on the Assembly’s necessity, framing Reddy's challenge as a pivotal moment in Telangana's political landscape. Reddy's statements were not merely rhetorical flourishes; they were underscored by serious allegations about the BRS government's fiscal management. He claimed that the state is currently grappling with an astounding ₹8.11 lakh crore debt, a burden that supposedly necessitates an annual expenditure of ₹75,000 crore just to service interest payments—a stark contrast to the ₹6,500 crore allocated before Telangana's formation in 2014. The Chief Minister further highlighted the Congress government's achievements, asserting that it has successfully filled 70,000 vacancies since assuming power in December 2023, pledging to address remaining employment gaps in a phased manner. The political discourse has intensified as Reddy directly targeted the BRS for its perceived failures in providing jobs for the youth, accusing it of corruption and exploiting young aspirants during recruitment processes. He even alleged that BRS leaders had previously provoked unrest during the Telangana statehood movement, resulting in the tragic suicides of 1,200 youths. These claims not only signify a deepening animosity between the political factions but also reflect a broader concern over the socio-economic conditions affecting Telangana's young population. Furthermore, Reddy's provocative remarks regarding K T Rama Rao's familial dynamics added a personal dimension to the political rivalry, questioning the integrity of current leadership towards women and marginalized groups in the state. As tensions escalate, BRS leaders have pushed back vigorously against Reddy's accusations. Harish Rao, a senior BRS figure, has dismissed the Chief Minister's comments as “cheap remarks” aimed at diverting attention from pressing issues such as alleged corruption and inadequate support for farmers. In a climate charged with political rhetoric, Rao has vowed to continue addressing these critical concerns and has even hinted at legal action against Reddy. Meanwhile, Reddy has called for a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach to education and employment, advocating for students to seek opportunities beyond traditional realms and pursue technical qualifications through newly established educational initiatives. This multifaceted political clash illustrates not only the immediate electoral stakes but also the long-term implications for governance and public policy in Telangana."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/87ca82fa-966e-4867-9389-9fcac5657f00_RRKCR.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-16T19:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rr-issues-bold-challenge-to-kcr"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"KTR drove out sister for property!"},"content":{"text":"Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has accused the BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) of driving out his own sister K. Kavitha from his house as he did not want to share property with her. Addressing a public meeting in Mulugu, Revanth Reddy on Sunday also targeted Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) President and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR). \"The father, who should have set right his son, was busy sleeping in his farmhouse. Will such people ever do any good for the women of Telangana?\" he asked. The Chief Minister was referring to the split in KCR family. KCR's daughter K. Kavitha floated a new political party Telangana Rakshana Sena (TRS) recently after resigning from the BRS. Revanth Reddy launched an attack on KTR while revealing how he respects Minister Seethakka as her one sister though they share the blood relation. The Chief Minister alleged that another BRS leader and former Minister T. Harish Rao was performing occult puja to ensure there are no rains in Telangana. \"He wished for the people to suffer but God is on our side; He has blessed us with rains,\" Revanth Reddy said. The Chief Minister along with State Congress President Mahesh Kumar Goud, and Ministers Seethakka, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, and Adluri Laxman Kumar inaugurated the new Collectorate complex in Mulugu. Revanth Reddy, who earlier offered prayers at Samakka Sarakka temple, recalled that as Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President, he began 'padayatra' from Mulugu and every hamlet and village across the state to understand the people's issues and reassure them. \"With the people's blessings, the 'Indiramma Rajyam' (Indiramma's rule) has been established in the state. Seethakka is resolving your issues, standing by you like a sister,\" the Chief Minister said. He claimed that the state government was moving forward with a concrete plan for women, the poor, and the unemployed. Stating that adivasis are synonymous with hard work, Revanth Reddy said the region needs irrigation facilities to alleviate their hardships. \"We will conduct a special review of irrigation projects and sanction funds for their development,\" he added. The Chief Minister said that the state government was taking necessary measures to provide technical skills to Adivasi youth.  He called for focus on education from nursery up to the 12th grade and subsequently on skill-based education.  \"With the right skills, there are numerous opportunities in countries like Japan and Germany,\" CM Revanth Reddy added."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/baa0b90e-c799-43bd-871a-abd9446be2cc_KCTKTRKAVITHA.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-16T21:50:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"ktr-drove-out-sister-for-property"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Mahesh Babu Gives ‘DC’ Thumbs-Up"},"content":{"text":"National Award winning director Arun Matheswaran has now penned a note of gratitude to Telugu Superstar Mahesh Babu who had showered praise on his recently released Lokesh Kanakaraj-starrer 'DC', calling it an \"original and outstanding film\". Mahesh Babu on Sunday had taken to his X timeline to share his thoughts on the superhit Tamil film DC, featuring Lokesh Kanakaraj and Wamiqa Gabbi in the lead. He had said, \"#DC… what an original and outstanding film! Just too cool… Loved every bit of it!! Congrats to the entire team…\" A pleasantly surprised Arun Matheswaran has now responded to Mahesh Babu's post, saying, \"Thank you so much, sir! This truly means a lot to me. Seeing you watch and appreciate #DC is incredibly special. Really grateful for your love and kind words.\" Music director Anirudh Ravichander too thanked Mahesh Babu for his praise. The film, which has gone on to emerge a superhit, marks the acting debut of ace director Lokesh Kanakaraj. "},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/-TJhpUcg4g3EakFb_maheshDC.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T03:54:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"mahesh-babu-gives-dc-thumbs-up"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"APJUDA intensify strike to demand hike in stipend"},"content":{"text":"Demanding a hike in stipend, junior doctors across Andhra Pradesh on Monday began a total boycott of emergency services, disrupting healthcare delivery in government medical colleges and teaching hospitals.  Andhra Pradesh Junior Doctors’ Association (APJUDA) had given a call for the boycott of emergency services to press for their demands, including long-pending stipend revision. About 9,000 resident doctors, medical interns, junior residents, super-speciality postgraduates, senior residents, and doctors deployed under the District Residency Programme (DRP) scheme were staying away from duties, affecting Intensive Care Units, casualty wards, and labour rooms. Junior doctors in all 19 government medical colleges in the state are participating in the strike. The phased strike began on August 11 with a time-bound withdrawal of non-emergency services. With no written assurance coming from the government, APJUDA intensified its protest. Non-emergency healthcare services remained fully suspended across all government teaching hospitals, superspeciality units, and peripheral medical colleges. The government said it has made arrangements to ensure that patients do not face difficulties due to the junior doctors' strike. The department of health is continuously reviewing the situation with District Collectors, medical college principals, and hospital superintendents. Additional doctors are being kept on standby wherever needed. Special arrangements are being made to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of emergency departments, ICUs, maternity services, operation theatres, NICU, PICU, dialysis units, and trauma services, it said. Measures are being taken to ensure the availability of medicines, oxygen, blood, and essential medical supplies, said an official release. According to APJUDA, the stipend hike has been pending since January 1. As per an order issued by the Health, Medical and Family Welfare Department in 2009, there will be a biennial revision of junior doctors’ stipends by about 15 per cent.  APJUDA leaders said despite repeated appeals, the authorities failed to give a clear assurance on a stipend hike, forcing them to go on strike in a phased manner.  While APJUDA demanded a 15 per cent hike in stipend, the government has offered a 3 per cent hike for postgraduate junior doctors and a 5 per cent hike for house surgeons and interns. APJUDA is also demanding implementation of National Medical Commission norms in recruiting MSc and PhD holders to clinical faculty posts. It is also opposing a proposed increase in the retirement age of doctors from 62 to 65 years. The government said during the talks APJUDA was informed that although the Finance Department is not favourably inclined towards a 15 per cent hike given the current financial situation, there is a proposal to implement a specific percentage increase annually for interns and PG students.  It assured them that this annual increment process would be maintained. The government urged the junior doctors to accept the proposed hike, taking into account the state's financial condition and the implementation of public welfare schemes. According to an official release, the government spends approximately Rs 586.08 crore annually on stipends for 9,501 junior doctors. If the demand for a 15 per cent hike in stipend is accepted, the government will incur an additional annual expenditure of approximately Rs 87.91 crore."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0oPyTBmebKyzxP6U_doctorsstrike.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C4%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T07:04:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"apjuda-intensify-strike-to-demand-hike-in-stipend"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Rising Star Ananya Raj Passes at 27"},"content":{"text":"The Indian film industry is in mourning following the sudden and untimely death of actress Ananya Raj, who was reported to have passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 15, at the tender age of 27. The heartbreaking announcement, made by her family through an emotional post on Instagram, has left fans and colleagues in shock, prompting an outpouring of grief across social media platforms. Ananya's promising career, which had just begun to flourish, has now been abruptly cut short, leaving a void that will be felt deeply by those who cherished her work and spirit. While the precise cause of Ananya's death remains undisclosed, her family revealed that she had been grappling with physical and mental health challenges for over a year. Their statement highlighted her resilience in facing these difficulties, portraying her as a warrior who fought bravely against her ailments. \"This is Ananya's family. With great pain, we have to announce that Ananya passed away in the wee hours of 15th July. She passed away peacefully in sleep. For over a year, she was going through physical and mental discomfort. And she fought like a warrior to overcome them,\" the post read, capturing both the sorrow and strength that defined her life. Ananya Raj, who made her cinematic debut in the 2017 film '7 Hours To Go', quickly gained recognition for her performances in a variety of projects, including 'The Final Exit' and the Telugu film 'Thaggede Le'. Her versatility extended to a trilingual film, 'Madrasi Gang', showcasing her talent across different languages and genres. Despite her brief career, Ananya's impact on the industry was palpable, and her potential was evident to all who watched her evolve as an actress. In the wake of her passing, Ananya's last Instagram post has resurfaced, drawing attention and heartfelt tributes from fans. Shared on May 17, the post featured striking images from a recent photoshoot, captioned, \"Black to white 💫 It's time to SHINE 💎 (sic).\" In a poignant twist, the sentiments expressed in the comments section reflect both disbelief and admiration, as followers grapple with the loss of a vibrant soul who seemed poised for greater heights. \"Rest in peace. Pure soul "},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/y84bpNodrB_yRLXp_ananyaraj.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T06:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rising-star-ananya-raj-passes-at-27"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Sonam Bajwa dances her heart out with Disha"},"content":{"text":"Actress Sonam Bajwa celebrated her birthday in style and gave a glimpse into the festivities by sharing a series of pictures and videos from her birthday bash. Among the highlights was the actress dancing her heart out with Disha Patani, as the two were seen enjoying the celebrations together. Sonam took to Instagram to share glimpses from the special occasion, capturing the fun and energetic moments from the party. The actress appeared in a celebratory mood as she danced alongside Disha and other friends. In the video, Sonam can be seen dancing and cutting her birthday cake surrounded by her close friends. In one of the moments, she shares a warm hug with her bestie Disha Patani, while another clip shows the two actresses dancing together with their friends and enjoying the celebrations. For the caption, the ‘Guddiyan Patole’ actress wrote, “Saalgirah Mubarak Sonam Thank you everyone who took out the time to make my day extra special, I felt all the love. Thank you Jesus for adding another beautiful year to my life.” Sonam Bajwa turned 37 on August 16 and received warm birthday wishes from her friends and industry colleagues on social media. Wishing the actress, the Baaghi actress shared her stylish photo with Sonam and captioned it as, “Happy b’day soni kudi Stay the most beautiful inside out thank you for being you.” Disha Patani and Sonam Bajwa share a close bond that developed during their live stage shows and tours. The two are often seen spending time together and are also frequently joined by Mouni Roy. The trio has become known for their close friendship and is often spotted together at parties, restaurants, and other social gatherings in Mumbai. Sonam Bajwa, who has established herself as a popular name in the Punjabi film industry and has also appeared in Hindi films. Sonam was last seen on the big screen in the blockbuster Hindi war drama “Border 2.”"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Cpl3mg7et9-3vM0H_sonamdisha.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C32%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T08:44:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"sonam-bajwa-dances-her-heart-out-with-disha"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Mandakini Celebrates 41 Years of ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’"},"content":{"text":"Veteran actress Mandakini marked 41 years of Ram Teri Ganga Maili with an emotional note thanking fans for their enduring love and support. Sharing throwback pictures from the iconic 1985 film, she said the movie gave her much, but the affection of audiences remains her “most beautiful gift.” Mandakini also announced a special Facebook Live session to celebrate the anniversary, promising to revisit memories and share stories from the film. Directed by Raj Kapoor, Ram Teri Ganga Maili starred Mandakini and Rajiv Kapoor, with music by Ravindra Jain. Released on August 16, 1985, the romantic drama became the highest-grossing Indian film of that year and remains one of the notable Hindi films of the 1980s. It was also Raj Kapoor’s final directorial venture."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/01941e1e-2ff7-4024-a063-da86f2bb6404_mandakini.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-16T13:54:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"mandakini-celebrates-41-years-of-ram-teri-ganga-ma"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Yash Hails Vishal’s ‘Toxic’ Music"},"content":{"text":"Yash has showered praise on singer-composer Vishal Mishra for his contribution to Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown Ups. Calling Vishal his “little brother”, Yash said the musician brought a unique energy to the film, with songs designed not just to entertain but to move the story forward. Yash particularly praised Tabaahi, which has already become popular, saying Vishal understood the distinct personalities of the characters and created music that reflected their emotions. He also lauded the dedication of the film’s technical team, noting that everyone involved had gone beyond their comfort zones to deliver something special. Yash also praised Ravi Basrur, with whom he worked on the K.G.F franchise, saying audiences would see a “new Ravi” in Toxic. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown Ups is scheduled to release on August 26, 2026."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Z96sD3dAxsiBvw46_toxic.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-16T13:53:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"yash-hails-vishals-toxic-music"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"How Hema Malini Moved On After Esha’s Wedding"},"content":{"text":"Actress Madhoo has recalled how her cousin Hema Malini resumed her parliamentary duties just a day after daughter Esha Deol’s wedding. Speaking to IANS, Madhoo said the veteran actress’s ability to move forward despite emotional moments is one of the qualities she admires most. Madhoo said it was difficult for any mother to see her daughter leave after marriage, yet Hema Malini returned to her routine without letting emotions hold her back. She also recalled an incident when valuables were stolen from Hema’s home, saying the actress simply filed a police complaint and continued with her travel plans. According to Madhoo, Hema’s philosophy was to accept what happens in life and move on, a mindset she finds inspiring. Madhoo, Hema Malini’s first cousin, made her Bollywood debut with Phool Aur Kaante in 1991 and went on to star in films including Roja, Yoddha and Diljale."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aKGIzKTt2nPbaYim_hema.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-16T08:58:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"how-hema-malini-moved-on-after-eshas-wedding"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Sam to Host ‘Celebrity MasterChef Tamil’"},"content":{"text":"Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu is set to headline the upcoming cooking reality show Celebrity MasterChef Tamil. Talking about the new venture, Samantha said food has a unique ability to bring people together and create lasting memories. The actress said she is excited to watch popular Tamil celebrities enter the kitchen, take risks, make mistakes and compete with passion. Backed by Banijay Asia, the show will adapt the global MasterChef format while adding a strong Tamil flavour and familiar Kollywood personalities. Celebrity MasterChef Tamil is expected to premiere soon on Sony VIZHA and Sony LIV, with additional content planned across digital and social platforms. Samantha is also preparing to embrace motherhood and has said she plans to take a maternity break after completing her current professional commitments."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/555ba0b1-b0af-408c-a578-fae78d51204b_samantha.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-16T07:03:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"sam-to-host-celebrity-masterchef-tamil"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"SRK, Ajay, Tiger in FDA Trouble Over Vimal Ad?"},"content":{"text":"Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff are reportedly facing show-cause notices from the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration over their Vimal Elaichi advertisement. The regulator has alleged that the campaign could amount to surrogate advertising for Vimal Pan Masala, which is banned in Maharashtra. The notices seek explanations from the actors over their association with the campaign. The Maharashtra FDA has cited provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act that prohibit misleading food advertisements, with penalties of up to ₹10 lakh for violations. The action comes amid a wider crackdown by the Maharashtra FDA on gutka, tobacco and pan masala products. The regulator has recently intensified inspections and enforcement against the manufacture, distribution and sale of prohibited products across the state."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/b47da0b9-e53b-48cd-aa59-d844fff0baaa_sharukh+khan.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-16T14:09:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"srk-ajay-tiger-in-fda-trouble-over-vimal-ad"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"India Emerges as First Responder to natural Disasters"},"content":{"text":"India is increasingly emerging as a reliable first responder to natural disasters around the world, with its humanitarian missions extending well beyond its immediate neighbourhood. From earthquake rescue operations to emergency medical aid and relief supplies, India has steadily expanded its disaster response capabilities since the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Recent missions include Operation Brahma in earthquake-hit Myanmar and Operation Sagar Bandhu in cyclone-hit Sri Lanka in 2025. India also launched Operation Dost after the devastating 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, sending rescue teams, medical personnel and emergency supplies. In June 2026, India deployed two C-17 aircraft carrying 30 tonnes of relief material and a 41-member rescue and medical team to earthquake-hit Venezuela. India’s humanitarian role has also extended to global health and disaster preparedness. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the country supplied 300 million vaccine doses to 99 countries and two UN bodies under Vaccine Maitri. Alongside emergency relief, India has supported initiatives such as the international tsunami warning system and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, strengthening its image as a force for global humanitarian cooperation."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/nozgjcnlr0bViCAo_Relief.png?auto=format,compress&rect=0,41,449,221&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-16T14:00:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"india-emerges-as-first-responder-to-natural-disast"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Why India’s EV Transition Will Be Different From the West"},"content":{"text":"India’s shift to electric mobility is likely to follow a very different path from Europe and the US, where passenger cars dominate the transition. In India, two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws are expected to lead the early phase of electrification, followed by buses and passenger cars. This diverse vehicle mix means India’s demand for batteries, charging infrastructure and critical minerals will evolve in stages. The shift could significantly increase demand for lithium, copper, nickel and cobalt. Slow-charging infrastructure could grow six to nine times by 2030, driven largely by electric two- and three-wheelers, while fast chargers are expected to expand alongside the growing electric car market. As car ownership continues to rise, battery and mineral demand could become increasingly intensive even as overall vehicle growth stabilises. The bigger challenge for India will be securing the minerals needed to power this transition. A long-term strategy could include partnerships with resource-rich nations, overseas mining investments, better battery recycling and greater use of alternative technologies. At the same time, strengthening domestic refining, processing and battery manufacturing could help India reduce supply-chain risks and capture more value from its EV revolution."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/cb873603-c385-489e-9ef8-122d0f238e05_EV+vehicle.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-16T14:13:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"why-indias-ev-transition-will-be-different-from-th"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"‘Sambarala...’ Set for Sankranti Release"},"content":{"text":"Sai Durgha Tej’s upcoming pan-India action drama Sambarala Yeti Gattu will hit theatres worldwide on January 12 next year, the makers announced. Directed by Rohith KP, the film stars Aishwarya Lekshmi as the female lead and features Jagapathi Babu, Srikanth, Sai Kumar and Ananya Nagalla. Mounted on a reported ₹125 crore budget, the film is said to be the biggest project of Sai Durgha Tej’s career. The movie will release in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam, with extensive action sequences, CGI and a reported Bollywood star adding to the buzz. Produced by K. Niranjan Reddy and Chaitanya Reddy under Primeshow Entertainment, Sambarala Yeti Gattu is gearing up as a major Sankranti 2027 release."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/1ef39e02-00e7-461f-ae31-91b51c345bd2_sai+tej.