{"data":{"all":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Varun Tej at TTD with son and family "},"content":{"text":"Popular Telugu actor Varun Tej Konidala on Friday offered prayers along with his entire family at the world famous Tirumala Tirupati temple. Social media was abuzz with videos of the actor, who along with his family members, was seen at the Tirumala temple. The actor was seen carrying his young son Vaayuv inside the temple premises as the family made its way to offer prayers.  For the unaware, actors Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi had revealed the face of their son Vaayuv on the occasion of his first birthday in September this year.  Wishing Vaayuv on his first birthday, Varun Tej had penned an emotional note that read, \"My dear boy, you changed my world in the best way possible. I fell in love with you even before I laid my eyes on you for the first time. Being your father is the most beautiful part of my life. Happy 1st birthday, Vaayuv. I love you, always. (Red heart and kiss emoji) (sic).\" On the work front, Varun Tej will next be seen in director Yadhu Vamsee's film 'Bhari'. Pink Elephant Pictures, the production house producing the film, had, in March this year, released a special motion poster of the film on its social media timelines. It wrote, \"The net is set. The game is ON. Serving up the First Look of #Bhari! A high-voltage drama that is set to shake the stands. #BhariFirstLook #BhariTheFilm.\" The special motion poster released by the makers made it evident that the film, which will be a rural sports drama, will revolve around the sport of volleyball. Produced by Niharika Konidela on behalf of Pink Elephant Pictures, the film is being directed by Yadhu Vamsee, best known for having directed the entertainer 'Committee Kurrollu'. The film is being co-directed by Ravi Sankar D and has Ramesh Manyam as its executive producer.  The film officially went on floors with a traditional pooja ceremony in Hyderabad. Pawan Kalyan was the chief guest at the event, that was attended by a host of celebrities and the film's unit. Music for the rural entertainer is being scored by Anudeep Dev. Cinematography for the film is by Danush Bhaskar and editing by the efficient Anwar Ali. The art direction team is being led by Vishnu Vardhan Pulla and costumes for the film are being designed by Aishwarya Rajeev. The story of the film, which seems to have been set at a time when the usage of Rs 1000 notes was prevalent, has been penned by four people namely Venkat Subhash Cheerla, Utham Lekkala, Ranjith Marreddy and Vickey."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/7rfYN-YI66V_8B7e_varuntejttd.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T14:39:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"varun-tej-at-ttd-with-son-and-family-"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"'Om' to hit screens on November 20 "},"content":{"text":"Director Rajkumar Periasamy's eagerly awaited action entertainer 'Om', featuring Tamil star Dhanush and Malayalam superstar Mammootty in the lead, will now hit screens on November 20 this year, its makers announced on Friday.  Wunderbar Films, the production house of actor Dhanush, which is producing the film took to its social media timelines to make the announcement.  It wrote, \"The Day for the Ultimate Strike is Here. #OM Hits theatres worldwide on November 20, 2026.A @Rajkumar_KP Film. @dhanushkraja @mammukka @Sai_Pallavi92 @RTakeStudios @wunderbarfilms @SaiAbhyankkar #NaseeruddinShah @sreeleela14 @Shra2309 @azy905 @theSreyas @sandy_sashr.\" It may be recalled that the makers had originally planned to release the film on October 16. However, actor Dhanush, in a statement, announced the film's postponement. He said that they had chosen to postpone the release of their film out of respect for Superstar Rajinikanth, whose film Jailer 2 is slated to hit screens on October 15. Dhanush had also made it clear that their film would not be releasing for Deepavali as Suriya's film had already been announced for the same date. The actor and producer had said that they would announce a new date of release for their film very soon. Now, they have announced November 20 as the date of release for their film.  The film has triggered huge interest in fans and film buffs as this is the first time that Dhanush and Mammootty are collaborating on a project. Director Rajkumar Periasamy had disclosed earlier that Mammootty plays a character called Karthikeyan the film. Participating in the title teaser launch event of the film which was held in June this year, Rajkumar Periasamy had disclosed that Malayalam superstar Mammootty played a character called Karthikeyan in the film and that 60 to 65 per cent of filming had then been completed. For the unaware, the unit of the film had recently shot in Malaysia. Mammootty had also jointly celebrated his recent National Award win with three other National Award winners -- Dhanush, director Rajkumar Periasamy and editor Kalaivanan -- on the sets of the film. Bollywood star Naseeruddin Shah too is a part of this film. The film's title has a tagline called Chapter 1 indicating that there could be a sequel. A title teaser that the makers had released some time back had showed that the story revolves around those cutting red sanders for a living. Dhanush himself plays a woodcutter in the film. The teaser showed police personnel rounding up woodcutters chopping red sanders illegally. As they hold the workers hostage at gunpoint, Dhanush was seen coming to their rescue. Wunderbar Films Head Sreyas, while speaking at the title teaser launch event, had disclosed that this would be one of the biggest budget films in Dhanush's career. He had also said that this film would bring back the mass vintage Dhanush that fans had longed to see. The film, which features Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela as the heroines, has music by Sai Abhyankkar. Cinematography for the film is by Ezhil Arasu. Editing for the film is by Kalaivanan R and costumes are by Kavya Sriram."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/FMk5nvkCw2XEmB38_OM.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T13:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"om-to-hit-screens-on-november-20-"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"What turned Catherine into a 'celebrity overnight'"},"content":{"text":"Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta-Jones has shared that the British comedy show \"The Darling Buds of May\", changed her life for the good, and turned her into a \"celebrity overnight\". However, she has said that fame diminished her reputation as an actress. She recently graced ‘The Graham Norton Show’, and said, \"That one hour of television changed my life. I became a celebrity overnight and people sort of forgot I was an actor”. After having more television success in Britain, Catherine made transition from television to Hollywood, and appeared in the 1996 superhero movie ‘The Phantom’, in which she starred opposite Billy Zane. The actress shared that she had to start afresh in Los Angeles as she was unknown in America, whereas in the UK she had become a bona fide celebrity. She said, \"When I went to LA literally nobody knew me, which was a huge ego jolt at first but then extremely humbling, and ultimately very good for me to start afresh”. The actress is set to star in new Amazon Prime Video series ‘Kill Jackie’, in which she essays the role of wealthy art dealer Jackie Price, who discovers she's the target of a lethal squad of hitmen known as The Seven Demons. She said, \"It is a gift of a part. The show is crazy and high-octane and she is really crazy. It is one of those parts and, at 57, the kind of role that is very satisfying, to say the least. Going home was just so incredibly wonderful. It was very fulfilling and to be able to use my own Welsh voice for the very first time was wonderful”."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/b1ce1ef1-0fbd-4373-a35a-a3c3d290c35f_catherine+zeta+zone.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T13:36:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"what-turned-catherine-into-a-celebrity-overnight"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Khloe Kardashian’s Daughter Wants Sibling No. 2"},"content":{"text":"Reality star Khloe Kardashian has shared that her daughter has urged her to have a 3rd child. She has True, 8, and son Tatum, 4, with her 35-year-old ex-partner, basketball player Tristan Thompson. And their eldest child is hoping she can give her a sister using a frozen embryo. She spoke with guest, 33-year-old TV personality Paige DeSorbo on the latest episode of her ‘Khloe in Wonder Land’ podcast. She said, \"All True does, she wants a sister”. Khloe, welcomed Tatum through surrogacy in 2022, said she has an embryo \"in the freezer\" from having IVF with Tristan. The reality star said, \"She's on ice, but I just don't know”. Having 4 sisters, Kourtney Kardashian, 47, Kim Kardashian, 45, Kendall Jenner, 30, and 29-year-old Kylie Jenner, has affirmed her belief that \"girls need a sister\". She shared, But am I just programmed to think that?\" Paige does not have a sister, but is very close with her brother, as she said, \"I think being close with your siblings is honestly a testament to your parents because I know a lot of siblings who don't even speak”. She shared that she and her brother's fiancee treat each other like sisters, as she said, \"She doesn't have a sister. I don't have a sister. The other I went to FaceTime her, and she was at my mom's house. I was like, ‘Oh my god, I was just calling to check in on my sister’”. Khloe said, \"That is your new sister. True can still have that, without the freezer baby”."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/8Frc-NM2HGDtyLY4_khole.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T12:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"khloe-kardashians-daughter-wants-sibling-no.-2"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics","featured","four"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"KTR Declares Victory Over Congress"},"content":{"text":"In a pointed rebuttal to the Congress party's sustained campaign against the Kaleshwaram project, BRS working president KT Rama Rao declared that recent judicial findings have dismantled the 'false narratives' propagated by Congress leaders, including Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The Telangana High Court's verdict on the PC Ghose commission not only affirmed the project's integrity but also served as a clarion call against what KTR labeled as a politically motivated smear campaign. This ruling, he asserted, symbolizes a significant triumph for the farmers of Telangana, countering years of misinformation that threatened the project’s credibility and viability. KTR articulated that the narrative suggesting the project's collapse was not only exaggerated but also meticulously orchestrated by Congress to undermine the BRS government's achievements. He emphasized that the Kaleshwaram project, a ₹94,000 crore venture, has only experienced limited structural damage amounting to about ₹400 crore in repairs, a fact he believes starkly contrasts with the dire portrayals insinuated by the opposition. The BRS leader further contended that while the contracting agency expressed readiness to commence repairs, actions to obstruct this process indicated an ulterior motive to misrepresent the project’s status. The backdrop of this political clash is steeped in the historical rivalry between the BRS and Congress, particularly as the latter grapples with its declining influence in Telangana since the bifurcation in 2014. KTR accused both the Congress and BJP of conspiring to destabilize the project, linking their actions to a broader strategy of undermining Telangana's agricultural development. The court's ruling is being framed as a pivotal moment in this ongoing narrative, with KTR urging Congress to cease its politicization of the issue and instead focus on restoring operations that are crucial for the region's farmers. In his critique, KTR did not shy away from addressing the BJP’s role, chastising Union minister Bandi Sanjay for his incendiary remarks about financial misconduct involving Congress leaders. He provocatively questioned the responsibility of the Union home ministry in addressing such allegations, asserting that Sanjay, in his capacity, should elevate his discourse beyond local politics. By calling for a unified focus on governance rather than “cheap publicity,” KTR is positioning the BRS as a defender of Telangana's irrigation future at a time when its viability hangs in the balance amidst political machinations."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Zy0Awa8jQArT0i1g_KTR.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T16:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"ktr-declares-victory-over-congress"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","three"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Sundeep Kishan Salutes Jason’s Grind"},"content":{"text":"Actor Sundeep Kishan, who plays the lead in director Jason Sanjay's 'Sigma', has now disclosed that the young, first-time director did not expect any privileges for being the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and that he worked harder than, if not as hard as any other person in the unit.  Talking to media, Sundeep Kishan, while replying to a question on the challenges that Jason Sanjay and he faced while making 'Sigma', said, \"Beyond challenges, we see it as our responsibility. We want everyone who comes for this film to say that it was a good thing that they came for this film. Anything more than that is a bonus. It is towards this goal that we have put in a lot of effort. The director has put in a lot of effort.\" He went on to add, \"I am telling you very honestly. I have worked with a lot of first-time directors, I have also worked with very big directors. He (Jason Sanjay) has worked harder than, or just as hard as any other person.\" When asked if no special privileges were accorded to Jason Sanjay because of being the Chief Minister's son? Sundeep Kishan replied, \"He has made a film on a budget meant for Sundeep Kishan. He was given 70 days time to make the film and he completed it in 63 days. If he had gone and asked for an increase in budget by about 10 more crores, they would have given it. If he had asked for an additional 20 days, the production house would have supported it. Lyca would do it for any director. But Jason Sanjay never took advantage at any point.\" For the unaware, 'Sigma', which features Sundeep Kishan and Faria Abdullah in the lead, hit screens worldwide on October 2."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/jUk7hQxaNClNk2up_sundeepjason.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T15:31:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"sundeep-kishan-salutes-jasons-grind"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","two"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"PC Sparks Excitement at AMB Cinemas"},"content":{"text":"In a significant nod to her upcoming cinematic venture, global superstar Priyanka Chopra Jonas graced Hyderabad's AMB Cinemas, igniting a fervor among fans eager for her return to Indian cinema. The actress's visit is intricately linked to her role in the highly anticipated film Varanasi, in which she stars alongside Telugu film icon Mahesh Babu. The event, marked by a warm reception from Babu's wife and former actress Namrata Shirodkar, saw social media erupt with celebratory posts, further amplifying the buzz surrounding the film. AMB Cinemas, owned by Mahesh Babu, lends an additional layer of significance to Chopra's appearance. Not only does this highlight the collaboration between two titans of the film industry, but it also showcases the synergy of their star power as they prepare audiences for an epic narrative. The theatre's official social media accounts shared images of Chopra's visit along with a heartfelt tribute, emphasizing her presence as emblematic of the pinnacle of cinematic experiences at AMB Cinemas. This strategic promotion aligns perfectly with the growing excitement surrounding Varanasi, a film that promises to be a groundbreaking addition to Indian cinema. Directed by the esteemed S. S. Rajamouli, known for his ambitious storytelling and visually stunning productions, Varanasi is set to redefine the standards of Indian filmmaking. The project is already being lauded for its unprecedented scale, incorporating IMAX technology and featuring breathtaking locations across multiple continents. This film represents a critical milestone in Chopra's career, marking her re-entry into the Indian film industry after a notable hiatus, thereby elevating expectations for its release. Alongside Chopra and Babu, the cast includes acclaimed actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, who is expected to deliver a gripping performance in a complex role. The musical score will be the collaboration of Rajamouli and Oscar-winning composer M. M. Keeravani, promising an auditory experience that complements the film's visual grandeur. With a scheduled release date of April 7, 2027, Varanasi is already positioned to be one of the most significant cinematic events in the coming years, setting the stage for a compelling narrative that blends tradition with innovation."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/YRiM-CZMhNTONXr4_pc.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C5%2C620%2C306&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T15:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"pc-sparks-excitement-at-amb-cinemas"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"India emerging as global space power"},"content":{"text":"India is rapidly emerging as a global space power. From Aryabhata in 1975 to Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, Gaganyaan and the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station, India has progressed from the early use of space technology for development to the frontiers of scientific exploration and is now moving towards human spaceflight, according to an article in Tanzania’s The Guardian newspaper.  It also highlights that India’s space programme is not confined to rockets and satellites, but is increasingly a powerful engine of innovation, industrial development, employment, scientific research and socio-economic transformation. Space technologies today touch communications, agriculture, education, healthcare, disaster management, environmental protection, navigation and everyday economic activity. India is, therefore, moving towards a new identity as an increasingly important developer, explorer and provider of space capabilities worldwide. The success of Chandrayaan-3 in 2023 demonstrated India’s ability to achieve a highly complex lunar landing. Aditya-L1 subsequently extended India’s scientific reach towards the Sun. SpaDeX demonstrated orbital docking capabilities, while Gaganyaan is preparing the country for human spaceflight. The more ambitious Chandrayaan-4 project, approved in 2024, is designed to land on the Moon, collect samples and return them to Earth. Sample-return missions require far greater technological sophistication than a landing alone, involving multiple launches, rendezvous and docking, sample collection, ascent from the lunar surface and a safe return to Earth, the article observes. India’s planetary ambitions are expanding, with 'Shukrayaan' (Venus Orbiter Mission) targeted for launch in March 2028 to study Venus’s atmosphere, surface and subsurface, offering insights into planetary evolution and habitability. Meanwhile, Aditya-L1, positioned about 1.5 million km from Earth, studies solar activity and space weather. The most visible symbol of India’s technological transition may be Gaganyaan, the country’s human spaceflight programme. Human spaceflight requires a much higher level of reliability. Crew escape systems, life-support technologies, parachutes, re-entry systems and extensive testing are essential before astronauts can travel safely into space. India has therefore adopted a phased approach, using uncrewed missions to validate critical systems before undertaking crewed flights, the article states. Gaganyaan is now part of a much larger vision. The Bharatiya Antariksh Station is targeted to begin with its first module in 2028, with the broader station envisaged for completion by 2035. The long-term roadmap also includes a crewed Indian lunar mission by 2040. This progression from satellites to astronauts, to a space station, and eventually to the Moon illustrates the scale of India’s emerging ambitions, the article observes. The greatest contribution of India’s space programme may ultimately be felt here on Earth. Satellite technology has become essential for weather forecasting, agriculture, navigation, communications, disaster management and environmental monitoring. Earth-observation satellites can help identify vulnerable areas before floods, cyclones and landslides, while satellite communications can support emergency response in remote regions. Space-based data supports environmental management by monitoring forests, water bodies, urban expansion, pollution and weather patterns, thereby strengthening climate action and disaster preparedness. Satellite communications can expand access to healthcare in remote areas, while augmented and virtual reality enable medical education and training. India’s space programme is, therefore, advancing inclusive development by connecting technologically advanced centres with remote and underserved communities. India’s space programme is also delivering broader technological benefits across the economy. Innovations in advanced electronics, sensors, materials, communications, navigation and manufacturing are finding applications beyond space missions. Technology transfers are strengthening domestic manufacturing and enabling Indian enterprises to enter sophisticated supply chains. More than 900 application-specific integrated circuits developed by ISRO’s Semi-Conductor Laboratory for railway locomotives illustrate this cross-sector impact. Thus, space investment creates a multiplier effect by generating knowledge, intellectual property, engineering expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and new commercial opportunities across the economy, the article added."