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-15T18:21:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"sambarala...-set-for-sankranti-release"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"‘Comrade Kalyan’ Set for October 9 Release"},"content":{"text":"Sree Vishnu and Mahima Nambiar-starrer Comrade Kalyan will hit theatres worldwide on October 9, the makers announced. Directed by Janakiram Marella, the Telugu action entertainer is set against the Andhra-Odisha border in 1992 and features Radhika Sarathkumar, Shine Tom Chacko and Upendra Limaye in key roles. Presented by Kona Venkat and produced by Venkata Krishna Karnati and Seetha Karnati, the film promises action, romance and a distinctive period backdrop. Its first single Oriya Pilla, composed by Vijay Bulganin and sung by Sid Sriram, has already created buzz with its nostalgic romantic appeal."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aaFsmMFoBIGEg6rI_vishnuvinyasam.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-15T14:24:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"comrade-kalyan-set-for-october-9-release"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Veteran Hero slams wife for over-abusing"},"content":{"text":"Bollywood actor Govinda has publicly called out his wife Sunita Ahuja over what he described as her increasing use of abusive language, particularly words targeting mothers and sisters. In a video message, Govinda urged her to stop, saying public figures have a responsibility because youngsters often imitate their behaviour. “If people start abusing your mother and sister, then we will all be very embarrassed,” he said. Govinda also criticised the repeated use of such language, saying it had made words associated with “mother” and “sister” cheap. His remarks come amid renewed attention on the couple’s personal life, with Sunita having spoken openly about their marriage and alleged affairs. She has also taken public digs at Govinda over his reported association with newcomer actress Komal Rani Swarnkar. The controversy has intensified after Govinda was spotted with Komal, who is reportedly associated with his upcoming film Roopa. Sunita has questioned the relationship and even referred to Govinda as a “sugar daddy” while commenting on the actress. With both husband and wife now making increasingly public remarks, their personal equation has once again become a talking point in Bollywood circles."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aKmiAmGNHVfTOOQK_govindasunitgha.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-15T18:34:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"veteran-hero-slams-wife-for-over-abusing"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"RGV: My Freedom Was From Marriage"},"content":{"text":"Ram Gopal Varma chose India’s 80th Independence Day to deliver two characteristically provocative messages — one about marriage and another about education. Taking to X, the filmmaker quipped that the “greatest independence” he had experienced was freedom from marriage. The one-line remark, delivered in typical RGV style, quickly grabbed attention and added a dose of controversy to the Independence Day conversations. Varma’s more serious argument, however, was aimed at India’s education system. He questioned the traditional formula of memorising lessons, clearing exams, earning degrees and eventually finding a job. Using medicine as an example, he argued that students spend nearly a decade becoming doctors while AI is rapidly becoming capable of analysing medical data and assisting with diagnosis. His question was provocative but relevant: if technology is changing professions this quickly, should education continue to prepare students for yesterday’s workplace? The bigger issue raised by RGV goes beyond whether AI can replace doctors or teachers. For students and parents, the challenge is deciding what skills will actually matter in a rapidly changing job market. Degrees may continue to have value, but critical thinking, creativity, communication and the ability to work with technology could become equally important. RGV’s views may be controversial, but his Independence Day message carries a broader thought — true independence may also mean having the courage to question traditions, career paths and systems that we have accepted without asking whether they still make sense."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aec01404-d28d-4d99-8619-780dee6af2c9_RGV.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,44,1280,631&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-15T18:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rgv-my-freedom-was-from-marriage"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Deepika hides baby bump under baggy clothes"},"content":{"text":"Bollywood star and mom-to-be Deepika Padukone was spotted at the airport on Saturday night, opting for an oversized light blue shirt and relaxed-fit trousers. The actress completed her look with sunglasses and kept her hair tied back, appearing to keep her pregnancy bump away from the spotlight. Ranveer Singh was seen inside the luxury car as Deepika made her way into the airport. The couple, fondly called ‘DeepVeer’, announced in April that they are expecting their second child. Their daughter Dua, born in September 2024, was also featured in the pregnancy announcement. Despite her pregnancy, Deepika has continued working and is currently associated with Siddharth Anand’s upcoming film King, starring Shah Rukh Khan. The actress and Shah Rukh have previously shared the screen in films including Om Shanti Om, Chennai Express, Happy New Year and Pathaan."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/WV96ACLvVP5Moawm_deepika.png?auto=format,compress&rect=0,18,449,221&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-15T18:53:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"deepika-hides-baby-bump-under-baggy-clothes"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Trisha Vijay's Dating Buzz Grows"},"content":{"text":"Actress Trisha Krishnan attended Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony at Fort St George in Chennai, adding fresh fuel to ongoing dating rumours surrounding the two stars. Trisha, dressed in a yellow saree and green blouse, was seen seated alongside Vijay’s parents, S.A. Chandrasekhar and Shobha Chandrasekhar, during the event. Videos from the ceremony also showed Trisha saluting Vijay as he passed by while performing his official duties. The two have been linked romantically since March, with their appearances together at public events continuing to attract attention. Trisha had also attended Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony earlier this year, keeping their equation firmly in the spotlight."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/mr2g-Y8pMIz__t3p_Trisha.png?auto=format,compress&rect=0,16,654,322&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-15T08:39:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"trisha-vijays-dating-buzz-grows"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"‘Vande Mataram’ Played in Full at Red Fort for First Time"},"content":{"text":"In a historic first, ‘Vande Mataram’ was played in full during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The rendition by the Army band followed the hoisting of the National Flag and was followed by the National Anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’. The special ceremony comes as India marks 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, a song that played a major role in the freedom movement. Two IAF helicopters showered flower petals over the Red Fort, with one carrying the National Flag and another displaying a ‘Vande Mataram’ banner. The rendition also comes days after the song was accorded the same legal protection as the National Anthem under the amended Prevention of Insults to National Honour law. The government has highlighted ‘Vande Mataram’s’ historic role in India’s freedom struggle, with President Droupadi Murmu recalling how the song became a powerful symbol during the Swadeshi Movement."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/_y-my0I3x_JRqEOU_Vandemataram.png?auto=format,compress&rect=0,8,450,222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-15T06:46:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"vande-mataram-played-in-full-at-red-fort-for-first"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Five Shot Near Virginia State University"},"content":{"text":"Five people were shot outside residence halls at Virginia State University in the US early Saturday, leaving one person critically injured and triggering a campus lockdown. Police rushed to the area around 1:28 a.m. after reports of gunfire and found five victims, who were taken to nearby hospitals. Authorities said one of the victims is a university student, while the others may be from surrounding communities. The lockdown was later lifted, but a heavy police presence remained on campus as investigators searched for multiple suspects. Police said the shooting was not believed to be a drive-by attack, but no suspect descriptions or motive have been released. The incident comes as students return to campus ahead of the new academic year, with classes scheduled to begin Monday. Virginia State University, located about 24 miles south of Richmond, is a historically Black public university founded in 1882 and has around 5,700 students."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F867868ca-7c17-48ae-bcbc-5cb2340c6aa6_1200px-do_not_cross__crime_scene.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,106,1200,592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-15T04:48:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"five-shot-near-virginia-state-university"}}]},"featured":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Horror Awaits Megastar Chiru?"},"content":{"text":"After nearly five decades in cinema and a career spanning an enormous variety of roles, Megastar Chiranjeevi still has one major genre left unexplored—horror. From action and mass entertainers to family dramas, comedy, fantasy and experimental films, he has successfully built a signature across almost every space. Yet, a full-fledged horror story has never been part of his filmography. For years, filmmakers may have stayed away from horror projects because of Chiranjeevi’s larger-than-life image and massive mass following. A genre built around fear and suspense was once considered difficult to blend with his established screen persona. But the industry has changed significantly, with audiences now placing greater emphasis on strong concepts and immersive theatrical experiences rather than simply a star’s familiar image. The growing popularity of horror, supernatural thrillers and horror-comedies among younger audiences has further opened the door for established stars to experiment. With pan-Indian cinema embracing darker and more unconventional storytelling, fans are increasingly curious about what Chiranjeevi could bring to a visually rich horror thriller. A well-written story, striking visuals and genuine suspense could potentially create a completely new dimension to Chiranjeevi’s stardom. If the film delivers the kind of gripping, edge-of-the-seat experience seen in successful Telugu supernatural thrillers, combining that atmosphere with his trademark mass appeal could make a Chiranjeevi horror film a major theatrical attraction."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0bf1fb7a-ecbd-4372-bc73-58c55a97ec70_chiru.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T12:08:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"horror-awaits-megastar-chiru"}}]},"politics":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"DSC issue rocks Andhra Council"},"content":{"text":"The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council was on Monday rocked by alleged irregularities in Mega DSC-2025 recruitment for 16,347 teaching posts as opposition YSR Congress Party tried to stall the proceedings, demanding a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in DSC and resignation of Education Minister Nara Lokesh.  As soon as the House assembled on the first day of the Monsoon session, the YSRCP moved an adjournment motion, demanding discussion on the alleged irregularities. Council Chairman K. Moshen Raju rejected the notices given by YSRCP members and took up question hour. The Chairman said a decision on the demand for discussion will be taken in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting. However, the YSRCP members tried to stall the proceedings by raising slogans, insisting that the House suspend listed business to take up the adjournment motion. Leader of Opposition in Council, Botsa Satyaranayana, alleged that three lakh people were betrayed in the name of DSC recruitment. He claimed that the ruling coalition gave teachers’ jobs to candidates of their choice in the name of sports quota. The YSRCP leader said the House should debate the issue. Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar raised an objection to the Chairman allowing the Leader of Opposition to speak. Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu lashed out at the YSRCP, saying it has absolutely no moral right to speak about DSC recruitments now, after having raised hopes among unemployed youth with the promise of a \"Mega DSC\" during their five-year tenure only to ultimately let them down. In a strong rebuttal to the comments made by Satyanarayana, he remarked that it is shameful for Botsa Satyanarayana, who, as Education Minister, failed to deliver even a single \"Mega DSC\" for the unemployed, to now preach about alleged irregularities in the DSC process. He lashed out at the YSRCP for ultimately failing to issue the notification, thereby dashing their hopes and playing with their future. Satyanarayana, who served as the Education Minister in the previous government, must answer for this failure. He questioned whether it was not a case of political double standards for someone to raise questions about the DSC in the Upper House now, after failing to take the necessary action while in power. Atchannaidu said after coming to power, the coalition government issued the DSC notification and initiated steps to provide timely employment to the youth. He alleged that the YSRCP attempted to obstruct the process by filing as many as 300 court cases. Some remarks made by Atchannaidu while referring to Satyanarayana evoked strong protest from the YSRCP The Chairman adjourned the House amid the din as the YSRCP members continued their protest. After the House re-assembled, Satyanarayana demanded that Atchannaidu withdraw his unparliamentary words. However, the minister insisted that the words used by him were not unparliamentary. He said he was ready to apologise if the Chairman gives a ruling that his remarks were unparliamentary. As the YSRCP members continued their protest, the Chairman adjourned the House."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/d221dd98-e4a5-4c5d-9d7b-6c4b3ec02f12_entrance+exams.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T11:32:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"dsc-issue-rocks-andhra-council"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Naga Babu appointed chairman of APGEC"},"content":{"text":"Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan's brother Nagendra Rao Konidela, also known as Naga Babu, has been appointed as the chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Green Executive Committee. Naga Babu is a member of the State Legislative Council and one of the key leaders of Jana Sena headed by his brother. Environment and Forest Department on Monday issued a Government Order (G.O) nominating Nagababu as the Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the ‘Andhra Pradesh Society for Greening and Reforestation for Ecological Enrichment (AP Green).’ According to the G.O, Nagababu will enjoy Cabinet rank in his capacity as the chairperson of the AP Green Executive Committee. Pawan Kalyan is also the minister for environment and forests. Nagababu has been appointed as the head of a body which comes under the department headed by Pawan Kalyan. According to an official release, the government has set a primary objective for AP Green to increase the combined forest cover and greenery in Andhra Pradesh to 50 per cent of the state's total geographical area. AP Green will work towards achieving this goal by 2047.  To ensure the effective implementation of this programme across the state, the government announced the establishment of district-level governing bodies alongside the AP Green Governing Board and Executive Committee.  As the Chairperson of the Executive Committee, Nagababu will shoulder key responsibilities such as coordinating between various departments and district-level agencies, accelerating the implementation of programmes, and monitoring their progress.  Nagababu was elected to the Legislative Council in March 2025 as the candidate of Jana Sena. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced in December 2024 that Naga Babu would be inducted into the Cabinet. He, however, later changed his decision, reportedly on the advice of Pawan Kalyan. The Cabinet already has three ministers from Jana Sena, and two of them, including Pawan Kalyan, are from the Kapu community. The ruling coalition did not want to disturb the caste equation by appointing another Kapu representative as a minister.  Nagababu, also an actor and producer, is the General Secretary of Jana Sena. He actively campaigned in last year's elections. He has been working with Pawan Kalyan ever since the latter floated Jana Sena in 2014. Both had earlier actively worked for Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) floated by their eldest brother and superstar Chiranjeevi in 2008. However, the party came a cropper in the 2009 polls, and two years later Chiranjeevi had merged it with the Congress party."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/hjNQOh4jx8MV_gbV_nagababu.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T10:48:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"naga-babu-appointed-chairman-of-apgec"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"US Colorado River Crisis Worsens"},"content":{"text":"Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the two largest reservoirs of the United States on the Colorado River, have both fallen to record-low levels since they were filled, according to federal data. US water officials and experts said the declines are increasing risks to water supplies, agriculture and hydropower across the Southwest. Lake Powell fell to 3,519.91 feet (about 1,072.869 meters) above sea level on Saturday, according to provisional data published Sunday by the US Bureau of Reclamation. The reading was marginally below the previous record of 3,519.92 feet set in April 2023, and the bureau said provisional data are subject to revision. Downstream, Lake Mead fell to as low as 1,039.85 feet Sunday afternoon, according to the bureau's report. Bureau records show that the previous record low was 1,040.58 feet, recorded in July 2022. Jack Schmidt, director of the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, was quoted by CNN on Sunday as saying the basin was \"in uncharted territory.\" Lake Mead and Lake Powell were formed by the Hoover Dam and Glen Canyon Dam, respectively, and together they serve as the primary water storage and supply system for the Colorado River's 40 million downstream users across seven US states and Mexico. The US Interior Department told a Senate hearing in June that long-term drought had reduced Colorado River system storage to about 34 per cent of capacity, reports Xinhua news agency. Lake Powell, located in southern Utah and northern Arizona, is now about 9 metres above the 1,063.75-meter minimum power pool identified by the Bureau of Reclamation, the lowest elevation at which Glen Canyon Dam can currently generate hydropower. According to data released by Grand Canyon Trust, the Glen Canyon Powerplant churns out about 5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity every year, enough to power nearly half a million US households. The Hoover Powerplant has a long-term average annual output of about 4 billion kilowatt-hours, said the Bureau of Reclamation, which warned in April that falling Lake Mead levels could further reduce generating capacity. The bureau also announced then plans to move up to about 1.23 billion cubic meters of additional water from Flaming Gorge Reservoir, a large reservoir on a major tributary of the Colorado River, toward Lake Powell, and reduce annual releases from Lake Powell to Lake Mead by about 1.83 billion cubic meters as drought conditions worsened. The federal government is also preparing new rules for operating the river system after current guidelines expire at the end of 2026. On July 31, the Bureau of Reclamation released a Final Environmental Impact Statement outlining a preferred framework for the future management of Lake Powell and Lake Mead, with guidelines designed to remain in place through 2036. Sharon Megdal, director of the Water Resources Research Center at the University of Arizona, told ABC News on Sunday that \"it's kind of a critical situation on the river\" because the two reservoirs had not faced such conditions since they were filled."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/uTtBrY_BR4yxGtLd_usre4servoirs.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T07:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"us-colorado-river-crisis-worsens"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"RR issues bold challenge to KCR"},"content":{"text":"In a striking display of political bravado, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has announced that the state Assembly will convene in September, challenging his predecessor, K Chandrasekhar Rao, to attend and account for his decade-long governance. Speaking at a public gathering in Parkala near Warangal, Reddy urged Rao to engage in a meaningful discussion on the welfare and development initiatives purportedly undertaken during his time in office. The call to action comes as the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leadership has previously insisted on the Assembly’s necessity, framing Reddy's challenge as a pivotal moment in Telangana's political landscape. Reddy's statements were not merely rhetorical flourishes; they were underscored by serious allegations about the BRS government's fiscal management. He claimed that the state is currently grappling with an astounding ₹8.11 lakh crore debt, a burden that supposedly necessitates an annual expenditure of ₹75,000 crore just to service interest payments—a stark contrast to the ₹6,500 crore allocated before Telangana's formation in 2014. The Chief Minister further highlighted the Congress government's achievements, asserting that it has successfully filled 70,000 vacancies since assuming power in December 2023, pledging to address remaining employment gaps in a phased manner. The political discourse has intensified as Reddy directly targeted the BRS for its perceived failures in providing jobs for the youth, accusing it of corruption and exploiting young aspirants during recruitment processes. He even alleged that BRS leaders had previously provoked unrest during the Telangana statehood movement, resulting in the tragic suicides of 1,200 youths. These claims not only signify a deepening animosity between the political factions but also reflect a broader concern over the socio-economic conditions affecting Telangana's young population. Furthermore, Reddy's provocative remarks regarding K T Rama Rao's familial dynamics added a personal dimension to the political rivalry, questioning the integrity of current leadership towards women and marginalized groups in the state. As tensions escalate, BRS leaders have pushed back vigorously against Reddy's accusations. Harish Rao, a senior BRS figure, has dismissed the Chief Minister's comments as “cheap remarks” aimed at diverting attention from pressing issues such as alleged corruption and inadequate support for farmers. In a climate charged with political rhetoric, Rao has vowed to continue addressing these critical concerns and has even hinted at legal action against Reddy. Meanwhile, Reddy has called for a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach to education and employment, advocating for students to seek opportunities beyond traditional realms and pursue technical qualifications through newly established educational initiatives. This multifaceted political clash illustrates not only the immediate electoral stakes but also the long-term implications for governance and public policy in Telangana."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/87ca82fa-966e-4867-9389-9fcac5657f00_RRKCR.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-16T19:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rr-issues-bold-challenge-to-kcr"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"KTR drove out sister for property!"},"content":{"text":"Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has accused the BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) of driving out his own sister K. Kavitha from his house as he did not want to share property with her. Addressing a public meeting in Mulugu, Revanth Reddy on Sunday also targeted Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) President and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR). \"The father, who should have set right his son, was busy sleeping in his farmhouse. Will such people ever do any good for the women of Telangana?\" he asked. The Chief Minister was referring to the split in KCR family. KCR's daughter K. Kavitha floated a new political party Telangana Rakshana Sena (TRS) recently after resigning from the BRS. Revanth Reddy launched an attack on KTR while revealing how he respects Minister Seethakka as her one sister though they share the blood relation. The Chief Minister alleged that another BRS leader and former Minister T. Harish Rao was performing occult puja to ensure there are no rains in Telangana. \"He wished for the people to suffer but God is on our side; He has blessed us with rains,\" Revanth Reddy said. The Chief Minister along with State Congress President Mahesh Kumar Goud, and Ministers Seethakka, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, and Adluri Laxman Kumar inaugurated the new Collectorate complex in Mulugu. Revanth Reddy, who earlier offered prayers at Samakka Sarakka temple, recalled that as Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President, he began 'padayatra' from Mulugu and every hamlet and village across the state to understand the people's issues and reassure them. \"With the people's blessings, the 'Indiramma Rajyam' (Indiramma's rule) has been established in the state. Seethakka is resolving your issues, standing by you like a sister,\" the Chief Minister said. He claimed that the state government was moving forward with a concrete plan for women, the poor, and the unemployed. Stating that adivasis are synonymous with hard work, Revanth Reddy said the region needs irrigation facilities to alleviate their hardships. \"We will conduct a special review of irrigation projects and sanction funds for their development,\" he added. The Chief Minister said that the state government was taking necessary measures to provide technical skills to Adivasi youth.  He called for focus on education from nursery up to the 12th grade and subsequently on skill-based education.  \"With the right skills, there are numerous opportunities in countries like Japan and Germany,\" CM Revanth Reddy added."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/baa0b90e-c799-43bd-871a-abd9446be2cc_KCTKTRKAVITHA.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-16T21:50:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"ktr-drove-out-sister-for-property"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"APJUDA intensify strike to demand hike in stipend"},"content":{"text":"Demanding a hike in stipend, junior doctors across Andhra Pradesh on Monday began a total boycott of emergency services, disrupting healthcare delivery in government medical colleges and teaching hospitals.  Andhra Pradesh Junior Doctors’ Association (APJUDA) had given a call for the boycott of emergency services to press for their demands, including long-pending stipend revision. About 9,000 resident doctors, medical interns, junior residents, super-speciality postgraduates, senior residents, and doctors deployed under the District Residency Programme (DRP) scheme were staying away from duties, affecting Intensive Care Units, casualty wards, and labour rooms. Junior doctors in all 19 government medical colleges in the state are participating in the strike. The phased strike began on August 11 with a time-bound withdrawal of non-emergency services. With no written assurance coming from the government, APJUDA intensified its protest. Non-emergency healthcare services remained fully suspended across all government teaching hospitals, superspeciality units, and peripheral medical colleges. The government said it has made arrangements to ensure that patients do not face difficulties due to the junior doctors' strike. The department of health is continuously reviewing the situation with District Collectors, medical college principals, and hospital superintendents. Additional doctors are being kept on standby wherever needed. Special arrangements are being made to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of emergency departments, ICUs, maternity services, operation theatres, NICU, PICU, dialysis units, and trauma services, it said. Measures are being taken to ensure the availability of medicines, oxygen, blood, and essential medical supplies, said an official release. According to APJUDA, the stipend hike has been pending since January 1. As per an order issued by the Health, Medical and Family Welfare Department in 2009, there will be a biennial revision of junior doctors’ stipends by about 15 per cent.  APJUDA leaders said despite repeated appeals, the authorities failed to give a clear assurance on a stipend hike, forcing them to go on strike in a phased manner.  While APJUDA demanded a 15 per cent hike in stipend, the government has offered a 3 per cent hike for postgraduate junior doctors and a 5 per cent hike for house surgeons and interns. APJUDA is also demanding implementation of National Medical Commission norms in recruiting MSc and PhD holders to clinical faculty posts. It is also opposing a proposed increase in the retirement age of doctors from 62 to 65 years. The government said during the talks APJUDA was informed that although the Finance Department is not favourably inclined towards a 15 per cent hike given the current financial situation, there is a proposal to implement a specific percentage increase annually for interns and PG students.  It assured them that this annual increment process would be maintained. The government urged the junior doctors to accept the proposed hike, taking into account the state's financial condition and the implementation of public welfare schemes. According to an official release, the government spends approximately Rs 586.08 crore annually on stipends for 9,501 junior doctors. If the demand for a 15 per cent hike in stipend is accepted, the government will incur an additional annual expenditure of approximately Rs 87.91 crore."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0oPyTBmebKyzxP6U_doctorsstrike.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C4%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T07:04:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"apjuda-intensify-strike-to-demand-hike-in-stipend"}}]},"entertainment":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Balayya–Koratala Film Runs Into Trouble?"},"content":{"text":"The much-awaited collaboration between Nandamuri Balakrishna and director Koratala Siva appears to be facing an uncertain phase. The upcoming film, tentatively titled NBK112, was launched with considerable buzz, raising expectations among fans. However, reports now suggest that the project may not move into production as smoothly as initially expected, with several issues reportedly emerging before filming begins. A major concern is said to be the film’s proposed financial scale. The project was initially planned with an estimated budget of around ₹150 crore, but changing market conditions may have prompted the makers to reconsider the investment. Balakrishna is reportedly keen to avoid excessive financial exposure and discussions are believed to be underway to bring down the budget while making suitable changes to the script and overall scale. Beyond finances, there is also speculation about possible creative differences between the actor and Koratala Siva. While budget constraints are being discussed as a key factor, industry buzz suggests that differences over the film’s creative direction could also be contributing to the uncertainty. If true, the team may need to find common ground before taking the project forward. Despite the growing speculation, there has been no official confirmation that NBK112 has been shelved. The project could still undergo changes before production begins, including adjustments to its budget, screenplay and execution. Until the filmmakers make an official announcement, reports of the film being completely called off remain unconfirmed."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/apdlhU4cBdLavuDC_koratalabalaiah.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T12:51:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"balayyakoratala-film-runs-into-trouble"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Horror Awaits Megastar Chiru?"},"content":{"text":"After nearly five decades in cinema and a career spanning an enormous variety of roles, Megastar Chiranjeevi still has one major genre left unexplored—horror. From action and mass entertainers to family dramas, comedy, fantasy and experimental films, he has successfully built a signature across almost every space. Yet, a full-fledged horror story has never been part of his filmography. For years, filmmakers may have stayed away from horror projects because of Chiranjeevi’s larger-than-life image and massive mass following. A genre built around fear and suspense was once considered difficult to blend with his established screen persona. But the industry has changed significantly, with audiences now placing greater emphasis on strong concepts and immersive theatrical experiences rather than simply a star’s familiar image. The growing popularity of horror, supernatural thrillers and horror-comedies among younger audiences has further opened the door for established stars to experiment. With pan-Indian cinema embracing darker and more unconventional storytelling, fans are increasingly curious about what Chiranjeevi could bring to a visually rich horror thriller. A well-written story, striking visuals and genuine suspense could potentially create a completely new dimension to Chiranjeevi’s stardom. If the film delivers the kind of gripping, edge-of-the-seat experience seen in successful Telugu supernatural thrillers, combining that atmosphere with his trademark mass appeal could make a Chiranjeevi horror film a major theatrical attraction."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0bf1fb7a-ecbd-4372-bc73-58c55a97ec70_chiru.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T12:08:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"horror-awaits-megastar-chiru"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Yash Counters Allu Aravind’s Remarks"},"content":{"text":"In a recent interview, Yash, the celebrated actor who rose to prominence with the blockbuster film 'KGF', addressed contentious remarks made by veteran Telugu producer Allu Aravind. Aravind's comments, which implied that Yash was relatively unknown prior to the film's release in 2018, ignited a wave of backlash among fans and industry insiders alike. The producer's assertion that 'KGF''s grand scale and presentation were pivotal to its success, rather than Yash's pre-established talent, has drawn sharp criticism and raised questions about the nature of celebrity in Indian cinema. During a candid conversation with journalist Rajat Sharma on the program 'Aap Ki Adalat', Yash reflected on the dynamics between producers and actors, asserting that the success of a film cannot be attributed to a single individual. He emphasized the collective effort involved in filmmaking, noting, \"A film does not belong only to the producer. Many people work on a film, but the actor often gets most of the credit.\" This statement underscores the collaborative nature of the industry and highlights the multifaceted roles that contribute to a film's success. Yash's career trajectory prior to 'KGF' is noteworthy, marked by significant accomplishments in Kannada cinema that laid the groundwork for his national recognition. Films such as 'Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari', 'Googly', and 'Masterpiece' showcased his talent and solidified his status as a leading figure in the Kannada film industry. Despite Aravind's dismissal of his pre-'KGF' achievements, Yash's fans have long celebrated his contributions, suggesting that an actor's journey is often overlooked in the wake of sudden fame. Addressing the emotional connection that audiences forge with actors, Yash shared, \"I sometimes wonder why an actor gets all the love. Then I realized that despite all the pressure, when an actor is able to connect with the audience and perform emotionally through the film, it works.\" His reflections not only resonate with fans but also reiterate the vital role that emotional engagement plays in cinema, challenging the notion that a film's success can be reduced to mere production values. Yash’s remarks serve as a reminder that behind every successful film lies a tapestry of talent and effort, deserving of recognition beyond a single star's stardom."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/zroDQhNWYMiMPrVj_yashallu.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T10:29:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"yash-counters-allu-aravinds-remarks"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Somy Ali Backs Govinda Amid Wife Rift"},"content":{"text":"Former Pakistani actress Somy Ali is the first co-actor of Govinda to come out in support of the actor, who has been at the centre of relentless attacks by his wife Sunita Ahuja. On Sunday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared a collage of throwback pictures of herself with the actor. She also penned a long note in his support as she recollected their journey together. She wrote, “I am going to chime in here as no one else will and show support whenever it’s necessary, I have known Govinda personally and professionally which is why I can say a few things about him from both ends. Chichi is one of the greatest talents in the Hindi film industry and he is one of the most humble actors I got to know during my time within that industry”. The controversy started after Sunita turned the promotion of the actor’s upcoming film into a public reckoning, calling him actress Komal’s \"sugar daddy\" after he was spotted with the actress she had previously accused him of having an affair with. Sunita said the 62-year-old actor should be ashamed of roaming around with a woman his daughter's age, mocked Komal's clothes. The actress further mentioned that Govinda isn’t anywhere wrong in starring opposite a younger actress. She went on, “I have immense respect for both Chichi and Sunita. However, there is nothing ageist about an actor accepting a role with a younger actress. Talent doesn’t have an expiration date. At a time when work may be difficult to find, choosing to keep working is something to respect, not ridicule. An actor’s worth isn’t determined by his age or by the age of his co-star. It’s determined by his talent, professionalism, and willingness to keep going. Getting another opportunity when doors have been difficult to open should be celebrated”. “Every actor deserves the chance to prove that they still have something meaningful to offer. Age should never become a weapon against someone who is simply trying to earn a living and continue doing what he loves. Perhaps the most admirable thing about an actor is his refusal to give up when the industry or others start telling him he’s too old”, she added."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/4-yI1Oz3r8oHKh5S_somialigovinda.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-16T21:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"somy-ali-backs-govinda-amid-wife-rift"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Avika Gor apologises to Farrhana Bhatt"},"content":{"text":"Actress Avika Gor has apologised to Farrhana Bhatt after a tense moment between the two on the stunt-based reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 15.  The actress admitted that she did not like her own behaviour and had wrongly taken out her frustration on her co-contestant. The incident unfolded after Avika joined Farrhana’s team. Farrhana was seen congratulating her and wishing her luck, but Avika, who appeared upset, responded in a visibly curt manner, telling her, “Aap, aap toh chahti nahi thi main aaoon” (You didn't want me to come to the team) Now after all the shoot is over, and the cast is back to India, Avika took to her social media account to acknowledge her behaviour and apologise to Farrhana. Sharing a video of the incident, she wrote: “I honestly didn't like my behavior @farrhana_bhatt I'm sorry. Team par upset hokar aap par reaction nikalna galat tha. Lots of love” In another comment, Avika wrote: “I didn't really like what I did. Sorry @farrhana_bhatt I think I was just upset aur woh aap ki taraf nikla. Not cool. Sorry sweetheart.” Talking about the show, Khatron Ke Khiladi', the show now in its 15th season, features a mix of fresh faces and many familiar contestants. The lineup includes Gaurav Khanna, Avinash Mishra, Farrhana Bhatt, Shagun Sharma, Avika Gor, Orhan Awatramani aka Orry, Harsh Gujral, Jasmin Bhasin, Rubina Dilaik, Karan Wahi, Rithvik Dhanjani, Ruhaanika Dhawan and Vishal Aditya Singh. The season has particularly stood out for bringing back former contestants, including Avika Gor, Jasmin Bhasin, Karan Wahi, Rithvik Dhanjani, Rubina Dilaik and Vishal Aditya Singh, giving the competition a mix of returning experience and new energy."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F733bc73e-8c16-409d-9164-80150b4e6efc_avika+gore.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C1200%2C592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T03:41:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"avika-gor-apologises-to-farrhana-bhatt"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"AR Rahman launches search for ‘Tamil Idol’"},"content":{"text":"Music maestro A.R. Rahman is set to lead the search for the next Tamil singing sensation with “Tamil Idol,\" as auditions open across Tamil Nadu. The statewide talent hunt aims to discover promising voices from different parts of the state, giving aspiring singers an opportunity to showcase their talent under the guidance of one of India’s most celebrated composers. Speaking about the show, A.R. Rahman said in a statement, “The search for new voices is at the heart of music, voices that go on to reach millions. Through this journey, we uncover new talent, fresh perspectives, and the untold stories of generations. With Tamil Idol, for the very first time, we bring together the extraordinary voices of Tamil Nadu and give them a platform to be celebrated.” Sony Vizha unveiled Tamil Idol, the first-ever Tamil edition of one of the world’s most iconic singing competition formats. A.R. Rahman announced the opening of auditions from 18th August, inviting aspiring singers across Tamil Nadu to register through the Sony LIV app. Aspiring singers who are unable to attend the auditions in person can also participate from anywhere through the Sony LIV app. To audition, participants need to select the Tamil Idol Audition section on the app and complete the registration process by providing their personal details. Meanwhile, Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman recently unveiled the soundtrack for the critically acclaimed Arabic psychological fantasy-thriller “Baab,” directed by Nayla Al Khaja. The project marked Rahman’s first-ever collaboration on an Arabic film. The original soundtrack was released across major streaming platforms through Rahman’s music label KM Musiq and was distributed worldwide by Divo. It featured 10 evocative compositions by the celebrated composer. Talking about his association with \"Baab,\" Rahman said he was drawn to the project because of its emotional complexity and the unique world created by director Nayla Al Khaja."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/4gjUraAbhxLsHy52_rahmantamilidol.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C102%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T05:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"ar-rahman-launches-search-for-tamil-idol"}}]},"tech":{"edges":[]},"fashion":{"edges":[]},"business":{"edges":[]},"health":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Scorching Heat: The Unseen Toll on Teen Mental Health"},"content":{"text":"As global temperatures soar, a troubling new study reveals that extreme heat is not merely an environmental concern but a significant threat to the mental health of adolescents. Research indicates that for every 1°C rise in daily temperature, the risk of adverse mental health outcomes in teenagers escalates by nearly 1%. While this statistic may seem modest at first glance, it becomes alarming when considering the frequency of heatwaves in recent summers, underscoring the urgent need to address this evolving crisis. The comprehensive review analyzed data from 23 studies worldwide, pinpointing children and teenagers aged five to eighteen as the most vulnerable demographic. On particularly hot days, this group experiences a 1.5% increase in the likelihood of poor mental health outcomes; however, during actual heatwaves, this figure skyrockets to an astonishing 25%. Such stark differences highlight the psychological ramifications of sustained heat exposure, which extends beyond mere discomfort to include serious implications such as increased anxiety, depression, and even suicide attempts. Experts, including co-author Jacqueline Stephens from Flinders University, emphasize that the intersection of climate change and mental health cannot be ignored. The patterns of rising temperatures and more frequent heat events are not restricted to a single region; they are a global phenomenon with widespread repercussions. Adolescents are particularly susceptible during this pivotal developmental stage, where their routines—schooling, recreation, and social interactions—are disrupted by extreme weather conditions, causing significant emotional distress. Moreover, researchers note that the physical impact of heat, such as sleep disruption, compounds mental health challenges. Poor sleep exacerbates mood regulation, while family stress during heatwaves creates a ripple effect that permeates households. Although the findings point to population-level trends rather than individual predictions, they call for a re-evaluation of how public health strategies address heat-related issues. Current responses prioritize physical safety measures like hydration and cooling centers but overlook the critical need for mental health support tailored to young people. This oversight underscores the need for a more holistic approach to climate adaptation strategies that incorporate mental health services as integral components of public health initiatives."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/CJ8ZpPonvzZKyB1t_mentalhealth.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-11T10:28:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"scorching-heat-the-unseen-toll-on-teen-mental-heal"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"The Distinction Between Brain Tumors and Brain Cancer"},"content":{"text":"The phrases 'brain tumor' and 'brain cancer' often evoke a visceral reaction among the public, conjuring images of gravely serious health threats. However, contrary to common perception, these terms describe distinct medical conditions that warrant different approaches to diagnosis and treatment. A brain tumor is simply an abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain, which can be classified as benign or malignant. While all brain cancers are tumors, not all tumors exhibit cancerous characteristics; this critical distinction can influence a patient's treatment plan and overall prognosis. The medical community underscores the importance of understanding these differences. Brain tumors, irrespective of their benign or malignant status, can lead to severe health consequences because of the brain’s confined environment within the skull. This means that even non-cancerous tumors can exert pressure on vital neurological functions, leading to symptoms such as persistent headaches, seizures, and cognitive deficits. Dr. Praveen Gupta, a prominent neurologist, emphasizes that benign tumors, while non-cancerous, can still necessitate significant medical intervention depending on their size and location. The implications of this are crucial for anyone facing a diagnosis related to brain health. Historically, the classification of brain tumors has evolved as medical science has advanced. The National Cancer Institute and other leading neurological institutions categorize these tumors into myriad types, each demanding tailored treatment strategies. For instance, malignant tumors possess the aggressive ability to invade surrounding brain tissue, often requiring complex interventions that may include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Understanding whether a growth is benign or malignant is not just a matter of terminology; it directly impacts the urgency and nature of the interventions required. Symptoms often overlap between benign and malignant tumors, complicating self-diagnosis and reinforcing the necessity for professional evaluation. Medical imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans, along with biopsies, are essential to ascertain the nature of the tumor. Experts caution against relying on symptomatology alone, as the presence of alarming symptoms could mask a benign condition, while milder manifestations could signify a malignant threat. As such, timely medical evaluation is paramount, as early detection can significantly enhance treatment effectiveness and patient quality of life."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/f6803c8c-7220-433e-b58f-ef269a3ecf79_brain+stroke.