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0FBkggez5SiPbyUT_spacepoer.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T09:16:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"india-emerging-as-global-space-power"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Viveka case: ED issues notice to MP Avinash Reddy"},"content":{"text":"The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a notice to Kadapa MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy and directed him to appear before it on October 14 in connection with the investigation into alleged financial transactions related to the murder of his uncle and former Andhra Pradesh minister Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy.  Avinash Reddy, one of the accused in the 2019 murder case, is the cousin of former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. After questioning Yerra Gangi Reddy and other accused in connection with the alleged financial transactions linked to the case, the ED has now summoned the YSR Congress Party MP. Gangi Reddy appeared before the ED officials in Hyderabad for two days (September 28 and 29).  The Central agency also questioned Uma Shankar Reddy, Sunil Yadav and Shaik Dastagiri, an accused-turned-approver, as part of the probe into the alleged money laundering and financial transactions connected with the murder conspiracy. The ED last week questioned and recorded Sunil Yadav’s statement. Gangi Reddy and Umashankar Reddy were reportedly questioned based on this statement. The agency is probing the financial transactions before the murder as the CBI suspects that Rs 40 crore ‘supari’ (contract) was offered to the accused to kill Vivekananda Reddy. The ED began a money laundering probe on the basis of the case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the charge sheets filed by it. It was in August last year that the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR). The ED is also looking into the alleged transfer of Rs 4 crore and the payment of Rs 1 crore as an advance to Shaik Dastagiri. Last month, the ED conducted searches at multiple locations, including the premises linked to Avinash Reddy, his father Y.S. Bhaskar Reddy, and other accused in the murder case. Vivekananda Reddy, brother of former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), and uncle of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, was murdered at his residence in Pulivendula on March 15, 2019, weeks before the elections. The 68-year-old former state minister and former MP was alone at his house when unidentified persons barged in and killed him. The CBI took over the investigation in 2020 at the direction of the Andhra Pradesh High Court while hearing a petition by Vivekananda Reddy's daughter, Sunitha Reddy, who raised suspicion about some relatives. Expediting the probe, the CBI in 2023 arrested Bhaskar Reddy and his follower, Uday Kumar Reddy. It filed the first charge sheet in the case in 2021 and supplementary charge sheets in 2022 and 2023."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/a7efe7c3-0e87-4bef-b6bc-81a84b64ce3b_avinash+reddy.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T08:05:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"viveka-case-ed-issues-notice-to-mp-avinash-reddy"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Revanth’s Mission: KCR-KTR Turf"},"content":{"text":"Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has intensified his political offensive against the BRS leadership, with Sircilla emerging as a key battleground in his strategy. During his first visit to Sircilla as Chief Minister, Revanth directly targeted BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao, turning the constituency into the centre of a broader political confrontation. Sircilla has been represented by KTR since 2009, making the visit symbolically significant for the Congress. Revanth highlighted his government’s spending on the handloom sector and claimed that it had cleared ₹500 crore in pending dues left by the previous government. The political messaging, however, went well beyond development issues. Revanth openly challenged the BRS to face the Congress in Sircilla in the next Assembly election and promised that the Congress candidate elected from the constituency would be inducted into the state Cabinet. He had already identified Sircilla and Gajwel—the constituencies represented by KTR and former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao respectively—as key targets for Congress in the next election. In September, Revanth had said the party would seek to establish its presence in these BRS strongholds, and his latest Sircilla visit has given that campaign a more direct shape. The significance of the Sircilla campaign lies in the political symbolism attached to the constituency. For the Congress, challenging KTR on his home turf offers an opportunity to project its confrontation with the BRS at one of the party’s most recognisable strongholds. Revanth has also been linking the contest to questions over the development of Sircilla and the condition of its handloom community. The Telangana government says it has spent ₹1,741 crore on weavers during the first 1,000 days of its tenure, while BRS leaders have countered that the Chief Minister’s visit focused excessively on attacks against KCR and KTR rather than announcing fresh measures for the weaving sector. Revanth’s approach therefore appears to be about more than a single constituency. By repeatedly naming Gajwel and Sircilla alongside other BRS strongholds, the Chief Minister is framing the next Assembly contest as a broader challenge to the BRS leadership. At the same time, the Congress will have to translate this high-profile political campaign into organisational strength and electoral support on the ground. Revanth has already made strong claims about Congress returning to power in the next election, but those remain political assertions rather than established outcomes. For now, his Sircilla campaign has clearly raised the stakes around KTR’s constituency and added another prominent front to the Congress-BRS contest."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/en0OnIWf9qRAXrhR_rrkcrktr.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T05:34:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"revanths-mission-kcr-ktr-turf"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Chahal retires from first-class cricket"},"content":{"text":"Veteran Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal on Friday announced his retirement from first-class cricket, acknowledging that his long-cherished dream of earning a Test cap was no longer within reach, while adding that he remains committed to competing in white-ball formats.  Chahal, who has represented India in 72 ODIs and 80 T20Is, never got the opportunity to don the Test whites despite a 17-year career in domestic and county circuits. His last international appearance came during a T20I against the West Indies in August 2023. “The first cricket ball I ever held was a red ball. I was 10 years old, and I had no idea then how deeply I would fall in love with this game. For me, red-ball cricket was never just another format. It was where I learned the meaning of patience, character, resilience and the pure joy of being out there for hours, fighting for every run and every wicket. “I played my last First-Class match at Lords, saying these words is emotional as a Test cap was always a dream, one that I carried with me for many years. It may not have happened, but I am genuinely content with the journey I have had and incredibly grateful for every opportunity that came my way in this format. The red ball gave me some of the most beautiful memories of my life, and nothing will ever take that away,” wrote Chahal in a post on his Instagram account on Friday. Having made his first-class debut for Haryana back in 2009, Chahal finishes his red-ball career with 148 wickets in 49 matches at an average of 32.27. At the same time, Chahal, a member of India winning the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, made it clear that he has no intention of hanging up his boots in limited-overs cricket, declaring that, “But I AM NOT DONE YET.” “The hunger to play for my country is still very much alive. I believe I have the cricket left in me, and I will give everything I have to earn another opportunity in the One-Day and T20 formats. “A special thank you to the Haryana Cricket Association, Mr. Ranbir Singh Mahindra Sir and Mr. Anirudh Singh Chaudhary Sir for their continuous support, trust and belief throughout my journey. From a 10-year-old holding his first red ball to playing his final First-Class game, it has been one hell of a journey,” added Chahal. While Chahal was rarely a red-ball regular for Haryana, his standout Ranji Trophy season came way back in the 2016/17 season with 33 wickets in seven outings, his final first-class stint saw him shine for Northamptonshire in Division Two of the 2026 County Championship. He picked up 21 wickets at an average of 16.14, the second-best average for any bowler with 20-plus wickets. Chahal’s final first-class match ended in a seven-wicket loss to Middlesex, which ended Northamptonshire's promotion bid. Though sidelined from national selection in recent times, Chahal, IPL’s leading wicket-taker, has maintained his white-ball pedigree. Apart from turning out for Punjab Kings in the IPL, Chahal played a starring role in Haryana’s 2023/24 Vijay Hazare Trophy title win with 18 wickets at 14.83, alongside regular appearances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy and three seasons of representing Northamptonshire in the One-Day Cup in England."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/f32ea6db-acab-41e6-a871-20b52c8388e1_chahal.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T09:06:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"chahal-retires-from-first-class-cricket"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Jason Sanjay’s Directorial Debut Begins"},"content":{"text":"Stating that he was extremely excited and at the same time, equally anxious about the release of his film 'Sigma', the film's director Jason Sanjay, who is also the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, has now pointed out that he was another debutant director stepping into \"this vast ocean of talent called cinema\".   In a statement, Jason Sanjay, who is making his debut as a director with 'Sigma', said, \"I am extremely excited about the release of Sigma, and at the same time, I am equally anxious. The hype and expectations surrounding the film are immense, and I am confident that we will live up to them.\" He went on to add, \"Sigma is releasing worldwide in theatres on October 2, with Sakthi Film Distributors bringing the film to audiences. We have chosen a genre and a visual colour palette that we believe will connect strongly with the expectations of today’s audience. As a team, we have put in everything possible to deliver an engaging and entertaining cinematic experience.\" The young director also expressed his gratitude to the film's makers and his team.  \"I am immensely thankful to Subas Karan, Chairman, Lyca Productions, for placing his trust in me and giving me the responsibility of directing Sigma. I am equally grateful to Tamil Kumaran, Head of Lyca Productions, who spearheaded our operations and execution. His constant support and encouragement have been invaluable throughout the journey,\" Jason Sanjay said.  \"I am ever grateful to my actors, Sandeep bro and Faria Abdullah, for trusting me and the script. The film demanded extensive hard work, and both of them gave themselves completely to the process. I must also acknowledge the valuable contribution of senior artistes such as Sampath, Raju Master and the entire cast who supported the film wholeheartedly,\" he observed. \"For any director, especially a debutant, having a DOP with a clear visual vision and a strong support system is a blessing. I consider myself fortunate to have worked with Krishnan Vasanth, whose visual understanding has been instrumental in shaping the film. I am equally blessed to have Praveen KL as our editor. His experience and creative understanding have been a tremendous strength to the project. Thaman needs no introduction. His music and beats are among the chief weapons in our arsenal, adding tremendous energy to the film,\" he said even as he thanked other members of the unit.  Sanjay Jason went on to point out that cinema was ultimately a medium of entertainment.  \"As a team, we have left no stone unturned to make Sigma an entertaining and engaging cinematic saga. We have worked with the intention of creating a film that can cut across regional and linguistic barriers and connect with audiences across territories. I believe confidence in a project must always come with humility. With that confidence and sheer humility, I request audiences to watch Sigma in theatres from October 2 and experience the film with us,\" he urged audiences. He ended his statement saying, \"I am another debutant director stepping into this vast ocean of talent called cinema. At this stage of my journey, the support and acceptance of the audience mean everything to me. Please watch Sigma, support us, and make this journey memorable.\""},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/zpEfldMx7CxlnTHj_jasonsanjay.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-01T18:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"jason-sanjays-directorial-debut-begins"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara’ Year"},"content":{"text":"A year after 'Kantara Chapter 1' made its way to the big screens globally, Rishab Shetty has now reflected on the journey of making the film and the larger world of 'Kantara' that has stayed deeply connected to its roots, culture and people. For Shetty, bringing 'Kantara Chapter 1' to audiences came with a different kind of responsibility. The film was a prequel to a story that had already received immense love, making the task of going back to its roots and expanding its world both challenging and deeply personal. Reflecting on the experience, Rishab Shetty wrote, “The biggest challenge was to bring this prequel to an audience that had already showered Kantara with immense love. To give a prelude, go deeper into its roots, and tell a story that carries the soul of the land was both a responsibility and a privilege.” A major part of that journey, he acknowledged, was the team that worked alongside him to bring the story to life. Expressing his gratitude, Shetty said, “My heartfelt thanks to every single member of my team who stood as my backbone.” While the making of the film was a journey in itself, it was the audience’s response that remained particularly memorable for the filmmaker. Looking back at the moments following the film’s release, he wrote, “The satisfaction I saw on the faces of the audience is still fresh in my mind. That moment, that silence, that applause, and the love that followed will always remain special to me.” The reflection comes at a significant point in the Kantara journey. What began with the first film five years ago has now grown into two stories, with Kantara Chapter 1 taking the narrative further back into the world and origins that form the foundation of the franchise. Shetty expressed hope that the same love and support would continue for everything that lay ahead. “I hope that your love, blessings, and support will continue to be with us in the same way for all our future efforts,” he shared. Summing up the journey in a few words, Shetty wrote, “Five years… Two stories… One dream… An unforgettable journey. I will forever be grateful for all your love.”"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aN4-jZ5xUNkB1ZYP_kantarachapter1.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T09:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rishab-shettys-kantara-year"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"T'gana BJP: Where Is the Political Momentum?"},"content":{"text":"The BJP has established itself as a significant political force in Telangana, but the party now faces the challenge of converting that presence into a broader organisational and electoral expansion. After winning eight Assembly seats with 13.9% of the vote in the 2023 Telangana election, the party also made gains in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Yet its next challenge is to build a stronger base across the state rather than remain concentrated in selected pockets. The appointment of N. Ramchander Rao as Telangana BJP president in July 2025 was accompanied by an explicit focus on grassroots expansion and the upcoming local body elections. Rao said strengthening the party at the village and booth levels would be a priority, while the BJP leadership has also spoken about using local polls as a stepping stone towards the next Assembly election. A new state office-bearer team was subsequently announced, indicating an organisational restructuring under the new leadership. However, the political question is whether these organisational efforts are translating into sustained visibility on the ground. Rao has repeatedly maintained that the BJP's objective is to emerge as a major political force in Telangana. In June, he said the national leadership had provided a roadmap for strengthening the organisation, while in September he publicly declared that the BJP would seek to form the next government. At the same time, the party continues to operate in a political landscape shaped primarily by the Congress government and the BRS opposition, with the BJP seeking to expand beyond its existing areas of influence. This makes the coming local-body electoral cycle particularly important for the Telangana BJP. The party has identified grassroots mobilisation, rural expansion and organisational consolidation as priorities, while the national leadership has publicly assured the state unit of support. The bigger political story, therefore, is not simply whether the BJP is active in Telangana, but whether its current organisational push can produce a wider and more durable presence across the state. The answer will become clearer as the party moves from organisational plans and political rhetoric to electoral contests on the ground."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ag_x_rK9tuLqEEDq_TSBJP.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T04:32:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"tgana-bjp-where-is-the-political-momentum"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"AP Local Polls: Coalition Under Pressure?"},"content":{"text":"The TDP-Jana Sena alliance secured a decisive victory in the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, with both parties repeatedly highlighting the importance of their partnership in defeating the YSRCP. Jana Sena leaders have maintained that the alliance played a crucial role in bringing N. Chandrababu Naidu back as Chief Minister, while political observers have also pointed to the consolidation of anti-YSRCP votes as an important factor behind the electoral outcome. Naidu himself has acknowledged the contribution of the alliance to the victory. Since taking office, the coalition has largely maintained its political arrangement, with Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan receiving the Deputy Chief Minister's post despite the party winning fewer Assembly seats than the TDP. However, the upcoming local body elections could present a different kind of challenge for the coalition. While disagreements between leaders of the two parties have surfaced from time to time, the leadership has so far managed to contain them. Local elections, however, involve a much larger network of grassroots leaders, aspirants and local-level political interests, making seat-sharing more complicated. The central leadership of both parties may remain committed to protecting the alliance, but differences among local leaders over tickets and constituencies could create friction. This has made seat allocation one of the key issues to watch as the parties prepare for the local electoral battle. The debate largely revolves around how the parties should divide seats this time. Some TDP leaders reportedly favour following the broad seat-sharing formula used during the 2024 Assembly elections. Jana Sena leaders, however, argue that the political circumstances have changed and that the party should receive a larger share of seats in areas where it has an established organisational and electoral base. From the Jana Sena's perspective, compromises made during the Assembly elections were part of a larger strategy to preserve the alliance and bring about a change in government. With the coalition now in power, sections of the party believe that local-level strength should have a greater role in determining which party contests particular seats. The local polls could therefore become an important test of how effectively Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan can manage competing political interests within the alliance. A disagreement over individual seats does not automatically mean a breakdown of the coalition, but prolonged disputes at the grassroots level could create political complications if they are not addressed. Both parties have reasons to maintain coordination ahead of the next Assembly election, while simultaneously seeking to expand their own organisational influence. The manner in which the TDP and Jana Sena negotiate the local seat-sharing process could offer an indication of how the alliance manages internal competition while remaining focused on its broader political partnership."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Z36lWpbqstJ99LoA_modicbnpkroadshpw.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T06:39:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"ap-local-polls-coalition-under-pressure"}},{"node":{"tags":["NRI"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"H-1B Relief: Second US Judge Blocks $100K Fee"},"content":{"text":"Thousands of Indian professionals and US employers have received a potential reprieve after a second federal judge blocked the Trump administration from enforcing its controversial $100,000 H-1B visa fee. US District Judge Haywood S. Gilliam Jr. ruled that federal agencies likely failed to follow the legally required rulemaking procedures when implementing the policy. The decision temporarily prevents the relevant agencies from enforcing the measures linked to the original September 2025 proclamation and its September 2026 extension while they comply with the required procedures. The ruling is particularly significant for Indians, who accounted for 71% of approved H-1B petitions in fiscal 2024, according to US immigration data cited in reports. The fee had raised serious concerns among technology companies, healthcare providers, universities and other employers that rely on skilled foreign professionals. The administration has defended its restrictions as a way to protect American workers and curb alleged misuse of the visa programme. What does this mean for Indian IT professionals, students and H-1B aspirants? The latest order offers relief from the challenged fee, but it does not eliminate other H-1B requirements or guarantee visa approval. The legal battle is also not over, with the government’s appeal against an earlier ruling still pending. For Indians planning to work in the US, the key takeaway is to monitor official USCIS guidance and confirm how the court orders apply to their specific petition before making job or travel decisions."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2Fc26fc6a1-82dc-4c92-80f9-5c61d5776d0a_h1b.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,54,1200,592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-01T19:56:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"h-1b-relief-second-us-judge-blocks-100k-fee"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"KTR Throws Open Challenge to Revanth"},"content":{"text":"Telangana’s political temperature is rising again, with BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) challenging Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to order an inquiry by a sitting Supreme Court judge into the assets of both their families, going back to their grandfathers’ generations. Reacting to allegations made by Revanth Reddy at a public meeting in Sircilla, KTR said he was ready to face an investigation and insisted that his family’s assets and business dealings should be examined alongside those of the Chief Minister’s family. Defending his wealth, KTR said his father, former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, had spent decades in public life, while he himself had worked in the United States for six years before starting a hotel business in Hyderabad in 2006. He claimed that his assets and business interests had been disclosed in his 2009 election affidavit. Turning the spotlight on Revanth Reddy’s family, KTR raised questions about government tenders, alleged land dealings and business opportunities involving the Chief Minister’s relatives and associates. These allegations remain claims made by KTR and would require independent verification. KTR also questioned the Congress government’s progress on corruption investigations involving the Kaleshwaram project, power purchase agreements and the Formula-E event. He accused the ruling party of diverting public attention from its election promises and alleged that farmers, youth, handloom workers and other sections were facing difficulties. Now comes the political question: will Revanth Reddy accept KTR’s challenge, or will the war of words continue without a comprehensive judicial inquiry? For Telangana voters, the key issue is whether the competing allegations lead to transparent investigations and verifiable answers."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/d1bdc1ed-2466-427a-bb1d-e98fef5334df_RRKTR.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-01T18:00:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"ktr-throws-open-challenge-to-revanth"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Jagan Corners Naidu Over BC Quota"},"content":{"text":"YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched a fresh attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu after the High Court struck down the government orders providing 34% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections. Jagan accused the ruling coalition of misleading BC communities and demanded that Naidu use his influence with the Centre to bring a Constitutional amendment that would legally secure the promised quota. He also called on the Chief Minister to apologise to the BC community, questioning whether the reservation exercise was politically motivated. Jagan alleged that the government should have pursued a constitutionally sustainable solution instead of issuing orders that faced legal challenges. He questioned whether Naidu had raised the issue with the Union government and pressed his party’s representation at the Centre to secure the necessary legal framework. These remarks reflect the YSRCP chief’s criticism of the government following the court ruling; the legal route to implementing the quota remains a key issue. Defending his own government’s record, Jagan cited a law enacted in August 2019 that provided 50% reservations for BCs, SCs, STs and minorities in nominated posts and contract works across state corporations, boards, societies and committees. He said the measure helped create leadership opportunities for disadvantaged communities. With BC reservation now a major political flashpoint in Andhra Pradesh, the focus shifts to whether the Naidu government will pursue a legally viable solution."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2Ff2d009ae-9d6a-4fa0-9f8c-798b77393d30_jaganbabu.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,54,1200,592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-01T20:03:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"jagan-corners-naidu-over-bc-quota"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"YSRCP: HC Order Exposes Naidu’s “BC Quota Politics”"},"content":{"text":"YSRCP leaders Dharmana Prasada Rao and Chelluboyina Srinivasa Venugopala Krishna have hit out at the Chandrababu Naidu government after the Andhra Pradesh High Court struck down the orders providing 34% BC reservation in rural local bodies and 33.33% in urban bodies. They alleged the government knew the quota could face legal hurdles and demanded an explanation from the coalition government. The YSRCP leaders also challenged Naidu to demonstrate his commitment to BC political representation in the upcoming local elections. They questioned why the government had not pursued a constitutional route to protect reservations beyond the existing 50% ceiling, pointing to Tamil Nadu’s Ninth Schedule approach as an example. Their remarks are political allegations by the opposition and do not by themselves establish the government’s intent. With the High Court directing the local-body election process to move forward within six weeks, BC representation is set to become a major political issue in Andhra Pradesh. YSRCP leaders are now demanding that the coalition provide at least 34% political opportunities to BCs, irrespective of the court setback."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2Fcf34d142-5902-492e-ac6b-1d90e6908120_ysrcptdp.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=39,0,1121,553&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-01T20:08:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"ysrcp-hc-order-exposes-naidus-bc-quota-politics"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"BC Quota: Big Setback for CBN Govt."},"content":{"text":"The Andhra Pradesh High Court has struck down the state government’s decision to provide 34% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections, saying the overall reservation cannot cross the 50% ceiling laid down in Supreme Court guidelines. The ruling comes just weeks after the Chandrababu Naidu-led NDA government announced the enhanced BC quota, fulfilling one of its key 2024 election promises. The government, however, is not backing down. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to immediately approach the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court order. The High Court has also directed the state government and the State Election Commission to begin the process for local body elections within six weeks. This puts the government in a race against time—while it prepares its legal challenge over the BC quota, it must also move ahead with the election process. The 34% BC reservation was announced by Naidu on August 18, with 34% proposed for rural local bodies and 33.33% for urban local bodies. The government had described the move as a major step towards greater BC representation in local governance. Now, the Supreme Court will have the next word on whether the enhanced reservation can survive the 50% ceiling."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ZvEX8bVsGrYSvqWY_cbnpk.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-01T10:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"bc-quota-big-setback-for-cbn-govt."}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"The World Is Proud of our Captain!"},"content":{"text":"Captain Smit Machchhar is receiving international praise for his extraordinary courage after he reportedly fought off an attacker aboard a FlyDubai flight despite being seriously injured, helping prevent what could have been a major tragedy and saving the lives of passengers and crew. According to reports, the co-pilot attacked and stabbed Captain Machchhar while the aircraft was in the air and began losing altitude. Despite his injuries, the Indian pilot managed to fight back and open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to rush in and overpower the attacker. Seriously wounded, Machchhar was stabilised until the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The incident has drawn praise from diplomats including Argentina’s Ambassador to India Mariano Caucino, Sri Lankan High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne and the Israeli Embassy in India. Caucino described Machchhar as embodying India’s “sense of courage and duty” and said, “The World is proud of you.” The Israeli Embassy also thanked him for helping save Israeli passengers, while Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon called him “a true hero” and wished him a speedy recovery. The bravery of the passengers and crew who intervened has also been highlighted as an important part of averting the disaster."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/gRRfEel0S0kwsQCW_SmitMachchar.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C25%2C420%2C207&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-01T10:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"the-world-is-proud-of-our-captain"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Woman Engineer Raped Inside Apartment"},"content":{"text":"A 26-year-old woman engineer was allegedly sexually assaulted at gunpoint by an unidentified masked man inside her rented apartment in Bhubaneswar’s Nayapalli area, police said. The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday night, triggering an investigation by the Commissionerate Police. According to police, the woman, who is from Jagatsinghpur district and works for a private company, was staying with her elder sister. The accused allegedly entered the apartment and threatened her with what appeared to be a gun or toy gun before committing the alleged assault. Senior police officials, including Bhubaneswar DCP Saravana Vivek M, visited the location. The victim’s statement has been recorded, her medical examination is underway, and police are examining CCTV footage from the apartment and surrounding areas to identify the suspect. The incident has triggered concern among local residents, who have demanded the immediate arrest of the accused, strict punishment and increased police patrolling in the area. The case also comes amid wider concerns over crimes against women in Odisha. According to figures presented by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in the Assembly, 1,606 rape cases and 21,069 cases involving various crimes against women were registered in the state between January 1 and July 31, 2026."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/b8b3a7d9-bd78-49de-95ba-3ce4e834c314_rape+victim.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-01T10:37:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"woman-engineer-raped-inside-apartment"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Monsoon Ends: T With 18% Rainfall Deficit; AP 29% Shortfall"},"content":{"text":"The 2026 southwest monsoon has ended on a weak note for the Telugu states, with Telangana recording an 18% rainfall deficit and Andhra Pradesh facing a much larger 29% shortfall. While Telangana remained in the overall “normal” rainfall category, several districts experienced significant shortages, raising concerns about water availability and agriculture in affected areas. Telangana received 615.6 mm of rain between June 1 and October 1, against the normal 746.3 mm. Of the state’s 33 districts, 15 received normal rainfall, while others recorded deficits ranging from 20% to 43%. Hyderabad itself recorded a 28% deficit. Andhra Pradesh saw an even sharper regional divide, with Rayalaseema recording a 40% deficit, while Coastal Andhra and Yanam recorded a 17% shortfall. The broader picture is also concerning. According to the IMD, India received just 87% of its long-period average rainfall, making the 2026 southwest monsoon the fourth-lowest since 2001. South Peninsular India received only 76% of its normal rainfall. However, the outlook offers some relief: the IMD expects normal rainfall over South Peninsular India during the October–December post-monsoon season, at around 88–112% of the long-period average. The late-September deep depression over the Bay of Bengal also helped improve rainfall conditions across parts of the region."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F566980c7-c7d4-4dfa-8fa7-8a8f35ccc93e_monsoon.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,54,1200,592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-01T07:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"monsoon-ends-t-with-18-rainfall-deficit-ap-29-shor"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Hrithik–Saba Turn 5, Sussanne Says “Soooo Sweeeet!”"},"content":{"text":"Bollywood just witnessed a moment that could qualify for its own “Everything Is Fine” award. Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad celebrated five years together with romantic pictures, sunset silhouettes and the mandatory social-media declaration of love. But the real plot twist arrived in the comments—Hrithik’s ex-wife Sussanne Khan simply wrote, “Soooo sweeet… happy anniversary”, complete with hearts and happy emojis. Because apparently Bollywood relationships now come with a level of emotional maturity that the rest of us are still trying to download. Hrithik and Saba marked their fifth anniversary with pictures ranging from romantic seaside poses to aircraft selfies, proving that love can apparently happen anywhere—as long as there is good lighting and Instagram connectivity. Sussanne and Hrithik were married in 2000 and have two sons, Hrehaan and Hridhaan, before separating in 2013 and finalising their divorce in 2014. Hrithik later began dating Saba, with the couple making their relationship public at Karan Johar’s 50th birthday party. And then came the family-approved sequel. Sussanne congratulating Hrithik and Saba, while Hrithik’s mother Pinkie Roshan also joined the celebrations. No awkward comments, no cryptic Instagram stories, no “some people move on but…” quotes—just hearts, balloons and anniversary wishes."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2Fe1bb7d0e-80ea-4c71-a50f-eefefb7eb745_hrithik-sussanne.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,44,1280,631&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-01T11:01:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"hrithiksaba-turn-5-sussanne-says-soooo-sweeeet"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Ranya Rao Slapped With ₹89 Crore Customs Penalty"},"content":{"text":"Kannada actor Ranya Rao has been hit with a ₹89-crore Customs penalty in connection with the alleged gold-smuggling case that began with her arrest at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport in March 2025. The penalty forms part of a 399-page adjudication order issued by the Customs Department. Reports say the department’s investigation examined the alleged smuggling of around 113 kg of gold from Dubai between March 2024 and February 2025.  