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-24T10:10:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"the-distinction-between-brain-tumors-and-brain-can"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Heatwaves, Sleepless Nights"},"content":{"text":"As the world grapples with the escalating repercussions of climate change, a less visible yet profoundly affecting consequence is emerging: significant sleep loss. Current research indicates that individuals in India are losing nearly four nights of sleep annually due to rising nighttime temperatures driven by climate change. Specifically, average citizens are suffering an estimated sleep deprivation of 56 hours each year, a disturbing trend that has doubled since the 1970s. This phenomenon is particularly acute in Southern India and Southeast Asia, where soaring nighttime temperatures have rendered restful sleep increasingly elusive. A recent study conducted by Climate Central, a respected US-based climate science organization, sheds light on the quantifiable impact of climate change on human sleep patterns. The analysis reveals that from 2020 to 2025, global average losses in sleep reached nearly 56 hours, with over six hours directly attributed to climate change rather than seasonal fluctuations. This groundbreaking research merges existing studies on heat and sleep with empirical temperature data, highlighting the stark reality that warmer nights are profoundly undermining the quality of rest for millions. With findings spanning 1,338 cities worldwide, the analysis indicates a troubling acceleration in sleep loss, particularly in urban areas where heat islands intensify nighttime temperatures. Regions most adversely affected include cities in the Middle East, where residents in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE report losing between 55 and 87 hours of sleep each year, with 12 to 16 hours attributable to climate change alone. In contrast, the United States presents a slightly milder scenario, with average sleep losses around 36 hours annually, though climate-related losses have nearly tripled since the early 1970s. States such as Arizona and California are notably suffering from extreme heat, exacerbating the public health crisis stemming from sleep deprivation. In comparison, Indian citizens, particularly in the warmer southern states, face staggering sleep losses of between 78 to 91 hours, with a significant portion directly linked to anthropogenic climate factors. The implications of this widespread sleep deficiency are deeply troubling, extending beyond mere fatigue. Research consistently correlates poor sleep with numerous health issues, including impaired mood, cognitive decline, and increased susceptibility to cardiovascular and immune system disorders. As the burden of sleep loss accumulates, it becomes increasingly detrimental to individuals already struggling to achieve restorative sleep. While air conditioning may mitigate some impacts, access remains inequitable, with only about 35% of households equipped with cooling systems as of 2021, disproportionately affecting lower-income populations. Consequently, the underreported consequences of climate-induced sleep deprivation reflect a critical challenge that demands urgent attention from policymakers and health advocates alike."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F37239656-628a-4814-9f5d-a1f31a14cfd0_sleep.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C108%2C1200%2C592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-17T17:03:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"heatwaves-sleepless-nights"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"How Smoking Hurts Pregnancy!"},"content":{"text":"When planning to start a family, many couples focus on preparing for pregnancy by discussing nursery plans and choosing baby names. However, what often goes unnoticed is the detrimental impact of smoking on fertility and pregnancy. Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can damage reproductive cells in both men and women, making it harder to conceive and increasing the risk of pregnancy complications and poor outcomes for babies.  Dr. Vandana Bhatia, a Senior Fertility Specialist, emphasizes that smoking silently affects fertility, pregnancy, and the long-term development of the child. Both partners play a crucial role in protecting fertility as smoking can reduce sperm count, affect sperm movement, and damage egg quality, hormone levels, and ovarian reserve. Additionally, passive smoking also poses risks to fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Quitting smoking as a couple not only improves motivation and emotional support but also encourages healthier habits, leading to improved fertility and overall health.  The quality of eggs and sperm before conception significantly influences the health of the future child, making it essential for both parents to quit smoking before starting a family. Dr. Bhatia recommends practical steps for quitting smoking together, emphasizing that healthy choices are crucial in building a healthy family. Parenthood begins with the quiet promise of choosing health together, even before the first heartbeat is heard on an ultrasound."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/akDOG1bRV8_Qf8Cd_smokefertility.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-27T19:33:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"how-smoking-hurts-pregnancy"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Even 1% Sleep Loss Could Heighten Dementia Risk"},"content":{"text":"A recent study published in JAMA Neurology has shed light on the potential link between minimal sleep loss and an increased risk of dementia. The research suggests that as little as a 1% reduction in deep sleep per year for individuals over 60 could translate to a 27% elevated risk of developing dementia. Deep sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep, plays a crucial role in the body's repair processes and the clearance of toxic proteins associated with dementia.  Associate Professor Matthew Pase from Monash University's Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health emphasized the significance of deep sleep in supporting the aging brain and facilitating the removal of metabolic waste, including proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease. The study, which drew from the Framingham Heart Study, examined 346 participants over 60 years of age, tracking their sleep patterns and dementia development over a 17-year period. Even after adjusting for various factors, including age, genetic predisposition, and medication use, the findings consistently pointed to a 27% increased dementia risk for each percentage decrease in deep sleep annually.  It's important to note that the natural decline in deep sleep with age is gradual, peaking between 75 and 80 years old and then stabilizing. However, the cumulative effect of a 27% increase per percentage-point decrease underscores the long-term impact on dementia risk. While there's no straightforward solution to preserving deep sleep, maintaining consistent sleep schedules, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, creating a conducive sleep environment, and addressing conditions like sleep apnea can potentially support better sleep quality. Additionally, regular exercise has been linked to improved slow-wave sleep in older adults. Although these measures aren't a guarantee, the study highlights the importance of prioritizing deep sleep for brain health as individuals age."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/50a54145-f24c-4c83-80b9-e6d19ba52027_sleep.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-25T06:59:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"even-1-sleep-loss-could-heighten-dementia-risk"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Is Your Soda Habit Causing Hair Loss?"},"content":{"text":"Are your beloved sodas harming your hair? While soft drinks have long been criticized for their impact on weight, diabetes, and heart health, a new concern has emerged regarding their potential effects on hair. The discussion gained traction after hair transplant surgeon Dr. Abhishek Pilani highlighted the issue on Raj Shamani's Figuring Out podcast.  According to Dr. Pilani, regular consumption of sugary cold drinks may create conditions within the body that are not conducive to healthy hair growth. While consuming one soda is unlikely to cause sudden hair loss, a study published in the journal Nutrients in 2023 found a link between higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and male-pattern hair loss in young men. However, it's essential to note that the study established a correlation, not causation. The potential connection between soft drinks and hair health lies in the impact of high-sugar beverages on overall health.  Excessive sugar consumption can lead to repeated spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, potentially contributing to inflammation and metabolic issues that affect the body, including hair growth. However, hair loss is rarely attributed to a single factor and is typically the result of various elements accumulating over time, including genetics, hormones, nutrition, lifestyle, and overall health. Healthy hair growth relies on a balanced intake of nutrients such as iron, protein, zinc, vitamin D, and B vitamins. While soft drinks don't directly deplete these nutrients, excessive consumption may lead to healthier options being replaced.  The concern lies in long-term habits rather than occasional consumption. The normal range of daily hair loss is between 50 and 100 strands, but concerns arise when lost hairs aren't adequately replaced. While soft drinks may not directly cause hair loss, their impact on overall health could potentially affect hair growth. Instead of fixating on individual cans of soda, experts emphasize the importance of considering overall lifestyle factors such as sleep, stress management, balanced nutrition, and reduced sugar intake. Ultimately, addressing concerns about hair health may begin with dietary and lifestyle adjustments."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aDbfAydWJ-7kSniS_jucessoda.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-11T18:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"is-your-soda-habit-causing-hair-loss"}}]},"nri":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'H-1B fee may drive American jobs abroad'"},"content":{"text":"Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has warned that a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas could force US companies to move work abroad, hurting the country’s ability to attract skilled professionals and compete globally. “You can either onshore the talent or offshore the work,” Krishnamoorthi said in an episode of the “Spill the Tea” interview series. “These companies are not going to just sit by and not do the work,” the Illinois Democrat said. Krishnamoorthi said during a discussion about barriers to legal immigration, including the $100,000 fee. The interviewer noted that Indian nationals received 71 per cent of all H-1B visas in fiscal year 2024 and asked how the policy would affect Indian Americans and US competitiveness. “I mean, it adversely affects both, right? Because, our competitiveness depends on attracting the very best talent on earth. Whether it's people from India or China or Sweden. It doesn't matter,” Krishnamoorthi said. He described the fee as a tax on workers who fill highly specialised technical positions in the US economy. “And so when you put this, what I, I call it a tax, $100,000 tax on this group of people who, by the way, fill some of the most kind of exquisite techno - technical roles in our economy and have, and, and many of whom have gone on to incubate companies, you know, employing hundreds of thousands of people, you're basically pushing these people away in the first instance, and then probably getting people here to rethink whether they should stay,” he said. Krishnamoorthi said the approach could increasingly persuade companies to transfer work to other countries. “And now, you know, that kind of, attitude means that I fear that increasingly companies here are gonna offshore the work,” he said. The congressman called for changes to the legal immigration system and an end to policies that could weaken the US economy. “And so that's why, especially in this really competitive economic landscape, we've got to fix our legal immigration system and we've got to stop, you know, these own goals, so to speak, on H1B and, you know, other legal pathways that people have used to enrich our economy,” he said. Krishnamoorthi also blamed President Donald Trump for what he described as a normalisation of hostility towards minority communities. Asked what was driving a rise in anti-Asian and anti-Indian sentiment, he replied: “It rhymes with Donald Trump.” He said Trump had played on fears of people seen as outside the mainstream and blamed them for the economic difficulties faced by others. “And I think that that has now metastasized over 10 years into almost like a normalization of hate,” he said. The H-1B programme allows US employers to hire foreign professionals for speciality occupations requiring specialised knowledge. Technology and consulting companies have traditionally been among its largest users. Krishnamoorthi has represented Illinois’ 8th Congressional District since 2017. He holds a mechanical engineering degree from Princeton University and a law degree from Harvard Law School. "},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aT_qZHNYClf9oL9c_rajakrishnamoorthi.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-14T04:53:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"h-1b-fee-may-drive-american-jobs-abroad"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Indian teen murders mother, brother in US home"},"content":{"text":"A 17-year-old Indian-American boy in Acton, a town about 40 kilometres northwest of Boston, has been charged with murdering his mother and younger brother after investigators said he had used the Internet and ChatGPT to search for ideas or fantasies about killing his family.  Arjun Aravind, an Indian-origin teenager, faces two counts of murder in the deaths of his mother, Sudha Venkatesan, 45, and his brother, Siddharth Aravind, 14, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office said. He has also been charged with two counts each of assault and battery on a household or family member and assault and battery. Other charges include theft of a motor vehicle and use of a vehicle without authority. Police went to the family’s home on Martha Lane shortly after 6.37 p.m. on Tuesday. Arjun’s father had called after being unable to reach his family. A tutor who was expected at the house had also been unable to contact anyone inside. The father had last spoken with his wife early that morning before leaving for work. Siddharth was last seen around noon. Officers found Siddharth on the first floor and Venkatesan in the finished basement. Both had suffered visible trauma. Arjun was missing from the home. His mother’s green 2014 Honda Accord was also gone. Police alerted other law enforcement agencies and asked the public to look for the teenager and the vehicle. Residents were warned not to approach him. Early Wednesday, police in Wayland responded to an unrelated alarm in a parking lot on Andrew Avenue. Officers found the missing car with Arjun inside. He was taken into custody without incident. “The subsequent investigation indicates that Arjun had recently been demonstrating concerning behaviour, including using the Internet and ChatGPT, to make searches for theoretical ideas or fantasies regarding killing his family,” the district attorney’s office said. Prosecutors alleged that Arjun fatally assaulted his mother and brother inside their home before fleeing in his mother’s car. Authorities have not said what weapon or weapons may have been used. That part of the investigation remains active. The precise cause and manner of the two deaths are also awaiting a determination by the chief medical examiner. Arjun was arraigned in Lowell Juvenile Court on Wednesday on the motor vehicle-related charges. Prosecutors said the murder and related assault charges would probably be brought in Concord District Court because the Juvenile Court does not have jurisdiction over murder charges. The investigation is being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Acton Police and the Massachusetts State Police detective unit assigned to the prosecutor’s office. Police departments from eight nearby communities also assisted. Acton is a suburban community in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, and forms part of the Greater Boston region. The town is served by the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District. Massachusetts law provides for an accused person aged 14 or older to be prosecuted as an adult when charged with murder. Other charges involving a juvenile may remain within the state’s juvenile court system."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/WHJobWcRy5vjwpee_usindianteen.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-13T03:33:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"indian-teen-murders-mother-brother-in-us-home"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"US revokes more than 175,000 visas"},"content":{"text":"The US State Department said on Monday it has revoked more than 175,000 visas from foreign nationals over criminal activity, immigration abuse, fraud, threats to national security and calls for violence against Americans.  The sweeping action was carried out under President Donald Trump as part of the department’s continuous vetting programme, according to a fact sheet released in Washington. The department said most revocations followed encounters with law enforcement. Assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug offences were among the leading reasons. A significant number of visas were also cancelled over reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud, embezzlement and other crimes, it said. The State Department said continuous vetting was designed to ensure that visa holders complied with the terms of their admission and did not endanger Americans. Some cases involved foreign nationals facing serious criminal allegations. The department cited one person charged with felony rape and sexual battery, including an alleged assault involving a mentally disabled victim. Another foreign national was charged with felony kidnapping, human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of a minor. A separate visa holder was charged with sodomy of a child and aggravated sexual battery, the fact sheet said. The department also cited a foreign national charged with more than a dozen counts of possessing child sexual abuse material and a teacher arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a young student. In another case, a foreign national was arrested after allegedly driving with heroin and recording a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit. The department said a US embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas issued to parents accused of participating in birth tourism. It said they had travelled to the United States primarily to give birth so their children would receive US citizenship. The fact sheet did not identify the embassy, the country involved or the nationalities of the affected visa holders. Other revocations involved suspected financial fraud. The department cited a foreign national accused of helping orchestrate a Medicaid scheme that billed more than USD 5 million for services that were never provided. It also described a foreign national who allegedly fabricated company revenue, forged letters and misled investors to obtain millions of dollars from clients. The person used those claims to fraudulently secure a visa, the department said. Visas were also revoked from several foreign nationals whom the department said celebrated the assassination of Charlie Kirk. It cited one person as saying, \"when fascists die, democrats don’t complain,\" while another said Kirk \"died too late.\" Secretary of State Marco Rubio has separately determined that several foreign nationals are deportable on foreign policy grounds, according to the fact sheet. They include a Cuban national allegedly linked to a Cuban government influence operation, Iranian nationals with connections to Tehran and a Laotian child sex offender pardoned by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The department also cited a Kuwaiti national who wished violence against the US President and called Americans his 'enemy.' \"Under President Trump and Secretary Rubio’s leadership, the State Department will continue to identify, investigate, and revoke the visas of foreign nationals who threaten the safety of the American people,\" the department said. \"A US visa is a privilege, not a right,\" it added, saying every available tool would be used to protect American communities from those who abuse the immigration system. A US visa generally allows a foreign national to travel to an American port of entry and seek admission. It does not guarantee entry, which is decided by US immigration authorities when the traveller arrives."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/643b8ce9-46b1-4eb9-ba6d-1d6d9371dd1a_US+visa.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-10T17:02:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"us-revokes-more-than-175000-visas"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Robbers looted $1 mn from US Indian jeweller in 1-minute"},"content":{"text":"Robbers looted jewels costing about $1 million in a highly organised one-minute heist at an Indian store in New Jersey.  Four masked men dressed in black entered 9Lakha Jewellers in Woodbridge on Saturday evening, broke the showcases with sledgehammers, and took the jewels, according to police. This was the latest in a series of lootings of Indian jewellers in New Jersey. The store’s co-owner Sonu Chauhan described the incident to News 12 NJ: “They had big plastic bags with them. Along with the trays, they would start dumping into those bags. Within 30 or 45 seconds, they were done. The car was there, and they got into it.\" Surveillance video from the store showed the robbers arriving in a silver-coloured car, rushing into the store, running back to the car seconds later, and driving off. The store is located on a street with several Indian jewellery stores in an area of New Jersey that is home to a large diaspora community. The store’s co-owners said other stores on the street were robbed in the past year. Virani Jewellers on the same street was robbed with a similar tactic in June last year, and also in 2022. Co-owner of 9Lakha, Sushmita Chauhan, told the TV outlet: \"It would be very beneficial to see if the government or the town can give a little bit of insurance to the street”. They should “put some preventative measures rather than just going and acting after something really bad happened”, she said. Indian jewellery stores are frequent targets of robbers in New Jersey and elsewhere using smash-and-grab tactics. Ruby's Jeweller in Perth Amboy was a victim in May last year, and Reema Jewellers in Jersey City earlier this year, and Popular London Jewel, also in Jersey City, last November, according to reports."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/5J9Vz6BvPQRQxcP1_kooted.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-10T15:13:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"robbers-looted-1-mn-from-us-indian-jeweller-in-1-m"}}]},"videos":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Irumudi' Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aXdDtQIvOtkhB7gE_irumudi.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-12T13:20:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"irumudi-trailer"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Ramba Oorvasi Menaka' Teaser"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/VeMmBqBTJ_EOw7XS_rambhavoorvashimenaka.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-11T18:30:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"ramba-oorvasi-menaka-teaser"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Toxic' Movie Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/C68meqHgwMXfdC2G_toxic.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-08T18:22:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"toxic-movie-trailer"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Vishwanath and Sons Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ahgA9bK9tuLqENie_vishwanathandsons.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-07T12:27:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"vishwanath-and-sons-trailer"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Nagarjuna unveils 'Pallaburusu' Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/9v3_G56cDbmvSX6e_pelliburusutrailer.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-07T05:42:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"pallaburusu-trailer"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Crazy Kalyanam' Teaser"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/iXzgGv5OgQtZoo8P_crazykalyanamteaser.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-01T06:59:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"crazy-kalyanam-teaser"}}]},"editorial":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"T-Congress: Will Varuna Yagam Turn Into Ashwamedha Yagam?"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/X0AsBoOJ8Yr2l0Hs_VarunaYagam.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-12T07:42:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"t-congress-will-varuna-yagam-turn-into-ashwamedha-"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"RSS: Deploying The Script Of Obsolete Playbook?"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/x5IBIdVo1uCMDqU6_modirss.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-11T06:46:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"rss-deploying-the-script-of-obsolete-playbook"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Sovereign Silence: From Mann ki Baat to Reel ki Baat"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/oGJ7J9iDUVC0cCvo_modishah.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-10T06:30:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"sovereign-silence-from-mann-ki-baat-to-reel-ki-baa"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"CBN-PK: Outdoing Cicero In The Act Of Flattery?"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/JdpqQI9jrEOr91j6_modicbnpk.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-03T06:57:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"cbn-pk-outdoing-cicero-in-the-act-of-flattery"}}]},"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":"Horror Awaits Megastar Chiru?"