The case first came to light when DRI officials intercepted Rao on March 3, 2025, and allegedly recovered 14.213 kg of foreign-origin gold, valued at about ₹12.56 crore at the time. Subsequent investigations by the ED also examined a larger alleged quantity of 127.287 kg of gold and alleged money-laundering proceeds. The ED has separately filed a prosecution complaint in the case.  The latest Customs order also imposes penalties on three other accused, taking the combined penalties to more than ₹244 crore, according to reports. Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge said he did not yet have the complete details of the Customs order and would respond after obtaining the information. Ranya Rao is currently out of custody after completing a one-year preventive detention period under COFEPOSA in April 2026. "},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Z8q0YxsAHJWomN0f_ranyarao.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-01T10:52:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"ranya-rao-slapped-with-89-crore-customs-penalty"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Apple Pay now available for users in India"},"content":{"text":"Tech giant Apple on Wednesday announced that Apple Pay is now available for users in India across iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, with support for Mac coming soon.  Customers with Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards can add their cards to Apple Pay and use them at thousands of in-store and online merchants across India, as well as anywhere that accepts NFC transactions, the company said in a statement. “India is home to a dynamic and digitally savvy population that continues to embrace a cashless future while expecting the highest standards of security and privacy, and we’re so excited to bring Apple Pay to users in India today,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.  The launch brings Apple customers an easy, secure, and private way to pay in stores, in apps, and on the web at retailers of all sizes — all without the need to type in PINs or use OTPs at checkout.  Apple Pay makes everyday payments with a card easy, secure, and private — from simply tapping to pay in stores without an extra app, PIN, or OTP to checking out online without repeatedly entering payment information, Bailey added. When customers use a card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device or on Apple servers, nor are they shared by Apple with the merchant.  Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted, and securely stored in the Secure Element, an industry-standard certified chip designed to store the payment information safely on the device, said Apple. Apple said it does not retain transaction information that can be tied back to the user.  Their transactions stay between the user, the merchant, and their bank or card issuer. If a user’s iPhone is lost or stolen, they can use the Find My app to quickly locate, lock, or suspend payments from that device. Customers can add a card directly to Apple Wallet via the latest version of the Axis Bank app.  Alternatively, simply open the Wallet app on iPhone, tap the plus sign, and follow the steps to add an eligible card. Once a user adds a card to their Apple device, they can start using Apple Pay right away, said the company. Amitabh Chaudhry, MD and CEO, Axis Bank, said the introduction of Apple Pay advances this ambition, bringing greater choice and flexibility to our Credit Card customers, with support across the Mastercard and Visa networks.  “As India’s digital economy accelerates and consumers seek seamless and secure payment experiences, the introduction of Apple Pay for our Axis Bank-issued Mastercard credit card holders ushers in a new era of contactless commerce, giving Indian consumers greater confidence and peace of mind with every transaction,” said Gautam Aggarwal, Mastercard’s president of India and South Asia. The launch of Apple Pay in India marks an important milestone in the evolution of the country’s digital payments journey, added Suresh Sethi, Visa’s group country manager of India and South Asia. When using Apple Pay, users will continue to earn the rewards and benefits offered by their cards. At launch, Apple Pay will be accepted by millions of merchants across India, including at Apple Store locations,  Apple Pay is available in more than 90 countries and regions and works with more than 11,000 bank and network partners worldwide."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/8B1L8vgX3A5eWMA9_applepay.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C37%2C489%2C241&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-09-30T02:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"apple-pay-now-available-for-users-in-india"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Tech giants unite on safeguards for super intelligence"},"content":{"text":"America’s most powerful technology companies have agreed to subject their rapidly developing super intelligence systems to internal risk reviews, outside audits and board-level oversight, marking an unusual industry-wide attempt to establish common safeguards while competing to dominate the emerging technology.  The commitments emerged from a White House meeting with President Donald Trump that brought together leaders of companies at the forefront of the technology race, despite differences among them over the scale of the risks posed by increasingly powerful systems. Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg gave one of the clearest explanations of the agreement, describing it as “the White House accord” on developing the technology safely. “The basic idea is that we wanna give the American people and our customers confidence that the technology works in the way that we intend,” Zuckerberg said. He said companies had agreed on “principles and commitments” that included robust internal controls and mechanisms to detect problems. Those safeguards would be accompanied by “multiple layers” of auditing and oversight, he said, beginning with internal risk reviews and extending to outside auditors and evaluators. The companies also agreed that their boards of directors would independently review reports produced by auditors. “The idea isn't that this is the only thing that we will ever do. It is that this is a start and an accord that the whole industry could come to,” Zuckerberg said. Google chief Sundar Pichai called the moment “historic and consequential” and said the industry recognised both the potential benefits and risks. “We have to make sure we are addressing the risks, and the president has asked us as an industry to step up,” Pichai said. Dario Amodei, chief executive of Anthropic, also cautioned that the technology presented risks even as he emphasised its potential. “AI has incredible benefits,” Amodei said. “But I think the technology has very real risks.” “The mechanism, how we address those risks is still under discussion,” he added. “But we all need to work, we all need to work together to make sure that we can win and we can win safely.” Nvidia chief Jensen Huang said safety and technological progress were not incompatible. “There's no conflict between innovation, technology and safety,” Huang said. “We're gonna advance this technology that is so consequential to humanity and so consequential to the future prosperity of our nation, and we're gonna do it responsibly and safely.” Trump repeatedly stressed industry self-policing. “This is going to be all for the good and we're gonna have it be nice and safe,” Trump said. “And they're really gonna be policing each other.” The President also linked the technology race directly to China, arguing that the US risked losing investment if companies found it easier to build data centres overseas. Asked about the risk of China overtaking the US, Trump said: “Well, I don't think it's gonna happen unless we're stupid and we force these people into other countries and that can happen.” Later, he sharpened the warning. “Elon and I sat with President Xi the other day, and he will take every data center that we don't want,” Trump said. “They want every data center. They want it because that's great for China. Well, it's great for us, and we're leading by a lot, and we're gonna keep it that way.” Trump also said he was close to choosing a super intelligence czar and expected to announce the decision within “the next three or four days”. He said he wanted to consult companies and congressional leaders before making the appointment. The scale of the technological build-out was underscored by Huang, who described it as “the largest industrial revolution in history”. “We have chip plants coming up, computer plants coming up, AI factories coming up,” Huang said, adding that the expansion was “creating a million jobs here in the United States”. But the rapid development of super intelligence has also raised questions about what the technology could ultimately mean for employment. Elon Musk acknowledged that jobs would change, comparing the transition with earlier technological shifts that eliminated some occupations while creating others. “I think by far the most likely outcome is an age of abundance, where we don't have just a universal basic income. We have universal high income,” Musk said. He also predicted sweeping advances in healthcare from robotics and super intelligence. “When you have robots and you have super intelligence, it means that everyone in the world can have better medical care than anyone here, including me,” Musk said. “And wouldn't that be wonderful?”"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/6ee6b9bf-f025-4fae-9d68-1d2d9e4229f9_Tech+CEOs.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-09-30T03:50:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"tech-giants-unite-on-safeguards-for-super-intellig"}},{"node":{"tags":["NRI"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Indian-American lawmakers push H-1B visa overhaul"},"content":{"text":"Two Indian-American lawmakers have backed legislation that would allow H-1B professionals and several other categories of foreign workers to renew their visas without leaving the United States.  Representatives Suhas Subramanyam and Raja Krishnamoorthi said domestic visa renewal would reduce disruption for workers, families and employers. It would also free US consular officials overseas to focus on new visa applications and other foreign-policy work. The proposal forms part of a three-bill package announced by Subramanyam, a Democrat representing Virginia. The measures seek to reduce visa-processing backlogs, modernise the immigration system and strengthen US responses when Americans are caught in emergencies abroad. The Domestic Visa Renewal Modernization Act would expand a 2024 pilot programme that allowed some H-1B visa holders to renew their visa stamps within the United States. The bill would make domestic renewal available to holders of H-1B, H-1B1, E, I, L, O and P visas. These categories cover skilled professionals, executives transferred within multinational companies, investors, journalists, athletes, entertainers and people with extraordinary ability. Visa holders must generally travel to a US embassy or consulate abroad to obtain a new visa stamp. Delays in securing appointments can leave workers stranded outside the country and separated from their jobs and families. “People who are already legally living and working in the United States should not have to leave the country simply to renew their visas,” Krishnamoorthi said. “Our Domestic Visa Renewal Modernization Act would cut unnecessary red tape, give workers and employers greater certainty, and help ensure America remains competitive in attracting and retaining talented people from around the world,” he said. Krishnamoorthi and Republican Representative Don Bacon are co-leading the legislation with Subramanyam. Democratic Representatives Jonathan Jackson and Deborah Ross are co-sponsors. A second measure, the Reducing Visa Delays Act, would require the State Department to examine whether US embassies and consulates have sufficient staff to reduce appointment and processing delays. It would also require a review of visa-vetting policies imposed by the Trump administration. Additional transparency provisions would give applicants a clearer picture of the full waiting periods they face. “My constituents deal with the consequences of extended visa delays on a daily basis. Appointment backlogs and processing delays disrupt families and jobs. We need to address them,” Subramanyam said. The third bill, the Strengthening Emergency Responses Act, addresses the treatment of Americans caught in conflicts and natural disasters overseas. It would require the State Department to update its evacuation plans after every emergency evacuation. The department would also review how information is distributed to people seeking evacuation assistance. The proposal would require regular State Department contact with the next of kin of Americans affected by major disasters abroad. Subramanyam said constituents had reported receiving insufficient guidance when trying to leave the Middle East at the beginning of the Iran war. Families also sought better communication following the August floods in Nepal. “At the start of the Iran War, I had constituents stranded in the Middle East with little guidance and no advance notice. It is critical to communicate closely with families of those impacted by disasters abroad too,” he said."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aNOt5p5xUNkB1C_r_H1B.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-09-30T02:07:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"indian-american-lawmakers-push-h-1b-visa-overhaul"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Avika Gor’s First-Year Marriage Lessons"},"content":{"text":"Actress Avika Gor has opened up about her first year of marriage with Milind Chandwani. In an exclusive quote shared with media, the ‘Balika Vadhu’ actress shared the lessons she has learned about love, companionship, understanding, and navigating the everyday realities of married life. Looking back at the first year, Avika said marriage has taught her that love is not always about grand romantic gestures but is often found in understanding each other and being there as a team. Sharing what the first year of marriage has taught her, the actress stated, “This first year has taught me that marriage is basically finding your favourite person and then deciding to annoy each other for the rest of your lives! But on a more serious note, I’ve realized that love is much more about understanding than grand gestures. It’s knowing when to give each other space, when to listen, when to laugh things off and, most importantly, knowing that you’re on the same team even when you’re arguing about something completely ridiculous.” “I’ve also learnt that companionship is about finding comfort in the most ordinary moments, like doing absolutely nothing together and still feeling like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. And yes, I’ve learnt that sometimes the best way to keep the peace is to just admit you’re wrong, even when you’re very clearly not in your head. Sometimes, going deeper and reflecting doesn't just help your relationship but also helps you become a better human.” Avika also opened up about how marriage has changed her perspective on love. She shared, “Definitely. Before marriage, I think we romanticise love a lot, the big moments, the dates, the surprises, the butterflies. After marriage, you realize love is also about grocery lists, deciding what to eat for dinner for the 400th time, sharing responsibilities and tolerating each other’s weird little habits.” “It has made me realise that a good relationship isn’t about finding someone who agrees with you all the time, but someone who understands you, challenges you, makes you laugh and still chooses you at the end of the day. Marriage has made love feel less like a feeling and more like a very conscious, everyday choice and somehow, that makes it even more beautiful.” Talking about her idea of a perfect anniversary celebration with Milind, Avika added, “Honestly, anything that doesn’t involve checking the time every five minutes! I’d want it to be a mix of romance, gym, good food, a little adventure, dressing up for each other, and spending proper quality time together. I love experiences, so I’d much rather create a crazy memory together than just have a fancy dinner and call it a day. But ultimately, the perfect anniversary is really just the two of us being ourselves. laughing too much, teasing each other, taking far too many pictures, probably having one tiny argument over something completely unnecessary, and then ending the night thinking, \"Okay, I’d still choose you.\" Avika Gor tied the knot with her longtime boyfriend, Milind Chandwani, on September 30, 2025, on the sets of the reality television show “Pati Patni Aur Panga.”"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aIibKFGsbswqTZR8_avikagorwedding.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-09-30T06:40:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"avika-gors-first-year-marriage-lessons"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"'Dharman' wraps third schedule"},"content":{"text":"Rajinikanth’s much-awaited action drama ‘Dharman’ has reached another important milestone, with director Ashwath Marimuthu confirming that the film’s third schedule has been successfully wrapped. The filmmaker shared the update on social media, marking the completion of another phase in the production of the highly anticipated project. The latest schedule began on September 16 and included portions featuring Rajinikanth alongside Raashii Khanna, while Telugu actor Ram Pothineni was also spotted with the team during the Mysuru leg of the shoot. The Mysuru schedule had generated considerable attention after Raashii Khanna shared a series of pictures from her time with Rajinikanth and Ram Pothineni. Giving fans a glimpse into their off-screen camaraderie, the actress revealed that the schedule involved early-morning workouts, temple visits, casual outings, games of UNO and plenty of laughter. She also shared her love for Mysuru dosa, adding a personal touch to the behind-the-scenes glimpse. Earlier, Ashwath Marimuthu had praised Rajinikanth’s energy and work ethic, saying the superstar remains extremely enthusiastic about filmmaking even after five decades in the industry. The third schedule follows the completion of the film’s second phase earlier this month. Produced by Kamal Haasan and R Mahendran, ‘Dharman’ features Rajinikanth in the role of a doctor who takes on criminals, promising a blend of action and drama. Anirudh Ravichander is composing the music, while Niketh Bommi handles cinematography and Pradeep E Raghav is in charge of editing. The film has already created significant curiosity with its first-look material, which showcased Rajinikanth in a striking doctor avatar, and the completion of yet another schedule is expected to further build anticipation around the project."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ajt9R1bRV8_QfynQ_dharman.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-09-30T04:31:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"dharman-wraps-third-schedule"}}]},"featured":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"KTR Declares Victory Over Congress"},"content":{"text":"In a pointed rebuttal to the Congress party's sustained campaign against the Kaleshwaram project, BRS working president KT Rama Rao declared that recent judicial findings have dismantled the 'false narratives' propagated by Congress leaders, including Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The Telangana High Court's verdict on the PC Ghose commission not only affirmed the project's integrity but also served as a clarion call against what KTR labeled as a politically motivated smear campaign. This ruling, he asserted, symbolizes a significant triumph for the farmers of Telangana, countering years of misinformation that threatened the project’s credibility and viability. KTR articulated that the narrative suggesting the project's collapse was not only exaggerated but also meticulously orchestrated by Congress to undermine the BRS government's achievements. He emphasized that the Kaleshwaram project, a ₹94,000 crore venture, has only experienced limited structural damage amounting to about ₹400 crore in repairs, a fact he believes starkly contrasts with the dire portrayals insinuated by the opposition. The BRS leader further contended that while the contracting agency expressed readiness to commence repairs, actions to obstruct this process indicated an ulterior motive to misrepresent the project’s status. The backdrop of this political clash is steeped in the historical rivalry between the BRS and Congress, particularly as the latter grapples with its declining influence in Telangana since the bifurcation in 2014. KTR accused both the Congress and BJP of conspiring to destabilize the project, linking their actions to a broader strategy of undermining Telangana's agricultural development. The court's ruling is being framed as a pivotal moment in this ongoing narrative, with KTR urging Congress to cease its politicization of the issue and instead focus on restoring operations that are crucial for the region's farmers. In his critique, KTR did not shy away from addressing the BJP’s role, chastising Union minister Bandi Sanjay for his incendiary remarks about financial misconduct involving Congress leaders. He provocatively questioned the responsibility of the Union home ministry in addressing such allegations, asserting that Sanjay, in his capacity, should elevate his discourse beyond local politics. By calling for a unified focus on governance rather than “cheap publicity,” KTR is positioning the BRS as a defender of Telangana's irrigation future at a time when its viability hangs in the balance amidst political machinations."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Zy0Awa8jQArT0i1g_KTR.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T16:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"ktr-declares-victory-over-congress"}}]},"politics":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"KTR Declares Victory Over Congress"},"content":{"text":"In a pointed rebuttal to the Congress party's sustained campaign against the Kaleshwaram project, BRS working president KT Rama Rao declared that recent judicial findings have dismantled the 'false narratives' propagated by Congress leaders, including Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The Telangana High Court's verdict on the PC Ghose commission not only affirmed the project's integrity but also served as a clarion call against what KTR labeled as a politically motivated smear campaign. This ruling, he asserted, symbolizes a significant triumph for the farmers of Telangana, countering years of misinformation that threatened the project’s credibility and viability. KTR articulated that the narrative suggesting the project's collapse was not only exaggerated but also meticulously orchestrated by Congress to undermine the BRS government's achievements. He emphasized that the Kaleshwaram project, a ₹94,000 crore venture, has only experienced limited structural damage amounting to about ₹400 crore in repairs, a fact he believes starkly contrasts with the dire portrayals insinuated by the opposition. The BRS leader further contended that while the contracting agency expressed readiness to commence repairs, actions to obstruct this process indicated an ulterior motive to misrepresent the project’s status. The backdrop of this political clash is steeped in the historical rivalry between the BRS and Congress, particularly as the latter grapples with its declining influence in Telangana since the bifurcation in 2014. KTR accused both the Congress and BJP of conspiring to destabilize the project, linking their actions to a broader strategy of undermining Telangana's agricultural development. The court's ruling is being framed as a pivotal moment in this ongoing narrative, with KTR urging Congress to cease its politicization of the issue and instead focus on restoring operations that are crucial for the region's farmers. In his critique, KTR did not shy away from addressing the BJP’s role, chastising Union minister Bandi Sanjay for his incendiary remarks about financial misconduct involving Congress leaders. He provocatively questioned the responsibility of the Union home ministry in addressing such allegations, asserting that Sanjay, in his capacity, should elevate his discourse beyond local politics. By calling for a unified focus on governance rather than “cheap publicity,” KTR is positioning the BRS as a defender of Telangana's irrigation future at a time when its viability hangs in the balance amidst political machinations."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Zy0Awa8jQArT0i1g_KTR.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T16:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"ktr-declares-victory-over-congress"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"India emerging as global space power"},"content":{"text":"India is rapidly emerging as a global space power. From Aryabhata in 1975 to Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, Gaganyaan and the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station, India has progressed from the early use of space technology for development to the frontiers of scientific exploration and is now moving towards human spaceflight, according to an article in Tanzania’s The Guardian newspaper.  It also highlights that India’s space programme is not confined to rockets and satellites, but is increasingly a powerful engine of innovation, industrial development, employment, scientific research and socio-economic transformation. Space technologies today touch communications, agriculture, education, healthcare, disaster management, environmental protection, navigation and everyday economic activity. India is, therefore, moving towards a new identity as an increasingly important developer, explorer and provider of space capabilities worldwide. The success of Chandrayaan-3 in 2023 demonstrated India’s ability to achieve a highly complex lunar landing. Aditya-L1 subsequently extended India’s scientific reach towards the Sun. SpaDeX demonstrated orbital docking capabilities, while Gaganyaan is preparing the country for human spaceflight. The more ambitious Chandrayaan-4 project, approved in 2024, is designed to land on the Moon, collect samples and return them to Earth. Sample-return missions require far greater technological sophistication than a landing alone, involving multiple launches, rendezvous and docking, sample collection, ascent from the lunar surface and a safe return to Earth, the article observes. India’s planetary ambitions are expanding, with 'Shukrayaan' (Venus Orbiter Mission) targeted for launch in March 2028 to study Venus’s atmosphere, surface and subsurface, offering insights into planetary evolution and habitability. Meanwhile, Aditya-L1, positioned about 1.5 million km from Earth, studies solar activity and space weather. The most visible symbol of India’s technological transition may be Gaganyaan, the country’s human spaceflight programme. Human spaceflight requires a much higher level of reliability. Crew escape systems, life-support technologies, parachutes, re-entry systems and extensive testing are essential before astronauts can travel safely into space. India has therefore adopted a phased approach, using uncrewed missions to validate critical systems before undertaking crewed flights, the article states. Gaganyaan is now part of a much larger vision. The Bharatiya Antariksh Station is targeted to begin with its first module in 2028, with the broader station envisaged for completion by 2035. The long-term roadmap also includes a crewed Indian lunar mission by 2040. This progression from satellites to astronauts, to a space station, and eventually to the Moon illustrates the scale of India’s emerging ambitions, the article observes. The greatest contribution of India’s space programme may ultimately be felt here on Earth. Satellite technology has become essential for weather forecasting, agriculture, navigation, communications, disaster management and environmental monitoring. Earth-observation satellites can help identify vulnerable areas before floods, cyclones and landslides, while satellite communications can support emergency response in remote regions. Space-based data supports environmental management by monitoring forests, water bodies, urban expansion, pollution and weather patterns, thereby strengthening climate action and disaster preparedness. Satellite communications can expand access to healthcare in remote areas, while augmented and virtual reality enable medical education and training. India’s space programme is, therefore, advancing inclusive development by connecting technologically advanced centres with remote and underserved communities. India’s space programme is also delivering broader technological benefits across the economy. Innovations in advanced electronics, sensors, materials, communications, navigation and manufacturing are finding applications beyond space missions. Technology transfers are strengthening domestic manufacturing and enabling Indian enterprises to enter sophisticated supply chains. More than 900 application-specific integrated circuits developed by ISRO’s Semi-Conductor Laboratory for railway locomotives illustrate this cross-sector impact. Thus, space investment creates a multiplier effect by generating knowledge, intellectual property, engineering expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and new commercial opportunities across the economy, the article added."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0FBkggez5SiPbyUT_spacepoer.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T09:16:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"india-emerging-as-global-space-power"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Viveka case: ED issues notice to MP Avinash Reddy"},"content":{"text":"The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a notice to Kadapa MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy and directed him to appear before it on October 14 in connection with the investigation into alleged financial transactions related to the murder of his uncle and former Andhra Pradesh minister Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy.  Avinash Reddy, one of the accused in the 2019 murder case, is the cousin of former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. After questioning Yerra Gangi Reddy and other accused in connection with the alleged financial transactions linked to the case, the ED has now summoned the YSR Congress Party MP. Gangi Reddy appeared before the ED officials in Hyderabad for two days (September 28 and 29).  The Central agency also questioned Uma Shankar Reddy, Sunil Yadav and Shaik Dastagiri, an accused-turned-approver, as part of the probe into the alleged money laundering and financial transactions connected with the murder conspiracy. The ED last week questioned and recorded Sunil Yadav’s statement. Gangi Reddy and Umashankar Reddy were reportedly questioned based on this statement. The agency is probing the financial transactions before the murder as the CBI suspects that Rs 40 crore ‘supari’ (contract) was offered to the accused to kill Vivekananda Reddy. The ED began a money laundering probe on the basis of the case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the charge sheets filed by it. It was in August last year that the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR). The ED is also looking into the alleged transfer of Rs 4 crore and the payment of Rs 1 crore as an advance to Shaik Dastagiri. Last month, the ED conducted searches at multiple locations, including the premises linked to Avinash Reddy, his father Y.S. Bhaskar Reddy, and other accused in the murder case. Vivekananda Reddy, brother of former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), and uncle of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, was murdered at his residence in Pulivendula on March 15, 2019, weeks before the elections. The 68-year-old former state minister and former MP was alone at his house when unidentified persons barged in and killed him. The CBI took over the investigation in 2020 at the direction of the Andhra Pradesh High Court while hearing a petition by Vivekananda Reddy's daughter, Sunitha Reddy, who raised suspicion about some relatives. Expediting the probe, the CBI in 2023 arrested Bhaskar Reddy and his follower, Uday Kumar Reddy. It filed the first charge sheet in the case in 2021 and supplementary charge sheets in 2022 and 2023."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/a7efe7c3-0e87-4bef-b6bc-81a84b64ce3b_avinash+reddy.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T08:05:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"viveka-case-ed-issues-notice-to-mp-avinash-reddy"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Revanth’s Mission: KCR-KTR Turf"},"content":{"text":"Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has intensified his political offensive against the BRS leadership, with Sircilla emerging as a key battleground in his strategy. During his first visit to Sircilla as Chief Minister, Revanth directly targeted BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao, turning the constituency into the centre of a broader political confrontation. Sircilla has been represented by KTR since 2009, making the visit symbolically significant for the Congress. Revanth highlighted his government’s spending on the handloom sector and claimed that it had cleared ₹500 crore in pending dues left by the previous government. The political messaging, however, went well beyond development issues. Revanth openly challenged the BRS to face the Congress in Sircilla in the next Assembly election and promised that the Congress candidate elected from the constituency would be inducted into the state Cabinet. He had already identified Sircilla and Gajwel—the constituencies represented by KTR and former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao respectively—as key targets for Congress in the next election. In September, Revanth had said the party would seek to establish its presence in these BRS strongholds, and his latest Sircilla visit has given that campaign a more direct shape. The significance of the Sircilla campaign lies in the political symbolism attached to the constituency. For the Congress, challenging KTR on his home turf offers an opportunity to project its confrontation with the BRS at one of the party’s most recognisable strongholds. Revanth has also been linking the contest to questions over the development of Sircilla and the condition of its handloom community. The Telangana government says it has spent ₹1,741 crore on weavers during the first 1,000 days of its tenure, while BRS leaders have countered that the Chief Minister’s visit focused excessively on attacks against KCR and KTR rather than announcing fresh measures for the weaving sector. Revanth’s approach therefore appears to be about more than a single constituency. By repeatedly naming Gajwel and Sircilla alongside other BRS strongholds, the Chief Minister is framing the next Assembly contest as a broader challenge to the BRS leadership. At the same time, the Congress will have to translate this high-profile political campaign into organisational strength and electoral support on the ground. Revanth has already made strong claims about Congress returning to power in the next election, but those remain political assertions rather than established outcomes. For now, his Sircilla campaign has clearly raised the stakes around KTR’s constituency and added another prominent front to the Congress-BRS contest."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/en0OnIWf9qRAXrhR_rrkcrktr.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T05:34:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"revanths-mission-kcr-ktr-turf"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Chahal retires from first-class cricket"},"content":{"text":"Veteran Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal on Friday announced his retirement from first-class cricket, acknowledging that his long-cherished dream of earning a Test cap was no longer within reach, while adding that he remains committed to competing in white-ball formats.  Chahal, who has represented India in 72 ODIs and 80 T20Is, never got the opportunity to don the Test whites despite a 17-year career in domestic and county circuits. His last international appearance came during a T20I against the West Indies in August 2023. “The first cricket ball I ever held was a red ball. I was 10 years old, and I had no idea then how deeply I would fall in love with this game. For me, red-ball cricket was never just another format. It was where I learned the meaning of patience, character, resilience and the pure joy of being out there for hours, fighting for every run and every wicket. “I played my last First-Class match at Lords, saying these words is emotional as a Test cap was always a dream, one that I carried with me for many years. It may not have happened, but I am genuinely content with the journey I have had and incredibly grateful for every opportunity that came my way in this format. The red ball gave me some of the most beautiful memories of my life, and nothing will ever take that away,” wrote Chahal in a post on his Instagram account on Friday. Having made his first-class debut for Haryana back in 2009, Chahal finishes his red-ball career with 148 wickets in 49 matches at an average of 32.27. At the same time, Chahal, a member of India winning the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, made it clear that he has no intention of hanging up his boots in limited-overs cricket, declaring that, “But I AM NOT DONE YET.” “The hunger to play for my country is still very much alive. I believe I have the cricket left in me, and I will give everything I have to earn another opportunity in the One-Day and T20 formats. “A special thank you to the Haryana Cricket Association, Mr. Ranbir Singh Mahindra Sir and Mr. Anirudh Singh Chaudhary Sir for their continuous support, trust and belief throughout my journey. From a 10-year-old holding his first red ball to playing his final First-Class game, it has been one hell of a journey,” added Chahal. While Chahal was rarely a red-ball regular for Haryana, his standout Ranji Trophy season came way back in the 2016/17 season with 33 wickets in seven outings, his final first-class stint saw him shine for Northamptonshire in Division Two of the 2026 County Championship. He picked up 21 wickets at an average of 16.14, the second-best average for any bowler with 20-plus wickets. Chahal’s final first-class match ended in a seven-wicket loss to Middlesex, which ended Northamptonshire's promotion bid. Though sidelined from national selection in recent times, Chahal, IPL’s leading wicket-taker, has maintained his white-ball pedigree. Apart from turning out for Punjab Kings in the IPL, Chahal played a starring role in Haryana’s 2023/24 Vijay Hazare Trophy title win with 18 wickets at 14.83, alongside regular appearances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy and three seasons of representing Northamptonshire in the One-Day Cup in England."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/f32ea6db-acab-41e6-a871-20b52c8388e1_chahal.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T09:06:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"chahal-retires-from-first-class-cricket"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"T'gana BJP: Where Is the Political Momentum?"