},"content":{"text":"After nearly five decades in cinema and a career spanning an enormous variety of roles, Megastar Chiranjeevi still has one major genre left unexplored—horror. From action and mass entertainers to family dramas, comedy, fantasy and experimental films, he has successfully built a signature across almost every space. Yet, a full-fledged horror story has never been part of his filmography. For years, filmmakers may have stayed away from horror projects because of Chiranjeevi’s larger-than-life image and massive mass following. A genre built around fear and suspense was once considered difficult to blend with his established screen persona. But the industry has changed significantly, with audiences now placing greater emphasis on strong concepts and immersive theatrical experiences rather than simply a star’s familiar image. The growing popularity of horror, supernatural thrillers and horror-comedies among younger audiences has further opened the door for established stars to experiment. With pan-Indian cinema embracing darker and more unconventional storytelling, fans are increasingly curious about what Chiranjeevi could bring to a visually rich horror thriller. A well-written story, striking visuals and genuine suspense could potentially create a completely new dimension to Chiranjeevi’s stardom. If the film delivers the kind of gripping, edge-of-the-seat experience seen in successful Telugu supernatural thrillers, combining that atmosphere with his trademark mass appeal could make a Chiranjeevi horror film a major theatrical attraction."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0bf1fb7a-ecbd-4372-bc73-58c55a97ec70_chiru.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T12:08:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"horror-awaits-megastar-chiru"}}]},"two":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Balayya–Koratala Film Runs Into Trouble?"},"content":{"text":"The much-awaited collaboration between Nandamuri Balakrishna and director Koratala Siva appears to be facing an uncertain phase. The upcoming film, tentatively titled NBK112, was launched with considerable buzz, raising expectations among fans. However, reports now suggest that the project may not move into production as smoothly as initially expected, with several issues reportedly emerging before filming begins. A major concern is said to be the film’s proposed financial scale. The project was initially planned with an estimated budget of around ₹150 crore, but changing market conditions may have prompted the makers to reconsider the investment. Balakrishna is reportedly keen to avoid excessive financial exposure and discussions are believed to be underway to bring down the budget while making suitable changes to the script and overall scale. Beyond finances, there is also speculation about possible creative differences between the actor and Koratala Siva. While budget constraints are being discussed as a key factor, industry buzz suggests that differences over the film’s creative direction could also be contributing to the uncertainty. If true, the team may need to find common ground before taking the project forward. Despite the growing speculation, there has been no official confirmation that NBK112 has been shelved. The project could still undergo changes before production begins, including adjustments to its budget, screenplay and execution. Until the filmmakers make an official announcement, reports of the film being completely called off remain unconfirmed."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/apdlhU4cBdLavuDC_koratalabalaiah.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T12:51:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"balayyakoratala-film-runs-into-trouble"}}]},"three":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Yash Counters Allu Aravind’s Remarks"},"content":{"text":"In a recent interview, Yash, the celebrated actor who rose to prominence with the blockbuster film 'KGF', addressed contentious remarks made by veteran Telugu producer Allu Aravind. Aravind's comments, which implied that Yash was relatively unknown prior to the film's release in 2018, ignited a wave of backlash among fans and industry insiders alike. The producer's assertion that 'KGF''s grand scale and presentation were pivotal to its success, rather than Yash's pre-established talent, has drawn sharp criticism and raised questions about the nature of celebrity in Indian cinema. During a candid conversation with journalist Rajat Sharma on the program 'Aap Ki Adalat', Yash reflected on the dynamics between producers and actors, asserting that the success of a film cannot be attributed to a single individual. He emphasized the collective effort involved in filmmaking, noting, \"A film does not belong only to the producer. Many people work on a film, but the actor often gets most of the credit.\" This statement underscores the collaborative nature of the industry and highlights the multifaceted roles that contribute to a film's success. Yash's career trajectory prior to 'KGF' is noteworthy, marked by significant accomplishments in Kannada cinema that laid the groundwork for his national recognition. Films such as 'Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari', 'Googly', and 'Masterpiece' showcased his talent and solidified his status as a leading figure in the Kannada film industry. Despite Aravind's dismissal of his pre-'KGF' achievements, Yash's fans have long celebrated his contributions, suggesting that an actor's journey is often overlooked in the wake of sudden fame. Addressing the emotional connection that audiences forge with actors, Yash shared, \"I sometimes wonder why an actor gets all the love. Then I realized that despite all the pressure, when an actor is able to connect with the audience and perform emotionally through the film, it works.\" His reflections not only resonate with fans but also reiterate the vital role that emotional engagement plays in cinema, challenging the notion that a film's success can be reduced to mere production values. Yash’s remarks serve as a reminder that behind every successful film lies a tapestry of talent and effort, deserving of recognition beyond a single star's stardom."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/zroDQhNWYMiMPrVj_yashallu.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T10:29:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"yash-counters-allu-aravinds-remarks"}}]},"four":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Naga Babu appointed chairman of APGEC"},"content":{"text":"Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan's brother Nagendra Rao Konidela, also known as Naga Babu, has been appointed as the chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Green Executive Committee. Naga Babu is a member of the State Legislative Council and one of the key leaders of Jana Sena headed by his brother. Environment and Forest Department on Monday issued a Government Order (G.O) nominating Nagababu as the Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the ‘Andhra Pradesh Society for Greening and Reforestation for Ecological Enrichment (AP Green).’ According to the G.O, Nagababu will enjoy Cabinet rank in his capacity as the chairperson of the AP Green Executive Committee. Pawan Kalyan is also the minister for environment and forests. Nagababu has been appointed as the head of a body which comes under the department headed by Pawan Kalyan. According to an official release, the government has set a primary objective for AP Green to increase the combined forest cover and greenery in Andhra Pradesh to 50 per cent of the state's total geographical area. AP Green will work towards achieving this goal by 2047.  To ensure the effective implementation of this programme across the state, the government announced the establishment of district-level governing bodies alongside the AP Green Governing Board and Executive Committee.  As the Chairperson of the Executive Committee, Nagababu will shoulder key responsibilities such as coordinating between various departments and district-level agencies, accelerating the implementation of programmes, and monitoring their progress.  Nagababu was elected to the Legislative Council in March 2025 as the candidate of Jana Sena. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced in December 2024 that Naga Babu would be inducted into the Cabinet. He, however, later changed his decision, reportedly on the advice of Pawan Kalyan. The Cabinet already has three ministers from Jana Sena, and two of them, including Pawan Kalyan, are from the Kapu community. The ruling coalition did not want to disturb the caste equation by appointing another Kapu representative as a minister.  Nagababu, also an actor and producer, is the General Secretary of Jana Sena. He actively campaigned in last year's elections. He has been working with Pawan Kalyan ever since the latter floated Jana Sena in 2014. Both had earlier actively worked for Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) floated by their eldest brother and superstar Chiranjeevi in 2008. However, the party came a cropper in the 2009 polls, and two years later Chiranjeevi had merged it with the Congress party."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/hjNQOh4jx8MV_gbV_nagababu.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-17T10:48:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"naga-babu-appointed-chairman-of-apgec"}}]},"five":{"edges":[]},"review":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Awarapan 2'"},"content":{"text":"Some characters become so closely associated with an actor that bringing them back after nearly two decades is a risky proposition. Shivam Pandit is one such character for Emraan Hashmi. Awarapan 2 takes that risk and, for the most part, understands why the 2007 film became a cult favourite. Directed by Nitin Kakkar, the film picks up the emotional thread of the original rather than simply recreating it. Shivam is still carrying the memory of Aaliyah when he comes across an abandoned infant girl at her grave. He takes her to an orphanage, quietly pays for her care and names her Aaliyah. When a couple later adopts the girl, Shivam convinces himself that giving her a family is the right thing to do. He soon discovers that they are connected to an international child-trafficking syndicate, and when Interpol tells him that Aaliyah has been abducted, the man who had walked away from the criminal world has no choice but to return. That premise gives Awarapan 2 a natural reason to bring Shivam back rather than forcing a reunion for nostalgia's sake. Interpol wants his help in taking down the syndicate, but Shivam's motivation is much more personal. His guilt over Aaliyah and his inability to protect her pull him back into the world he desperately wanted to leave behind. This is where the sequel expands the franchise. The first Awarapan was raw, intimate and deeply rooted in Shivam's personal transformation. The new film moves from that compact moral awakening into a larger crime thriller involving trafficking, organised crime, revenge and sacrifice. The scale is bigger, the action is more prominent and the storytelling is designed for a theatrical audience, but the emotional core remains Shivam's search for redemption. The narrative has moved from 2007 to 2026, and this genuinely feels like the next chapter rather than a film simply borrowing the name of a beloved original. A major part of that evolution comes from Vishesh Bhatt. As the co-producer of Awarapan and now the writer-producer behind Awarapan 2, Bhatt's vision of turning Awarapan into a franchise is central to the film. This isn't just a sequel made because the first film developed a cult following. There is a clear attempt to build the next chapter of Shivam Pandit's story while retaining the emotional and musical DNA of Vishesh Films. Bhatt's creative direction gives the film its larger ambition, with Kakkar and the entire team following that lead. The collaboration between Emraan Hashmi and Vishesh Films remains one of the film's strongest forces. Emraan, unsurprisingly, is the film's biggest strength, but the supporting characters deserve attention. Disha Patani plays Zara, a woman who becomes an unintentional victim of the criminal world surrounding her family. Her brother Zorawar, played by Puran Gabbi, is involved in the drug trade, and the film uses their relationship to show how crime can trap people who never chose that life. Patani gets a stronger dramatic focus and brings a vulnerability that gives Zara's portions emotional weight. Gabbi is one of the film's discoveries, bringing an unpredictability that makes Zorawar stand out without turning him into a standard gangster caricature. Shabana Azmi as Nafisa brings the expected gravitas, while Suvinder Vicky as Jaideep, Vijayant Kohli as Mehmood, Atul Kumar as Samarth and Aniruddh Rawal as Sikandar add further layers to the criminal and investigative world around Shivam. The music is where Awarapan 2 makes perhaps its most important connection with the original. Mithoon, Amaal Mallik and Jeet Gannguli carry forward the musical identity of the franchise, with lyrics by Sayeed Quadri and Rashmi Virag. The returning favourites \"Tera Mera Rishta\" and \"Toh Phir Aao\" have been reimagined by Mithoon, while \"Yeh Awarapan\", sung by Arijit Singh, adds another emotional layer. But the soundtrack is not simply a collection of songs designed to trigger nostalgia. The music is integral to the story. It carries Shivam's emotional state, builds the atmosphere and becomes part of the film's narrative language. This is also a soundtrack that deserves to be experienced in a theatre, where the sound design, scale of the compositions and visuals create a different audio-visual experience. The film also makes its marketing campaign look smarter once the story unfolds. Some of what has been shown and teased begins to make sense only after watching it, and there are elements of the narrative better experienced without knowing too much beforehand. Awarapan 2 is not merely selling the return of Emraan Hashmi or the nostalgia of its music. It is attempting to make audiences curious about what happened to Shivam and where his story goes next. The big-screen presentation adds to that appeal. Awarapan 2 succeeds because it respects where the franchise came from without pretending that cinema hasn't changed since 2007. It is bigger, more ambitious and more conventional as a thriller than the original, but it retains the grief, rage, sacrifice and search for redemption that made Shivam Pandit memorable. Vishesh Bhatt's franchise vision, Vishesh Films' creative identity, Nitin Kakkar's direction, Bilal Siddiqui's writing and Emraan Hashmi's return all work toward the same goal: taking Shivam's story forward rather than simply repeating it. Disha Patani gets a meaningful role, Puran Gabbi emerges as a genuine discovery, the supporting cast adds weight and the music remains an essential part of the experience. It may not have the same bleak intimacy as Awarapan, but that isn't what this film is trying to be. This is the 2026 chapter of Shivam Pandit's journey much bigger, louder and still carrying the same old wound. Director: Nitin Kakkar,  Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Puran Gabbi, Suvinder Vicky and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/nH0_7NckLLpkJ8vL_awarapan2.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-14T04:07:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-awarapan-2"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Vishwanath and Sons'"},"content":{"text":"Despite being a Tamil hero, Surya is a hero who has a good craze in Telugu. Telugu audiences have raised their expectations as soon as he says that he is working with a Telugu director. The film Surya, which was made in a Telugu production company and directed by a Telugu director, was promoted as a Telugu film. Let's see how this film, which has huge expectations among the audience, is doing in this review. Story: Sanjay Vishwanath (Surya) is a big businessman. Sanjay, who has everything, is not interested in marriage. But his mother (Radhika) insists on marriage and having a family. Sanjay becomes a father to a baby boy through surrogacy for his mother. While he is happy with Babu, unexpected developments take place. Babu develops serious health problems. Babu needs bone marrow. Then Sanjay goes to Maddy (Mamita Baiju), who is in the US. She has to give the bone marrow to Babu. 22-year-old Maddy, who came for Babu, falls in love with 42-year-old Sanjay. Where did that love lead? Who is Maddy really? You have to watch the movie to know these things. Performance: There is no need to mention the performance of the hero Surya. Millionaire Sanjay Vishwanath impressed in the role. Surya scored 100 out of 100 marks in showing that modesty. Surya impressed in a role that shows love while appearing serious in some scenes. Overall, there is no doubt that Sanjay Vishwanath brought the character to life. Fans enjoyed the shades of Surya's character. Surya impressed with his 40+ age look. Maddy's role is very crucial in the movie. The entire first half is based on that character. Mamita Baiju appeared in the role of an orphan with no one. Generally, any heroine would look good in the role of a naughty girl. But Mamita in the role of Maddy made me laugh, cry, and get angry. She was the main attraction of the film. It seemed that Maddy's role would have been better in the second half as well. Radhika impressed in the role of Sanjay's mother. She seemed to have transformed into a small child and acted. The other actors acted and impressed within the scope of their roles. Technical: It seemed that the music director focused more on the background score than on the songs. It must be said that his hard work was rewarded. Because the background score came out well. It led some scenes in an impressive way. Let's talk about cinematography. Generally, it is easy to show the beauty of the village, but to bring a rich family look, cinematography has more work. That work is good. It would have been better if the director had worked more on the second half. The structural values ​​are good. Editing needs to be improved in the second half. Plus points: Mamita Baiju Surya Entertainment Some sentimental scenes Minus points: Second half Fights Analysis: Director Venky seems to have come up with a mature story once again. However, this time, the addition of a love story made it a youthful entertainer. Especially in the first half, the scenes with the heroine should definitely make the audience fall in love. The scenes between the hero and heroine make you laugh on one side and cry on the other. Although the second half seemed to be a bit sentimental, it ended on a positive note. There is no doubt that if the first half was as entertaining as the second half, it would have been even better if it had been more entertaining along with sentiment. Overall, this film can be watched for the heroine Mamita Baiju and for the sentimental scenes. Finally... The first half is fun, the second half is balanced with emotion. Banner: Sitara Entertainments Producer: Suryadevara Nagavamsi Director: Venky Atluri Music: G.V. Prakash Kumar Cast: Surya, Mamita Baiju, Radhika Sarath Kumar, Raveena Tandon, Nassar, Sudha and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ahgA9bK9tuLqENie_vishwanathandsons.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-14T07:46:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-vishwanath-and-sons"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Korean Kanakaraju'"},"content":{"text":"Mega hero Varun Tej, who has been greeting the audience with a series of films, has once again come to the Telugu audience with a different concept. This time, he has come to the audience with a Korean ghost concept like never before. He has attracted everyone's attention by coming to the audience with a ghost concept.  A large-scale publicity program was organized before the release. With that, a huge buzz was created. Let's see if the movie lives up to that buzz in the review. Story: Kanakaraju (Varun Tej) from Penukonda area leads a smooth life. He falls in love with Chaitra (Rithika), who works for Kia car companies. An angry Kanakaraju has a fight with a local rowdy gang. At that time, in the wake of unforeseen developments, the ashes of a person from Korea arrive in India. They reach Penugonda. The soul of the deceased Korean man enters Kanakaraju's body. Why did that soul enter Kanakaraju's body and what happens next is the rest of the story. Actors' performance: Varun Tej seems to have done 100 percent justice to the character of Kanakaraju. There is no doubt that he acted as if the angry Kanakaraju was really in front of us, and there is no doubt that the way he spoke in Korean when the Korean soul entered him took Varun's acting to another level. Varun, who maintained a good physique to match the character, also impressed with his comedy timing. It is no exaggeration to say that Varun has never done this level of comedy before. Varun impressed with his acting in the action scenes, but he could not do much with his dance. Heroine Rithika impressed with her cute looks. However, despite the importance of her role in the story, she did not get much opportunity to appear in the screenplay. The scenes with Satya were good, but Satya's dominance is clearly visible in it. Rithika impressed in two or three scenes along with her cute beauty display.  Comedian Satya appeared on the screen more than the second hero. At the same time, he impressed with his comedy. Overall, Satya's comedy was the main attraction in the film. Those who played the rest of the characters did not seem to care. Technical: The songs provided by music director Thaman seemed mediocre, but the background score was good here and there. Thaman impressed in some horror scenes. Overall, it must be said that Thaman's work is not up to his level. It would have been better if the songs were two or three good. The cinematography seems to be okay. It seemed like the focus on action scenes was reduced in order to show Korean beauties. The heroine was shown as cute. More care should have been taken in the matter of hero elevation. It would have been better if director Gandhi had rewritten the story and given a different treatment to the screenplay. The production values ​​are good. There is a possibility of trimming some of the second-off scenes. Analysis: The main attraction of the movie is the concept. It seems that director Gandhi has not been completely successful in carrying out that concept with a proper screenplay. However, he has brought the movie to a close with comedy. It is commendable that the director has chosen Satya for that role with full faith. The comedy has the potential to make the movie closer to the family audience. Since there have been no movies with the concept of a Korean ghost movie so far, this movie is sure to feel new. Director Gandhi has a reputation for making different movies.. This movie is a continuation of that. Varun Tej has fully fulfilled the responsibility assigned to him. It would have been better if he had thought better about the screenplay and worked out the horror scenes. The graphics seem poor. It seems like it was made using AI technology. Plus points: Concept, Hero heroine, True comedy Minus points: Routine horror, Graphics, Korean language. Finally... A routine horror drama that will please mega fans Banner: UV Creations Director: Merlapaka Gandhi Producer: Vamsi, Pramod Music: Thaman Cast: Varun Tej, Rithika Nayak, Satya and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Ui6FbufwpUs86SxR_KoreanKanakaraju.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-07T06:59:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-korean-kanakaraju"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Chennai Love Story'"},"content":{"text":"Small films are having a good time in Tollywood. The makers have been repeatedly saying that they are bringing this film to the audience as a content-oriented film, in the wake of the huge success of making content-oriented films. The makers who gave a super hit film like Baby have brought this film to the audience. Let's see how this film, which was released today, is like in the review. Story: Niv (Sri Gauri), who wanted to fall in love and get married, is unexpectedly cheated by her boyfriend Ajay (Trigun). He leaves her by saying that he loves another girl before the wedding. With that, Nivi turns into a lady Devadasu and becomes addicted to drinking. At that time, her friends take her to Chennai and try to change her a little. But her behavior does not change. That's when Steven Shankar (Kiran Abbavaram) steps into Chennai to show his mettle as a director. Friends help Shankar, an orphan, and allow him to stay in their room. The room is close to Nivi. At first, Shankar's words used to irritate Nivi. Slowly, she gets closer to him. Love blossoms between the two. But amidst unpredictable developments, their love runs into a problem. What is that problem and will the two meet again is the plot. Acting: Kiran Abbavaram impressed with his good acting, like in the past, he impressed with his looks as if he was the boy next door. Playing the role of an innocent person is not an easy thing. But Kiran Abbavaram played the role very easily. Kiran Abbavaram showed well in this role what an innocent person who steps into Chennai with an effort to impress the director would be like. There is no doubt that this heroine Gowry Priya  is the most crucial role in the story. She has done complete justice to her role. Siri Hanumanthu has once again impressed with her acting in a good role. She is likely to get more good roles in the future. Those who played other roles impressed within the scope of their roles. Technical: When the director thought that the story was being handled well, he tried to say something new by saying Atma Paramatma in the second half. It must be said that it failed. In terms of screenplay, the second half failed. The music was impressive, especially the background score was impressive. Manisharma once again showed his magic. Cinematography is good. There is no doubt that cinematography has definitely been useful in showing the beauty of Chennai. The dialogues are good. There are some flaws in the editing, and there is still work to be done in the second half. The structural values ​​are according to the story. Plus points: Hero, heroine acting, Manisharma's background score First off Minus points: Second half, Routine screenplay. Analysis: Producer Sai Rajesh has been making comments in several media conferences and interviews that this film is definitely a baby range cult love story, but it doesn't seem like it has any scenes. While you think that the first half of the film will be smooth and interesting, he made the second half boring by adding unnecessary elements. If the same love story had been continued simply, the second half would definitely have been a good talk. Hero Kiran Abbavaram impressed with his good performance. The audience will definitely appreciate him, and heroine Gauri also did full justice to her role. Gauri impressed in the role of a drunkard and Lady Devadasu, but it must be said that the screen did not match their performance. Overall, Chennai Love Story turned out to be an average love story. Finally... It makes feel like going all the way to Chennai for this love story Banner: Mass Movie Makers Producer: SKN, Sai Rajesh Director: Ravi Namburu Music: Mani Sharma Cast: Kiran Abbavaram, Gowri Priya, Siri and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0yN9tZHPaAuq2hyg_CLS.