},"content":{"text":"The BJP has established itself as a significant political force in Telangana, but the party now faces the challenge of converting that presence into a broader organisational and electoral expansion. After winning eight Assembly seats with 13.9% of the vote in the 2023 Telangana election, the party also made gains in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Yet its next challenge is to build a stronger base across the state rather than remain concentrated in selected pockets. The appointment of N. Ramchander Rao as Telangana BJP president in July 2025 was accompanied by an explicit focus on grassroots expansion and the upcoming local body elections. Rao said strengthening the party at the village and booth levels would be a priority, while the BJP leadership has also spoken about using local polls as a stepping stone towards the next Assembly election. A new state office-bearer team was subsequently announced, indicating an organisational restructuring under the new leadership. However, the political question is whether these organisational efforts are translating into sustained visibility on the ground. Rao has repeatedly maintained that the BJP's objective is to emerge as a major political force in Telangana. In June, he said the national leadership had provided a roadmap for strengthening the organisation, while in September he publicly declared that the BJP would seek to form the next government. At the same time, the party continues to operate in a political landscape shaped primarily by the Congress government and the BRS opposition, with the BJP seeking to expand beyond its existing areas of influence. This makes the coming local-body electoral cycle particularly important for the Telangana BJP. The party has identified grassroots mobilisation, rural expansion and organisational consolidation as priorities, while the national leadership has publicly assured the state unit of support. The bigger political story, therefore, is not simply whether the BJP is active in Telangana, but whether its current organisational push can produce a wider and more durable presence across the state. The answer will become clearer as the party moves from organisational plans and political rhetoric to electoral contests on the ground."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ag_x_rK9tuLqEEDq_TSBJP.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T04:32:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"tgana-bjp-where-is-the-political-momentum"}}]},"entertainment":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Varun Tej at TTD with son and family "},"content":{"text":"Popular Telugu actor Varun Tej Konidala on Friday offered prayers along with his entire family at the world famous Tirumala Tirupati temple. Social media was abuzz with videos of the actor, who along with his family members, was seen at the Tirumala temple. The actor was seen carrying his young son Vaayuv inside the temple premises as the family made its way to offer prayers.  For the unaware, actors Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi had revealed the face of their son Vaayuv on the occasion of his first birthday in September this year.  Wishing Vaayuv on his first birthday, Varun Tej had penned an emotional note that read, \"My dear boy, you changed my world in the best way possible. I fell in love with you even before I laid my eyes on you for the first time. Being your father is the most beautiful part of my life. Happy 1st birthday, Vaayuv. I love you, always. (Red heart and kiss emoji) (sic).\" On the work front, Varun Tej will next be seen in director Yadhu Vamsee's film 'Bhari'. Pink Elephant Pictures, the production house producing the film, had, in March this year, released a special motion poster of the film on its social media timelines. It wrote, \"The net is set. The game is ON. Serving up the First Look of #Bhari! A high-voltage drama that is set to shake the stands. #BhariFirstLook #BhariTheFilm.\" The special motion poster released by the makers made it evident that the film, which will be a rural sports drama, will revolve around the sport of volleyball. Produced by Niharika Konidela on behalf of Pink Elephant Pictures, the film is being directed by Yadhu Vamsee, best known for having directed the entertainer 'Committee Kurrollu'. The film is being co-directed by Ravi Sankar D and has Ramesh Manyam as its executive producer.  The film officially went on floors with a traditional pooja ceremony in Hyderabad. Pawan Kalyan was the chief guest at the event, that was attended by a host of celebrities and the film's unit. Music for the rural entertainer is being scored by Anudeep Dev. Cinematography for the film is by Danush Bhaskar and editing by the efficient Anwar Ali. The art direction team is being led by Vishnu Vardhan Pulla and costumes for the film are being designed by Aishwarya Rajeev. The story of the film, which seems to have been set at a time when the usage of Rs 1000 notes was prevalent, has been penned by four people namely Venkat Subhash Cheerla, Utham Lekkala, Ranjith Marreddy and Vickey."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/7rfYN-YI66V_8B7e_varuntejttd.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T14:39:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"varun-tej-at-ttd-with-son-and-family-"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Om' to hit screens on November 20 "},"content":{"text":"Director Rajkumar Periasamy's eagerly awaited action entertainer 'Om', featuring Tamil star Dhanush and Malayalam superstar Mammootty in the lead, will now hit screens on November 20 this year, its makers announced on Friday.  Wunderbar Films, the production house of actor Dhanush, which is producing the film took to its social media timelines to make the announcement.  It wrote, \"The Day for the Ultimate Strike is Here. #OM Hits theatres worldwide on November 20, 2026.A @Rajkumar_KP Film. @dhanushkraja @mammukka @Sai_Pallavi92 @RTakeStudios @wunderbarfilms @SaiAbhyankkar #NaseeruddinShah @sreeleela14 @Shra2309 @azy905 @theSreyas @sandy_sashr.\" It may be recalled that the makers had originally planned to release the film on October 16. However, actor Dhanush, in a statement, announced the film's postponement. He said that they had chosen to postpone the release of their film out of respect for Superstar Rajinikanth, whose film Jailer 2 is slated to hit screens on October 15. Dhanush had also made it clear that their film would not be releasing for Deepavali as Suriya's film had already been announced for the same date. The actor and producer had said that they would announce a new date of release for their film very soon. Now, they have announced November 20 as the date of release for their film.  The film has triggered huge interest in fans and film buffs as this is the first time that Dhanush and Mammootty are collaborating on a project. Director Rajkumar Periasamy had disclosed earlier that Mammootty plays a character called Karthikeyan the film. Participating in the title teaser launch event of the film which was held in June this year, Rajkumar Periasamy had disclosed that Malayalam superstar Mammootty played a character called Karthikeyan in the film and that 60 to 65 per cent of filming had then been completed. For the unaware, the unit of the film had recently shot in Malaysia. Mammootty had also jointly celebrated his recent National Award win with three other National Award winners -- Dhanush, director Rajkumar Periasamy and editor Kalaivanan -- on the sets of the film. Bollywood star Naseeruddin Shah too is a part of this film. The film's title has a tagline called Chapter 1 indicating that there could be a sequel. A title teaser that the makers had released some time back had showed that the story revolves around those cutting red sanders for a living. Dhanush himself plays a woodcutter in the film. The teaser showed police personnel rounding up woodcutters chopping red sanders illegally. As they hold the workers hostage at gunpoint, Dhanush was seen coming to their rescue. Wunderbar Films Head Sreyas, while speaking at the title teaser launch event, had disclosed that this would be one of the biggest budget films in Dhanush's career. He had also said that this film would bring back the mass vintage Dhanush that fans had longed to see. The film, which features Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela as the heroines, has music by Sai Abhyankkar. Cinematography for the film is by Ezhil Arasu. Editing for the film is by Kalaivanan R and costumes are by Kavya Sriram."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/FMk5nvkCw2XEmB38_OM.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T13:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"om-to-hit-screens-on-november-20-"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"What turned Catherine into a 'celebrity overnight'"},"content":{"text":"Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta-Jones has shared that the British comedy show \"The Darling Buds of May\", changed her life for the good, and turned her into a \"celebrity overnight\". However, she has said that fame diminished her reputation as an actress. She recently graced ‘The Graham Norton Show’, and said, \"That one hour of television changed my life. I became a celebrity overnight and people sort of forgot I was an actor”. After having more television success in Britain, Catherine made transition from television to Hollywood, and appeared in the 1996 superhero movie ‘The Phantom’, in which she starred opposite Billy Zane. The actress shared that she had to start afresh in Los Angeles as she was unknown in America, whereas in the UK she had become a bona fide celebrity. She said, \"When I went to LA literally nobody knew me, which was a huge ego jolt at first but then extremely humbling, and ultimately very good for me to start afresh”. The actress is set to star in new Amazon Prime Video series ‘Kill Jackie’, in which she essays the role of wealthy art dealer Jackie Price, who discovers she's the target of a lethal squad of hitmen known as The Seven Demons. She said, \"It is a gift of a part. The show is crazy and high-octane and she is really crazy. It is one of those parts and, at 57, the kind of role that is very satisfying, to say the least. Going home was just so incredibly wonderful. It was very fulfilling and to be able to use my own Welsh voice for the very first time was wonderful”."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/b1ce1ef1-0fbd-4373-a35a-a3c3d290c35f_catherine+zeta+zone.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T13:36:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"what-turned-catherine-into-a-celebrity-overnight"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Khloe Kardashian’s Daughter Wants Sibling No. 2"},"content":{"text":"Reality star Khloe Kardashian has shared that her daughter has urged her to have a 3rd child. She has True, 8, and son Tatum, 4, with her 35-year-old ex-partner, basketball player Tristan Thompson. And their eldest child is hoping she can give her a sister using a frozen embryo. She spoke with guest, 33-year-old TV personality Paige DeSorbo on the latest episode of her ‘Khloe in Wonder Land’ podcast. She said, \"All True does, she wants a sister”. Khloe, welcomed Tatum through surrogacy in 2022, said she has an embryo \"in the freezer\" from having IVF with Tristan. The reality star said, \"She's on ice, but I just don't know”. Having 4 sisters, Kourtney Kardashian, 47, Kim Kardashian, 45, Kendall Jenner, 30, and 29-year-old Kylie Jenner, has affirmed her belief that \"girls need a sister\". She shared, But am I just programmed to think that?\" Paige does not have a sister, but is very close with her brother, as she said, \"I think being close with your siblings is honestly a testament to your parents because I know a lot of siblings who don't even speak”. She shared that she and her brother's fiancee treat each other like sisters, as she said, \"She doesn't have a sister. I don't have a sister. The other I went to FaceTime her, and she was at my mom's house. I was like, ‘Oh my god, I was just calling to check in on my sister’”. Khloe said, \"That is your new sister. True can still have that, without the freezer baby”."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/8Frc-NM2HGDtyLY4_khole.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T12:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"khloe-kardashians-daughter-wants-sibling-no.-2"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Sundeep Kishan Salutes Jason’s Grind"},"content":{"text":"Actor Sundeep Kishan, who plays the lead in director Jason Sanjay's 'Sigma', has now disclosed that the young, first-time director did not expect any privileges for being the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and that he worked harder than, if not as hard as any other person in the unit.  Talking to media, Sundeep Kishan, while replying to a question on the challenges that Jason Sanjay and he faced while making 'Sigma', said, \"Beyond challenges, we see it as our responsibility. We want everyone who comes for this film to say that it was a good thing that they came for this film. Anything more than that is a bonus. It is towards this goal that we have put in a lot of effort. The director has put in a lot of effort.\" He went on to add, \"I am telling you very honestly. I have worked with a lot of first-time directors, I have also worked with very big directors. He (Jason Sanjay) has worked harder than, or just as hard as any other person.\" When asked if no special privileges were accorded to Jason Sanjay because of being the Chief Minister's son? Sundeep Kishan replied, \"He has made a film on a budget meant for Sundeep Kishan. He was given 70 days time to make the film and he completed it in 63 days. If he had gone and asked for an increase in budget by about 10 more crores, they would have given it. If he had asked for an additional 20 days, the production house would have supported it. Lyca would do it for any director. But Jason Sanjay never took advantage at any point.\" For the unaware, 'Sigma', which features Sundeep Kishan and Faria Abdullah in the lead, hit screens worldwide on October 2."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/jUk7hQxaNClNk2up_sundeepjason.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T15:31:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"sundeep-kishan-salutes-jasons-grind"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"PC Sparks Excitement at AMB Cinemas"},"content":{"text":"In a significant nod to her upcoming cinematic venture, global superstar Priyanka Chopra Jonas graced Hyderabad's AMB Cinemas, igniting a fervor among fans eager for her return to Indian cinema. The actress's visit is intricately linked to her role in the highly anticipated film Varanasi, in which she stars alongside Telugu film icon Mahesh Babu. The event, marked by a warm reception from Babu's wife and former actress Namrata Shirodkar, saw social media erupt with celebratory posts, further amplifying the buzz surrounding the film. AMB Cinemas, owned by Mahesh Babu, lends an additional layer of significance to Chopra's appearance. Not only does this highlight the collaboration between two titans of the film industry, but it also showcases the synergy of their star power as they prepare audiences for an epic narrative. The theatre's official social media accounts shared images of Chopra's visit along with a heartfelt tribute, emphasizing her presence as emblematic of the pinnacle of cinematic experiences at AMB Cinemas. This strategic promotion aligns perfectly with the growing excitement surrounding Varanasi, a film that promises to be a groundbreaking addition to Indian cinema. Directed by the esteemed S. S. Rajamouli, known for his ambitious storytelling and visually stunning productions, Varanasi is set to redefine the standards of Indian filmmaking. The project is already being lauded for its unprecedented scale, incorporating IMAX technology and featuring breathtaking locations across multiple continents. This film represents a critical milestone in Chopra's career, marking her re-entry into the Indian film industry after a notable hiatus, thereby elevating expectations for its release. Alongside Chopra and Babu, the cast includes acclaimed actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, who is expected to deliver a gripping performance in a complex role. The musical score will be the collaboration of Rajamouli and Oscar-winning composer M. M. Keeravani, promising an auditory experience that complements the film's visual grandeur. With a scheduled release date of April 7, 2027, Varanasi is already positioned to be one of the most significant cinematic events in the coming years, setting the stage for a compelling narrative that blends tradition with innovation."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/YRiM-CZMhNTONXr4_pc.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C5%2C620%2C306&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T15:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"pc-sparks-excitement-at-amb-cinemas"}}]},"tech":{"edges":[]},"fashion":{"edges":[]},"business":{"edges":[]},"health":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"The Hidden Danger Behind Chest Pain"},"content":{"text":"Chest pain is frequently associated with heart attacks, yet a lesser-known condition, aortic dissection, can present equally alarming symptoms. Dr. N. Murali Krishna, a cardiology consultant at Manipal Hospital in Vijayawada, warns that this condition arises from a tear in the aorta's inner layer, the vital blood vessel that transports blood from the heart throughout the body. The rarity of aortic dissection does not diminish its urgency—every moment counts, as delayed diagnosis could precipitate life-threatening complications such as organ rupture, stroke, or kidney failure. The nature of pain caused by aortic dissection sets it apart from typical heart attack discomfort. Patients typically describe the sensation as sharp, ripping, or tearing, often radiating from the chest to the back or abdomen as the dissection progresses. Dr. Krishna emphasizes that this pain typically escalates to its peak within seconds to minutes, necessitating immediate medical attention. Accompanying symptoms may include breathlessness, sweating, and weakness, but in some cases, patients experience few signs, complicating timely diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the risk factors for aortic dissection is crucial for prevention. Hypertension emerges as a significant contributor, alongside hereditary connective tissue disorders, pre-existing aortic aneurysms, and certain congenital heart conditions like a bicuspid aortic valve. While older individuals are more commonly affected, younger adults are not exempt from this serious cardiovascular threat. A thorough examination, including blood pressure readings in both arms, ECG, and blood tests, can aid in assessing the risk, while CT angiography is employed to visualize the aorta and assess any tears. Dr. Krishna urges vigilance when experiencing sudden chest or upper back pain. He advises against self-diagnosis and stresses the importance of seeking emergency care, particularly if the pain escalates quickly or is coupled with faintness, weakness, or breathlessness. Patients should provide medical personnel with detailed accounts of their symptoms, including the onset and intensity of pain, to facilitate accurate diagnosis. This proactive approach can be lifesaving, as the subtleties of aortic dissection's presentation often challenge even the most seasoned healthcare providers."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/8822f77d-8219-4cf7-ad6d-2c029df74875_heart+attack.