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-24T08:01:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-chennai-love-story"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Jana Nayakudu' "},"content":{"text":"Expectations have increased among all sections of the audience on the film Jana Nayaku, which was advertised as the last film of Tamil superstar Vijay. Although it was not officially announced that it is a remake of the film Bhagwant Kesari, which came in the combo of Balakrishna and Anil Ravipudi, the makers have been unofficially saying it.  This film, which was delayed a lot due to Tamil Nadu politics, made a royal entry without any problems as Vijay became the CM of Tamil Nadu. And how is this film? Will the audience like this story again in Telugu? Let's see in this review. Story: Vetri Kondan's (Vijay) mother dies in jail. Out of humanity, the jailer releases Vetri Kondan on parole and sends him out to see his mother for the last time. When Vetri is sent out, the jailer gets into a big problem. Vetri Kondan learns that the jailer who helped him is in trouble, and goes to his house. In the wake of unexpected developments, the jailer dies. His only daughter, Viji (Mamita Baiju), becomes an orphan.  The jailer who helped him looks after his daughter and wants to make her an army officer. But Viji says she will not join the army out of fear. Why does Vetri want to send Viji to the army? Will Viji finally join the army? What difficulties will Vetri face in doing so? This is the story. Performance: There is no need to mention anything special about Superstar Vijay's performance. Just as Balakrishna adapted to the role in Bhagwant Kesari, there is no doubt that Vijay also adapted to the role of Vetri. The screenplay was such that the entire story of the film was carried on his shoulders. Even so, Vijay acted well in every scene without giving up. There is no doubt that he impressed with his comedy timing. His fans will enjoy the action scenes to the fullest. Now that he is the CM, he has tried to show Vijay in that angle as well, which is a feast for the eyes of the fans. Since this is Vijay's last film, it seems that he gave his best. Pooja Hegde, who played the heroine, does not have much screen presence. It must be said that Pooja Hegde's screen presence is less than what Kajal Aggarwal's role was in the original Telugu version. Mamita Baiju played the role of Viji, played by Srileela in Telugu and got good marks. It seemed that Mamita did Viji's role even better than Srileela. Along with impressive looks, the two heroines gave good expressions to suit their roles. However, Pooja Hegde's role did not get priority. Mamita impressed as much as she did. Bobby Deol impressed in terms of looks. It would have been better if he had been shown as a stronger and better villain. Since the villain role was not given priority in the story, Bobby Deol's performance became like water poured on ashes. Technical: Director H Vinod tried to make the Telugu story as it is and add Tamil flavor to the screenplay. He made the story without making many changes in the first half. However, when it came to the second half, he made many changes. The entire screenplay changed as if it was a new story. Vijay's character also left the audience in a bit of a quandary. There is nothing much to say about the music. Anirudh, as usual, gave a good background score to Vijay's film. But since the songs did not have much scope, Anirudh's work did not come out much.  The cinematography is good. The cinematography is definitely good in elevating the action scenes. There are errors in the editing. Some scenes in the second half, especially the villain scenes, could have been trimmed. It would have been better if the heroine scenes that are not part of the story were also trimmed a bit. The production values ​​are good. The story was produced with added weight without detracting from it. Plus points: Vijay, Some Action Scenes, Mamita Baiju Minus points: Story, screenplay, Being a familiar story, Second half, Villain role. Analysis: The film Jana Nayakkudu, which was supposed to be released early this year, did not see its release due to censor problems due to Tamil Nadu politics. Officials said that permission could not be given for the release of the film in the wake of the assembly elections. With Vijay becoming the CM, the film Jana Nayakkudu came plowing ahead without any problems and shook the Tamil box office. This movie has been seen in Telugu before. Even though it is known that this is a remake of Balakrishna Bhagwant Kesari, many enthusiasts booked in advance and watched the movie. The movie got a good opening in Telugu states.  It is undeniable that Jana Nayakkudu could not satisfy the Telugu audience completely. Tamil audience will think aha.. oh my for Vijay Elevations. Moreover, they will like it because it is a new story, but Telugu people do not have much to like about this movie, even though the second half seems to have changed a bit, it felt like it was forced. The political elements were not set in the story at all. There is action but no emotion. The magic is missing in the screenplay. Overall, Jana Nayakkudu does not have anything new that the Telugu audience will like much. Finally... A Tamil mass leader who cannot please Telugu people. Banner: KVN Productions Producer: Venkat K. Narayan Director: H Vinod Music: Anirudh Cast: Vijay, Pooja Hegde, Mamita Baiju, Sunil, Bobby Deol and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/8WXmx3hoavnPTLpj_jananayakudu.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-23T08:18:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-jana-nayakudu-"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Dhamaal 4'"},"content":{"text":"STORY: Over the years, the Dhamaal franchise has carved out a unique, bulletproof space in Bollywood, one built entirely on unapologetic, leave-your-brain-at-home comedy. Director Indra Kumar returns to this signature comfort zone scaling up the adventure with itns fourth installment. This time, the chaos revolves around a massive 100-year-old hidden treasure belonging to the legendary Shaitaan Singh. The key to its location is locked away in the faulty memory of Prithvi (Upendra Limaye). When the secret slips out, it triggers a wild, breathless race to a mysterious island marked by a giant \"M.\" Every character is out to outsmart the other to reach the khazana first, paving the way for endless confusion, wrong clues, and frantic chases. SITUATIONAL COMEDY: Chaos at Its Peak What makes Dhamaal 4 work so effectively is its reliance on situational comedy. The film throws a massive ensemble of eccentric, greedy, and hilariously unlucky individuals into bizarre environments, from wild jungle disasters to unexpected pirate encounters. The script doesn’t ask you to look for logic; instead, it invites you to surrender to the sheer ridiculousness of the situations. The first half is exceptionally fast-paced, packed with clever nods to older films in the franchise that will keep longtime fans chuckling. ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCES: The Ultimate Laughter Brigade The true strength of the film lies in its stellar ensemble cast, where Ajay Devgn leads the pack with absolute swagger alongside Sanjay Mishra, whose iconic comic timing results in sharp laugh-out-loud moments. The heartbeat of the franchise, Arshad Warsi and Jaaved Jaaferi, return with their signature electric chemistry, beautifully joined by Sanjeeda Shaikh who adds great charm to their chaotic dynamic. Riteish Deshmukh delivers a thoroughly entertaining performance with his desi flavor alongside Anjali Anand, who plays his wife Paro with a hilarious domestic touch. Stealing scenes effortlessly, Ravi Kishan brings a fresh wave of comedy as the quirky pirate leader Adhoora. Finally, Upendra Limaye is fantastic as the main catalyst of the plot with his high-energy performance, while Esha Gupta brings a wonderful charm and flair to the screen. DIRECTION, SCREENPLAY, AND MUSIC Indra Kumar proves yet again that he is a master at delivering high-energy situational comedies. The engaging screenplay keeps the audience hooked with a constant stream of rapid-fire jokes and entertaining jungle and island survival sequences. On the technical side, the massive scale of the film looks stunning on the big screen, making it a true theatrical spectacle. The music seamlessly fits this energetic narrative, with tracks like Chatni and Qeher keeping the mood light, and celebratory throughout. THE VERDICT: The Perfect Family Entertainer Dhamaal 4 is a fun-filled joyride that is tailor-made for the big screen. It effortlessly delivers on its promise of pure, non-stop entertainment from start to finish. It stands out as an excellent, wholesome entertainer that will easily appeal to all age groups, from grandparents to little kids, who will absolutely love the comedy and thrilling pirate adventures. If you are looking to share a hearty laugh with your entire family this weekend, Dhamaal 4 is a highly recommended watch! Director: Indra Kumar Cast: Ajay Devgn, Arshd Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, Jaaved Jaaferi, Sanjay Mishra, Ravi Kishan, Upendra Limaye, Anjali Anand, Esha Gupta and Sanjeeda Shaikh"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/51qvs_NXLgg3Shrm_dhamaal3.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-10T04:00:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-dhamaal-4"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Lenin'"},"content":{"text":"Years have passed since Akhil made his debut as a hero from the Akkineni family, yet he has not managed to achieve commercial success. Consequently, fans' confidence in him has been waning. At this juncture, Akhil has worked hard on the movie 'Lenin' with great hope. Let us see how the movie fares in this review. Story: The story unfolds in a remote village in Andhra Pradesh. Lenin (Akhil) arrives as an orphan in a village named Sriramapuram. A woman, who is the village head, takes him under her wing and raises him just like her own son. Her son, Vasanth, and Lenin become best friends. While Vasanth pursues his studies and becomes a doctor, Lenin stays back in the village and becomes an integral part of everyone's lives. It has become a tradition for the village's prestigious 18-day festival to be conducted under Lenin's supervision every year. During one such festival, Lenin sees Bharati (Bhagyashree) and falls in love with her. This romance marks a turning point in the entire story. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Vasanth is compelled to marry Bharathi. Meanwhile, Lenin ends up in prison. The story revolves around why Lenin went to jail and whether Vasanth actually marries Bharathi. Performances: As has been noted from the start, it is evident on screen that Akhil has put in a great deal of effort for this film. There is no doubt that this is a distinctively different role compared to the characters he has played previously. Furthermore, he successfully molded himself to fit the character, displaying impressive range and variations in his acting. He also adopted a fresh style of dialogue delivery for this movie. Visually, he is impressive, and in the action sequences, he comes across as a high-voltage action hero; he delivers exactly what fans desire. Beyond the action, he also impresses in the romantic scenes. The heroine, Bhagyashree, charms the audience with her beauty—something she has done in several previous films. However, in this movie, she also impresses with her acting prowess where the script demands it. She certainly leaves a mark on the role assigned to her, though one cannot help but feel that her character could have been written with more depth.  The supporting cast also delivers impressive performances within the scope of their roles; Eswari Rao, Pramod, and Brahmaji, in particular, stand out with their acting.  Technical: The director needed to work a bit more on the story, though he did try to make an impact with the screenplay. He succeeded in engaging the audience during the opening 10–15 minutes, effectively building suspense and sparking curiosity about what would unfold next. However, the dialogues could have been sharper. Thaman delivered a decent musical score, as always; however, there were certain scenes where one felt he could have done more with the background music. The cinematography is impressive—crucial for a film set against a village backdrop. There are minor flaws in the editing, but the production values ​​are good. Plus points: Akhil Akkineni, Jathara (fair) scenes The plot twist Minus points: Some dragged-out scenes Background score Story and screenplay Analysis: There is no doubt that the film lived up to the high expectations of Akkineni fans. However, it remains to be seen how well the general audience will receive it. Akhil had stated from the beginning that he worked very hard for this film, and that effort is clearly visible on screen. The director aimed to present something fresh;...yet, the film would have been even better with more work on the story and a tighter screenplay. It must be noted that there was a lack of sufficient commercial elements to appeal to all sections of the audience, not just the fans. The music also felt a bit underwhelming. Akhil fulfilled his role with 100% commitment; however, the director failed to craft a strong screenplay for the supporting characters, leaving them with little scope to showcase their true acting potential. Overall, this village-based drama manages to engage the audience and appeals to fans. Final verdict: Akhil Akkineni impresses the fans Banner: Sithara Entertainments, Manam Enterprises Producers: Suryadevara Naga Vamsi, Akkineni Nagarjuna Director: Murali Kishore Music: Thaman Cast: Akhil, Bhagyashree, Eeshwari Rao, Pramod, Brahmaji, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/SNyf-1iLls6NrA-j_lenin.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-10T07:34:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-lenin"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Rao Bahadur'"},"content":{"text":"Satyadev has carved a unique niche for himself as an actor by choosing diverse films. Meanwhile, director Venkatesh Maha has already earned a strong reputation for delivering distinctive movies. Expectations soared when a superstar like Mahesh Babu stepped forward to present this collaboration between the two. Let us see in this review whether the film lives up to those expectations. Story: Bhuvanam Ramappa Rao Bahadur (Satyadev), a man of royal lineage, grapples with severe mental turmoil in his old age. He harbors suspicions regarding his younger son, Kusumappa—who passed away in childhood—doubting whether the boy was truly his biological son. Driven by this doubt, he clings to life for years despite suffering from cancer. Ramappa’s wife, Renuka, is also confined to a single room. The story unfolds by exploring the reasons behind Ramappa’s condition and Renuka’s confinement, as well as how it was ultimately confirmed that Kusumappa was indeed Ramappa’s son. Performances: A notable aspect of the film is that, apart from Satyadev, the entire cast consists of newcomers. It is commendable that Satyadev committed to such a role; not every actor could pull off a character like this. He delivered a brilliant performance, nailing the makeover, expressions, and body language. Satyadev truly embodied the persona of a scion of the Rao Bahadur lineage. He impressed everyone with a look that perfectly captured the persona of an elderly king. Furthermore, Satyadev deserves full marks for his acting and dialogue delivery. Generally, young heroes are reluctant to take on such roles, but Satyadev put in immense effort to breathe life into this character. It was revealed that the makeup process took four hours; seeing the 'Ramappa' character on screen, one feels that the actual time spent on makeup might have been even longer. Deepa Thomas, playing the female lead, impressed with her distinctive look. There is a growing opinion that she might secure good opportunities in Tollywood in the future. Vikas Muppala also impressed with his acting, and the supporting cast performed well within the scope of their roles. Venkatesh Maha, appearing in a guest role, also made a strong impression. Technical: Director Venkatesh Maha presented a completely fresh concept to the audience. However, the narrative pacing felt somewhat tedious. The first half moved slowly. While he attempted to pick up the pace in the second half, the twists introduced towards the end felt unintentionally funny. He failed in the attempt to blend humor into what otherwise seemed like a serious story. Some of the dialogues were good. The cinematography was impressive; it effectively brought the atmosphere of the 1960s and 1990s to life. The music was also decent. The songs failed to impress, but the background score was certainly impressive. The production values ​​are good; it is truly commendable that such a significant budget was allocated for an experimental story like this. There are flaws in the editing; some scenes in the first half should have been trimmed. Overall, the film would have benefited from a runtime reduction of 20 to 25 minutes. Analysis: Director Venkatesh attempted an experiment by utilizing a talented actor like Satyadev. Satyadev deserves praise for agreeing to be part of this experimental project. The story revolves around the consequences arising from a suspicion harbored by an elderly man. In an era where films generally achieve commercial success only with compelling storylines and narratives, Director Venkatesh brought this film to the audience without worrying about how such an experiment would be received. He attempted to drive the film using screenplay wizardry. Although the story itself is simple, his execution deserves appreciation. However, the inclusion of more thrilling elements would have improved the film; the first half, in particular, is somewhat underwhelming. The climax manages to generate interest, though the final twist lacks a sense of realism. Ultimately, instead of leaving the audience with the impression of having watched a serious film, the movie ends up feeling more like a comedy.  Plus Points: Satyadev Background music, cinematography Second half, climax Minus Points: Boring first half Illogical scenes Climax twist Verdict: 'Rao Bahadur' is for those looking to watch a thriller rather than a regular commercial movie. Banner: Sree Chakras Entertainments, Mahayana Motion Pictures Producers: Anurag Reddy, Sharath Chandra, Chinta Gopalakrishna Reddy, Eswaran Vijayaraghavan Directior: Venkatesh Maha Music: Smaran Sai Cast: Satyadev, Deepa Thomas, Vikas Muppala, Bala Parasar, Kunal Kaushik, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ruDZrQh1uyTKyATR_RaoBahadur.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-03T09:26:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-rao-bahadur"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Nagabandham' "},"content":{"text":"South makers have done wonders once again. At a time when audiences are craving larger-than-life cinematic experiences rooted in Indian culture and mythology, Nagabandham arrives as an ambitious spectacle that blends mystery, mythology, fantasy and adventure into an engrossing big-screen entertainer. Foremost credit goes to the producers Nishitha Nagireddy and Kishore Annapureddy, the duo under the banners of NIK Studios and Abhishek Pictures, have given the film the scale, craft and budget it demands. The budget, the scale and the vision of the film is at par in comparison with some of the biggies. Mounted on a lavish scale, the film starts on a very intriguing note and right from the first frame it captures you into the world, the drama. As it progresses it continues to impresses with its visual ambition, the character introduction, immersive world-building and sincere storytelling, making it one of the most ambitious pan-India releases of the year. Without wasting any single time the film sticks to the subject. The unfolding of mysterious universe where ancient secrets, divine legends and hidden treasures shape the narrative. Rather than rushing through its mythology, the film gradually builds intrigue around the ancients and what 'Nagabandham' is. This measured approach keeps the audience invested while continuously expanding the film's rich cinematic universe. The film begins with the impresive introduction of Rishabh Sawhney who is olayiytge main antagonist in the film and then transports us to the drama that is very interesting. Director Abhishek Nama deserves appreciation for attempting a genre that demands conviction and imagination. His vision remains consistent throughout, balancing mythology with fantasy while ensuring the emotional core never gets lost beneath the visual grandeur. The screenplay unfolds like an adventure, introducing fresh mysteries at regular intervals and maintaining curiosity until the very end. Visuals are Nagabandham's undoubtedly the biggest strengths. Every frame reflects meticulous craftsmanship, from magnificent temple architecture and ancient kingdoms to breathtaking action sequences and mystical landscapes. The production values are first-rate, while the VFX complement the storytelling without overwhelming it. The film consistently feels designed for the biggest screens. Virat Karrna, who is essaying the main protoganist delivers a confident performance, carrying the narrative with sincerity and intensity. Nabha Natesh lends grace and emotional depth to her character, while Rishabh Sawhney leaves a strong impression with his commanding screen presence in the character of the main antagonist. Mahesh Manjrekar stands out in a pivotal role of saint ,adding gravitas whenever he appears. Daksha Nagarkar and the supporting cast contribute effectively, making the expansive world feel believable. The action choreography especially the Interval block and CLIMAX deserves special mention. Instead of relying solely on spectacle, the action sequences are integrated into the mythology, making every confrontation feel purposeful. Several moments involving serpents, ancient rituals and large-scale battles generate genuine goosebumps and showcase the makers' ambition. Technically, Nagabandham is polished across departments. The cinematography captures both the grandeur and mysticism beautifully, while the background score elevates the emotional and adventurous moments. The editing keeps the narrative engaging despite the film's expansive scale, and the sound design enhances the theatrical experience. One of the film's biggest achievements is how it respects Indian mythology while presenting it through an entertaining fantasy-adventure lens. Rather than merely recreating familiar legends, it creates its own mythology-inspired universe that feels fresh and cinematic. If there is one area where the film occasionally slows down, it is during portions dedicated to explaining the mythology, which may slightly affect the pace. However, the narrative quickly regains momentum with compelling twists, visually stunning sequences and emotionally satisfying payoffs. With Nagabandham, South filmmakers once again demonstrate why they continue to lead the way in creating ambitious, pan-India cinematic spectacles. The film combines mythology, fantasy, adventure and emotion into an entertaining package that is tailor-made for the theatrical experience. For audiences looking for a grand visual adventure filled with mystery, ancient legends, spectacular action and impressive world-building, Nagabandham is a rewarding watch. Banner: NIK Studios, Abhishek Pictures Producer: Nishitha Nagireddy, Kishore Annapureddy Director: Abhishek Nama Cast: John Vijay, Nabha Natesh, Iswarya Menon, Mahesh Manjrekar and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/S_t-IVjB2yqa78-Q_nagabandham.