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-09-21T10:09:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"the-hidden-danger-behind-chest-pain"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Heart Crisis Grips Young India"},"content":{"text":"A disturbing trend is emerging in India, where cardiovascular disease is no longer an affliction of the elderly but a growing concern among younger populations. Recent statistics indicate that cardiovascular diseases accounted for nearly 29% of all recorded deaths in India between 2017 and 2019. This alarming statistic highlights a shifting paradigm, with the National Health Profile revealing that non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses, collectively account for a staggering 63% of the nation's mortality rates. As the nation grapples with this health crisis, the underlying risk factors that contribute to heart disease are becoming increasingly prevalent among young adults, often unnoticed until it is too late. The escalating incidence of heart disease in India’s youth can be traced to a confluence of modern lifestyle choices, including prolonged sedentary behavior, poor dietary habits, irregular sleep patterns, and chronic stress. Dr. Deepak Krishnamurthy, a leading cardiologist, articulates that the traditional risk factors such as hypertension and high cholesterol are now manifesting in younger demographics, exacerbated by genetic predispositions and environmental stressors. Moreover, the omnipresence of technology has led to an increase in screen time, which not only promotes a sedentary lifestyle but also disrupts sleep cycles. The result is a perfect storm wherein young Indians find themselves at greater risk for developing heart-related ailments much earlier in life. Historically, heart disease was often associated with the aging population, attributed to years of cumulative risk factors. However, the current landscape paints a different picture, one where the interplay of lifestyle choices has catalyzed a shift towards earlier onset of cardiovascular issues. The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases reports an alarming 9.36 crore people receiving treatment for hypertension and diabetes—critical precursors to heart disease. As the healthcare system grapples with these numbers, the need for comprehensive awareness and early intervention becomes paramount. Dr. Krishnamurthy emphasizes that conditions leading to heart problems develop insidiously and often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred, particularly among the young. As for actionable steps, Dr. Krishnamurthy advocates for a proactive approach among young adults in their 20s and 30s. He suggests that individuals should eliminate tobacco use, incorporate regular physical activity into their routines, and adopt heart-healthy dietary practices while keeping an eye on their waistlines. Moreover, he underscores the importance of regular monitoring of vital health indicators such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This holistic understanding of cardiovascular health is crucial for young Indians, who must learn to recognize the silent threats posed by modern lifestyles and take charge of their health before it spirals out of control."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/pJ-dW9a56Zc9ur7D_heartdiseas.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C1280%2C631&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-09-16T11:05:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"heart-crisis-grips-young-india"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"A Fight for Life at 85"},"content":{"text":"At 85 years old, Mrs. Lakshmi (name changed) faced what many in her age group would consider insurmountable challenges: two tumors and a life-threatening blockage in her colon. Rather than embracing the tranquility that often accompanies advanced age, she found herself in the emergency room, grappling with severe abdominal pain and a severe inability to pass stool. The diagnosis revealed a critical blockage in the sigmoid colon due to a tumor, a condition that posed immediate threats to her life. The medical team, acutely aware of her complex health history—including hypertension, diabetes, and a previous stroke—understood the urgency of the situation, necessitating careful decision-making regarding her treatment options. The initial intervention involved a minimally invasive procedure where doctors placed a colonic stent to alleviate her discomfort. While this temporary solution offered some relief to Mrs. Lakshmi and her anxious family, it soon became clear that a more comprehensive approach was required. Further examinations unveiled a second tumor in her esophagus, complicating an already dire diagnosis. Dr. K Hemanth Kumar, a leading Consultant in Surgical Gastroenterology at Manipal Hospital, emphasized the urgency of the case. The existence of two malignancies in a patient of advanced age, coupled with multiple underlying health conditions, demanded a meticulous and strategic response from her medical team. The critical nature of Mrs. Lakshmi's situation highlighted broader issues in geriatric care, particularly concerning complex cancer diagnoses. As the medical community increasingly confronts aging populations, the intersection of age and multi-morbidity raises significant ethical and logistical challenges. In Mrs. Lakshmi's case, the stent was a temporary fix, with the potential for serious complications looming should a definitive treatment not be pursued. The family was faced with a heart-wrenching decision: proceed with high-risk surgery or risk further deterioration of her health. Ultimately, they chose the path of hope, opting for a pioneering robotic surgical approach that addressed both tumors in one procedure. Utilizing the advanced Da Vinci Xi robotic system, Dr. Hemanth and his team executed a complex operation that not only targeted the colon cancer but also the esophageal tumor, representing a significant advancement in addressing dual malignancies. Remarkably, Mrs. Lakshmi recovered without needing an intensive care unit stay, a testament to both her resilience and the proficiency of her healthcare providers. Just one week post-operation, she was discharged, marking a poignant moment for both her and her family. Three months later, Mrs. Lakshmi continues to thrive, undergoing further treatment as part of her recovery journey, signaling not just survival but a remarkable testament to the human spirit in the face of daunting medical challenges."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/W5S8nG7lRQSGgKv2_mediclelife.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C44%2C1280%2C631&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-09-15T23:40:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"a-fight-for-life-at-85"}},{"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"}}]},"nri":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"H-1B Relief: Second US Judge Blocks $100K Fee"},"content":{"text":"Thousands of Indian professionals and US employers have received a potential reprieve after a second federal judge blocked the Trump administration from enforcing its controversial $100,000 H-1B visa fee. US District Judge Haywood S. Gilliam Jr. ruled that federal agencies likely failed to follow the legally required rulemaking procedures when implementing the policy. The decision temporarily prevents the relevant agencies from enforcing the measures linked to the original September 2025 proclamation and its September 2026 extension while they comply with the required procedures. The ruling is particularly significant for Indians, who accounted for 71% of approved H-1B petitions in fiscal 2024, according to US immigration data cited in reports. The fee had raised serious concerns among technology companies, healthcare providers, universities and other employers that rely on skilled foreign professionals. The administration has defended its restrictions as a way to protect American workers and curb alleged misuse of the visa programme. What does this mean for Indian IT professionals, students and H-1B aspirants? The latest order offers relief from the challenged fee, but it does not eliminate other H-1B requirements or guarantee visa approval. The legal battle is also not over, with the government’s appeal against an earlier ruling still pending. For Indians planning to work in the US, the key takeaway is to monitor official USCIS guidance and confirm how the court orders apply to their specific petition before making job or travel decisions."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2Fc26fc6a1-82dc-4c92-80f9-5c61d5776d0a_h1b.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,54,1200,592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-01T19:56:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"h-1b-relief-second-us-judge-blocks-100k-fee"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Indian-American lawmakers push H-1B visa overhaul"},"content":{"text":"Two Indian-American lawmakers have backed legislation that would allow H-1B professionals and several other categories of foreign workers to renew their visas without leaving the United States.  Representatives Suhas Subramanyam and Raja Krishnamoorthi said domestic visa renewal would reduce disruption for workers, families and employers. It would also free US consular officials overseas to focus on new visa applications and other foreign-policy work. The proposal forms part of a three-bill package announced by Subramanyam, a Democrat representing Virginia. The measures seek to reduce visa-processing backlogs, modernise the immigration system and strengthen US responses when Americans are caught in emergencies abroad. The Domestic Visa Renewal Modernization Act would expand a 2024 pilot programme that allowed some H-1B visa holders to renew their visa stamps within the United States. The bill would make domestic renewal available to holders of H-1B, H-1B1, E, I, L, O and P visas. These categories cover skilled professionals, executives transferred within multinational companies, investors, journalists, athletes, entertainers and people with extraordinary ability. Visa holders must generally travel to a US embassy or consulate abroad to obtain a new visa stamp. Delays in securing appointments can leave workers stranded outside the country and separated from their jobs and families. “People who are already legally living and working in the United States should not have to leave the country simply to renew their visas,” Krishnamoorthi said. “Our Domestic Visa Renewal Modernization Act would cut unnecessary red tape, give workers and employers greater certainty, and help ensure America remains competitive in attracting and retaining talented people from around the world,” he said. Krishnamoorthi and Republican Representative Don Bacon are co-leading the legislation with Subramanyam. Democratic Representatives Jonathan Jackson and Deborah Ross are co-sponsors. A second measure, the Reducing Visa Delays Act, would require the State Department to examine whether US embassies and consulates have sufficient staff to reduce appointment and processing delays. It would also require a review of visa-vetting policies imposed by the Trump administration. Additional transparency provisions would give applicants a clearer picture of the full waiting periods they face. “My constituents deal with the consequences of extended visa delays on a daily basis. Appointment backlogs and processing delays disrupt families and jobs. We need to address them,” Subramanyam said. The third bill, the Strengthening Emergency Responses Act, addresses the treatment of Americans caught in conflicts and natural disasters overseas. It would require the State Department to update its evacuation plans after every emergency evacuation. The department would also review how information is distributed to people seeking evacuation assistance. The proposal would require regular State Department contact with the next of kin of Americans affected by major disasters abroad. Subramanyam said constituents had reported receiving insufficient guidance when trying to leave the Middle East at the beginning of the Iran war. Families also sought better communication following the August floods in Nepal. “At the start of the Iran War, I had constituents stranded in the Middle East with little guidance and no advance notice. It is critical to communicate closely with families of those impacted by disasters abroad too,” he said."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aNOt5p5xUNkB1C_r_H1B.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-09-30T02:07:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"indian-american-lawmakers-push-h-1b-visa-overhaul"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Telangana Lawyer Becomes Sydney Mayor"},"content":{"text":"Sandhya Reddy, a law graduate from Telangana, has been elected as Mayor of Sydney's Strathfield municipality.  An alumna of Osmania University, Reddy was elected as the 73rd Mayor of the Strathfield Council in Sydney on Tuesday. She will hold the post for two years. Hailing from Mellareddygudem village in Vikarabad district, she studied at Osmania University and Stanley College in Hyderabad before moving to Australia in 1991. She later started practising as an immigration lawyer and became involved in social and political affairs. Sandhya Reddy, also known as Sandy Reddy, was first elected as a Strathfield councillor in December 2021. In September 2023, she was elected Deputy Mayor. She became the first Indian woman to be elected to the post. She retained her council seat in September 2025 and held the post until her election as mayor. After her election as Mayor, Reddy told Australian media that it is an honour. She said she was pleased to get the opportunity to serve the Strathfield local government area. According to a report by ‘The Australia Today’, she holds a Bachelor of Law and a Master of Anthropology, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law from the Australian National University. She has also operated an education and migration services practice while raising her family in Strathfield. Strathfield is Sydney’s most culturally diverse local government area. Covering about 14 square kilometres in Sydney’s inner west, it has an estimated population of about 46,000. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K. T. Rama Rao has congratulated Sandhya Reddy on being elected as Mayor. \"Hearty congratulations to Sandy Reddy garu on being unanimously elected as the Mayor of Strathfield, Australia. Sandy Reddy, a Telangana native, holds the distinction of being the first person from India to be elected as a Mayor in Australia. Wishing Sandy Reddy a successful tenure in public service. May she continue to achieve greater heights and bring pride to Telangana through her service and leadership,\" Rama Rao in a post on X."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/GI0vncvS-VNCfkAU_sandhrareddylawyer.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-09-30T08:49:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"telangana-lawyer-becomes-sydney-mayor"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"22 US states oppose $100,000 H-1B fee"},"content":{"text":"A coalition of 22 US attorneys general has opposed the Trump administration’s proposal to impose a fee exceeding $100,000 on certain H-1B visa petitions, arguing that the measure is unlawful and would worsen shortages of teachers, doctors and nurses.  The challenge is significant for Indian professionals and American companies that rely heavily on the H-1B programme to recruit highly skilled workers. Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones joined the coalition in filing a formal comment letter asking US Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, to withdraw the proposed rule. The agency issued the notice of proposed rulemaking on August 25. It would impose a charge of $103,265 on petitions filed by employers that are not exempt from the annual H-1B visa cap. The attorneys general characterised the proposed charge as a tax. They argued that the executive branch cannot impose such a tax without authorisation from Congress. The coalition also said the rule would exceed USCIS’ authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act and violate the Administrative Procedure Act. According to the attorneys general, the administration has failed to justify the burden that the proposed charge would impose on states. They also said USCIS had not adequately considered less damaging alternatives. The coalition objected to the 30-day public comment period, describing it as unusually short and insufficiently justified. The proposed charge could make it more difficult for state and local institutions to recruit skilled foreign professionals, the attorneys general said. They cited shortages in primary and secondary education, healthcare and other essential services. “Individuals in this class are more than just names on papers - they are our teachers, doctors, nurses, caretakers, and more. They are our neighbors and friends and family,” Jones said. “They have filled out every form and met every government demand to come here and be part of the American Dream,” he said. Jones accused the administration of stretching its executive authority without adequately considering the effect on communities and public services. “Donald Trump is trying to close the door by pushing the boundaries of executive power, indifferent to the burden this proposed rule will put on Virginians,” he said. “Here in Virginia, we fight for our communities, and my office will use every legal tool to make sure this proposal doesn’t go any further.” The coalition said a previous administration attempt to impose a similar charge had been struck down. It argued that the new proposal again seeks to impose a tax through administrative action instead of seeking approval from Congress. Besides Virginia, the coalition includes the attorneys general of California, Massachusetts, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan and Minnesota. It also includes Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The H-1B programme allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that generally require specialised knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Technology companies are among its largest users, but hospitals, schools, universities and research institutions also employ H-1B professionals."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/_9zp_H_4tbhGTWeF_H1B.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C21%2C600%2C296&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-09-26T02:27:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"22-us-states-oppose-100000-h-1b-fee"}}]},"videos":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"AK 47: Narayanamma Lyric Video"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/h6kW6teka9N2q0tO_Adarshakutumbham.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=28,0,669,330&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-09-27T19:11:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"ak-47-narayanamma-lyric-video"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Chiru at SIGMA Pre-Release Event"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/nM04eUDZc_Vg0HGy_chiruatsigmaprerelease.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=20%2C0%2C578%2C285&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-09-25T18:30:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"chiru-at-sigma-pre-release-event"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Jailer 2: 'One Sun One Moon' Song"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/E4OibyLkghHPq2_K_onesunonemoon.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-09-25T08:33:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"jailer-2-one-sun-one-moon-song"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"MYSAA Teaser"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/xClkscuToqQOL0WK_Mysaa.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C5%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-09-20T13:11:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"mysaa-teaser"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Salman Takes Off His T-Shirt on Bigg Boss"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/g9cJNG71ecJFxwXR_Salman.png?auto=format,compress&rect=0,26,532,262&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-09-20T11:59:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"salman-khan-takes-off-his-t-shirt-on-bigg-boss-var"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Aadarsha Kutumbam' Teaser"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/gkb2nU868yFr0w0z_AK47reaser.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=12%2C0%2C608%2C300&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-09-12T18:57:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"aadarsha-kutumbam-teaser"}}]},"editorial":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Deepfakes: The New Political Weapon"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/hEhtP8aOetMu3qKR_df1.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-09-27T08:25:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"deepfakes-the-new-political-weapon"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"UPI Transactions: There Is Nothing Called 'Free Lunch'"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/IWNC-LYO9T7IQfVm_scan.