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-02T16:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-nagabandham-"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Welcome To The Jungle'"},"content":{"text":"There was a time when Bollywood regularly produced big, unapologetic comedy entertainers that families could watch together. Films weren't trying to preach, surprise audiences with complicated twists or leave behind social messages. They existed for one simple reason—to make people laugh. Welcome To The Jungle embraces exactly that philosophy, and that's what makes it work. Director Ahmed Khan doesn't try to reinvent the Welcome franchise. Instead, he understands its DNA and amplifies it. The laughs are bigger, the cast is bigger, the scale is grander and the madness is turned up several notches. The result is a film that knows exactly what it wants to be—and rarely loses sight of it. The story itself is delightfully ridiculous. A billionaire comes up with an absurd plan to convert his black money into losses by deliberately producing a flop film. To execute this bizarre mission, he assembles a film full of struggling stars, forgotten heroes and eccentric personalities. Among them are Yeda Anna (Suniel Shetty), the brother of Anna from the Welcome universe, and Romeo (Arshad Warsi), Majnu's equally eccentric brother. Just when the production begins, an Income Tax raid wipes out the financier's money, forcing the crew to abandon the expensive setup and continue the shoot in a remote village with real people—while the actors remain blissfully convinced that everything happening around them is part of the script. From there, the film spirals into complete comic chaos involving mistaken identities, fake heroics, terrorists, villagers and nonstop confusion. If there is one actor who reminds audiences why he has ruled Bollywood comedy for decades, it is Akshay Kumar. This is comfortably one of his strongest comic performances in recent years. His expressions, dialogue delivery, body language and effortless timing hold the enormous ensemble together without trying to dominate it. He lets the humour breathe and trusts the situations to generate laughs. Suniel Shetty is undoubtedly one of the film's biggest surprises. His Yeda Anna is wonderfully eccentric and consistently entertaining, delivering several laugh-out-loud moments. Arshad Warsi slips into the franchise's familiar madness with ease, while Lara Dutta, as the Army trainer preparing the clueless actors, adds another enjoyable layer to the comedy. The supporting cast is where the film truly shines. Veterans like Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever and Rajpal Yadav prove once again why they remain among Hindi cinema's finest comic performers. But the film's biggest scene-stealers are undoubtedly Farida Jalal and Kiran Kumar. Every single time they appear on screen, the theatre erupts in laughter. Farida Jalal's delightfully confused character, speaking in her own hilarious gibberish language, becomes one of the film's biggest highlights. Kiran Kumar matches her brilliantly with his exaggerated, heavily Urdu-laced dialogues delivered with complete conviction. Their chemistry, impeccable comic timing and effortless performances produce some of the loudest laughs in the film. There's another emotional layer that longtime Bollywood lovers will instantly appreciate. Watching Akshay Kumar reunite with Suniel Shetty and Raveena Tandon brings back memories of an era when entertainers were built around fun rather than formulas. Thankfully, these reunions never feel forced. They blend naturally into the narrative while allowing the film to create its own identity instead of living entirely on nostalgia. Managing such a massive ensemble is never easy, yet Ahmed Khan deserves credit for ensuring almost every actor gets at least one memorable moment. Despite featuring dozens of familiar faces, the screenplay rarely feels overcrowded. The humour constantly shifts between situational comedy, visual gags, witty one-liners, misunderstandings and complete comic mayhem, ensuring the energy rarely drops. The adventure angle also gives the franchise a refreshing twist. Instead of repeating the exact template of the earlier films, Welcome To The Jungle expands its canvas with larger action set pieces and a more adventurous narrative while still retaining the flavour that fans associate with the franchise. Visually, the film looks colourful and vibrant. The production design suits the exaggerated world perfectly, while the songs arrive naturally without disturbing the pace. The background score effectively enhances both the comic situations and the action sequences. What deserves appreciation is that the film never pretends to be more intelligent than it is. It doesn't chase awards, social commentary or emotional manipulation. It simply focuses on entertaining its audience for over two hours—and judging by the laughter echoing through the auditorium, it succeeds. Welcome To The Jungle is designed for the big-screen experience. Many jokes become funnier because they are enjoyed collectively. The whistles, applause and laughter inside a packed theatre become an extension of the film itself. That's something no OTT platform can replicate. Directed by Ahmed Khan, the film boasts one of the biggest ensemble casts in recent Hindi cinema, featuring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Farida Jalal, Johnny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Aftab Shivdasani, Mukesh Tiwari, Yashpal Sharma, Kiran Kumar, Zakir Hussain, Vindu Dara Singh, Urvashi Rautela, Hemant Pandey, Brijendra Kala, Feroze Khan (Arjun), Late Pankaj Dheer, Puneet Issar, Sudesh Berry, Jeetu Verma, Vrihi Kodvara, Adityaa Singgh and Bhagya Bhanushali. Presented by A.A. Nadiadwala, Cape of Good Films and Star Studios in association with Seeta Films and Rakesh Dang, the film is a Base Industries Group production produced by Rakesh Dang and Vedant Vikaas Baali, and produced by Firoz A. Nadiadwala. If your expectation is meaningful cinema, look elsewhere. But if you simply want to laugh, switch off your brain and enjoy a grand Bollywood entertainer with your family, Welcome To The Jungle delivers exactly what it promises. Sometimes, that's more than enough. Director : Ahmed Khan, Producer : Firoz A Nadiadwala Cast : Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aj1hFVbRV8_Qf44R_welcometothejungle.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-25T15:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-welcome-to-the-jungle"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Cocktail 2'"},"content":{"text":"Some relationships don’t end because people stop loving each other. They end because love alone isn’t always enough. Backed by Maddock Films and producer Dinesh Vijan, a banner known for delivering some of the most memorable entertainers and relationship dramas in recent years, Cocktail 2 is yet another winner. Directed by Homi Adajania, the film explores modern relationships with warmth, maturity and emotional honesty, resulting in a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. While the original film thrived on youthful chaos, Cocktail 2 takes a more mature route. It examines what happens when comfort begins to replace excitement, when commitment feels heavier than romance, and when life forces people to question whether the relationship they’ve built is still the one they truly want. The Story: Kunal (Shahid Kapoor) and Diya (Rashmika Mandanna) have been together for years. What started as a college romance has survived distance, changing priorities and the challenges of adulthood. Their relationship is comfortable, familiar and seemingly stable, but beneath the surface, cracks have begun to appear. Diya finds herself grappling with expectations around marriage and commitment, while Kunal continues holding on to a version of their relationship that may no longer exist. Their lives take an unexpected turn during a trip to Sicily, where they meet Ally (Kriti Sanon), a free spirited woman who lives entirely on her own terms. As the three grow closer, the film gradually unfolds into something far more complex than a traditional love triangle. Friendships blur into emotional attachments, loyalties are tested and difficult questions emerge about love, compatibility and personal happiness. What makes the narrative work is that it never reduces its characters to heroes or villains. Everyone is flawed, everyone makes mistakes and that honesty gives the film its emotional weight. Performances: Shahid Kapoor delivers one of his most mature performances in recent years. Kunal is a character filled with contradictions and Shahid captures every shade beautifully. Whether he’s expressing quiet heartbreak, frustration or vulnerability, he keeps the audience invested throughout. Rashmika Mandanna brings warmth and authenticity to Diya. Many of her moments feel incredibly relatable, particularly when she navigates the pressures placed on women regarding relationships and life choices. She handles both the lighter and emotionally intense scenes with confidence and restraint. Kriti Sanon is exceptional as Ally. What initially appears to be a carefree and impulsive character slowly reveals surprising emotional depth. Kriti balances Ally’s charm, unpredictability and vulnerability effortlessly, creating one of the film’s most memorable performances. Together, the trio share terrific chemistry. Their interactions feel natural and lived-in, making every friendship, confrontation and emotional conflict feel genuine. Kriti and Rashmika also share some thoroughly entertaining moments, adding another engaging layer to the film’s relationship dynamics. Writing, Dialogues and Relationships: One of the film’s biggest strengths is its writing. The relationships feel layered and believable, with conversations that reflect how people actually communicate rather than how movie characters are expected to speak. The dialogues are sharp, mature and emotionally effective. Several confrontations land with impact because they come from a place of truth rather than melodrama. The film consistently keeps you invested in its characters and the choices they make, while balancing romance, friendship and self-discovery with remarkable ease. Music and Visuals: Pritam’s music blends seamlessly into the storytelling, elevating both the emotional and romantic moments. The songs never interrupt the narrative and instead become a natural extension of it. Visually, the film is stunning. Sicily provides a breathtaking backdrop, with every frame looking postcard worthy without ever feeling excessive. The cinematography, fashion and overall production design add tremendous richness to the viewing experience, making the film as beautiful to look at as it is emotionally engaging. What Could Have Worked Better: A few emotional stretches in the latter half could have been slightly more concise. The Verdict: Cocktail 2 is a beautifully crafted film about love, friendship, self discovery and the difficult choices that come with growing up. It doesn’t offer easy answers and that’s precisely what makes it work. Produced by Maddock Films and Luv Films, backed by outstanding performances from Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, thoughtful writing, gorgeous visuals and strong emotional payoffs, the film delivers a deeply satisfying experience. A heartfelt, visually stunning and emotionally resonant drama that reminds us that sometimes the hardest part of love isn’t finding it, it’s understanding what to do with it once you have it. The result is a relationship drama that stays with you long after the credits roll. Banner: Maddock Films and Luv Films Producer: Dinesh Vijan Director: Homi Adajania Music: Pritam Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Kriti Sanon and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ah7YRgeQX7-eWjSA_cocktail2.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-19T04:48:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-cocktail-2"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Maa Inti Bangaram'"},"content":{"text":"At a time when it was widely assumed Samantha had limited her career to Bollywood, all eyes are on this Telugu film she has undertaken. It is well known that Samantha has previously worked under Nandini Reddy's direction; their collaboration naturally generates positive buzz. Furthermore, expectations have soared because the film is produced by Raj Nidimoru. Let us see in this review whether the movie lives up to those expectations. Story: Swarna (Samantha), who entered into a love marriage with Anirudh (Diganth Manchale), steps into her in-laws' home after a long time due to certain circumstances. She struggles to fit into the joint family environment. Despite the difficulties, she makes earnest efforts to bond with the family members and win their approval. Swarna carries a past—a flashback—associated with her love marriage. This flashback becomes the source of emerging problems within her in-laws' household.  What are these problems? What exactly is Swarna's flashback? To find out what Swarna did at her in-laws' house, one simply has to watch the movie. Performances: Samantha’s acting needs no special introduction. The action sequences she performed in this film are impressive; seeing her execute action scenes while dressed in a traditional saree felt fresh and novel. She delivered a performance that felt distinct—and even better—than her work in previous films. Beyond action, she also showcased her acting prowess in emotional and dramatic scenes. It is evident that she poured her experience into the role, truly doing justice to the character of Swarna. Her appearance seemed slightly different compared to the past, but that change suited the character perfectly.  Overall, Samantha succeeded in fully justifying the role she chose. The supporting cast performed well within the scope of their roles; Gulshan Devaiah, in particular, stood out, and his portrayal of the villain was impressive. Gautami had limited screen time but made a good impression within that scope. Sreemukhi also impressed with a different look. Technical: Director Nandini Reddy has once again presented a unique concept to the audience, and her direction is impressive. The storytelling and screenplay could have benefited from a bit more detail. Some of the dialogues are excellent, particularly those in the emotional scenes, which are truly touching. The music is decent; one or two songs have already gained popularity among the audience, though there isn't much else to highlight regarding the soundtrack beyond those tracks.  However, the background score was impressive. The cinematography was good; Om Prakash’s work made the action scenes appear quite realistic, ensuring the film remained engaging. The cinematography also deserves praise for how it presented Samantha’s look. The production values ​​align well with the story. Apart from minor editing flaws, everything else was solid. Analysis: The mere mention of a Samantha film generates audience interest comparable to that of movies starring big male stars. Director Nandini Reddy lived up to this expectation by weaving the story around a massive flashback sequence, much like those seen in big-star films. However, there are some illogical scenes. More care could have been taken with the dramatic elements; specifically, the portrayal of the new daughter-in-law's conduct in her in-laws' home didn't feel quite right.  Additionally, there were some issues in seamlessly connecting the flashback episode to the present-day narrative. An effort was made to deliver good entertainment. Overall, the film appeals to the average viewer, particularly family audiences. If one overlooks a few illogical scenes, the movie is enjoyable. It is a must-watch for Samantha’s fans and serves as a good \"time-pass\" movie for general audiences. Plus Points: Samantha, Flashback scenes, Action sequences.  Minus Points: Some illogical scenes, Boring moments here and there, Lack of mass elements. Verdict: A film that Samantha's fans will appreciate Banner: Tralala Moving Pictures Producers: Samantha, Raj Nidimoru, Himank Reddy Duvvuru Director: B.V. Nandini Reddy Music: Santhosh Narayanan Cast: Samantha, Sreemukhi, Gulshan Devaiah, Diganth Manchale, Gautami, Srinivas Gavireddy, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ajUbm41P9HI4UuRN_MIB.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-19T07:36:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-maa-inti-bangaram"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai'"},"content":{"text":"Some films are designed to make you think. Others are designed to make you laugh till your cheeks hurt. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, directed by David Dhawan, proudly belongs to the latter category. Loaded with misunderstandings, larger-than-life characters, romance, family drama and non-stop comedy, the film embraces the classic Bollywood entertainer template and delivers exactly what it promises. Written by David Dhawan with screenplay by Yunus Sajawal and dialogues by Farhad Samji, the film thrives on its energetic storytelling and unapologetically chaotic humour. The Story: At the heart of the film is Jass, a lovable and impulsive man whose life takes an unexpected turn when personal relationships, family expectations and a series of unfortunate circumstances collide at the same time. Without revealing too much, the story follows Jass as he finds himself caught in an increasingly complicated situation involving his estranged wife Baani and Preet, a woman who unexpectedly enters his life. What begins as a relationship drama soon snowballs into a full-fledged comedy of errors, leading to a chain of misunderstandings, secrets and hilarious situations. The narrative constantly throws Jass from one problem into another, ensuring there is never a dull moment. While the premise is outrageous, the film fully commits to its madness, making the ride entertaining from start to finish. Performances: Varun Dhawan is in his element as Jass. His comic timing, boundless energy and natural screen presence carry the film effortlessly. He understands the rhythm of David Dhawan's brand of comedy and delivers a performance that is both charming and consistently entertaining. Mrunal Thakur brings warmth and emotional depth to Baani, ensuring that the character remains relatable amidst the chaos unfolding around her. She balances the film's emotional moments effectively and shares a comfortable chemistry with Varun. Pooja Hegde lights up the screen as Preet. Confident, glamorous and full of spark, she adds freshness to the narrative and keeps the momentum alive whenever she appears. Among the supporting cast, Maniesh Paul is a scene stealer, delivering several laugh-out-loud moments with effortless ease. Jimmy Sheirgill, Chunky Pandey, Kubbra Sait, Rakesh Bedi and Mouni Roy contribute well to the ensemble, each adding their own flavour to the madness. Dialogues and Humour: Farhad Samji's dialogues play a major role in keeping the entertainment quotient high. The punchlines land well, the situational comedy works and several one-liners are likely to draw applause from audiences in packed theatres. The film embraces old-school Bollywood comedy while updating it for contemporary viewers, creating a blend that feels familiar yet accessible. Music and Technical Aspects: The music complements the film's upbeat tone, while the vibrant visuals and colourful production design add to its festive appeal. David Dhawan keeps the pace brisk for most parts, ensuring the narrative rarely loses momentum. What Could Have Worked Better: Some comedic stretches feel slightly overextended and a few situations require audiences to completely suspend disbelief. However, these are minor concerns in a film that is more interested in entertaining than being realistic. Final Word: Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is a quintessential David Dhawan entertainer that embraces confusion, comedy and chaos with complete conviction. Powered by Varun Dhawan's infectious energy, solid support from Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, the film delivers a thoroughly enjoyable big-screen experience. If you're looking for logic, this may not be your destination. If you're looking for laughter, fun and a dose of classic Bollywood masala, this film delivers in abundance."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aiKZMAeQX7-eW1yO_HaiJawaniTohIshqHonaHai.jpg?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-05T03:39:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-hai-jawani-toh-ishq-hona-hai"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Peddi'"},"content":{"text":"Buchi Babu grabbed everyone's attention with his debut film, 'Uppena'. Having grossed over 100 crores with his very first movie, he caught the eye of several star heroes. Even NTR expressed interest in working with him. A project with NTR was confirmed; however, for various reasons, it never materialized.  Buchi Babu subsequently spent the last two years collaborating closely with Ram Charan to bring this film to life. Given the massive hype surrounding it, let's see how the movie actually turned out in this review. Story: The story of 'Peddi' revolves around the journey of a 'sports laborer'—a man named Peddi (Ram Charan)—who is driven by an unwavering determination to showcase the existence of his village to the world. Hailing from a village that doesn't even have a name, Peddi earns his livelihood as a sports laborer. While he has built a good reputation as a cricketer, he eventually comes to believe that true recognition for his village can be achieved not through cricket, but through wrestling. However, recognition for the village does not come through wrestling either. So, how did the entire world eventually come to talk about this nameless village—exactly as 'Peddi' had wished? What daring feat did 'Peddi' undertake to make that happen? That forms the crux of the story.  Performances: Ram Charan’s performance is magnificent. Throughout the entire first half of the film, he captivates the audience in his role as a cricketer. He appears to execute spectacular shots, just like a professional cricketer would; indeed, one feels as though they are watching a genuine cricketer in Ram Charan. It is often said that Ram Charan naturally excels in emotional scenes, and there is absolutely no doubt that he truly lived the emotional moments leading up to the interval and during the film's climax. Furthermore, he elevated the musical numbers to extraordinary heights through his dancing—going above and beyond what was expected. Ram Charan showcases his absolute best dancing skills in this movie. He also impresses equally in both the action sequences and the sports-centric scenes. As for the female lead, Janhvi Kapoor—while she is credited as the heroine, she has very little scope to perform and is not an integral part of the core narrative. Moreover, her screen presence is shockingly brief. Janhvi Kapoor practically disappears entirely during the second half of the film. However, it must be noted that she did manage to grab some attention in the first half by flaunting her physique.  Jagapathi Babu, who appears in the first half, delivers a captivating performance in his emotional scenes. Meanwhile, Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar impresses in his role as a wrestling mentor; his mere look alone wins over half the audience, and his acting prowess requires no special mention. Finally, it must be stated that none of the other supporting characters were given any significant prominence. Technical: The film's music has been a prominent topic of discussion right from the very beginning. Director Buchi Babu made a deliberate and specific choice to enlist A.R. Rahman as the music director for the film. Consequently, everyone anticipated that 'Peddi' would capture the audience's attention primarily through its musical elements. True to expectations, the songs proved to be a resounding success. Furthermore, the background score was equally impressive; with the exception of one or two isolated moments, Rahman's background music was captivating throughout the rest of the film. The cinematography also earns high marks. A commendable effort was made to authentically depict the atmosphere and conditions of the 1990s era. The camera work was particularly effective in a few sequences—most notably during the sports scenes. The first half of the film felt somewhat dragged out, suggesting that the editing could have been tighter. The production values, however, were excellent. Director Buchi Babu selected a compelling core concept; yet, it felt as though he was unable to craft a screenplay that did full justice to that premise. Some of the dialogues were well-written. Analysis: Buchi Babu has garnered a strong reputation as a director who managed to achieve a ₹100-crore box office collection with his very first film. Moreover, since the outset, there has been considerable buzz suggesting that he is in no way inferior to his mentor, Sukumar. Reports have surfaced claiming that this particular story—which was originally penned with NTR in mind—was ultimately filmed with Ram Charan. Leaving aside the veracity of those reports, it appears that Ram Charan gave his approval to the project based solely on the strength of the story's core premise. However, watching the film makes it evident that a compelling premise alone is not sufficient to carry an entire movie. The narrative centers on the protagonist participating in three distinct sports to showcase the existence and identity of his hometown to the world. Given this premise, it was imperative that the portrayal of these specific sports be significantly elevated and given greater prominence within the film. Apart from cricket, no other sport was given significant prominence.  The first half dragged on in a boring manner. The second half was somewhat passable, barring a few emotional scenes. It must be said that Director Buchi Babu failed to effectively showcase the sports elements—which are absolutely crucial to the screenplay. With the exception of a few sequences, the majority of the film feels tedious. However, there is no doubt that this serves as a delightful treat for Ram Charan's fans. Viewed from a fan's perspective, the film earns high marks; yet, it must be acknowledged that for a regular moviegoer, it may not quite hit the mark. Plus Points: Ram Charan A few sports sequences The songs Minus Points: The slow pacing of the first half The screenplay The heroine's role The lack of prominence given to the villains Conclusion... The 'Peddi' games are boring. Banners: Vriddhi Cinemas, Mythri Movie Makers Producers: Venkata Satish Kilaru, Ishan Saxena Direction: Buchi Babu Music: A.R. Rahman Cast: Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, Divyendu, Boman Irani, Upendra, Satya, Chammak Chandra, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aiCF9AeQX7-eWrDe_peddi.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-03T19:52:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-peddi"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: Made in India – A Titan Story"},"content":{"text":"Rarely does a series manage to be both inspiring and cinematically gripping—but Made in India – A Titan Story achieves exactly that, and does it with remarkable finesse. The Story: Where Vision Meets Legacy   At its core, the series is a tribute to belief—the kind that builds institutions. It traces the journey of Xerxes Desai, a man driven by vision, and the unwavering faith J.R.D. Tata placed in him. What unfolds is not just the story of Titan Watches, but of an idea that refused to stay small. It is about ambition, risk, and the quiet power of trust that turns dreams into legacy. Performances That Stay With You   Jim Sarbh delivers one of his most layered performances to date. His portrayal of Xerxes Desai is controlled yet deeply emotional, capturing the vulnerability and determination of a man chasing something bigger than himself. Naseeruddin Shah, as J.R.D. Tata, is understated brilliance. Even with limited screen time, his presence defines the emotional spine of the series—commanding, graceful, and quietly powerful. The ensemble cast adds richness to the narrative. Each character feels lived-in and purposeful—whether it’s Namita Dubey’s sincerity, Lakshveer Saran’s emotional weight, or Kaveri Seth’s authenticity. Supporting performances from Vaibhav Tatwawadi, Paresh Ganatra, Ashwath Bhatt, Viraf Patel, Joy Sengupta, and Prateeksha Lonkar create a world that feels real and immersive. Craft, Scale, and Storytelling :  Director Robbie Grewal handles the material with precision and maturity, allowing the story to breathe while maintaining a steady narrative grip. The storytelling never feels rushed, yet never loses momentum. The writing by Karan Vyas is sharp and confident, with dialogues that feel organic yet impactful. Visually, the show carries a cinematic scale—elegant production design, carefully chosen locations, and a background score that subtly amplifies the emotional beats. The integration of classic music adds texture without overwhelming the narrative. Final Word: Backing a story like this requires both courage and conviction, and Almighty Motion Picture deserves credit for bringing it to life. Co-produced with T-Series Films, Made in India – A Titan Story is not just a series—it’s an experience that fills you with immense pride for India and reminds you of the power of vision, perseverance, and nation-building. Patriotism naturally seeps in as the story unfolds. It’s one of a kind story that inspires, engages, and stays with you long after it ends."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ah_UIAeQX7-eWo7C_madeinindia.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-03T05:14:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-made-in-india--a-titan-story"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Drishyam 3'"},"content":{"text":"This film serves as a sequel to 'Drishyam 1' (released in 2013) and 'Drishyam 2' (released in 2021). With the 'Drishyam' franchise, Jeethu Joseph garnered a nationwide fan base. Consequently, whenever a new 'Drishyam 3' installment is announced, it immediately sparks immense curiosity among audiences.  Venkatesh had previously remade the first two 'Drishyam' films, bringing them to the Telugu audience. However, for this third installment, Mohanlal himself has presented the film directly to the Telugu audience today. Despite being a dubbed film, the expectations and interest among the Telugu audience are exceptionally high. Let's see in this review whether the film lives up to those expectations. Story: George (Mohanlal) produces a feature film titled 'Drishyam', based on the actual events that unfolded in his own life. The movie receives a positive reception and garners massive box-office collections. Meanwhile, discussions regarding Varun's murder resurface once again. As the topic of Varun's murder gains traction on social media, George begins looking for suitable alliances to arrange the marriage of his eldest daughter, Anu.  In this sequence of events, Varun's father, Prabhakar (Siddique), devises a plan to reopen the Varun murder case and execute an arrest precisely on the day of Anu's wedding. However, George cleverly manages to evade capture. Nevertheless, George and his family members find themselves in deep trouble due to another plan orchestrated by Prabhakar.  What are these troubles? And how does George manage to protect his family from them? That forms the crux of the film's story. Performances: Just as he impressed audiences with his nuanced and understated acting in the first two installments, Mohanlal once again delivers a captivating performance in this film as a responsible and devoted father. In particular, the anguish he portrays in certain scenes makes him feel truly like a real-life father. There is absolutely no doubt that Mohanlal has delivered a stellar performance as an average father who constantly worries about the future of his two daughters—never going overboard, yet never holding back. There isn't much to say regarding Meena's role, as she was given very little scope to showcase her acting prowess. However, she was impressive in terms of her appearance in the role of a mother, and she performed aptly in accordance with the demands of a character who is a mother to two children. The actresses who played George's daughters were also impressive; their characters have been a continuous presence since the very first installment. Much like in the first two films, their acting and on-screen presence were captivating in this installment as well. However, it must be noted that in this particular film, their screen time and scope for acting were significantly limited. As for the actors playing the supporting roles, their performances were decent and adequate for their respective characters.  Technical: Music director Anil Johnson does not appear to have put in much effort. He relied heavily on the background score used in the first installment. During suspense sequences, the music felt formulaic and uninspired; it should have been composed in a manner that heightened the intrigue.  There are significant flaws in the editing; specifically, many scenes in the first half felt dragged out. Despite the first half being relatively short in duration, it still came across as boring. It appears that director Jeethu Joseph focused more on the protagonist's character and on maintaining the suspense than on the narrative itself this time around.  The production values, as always, remained modest and aligned with the requirements of the story. Analysis: For audiences who have previously watched both installments of the 'Drushyam' franchise in Telugu, watching the dubbed version this time around might feel somewhat unfamiliar. In other words, viewers accustomed to seeing Venkatesh and the other actors in those roles across the first two films may feel slightly disoriented upon seeing Mohanlal and the Malayalam cast. Many scenes also retain a distinct \"Malayalam flavor,\" placing the film quite far removed from a typical Telugu cultural context.  Consequently, it may not be particularly easy for Telugu audiences to fully connect with the story. Nevertheless, for those who enjoyed the previous two installments of the 'Drushyam' franchise, this film is worth a one-time watch. The first half unfolded very slowly and failed to effectively draw the audience into the narrative. Conversely, the second half felt rushed, as if hurrying to reach the climax. Some of the suspense sequences felt forced and shoehorned into the plot.  However, one or two of the twists introduced within the story were engaging. However, on the whole, it must be admitted that the film failed to captivate audiences in the way its predecessors did. Towards the end, a hint was dropped suggesting the possibility of a 'Drishyam 4'. It remains to be seen when that installment will arrive and what form it will take. Plus Points: Mohanlal's performance, The twists in the plot, The main storyline. Minus Points: Slow-paced screenplay in the first half, Editing, Lack of prominence given to characters other than George. Conclusion: This Malayalam 'Drishyam' sequel feels somewhat forced Banner: Aashirvad Cinemas Producer: Antony Perumbavoor Direction: Jeethu Joseph Music: Anil Johnson Cast: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Asha Sharath, Shanthi Mayadevi, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ag7UpaYofJOwHelj_Drushyam3.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-21T09:20:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-drishyam-3"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Aakhri Sawal'"},"content":{"text":"There are films that entertain, there are films that provoke, and then there are films like Aakhri Sawal that arrive like a storm and force an entire nation to confront the questions it has avoided for decades. Directed by Abhijeet Mohan Warang and Produced by Nikhil Nanda, this hard-hitting political drama is not designed to comfort the audience. It is designed to challenge them, disturb them, and leave them thinking long after the credits roll. At a time when mainstream cinema often plays safe, Aakhri Sawal chooses courage. The film openly touches upon some of the nation’s most controversial and emotionally charged subjects — from the demolition of the Babri Masjid to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi — and raises questions that generations have debated but never fully answered. What makes the film even more shocking is the unapologetic honesty with which these conversations are presented. The narrative dares to ask whether organizations like the RSS had deeper involvement in these historic events, and the way the film lays out its perspective and facts leaves the audience stunned. There are moments where the sheer boldness of the writing genuinely makes your jaw drop. Sanjay Dutt delivers what can easily be called one of the most intense performances of his career. This is not the larger-than-life Sanjay Dutt audiences are used to seeing. This is a restrained, wounded, fearless performer carrying the weight of history, anger, and truth in his eyes. Every dialogue lands with impact, and every silent moment speaks even louder. His performance elevates the film from being just politically relevant to emotionally unforgettable. The biggest surprise package, however, is Namashi Chakraborty. He emerges as the soul of the film and proves that he is far more than what audiences expected. His sincerity, emotional depth, and screen presence add an unpredictable energy to the narrative. Several scenes involving him leave a lasting impact and showcase an actor ready for much bigger recognition. One of the strongest aspects of Aakhri Sawal is its newsroom debate sequences. These portions are written with remarkable intensity and intelligence, constantly keeping the audience intrigued. The confrontations feel raw and real, almost like watching a nation argue with itself on screen. Some sequences are so emotionally charged and haunting that they genuinely stir your soul. Visually, the film maintains tension throughout. Every frame carries weight and purpose, ensuring that the audience remains invested till the very end. The storytelling never loses grip despite dealing with layered political and historical themes. Instead of becoming preachy, the film remains emotionally engaging and deeply human. The supporting cast including Amit Sadh, Sameera Reddy, Neetu Chandra and Tridha Choudhury deliver some of their most impactful performances ever, adding further strength to the film’s emotionally heavy narrative. Producer Nikhil Nanda deserves appreciation for backing a subject this fearless and uncompromising. Aakhri Sawal does not feel like just another film. It feels like a conversation India was never prepared to have openly. Bold, unsettling, emotional, and brutally honest, the film succeeds in doing what very few political dramas achieve it makes the audience uncomfortable while also keeping them completely engaged. This is courageous cinema in its purest form."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/agbLRqYofJOwHQ43_aakhrisawal.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-15T06:29:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-aakhri-sawal"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: Daadi Ki Shaadi"},"content":{"text":"The film revolves around Kapil, who is navigating an arranged marriage setup when he meets Sadia Khateeb, his prospective match. Just when things begin to settle into a traditional roka, the situation takes an unexpected turn, Sadia’s daadi announces her own decision to get married, completely shifting the emotional and social dynamics of the family. The story moves to Shimla, where the daadi (Neetu Kapoor) lives alone. Her two sons and daughter rush to Shimla after reading online about her decision to remarry at this age, especially as her phone is switched off, leaving them worried and unable to reach her. Caught in the middle of this chaos is Kapil, who is deeply in love with Sadia Khateeb. Even after his own roka is called off under the belief that his union cannot continue if the daadi is remarrying, he chooses to stay connected to Sadia. He eventually joins the family’s chaotic mission, though with a very different intent: to stop the daadi’s wedding and salvage his own love story in the process. What unfolds is a mix of emotional clashes, comedic misunderstandings, and generational conflict, eventually building towards a surprisingly heartfelt resolution that touches upon family, acceptance, and letting go. Performances: Neetu Kapoor is the undeniable anchor of the film, delivering a graceful yet fearless performance as the daadi. She brings warmth, dignity, and emotional unpredictability, making her character both endearing and impactful. Kapil Sharma balances humour and emotion with ease. His performance feels natural, especially as his character transitions from a hopeful groom to someone emotionally entangled in a much larger family conflict. Sadia Khateeb lends quiet strength to her role, portraying confusion, affection, and emotional restraint with sincerity. She remains the emotional bridge between the chaotic family dynamics. The supporting cast, playing the daadi’s children, effectively drives the central conflict, bringing in frustration, humour, and generational resistance that fuels the narrative. Direction and Writing: The film stands out for its emotional clarity and grounded storytelling, leaning into relatable family dynamics and human reactions. The writing is on point and effective, allowing situations to unfold naturally rather than forcefully. Ashish R Mohan’s direction is confident and patient, often letting silence, reactions, and awkward family exchanges carry as much weight as dialogue. This gives the film its authenticity and emotional depth. Music and Visuals: The music complements the narrative without overwhelming it, subtly enhancing emotional and light-hearted moments. Visually, the film maintains a warm, accessible tone, making the world feel familiar and lived-in. Verdict: A heartfelt, well-crafted family entertainer that blends generational conflict, humour, and emotion into a cohesive experience. It works because of its sincerity and its ability to find humour within emotional chaos. Final Word: Warm, chaotic, and deeply human, this is family cinema done right."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/af2G8qYofJOwG-KX_KapilDaadiKiShaadi.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C874%2C431&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-08T05:59:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"daadi-ki-shaadi-movie-review"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Raja Shivaji'"},"content":{"text":"Riteish Deshmukh returns to direction with Raja Shivaji, and the ambition here is immediately evident. Taking on the roles of actor, writer, and director, he reshapes the familiar historical biopic into something more reflective and immersive. Told through a chapter-based narrative in a bilingual format, the film unfolds less like a conventional drama and more like a carefully written manuscript, measured, deliberate, and emotionally layered. What stands out most is the film’s clear intent: this is not a story of war, but of a warrior. There are no overwhelming, large-scale battle sequences designed purely for spectacle. Instead, the narrative chooses to focus on the making of Shivaji Maharaj, his thoughts, his influences, and the journey that shaped him into a leader. This approach gives the film a quieter strength, allowing it to connect on a more personal level. A significant portion of the film is devoted to Shivaji’s early years and coming-of-age. It thoughtfully explores the lesser-known aspects of his upbringing, placing strong emphasis on the role of his mother, Jijabai. Her presence becomes the emotional anchor of the story, illustrating how values, vision, and resilience were instilled in him long before he became a legendary figure. The focus on family and formative relationships adds richness, making his evolution feel deeply human rather than mythic. At the center, Riteish Deshmukh delivers a restrained and composed performance. His portrayal avoids excessive grandeur, instead leaning into stillness and quiet intensity. As a filmmaker, he shows notable control allowing moments to breathe and trusting the material rather than overdramatizing it. Genelia Deshmukh’s involvement is felt in the film’s emotional texture. There’s a softness in how relationships are handled, a sensitivity that balances the larger historical canvas. This is especially evident in the film’s quieter passages, where personal moments are given as much importance as political developments. Young Rahyl Deshmukh brings a natural charm to the role of the young Shivaji, capturing innocence and curiosity in a way that makes the early chapters particularly engaging and heartfelt. Among the supporting cast, Vidya Balan as Badi Begam leaves a strong impression with a performance marked by subtlety and intelligence. She brings both emotional depth and political nuance without resorting to overt dramatics. Sanjay Dutt’s Afzal Khan is equally compelling - his portrayal carries an underlying tension, defined by cunning, cruelty, and a quiet, looming menace that makes him deeply unsettling.   Fardeen Khan’s Shah Jahan is defined by restraint. Much of his presence is built around observation and waiting particularly in moments linked to the completion of the Taj Mahal giving the character a composed, watchful quality rather than overt authority. Abhishek Bachchan, as Sambhaji, delivers one of the film’s more emotionally layered performances, reflecting the burden of legacy with quiet internal conflict. A brief but impactful cameo by Salman Khan as Jiva Mahala adds emotional weight. The moment resonates not because of scale, but because of the personal loyalty it represents. The supporting ensemble including Bhagyashree as Jijabai, Sachin Khedekar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Boman Irani, Jitendra Joshi, and Amole Gupte ensures that the world feels complete and intentional. Each character contributes meaningfully to the narrative’s emotional and political fabric. Visually, Santosh Sivan’s cinematography lends the film a grounded grandeur. The landscapes feel authentic, and even the action is staged with clarity rather than chaos. Ajay–Atul’s music further elevates the experience, maintaining an emotional rhythm that complements the storytelling without overwhelming it. The blend of Marathi and Hindi elements adds cultural authenticity. Backed by Jio Studios and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under Mumbai Film Company, the film maintains a fine balance between scale and discipline. Its ambition is evident, but it never loses control of its narrative focus. While Raja Shivaji is designed as a Pan-India film, it carries a special resonance for audiences in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Releasing around Maharashtra Day, it feels like more than just a cinematic event, it comes across as a heartfelt cultural tribute.  More than a tale of war, it stands as a lesson in leadership, resilience, and pride, one that deserves to be known and felt by every Indian. Director: Riteish Deshmukh,   Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amole Gupte, Genelia Deshmukh and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/afRcDsBOoF08xh7T_rajashivaji.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-05-01T06:54:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-raja-shivaji"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Decoit'"},"content":{"text":"Known for consistently choosing unique scripts and achieving back-to-back successes in his career, Adivi Sesh took a brief hiatus before making this film. Initially, Shruti Haasan was selected as the female lead; however, she stepped down due to various reasons. Subsequently, Mrunal Thakur was cast as the heroine. With Mrunal's inclusion, expectations surrounding the film soared even higher. Let's see in this review to what extent the film managed to live up to those expectations. Story:  Haridas (Adivi Sesh) and Saraswathi (Mrunal Thakur)—a couple who fell in love and got married—end up separating amidst a series of unexpected circumstances. Haridas lands in prison in connection with a murder case. It is due to Saraswathi that Haridas finds himself incarcerated for the murder. Consequently, he resolves to exact revenge upon her. After escaping from prison, Haridas hatches a plan to flee to Dubai.To facilitate this, he requires a certain amount of money. In the process of trying to acquire those funds, he crosses paths with Saraswathi—only to discover that she has since remarried.  While her husband suffers from a severe illness, Saraswathi faces immense hardships while raising their child. At this critical juncture, what steps does Haridas—who is intent on exacting revenge upon Saraswathi—take? Furthermore, why did Haridas and Saraswathi—who had fallen deeply in love and married—eventually part ways? And how did Haridas become entangled in a murder case? To uncover the answers to these questions, one must watch the film. Performances: It is a well-known fact that Adivi Sesh has repeatedly proven his mettle as an actor. Once again, he has impressed audiences with his performance. Rather than merely acting in the role of Haridas, one could say he truly lived the character; such was the caliber of Adivi Sesh's performance. He earns high praise, particularly for his work in several emotional and action sequences. He also captivated viewers with a look that perfectly suited the demands of the role. Additionally, Adivi Sesh impressed with his acting in the romantic scenes. Overall, although his character in this film is quite distinct from his previous roles, he adapted to it seamlessly and delivered a compelling performance. Mrunal Thakur’s character holds immense significance within the film's narrative. However, in terms of the screenplay, her role did not receive as much prominence as it deserved. It must be noted that there were no specific scenes that truly challenged her to deliver a tour-de-force performance. Mrunal’s acting in the romantic scenes was engaging, while her performance in some of the emotional sequences was merely passable.  Atul Kulkarni did complete justice to his role. As for Anurag Kashyap, he made a strong impression within the limited screen time he was allotted; however, his character certainly warranted greater prominence. The actors who played the supporting roles delivered decent performances. Technical: Director Shaniel Deo chose a unique premise for the story. However, it must be said that he failed to flesh it out into a cohesive narrative. He drove the plot forward using routine sequences; in particular, several scenes felt like rehashes of moments seen in countless other films. There is nothing particularly noteworthy to mention regarding the screenplay either.  As for the music provided by Bheems, there is little to discuss; only one song felt somewhat passable. Bheems failed to impress even with the background score. Although it felt adequate in a scene or two, the music ultimately proved to be a detriment to the film as a whole.  The cinematography was good in certain sequences—specifically, some shots effectively conveyed the sense of being transported back in time. The production values ​​were commendable. Analysis: Compared to Adivi Sesh's previous films, this movie stands out as a distinctly different kind of project. However, the outcome of this film implicitly suggests that if Adivi Sesh were to attempt a movie within a conventional, formulaic format, his dedicated fan base would likely reject it.  The director steered the film using a stereotypical story and narrative structure. Despite Adivi Sesh's undeniable talent, the lack of a strong grip on the screenplay rendered the entire effort futile—much like pouring precious perfume into the ashes. Rumors had already surfaced during the filming stage regarding creative differences over certain scenes.  It appears that, this time around, Adivi Sesh's judgment may have faltered. Mrunal Thakur did justice to her role; however, she should have been given a bit more prominence. The director ought to have exercised greater care regarding the screenplay. Plus Points: Adivi Sesh Cinematography Anurag Kashyap Minus Points: The Heroine's Role Music Story and Screenplay In Conclusion: A story and screenplay that fail to impress. Banner: Annapurna Studios, SS Creations Direction: Shaniyel Deo Producers: Supriya Yarlagadda, Sunil Narang Music: Bheems Ceciroleo Cast: Adivi Sesh, Mrunal Thakur, Atul Kulkarni, Vaibhav, Anurag Kashyap, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adjfdp1ZCF7ETENe_dacoit.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-10T06:31:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-decoit"}}]}},"pageContext":{"isCreatedByStatefulCreatePages":true}}