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C7%2C1200%2C592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-09-16T07:30:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"upi-transactions-there-is-nothing-called-free-lunc"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"AI Technology: The New Era Avatar Of Frankenstein?"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/xufYZuR1rBUNRB-6_AItech.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-09-14T07:35:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"ai-technology-the-new-era-avatar-of-frankenstein"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"BRICS Summit: Game Of Elite Proximity"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/a06W_uqJMewyEQT3_modiputinxingpin.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-09-13T06:32:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"brics-summit-game-of-elite-proximity"}}]},"gallery":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-10-02T17:50:37+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/VB0L3OmK91nMSwh0_nabha2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"nabha-natesh-glam-pics"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-09-29T11:43:24+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Nidhhi Agerwal New Glam 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/3ZfRaN9LEK6PhAKU_niddhi2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"nidhhi-agerwal-new-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-09-29T11:40:55+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Bhagyashri Borse New Pics"},"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/AydsnX1hPcs1vvYO_bhagyaa2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"bhagyashri-borse-new-pics"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-09-25T11:18:08+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Sreeleela Stylish New Stills"},"content":{"text":"Sreeleela is an American actress of Indian origin who primarily works in Telugu cinema. She began her career as a child artist before making her lead debut in the 2019 Kannada film Kiss."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/7O8vuvW-nRobKyp8_sreeleela2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"sreeleela-stylish-new-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-09-22T09:21:16+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Anupama Parameswaran New Pics"},"content":{"text":"అనుపమ పరమేశ్వరన్ ఒక భారతీయ నటి. ఈమె తెలుగు, మలయాళ, తమిళ సినిమాలలో నటించింది.ఆమె భర్త పేరు రాజేష్ గోరువ. ఆమె నటించిన తొలి మలయాళ చిత్రం ప్రేమమ్‌లోని మేరీ జార్జ్, తెలుగు సినిమా శతమానం భవతిలో నిత్య ప్రాత్రలు ఈమెకు మంచి పేరు తెచ్చిపెట్టాయి."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/PGeINEpPe90fiQfG_anupama2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"anupama-parameswaran-new-pics"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-09-18T12:13:50+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Ashu Reddy Black Spicy Pics"},"content":{"text":"This is Ashu Reddy, Telugu actress worked in movies and prominently known for BiggBoss3 and also social media influencer and beauty content activist. My videos also include entertainment, knowledge and information in many ways to many people."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/314HzBkvs5lFnVwg_ashureddy2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"ashu-reddy-black-spicy-pics"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-09-18T10:47:25+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Anasuya Bharadwaj New 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/ZDW3Te-AlkGuINBe_anasuya2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"anasuya-bharadwaj-new-saree-pics"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-09-17T17:41:36+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Payal Rajput Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Payal Rajput is an Indian actress who primarily works in Telugu and Punjabi films. She made her film debut with the Punjabi film Channa Mereya, for which she won the Filmfare Award Punjabi for Best Debut Actress. Rajput then made her Hindi film debut with Veerey Ki Wedding."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/6rmeRJW-0U0Yxkno_payal2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"payal-rajput-glam-stills"}},{"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":"2026-05-02T12:20:57+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":"2026-03-29T07:22:02+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"}}]},"one":{"edges":[]},"two":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"PC Sparks Excitement at AMB Cinemas"},"content":{"text":"In a significant nod to her upcoming cinematic venture, global superstar Priyanka Chopra Jonas graced Hyderabad's AMB Cinemas, igniting a fervor among fans eager for her return to Indian cinema. The actress's visit is intricately linked to her role in the highly anticipated film Varanasi, in which she stars alongside Telugu film icon Mahesh Babu. The event, marked by a warm reception from Babu's wife and former actress Namrata Shirodkar, saw social media erupt with celebratory posts, further amplifying the buzz surrounding the film. AMB Cinemas, owned by Mahesh Babu, lends an additional layer of significance to Chopra's appearance. Not only does this highlight the collaboration between two titans of the film industry, but it also showcases the synergy of their star power as they prepare audiences for an epic narrative. The theatre's official social media accounts shared images of Chopra's visit along with a heartfelt tribute, emphasizing her presence as emblematic of the pinnacle of cinematic experiences at AMB Cinemas. This strategic promotion aligns perfectly with the growing excitement surrounding Varanasi, a film that promises to be a groundbreaking addition to Indian cinema. Directed by the esteemed S. S. Rajamouli, known for his ambitious storytelling and visually stunning productions, Varanasi is set to redefine the standards of Indian filmmaking. The project is already being lauded for its unprecedented scale, incorporating IMAX technology and featuring breathtaking locations across multiple continents. This film represents a critical milestone in Chopra's career, marking her re-entry into the Indian film industry after a notable hiatus, thereby elevating expectations for its release. Alongside Chopra and Babu, the cast includes acclaimed actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, who is expected to deliver a gripping performance in a complex role. The musical score will be the collaboration of Rajamouli and Oscar-winning composer M. M. Keeravani, promising an auditory experience that complements the film's visual grandeur. With a scheduled release date of April 7, 2027, Varanasi is already positioned to be one of the most significant cinematic events in the coming years, setting the stage for a compelling narrative that blends tradition with innovation."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/YRiM-CZMhNTONXr4_pc.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C5%2C620%2C306&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T15:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"pc-sparks-excitement-at-amb-cinemas"}}]},"three":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Sundeep Kishan Salutes Jason’s Grind"},"content":{"text":"Actor Sundeep Kishan, who plays the lead in director Jason Sanjay's 'Sigma', has now disclosed that the young, first-time director did not expect any privileges for being the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and that he worked harder than, if not as hard as any other person in the unit.  Talking to media, Sundeep Kishan, while replying to a question on the challenges that Jason Sanjay and he faced while making 'Sigma', said, \"Beyond challenges, we see it as our responsibility. We want everyone who comes for this film to say that it was a good thing that they came for this film. Anything more than that is a bonus. It is towards this goal that we have put in a lot of effort. The director has put in a lot of effort.\" He went on to add, \"I am telling you very honestly. I have worked with a lot of first-time directors, I have also worked with very big directors. He (Jason Sanjay) has worked harder than, or just as hard as any other person.\" When asked if no special privileges were accorded to Jason Sanjay because of being the Chief Minister's son? Sundeep Kishan replied, \"He has made a film on a budget meant for Sundeep Kishan. He was given 70 days time to make the film and he completed it in 63 days. If he had gone and asked for an increase in budget by about 10 more crores, they would have given it. If he had asked for an additional 20 days, the production house would have supported it. Lyca would do it for any director. But Jason Sanjay never took advantage at any point.\" For the unaware, 'Sigma', which features Sundeep Kishan and Faria Abdullah in the lead, hit screens worldwide on October 2."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/jUk7hQxaNClNk2up_sundeepjason.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T15:31:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"sundeep-kishan-salutes-jasons-grind"}}]},"four":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"KTR Declares Victory Over Congress"},"content":{"text":"In a pointed rebuttal to the Congress party's sustained campaign against the Kaleshwaram project, BRS working president KT Rama Rao declared that recent judicial findings have dismantled the 'false narratives' propagated by Congress leaders, including Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The Telangana High Court's verdict on the PC Ghose commission not only affirmed the project's integrity but also served as a clarion call against what KTR labeled as a politically motivated smear campaign. This ruling, he asserted, symbolizes a significant triumph for the farmers of Telangana, countering years of misinformation that threatened the project’s credibility and viability. KTR articulated that the narrative suggesting the project's collapse was not only exaggerated but also meticulously orchestrated by Congress to undermine the BRS government's achievements. He emphasized that the Kaleshwaram project, a ₹94,000 crore venture, has only experienced limited structural damage amounting to about ₹400 crore in repairs, a fact he believes starkly contrasts with the dire portrayals insinuated by the opposition. The BRS leader further contended that while the contracting agency expressed readiness to commence repairs, actions to obstruct this process indicated an ulterior motive to misrepresent the project’s status. The backdrop of this political clash is steeped in the historical rivalry between the BRS and Congress, particularly as the latter grapples with its declining influence in Telangana since the bifurcation in 2014. KTR accused both the Congress and BJP of conspiring to destabilize the project, linking their actions to a broader strategy of undermining Telangana's agricultural development. The court's ruling is being framed as a pivotal moment in this ongoing narrative, with KTR urging Congress to cease its politicization of the issue and instead focus on restoring operations that are crucial for the region's farmers. In his critique, KTR did not shy away from addressing the BJP’s role, chastising Union minister Bandi Sanjay for his incendiary remarks about financial misconduct involving Congress leaders. He provocatively questioned the responsibility of the Union home ministry in addressing such allegations, asserting that Sanjay, in his capacity, should elevate his discourse beyond local politics. By calling for a unified focus on governance rather than “cheap publicity,” KTR is positioning the BRS as a defender of Telangana's irrigation future at a time when its viability hangs in the balance amidst political machinations."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Zy0Awa8jQArT0i1g_KTR.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T16:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"ktr-declares-victory-over-congress"}}]},"five":{"edges":[]},"review":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","one"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: ‘Don’t Trouble the Trouble’"},"content":{"text":"When a film carries the backing of a filmmaker as influential as S.S. Rajamouli, expectations automatically rise. ‘Don’t Trouble the Trouble’ arrived with considerable attention, presented by Rajamouli and produced by his son S.S. Karthikeya. The promotional campaign also received a boost from NTR’s presence at the pre-release event and Mahesh Babu’s positive social-media response.  With Fahadh Faasil leading the cast and an intriguing fantasy premise at its core, the film created curiosity before release. Unfortunately, the final product struggles to translate that promise into an engaging theatrical experience. Story: The film revolves around Suri (Fahadh Faasil), an ambulance driver whose obsession with money has pushed him far away from basic human values. He is willing to cross almost any line if there is money involved. One decision made in pursuit of financial gain eventually turns his life upside down. Parallelly, Divya (Sara), a young girl who mysteriously acquires supernatural abilities, sets out on a journey to find her missing parents. What exactly does Suri do that changes the course of his life? How does Divya acquire her supernatural powers? What happened to her parents? And under what circumstances do Suri and Divya cross paths? These questions form the foundation of the story. The basic concept has enough potential for an entertaining fantasy adventure, but the film's execution fails to extract the maximum impact from the premise. Performances: Fahadh Faasil is undoubtedly one of the film's biggest strengths, but surprisingly, the screenplay does not provide him with enough material to deliver the kind of performance audiences may expect from him. After his appearance in ‘Pushpa’, there was considerable curiosity about whether this film would give Fahadh a stronger platform to showcase his range. Instead, his character is largely presented as a petty thief and cheat whose motivations revolve around money. There is an expectation that his character will become more layered after meeting Divya, but even the subsequent portions offer limited opportunities for Fahadh to truly dominate the screen. He performs his role with his usual natural ease, yet the character itself remains underwritten. The film ultimately feels like a missed opportunity for an actor of his calibre. Sara, meanwhile, makes a strong impression despite her age. Her character demands emotional shifts, lengthy dialogues and a range of expressions, and she handles those requirements effectively. Her screen presence adds some freshness to the narrative. The supporting cast, including Saurabh Sachdeva, Mahesh Manjrekar and Subbaraju, deliver performances that are adequate for their respective roles. Technical: The central idea chosen by director Shashank Yeleti is certainly interesting. A story combining an unlikely protagonist with a child possessing supernatural abilities could have developed into a fun fantasy entertainer. The major problem lies in the screenplay. Instead of building momentum around the unusual premise, the film repeatedly settles for routine scenes and predictable developments. Several sequences can be anticipated well before they unfold, which takes away much of the excitement. The narrative lacks the rhythm required to sustain a fantasy-driven story, and the director's storytelling gradually loses focus. The music by Kaala Bhairava does not leave much of an impression, while even the background score fails to provide the required elevation during crucial moments. The cinematography is passable, but the editing could have been considerably tighter. Both the first half and second half contain sequences that feel unnecessarily stretched, resulting in a slow and occasionally tedious viewing experience. Production values are decent, but the technical presentation never manages to compensate for the weaknesses in the writing. Analysis: The biggest disappointment is the gap between the film's intriguing premise and its execution. With Rajamouli presenting the project and Karthikeya serving as one of the producers, the film entered theatres carrying considerable expectations. The concept may have initially appeared exciting on paper, but the screenplay needed much stronger treatment to transform that idea into a compelling theatrical product. Fahadh Faasil is an actor capable of elevating even a relatively simple character, yet the writing here restricts him considerably. His character has limited depth, and the film does not fully exploit the potential of the actor-protagonist combination. The relationship between Suri and Divya could also have formed the emotional heart of the movie, but that opportunity is not explored with sufficient strength. The film might have worked better had the screenplay embraced its fantasy elements with more humour, adventure and emotional warmth. A more entertaining treatment could potentially have made it accessible to both children and adults. Instead, it occupies an uncertain middle ground. Apart from a few emotional moments, occasional comedy and some fantasy sequences, there is little that sustains the excitement. Plus Points: Fahadh Faasil’s performance Fantasy elements Climax Sara’s performance Minus Points: Predictable screenplay Weak execution Direction Music and background score Lengthy sequences Verdict: ‘Don’t Trouble the Trouble’ starts with an interesting fantasy idea but struggles to turn that concept into a consistently engaging film. Fahadh Faasil and Sara provide some watchable moments, while the fantasy portions and climax offer glimpses of what the movie could have been. However, a predictable screenplay, uneven pacing and underutilised characters ultimately dominate the experience. Final Word: For those who go looking for entertainment, the film unfortunately offers more trouble than the title promises to avoid. Banner: Arka Media Producers: Shobu Yarlagadda, Prasad Devineni, S.S. Karthikeya Director: Shashank Yeleti Music: Kaala Bhairava Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Sara Falekar, Saurabh Sachdeva, Mahesh Manjrekar, Subbaraju and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/bqNucWhmNWKKQiVy_DTTT.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-10-02T08:16:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-dont-trouble-the-trouble"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'The Paradise'"},"content":{"text":"After delivering a major success with Dasara, director Srikanth Odela reunited with Nani for The Paradise, a film that arrived with enormous expectations. The project generated considerable buzz from the beginning, not only because of the successful director-actor combination but also because it reportedly became the first Nani film to cross the ₹100-crore mark in theatrical business.  With a period backdrop, a socially rooted storyline and an intense transformation in Nani’s appearance, the film promised something much bigger than a conventional action drama. Unfortunately, the final product struggles to translate that ambition into compelling cinema. Story: Set against a historical backdrop, The Paradise revolves around a community that continues to remain trapped in oppression even after Hyderabad and Telangana move beyond the era of Nizam rule. The fictional Paradise settlement is controlled for generations by the Malik family, who treat the local population as little more than slaves while denying them even the basic dignity of identity and recognition. Sammakka, played by Sonali Kulkarni, becomes one of the voices challenging this system. Her son Jadal, portrayed by Nani, is forced into a difficult life at a very young age and eventually lands in prison. When he returns, his personal journey becomes intertwined with the larger fight of his community. The central question is whether Jadal can break the cycle of oppression and secure the identity his people have been denied for generations. The premise has considerable potential, but the screenplay fails to extract the emotional and dramatic weight from it. Performances: Nani once again attempts to step outside his familiar image. His distinctive appearance, particularly the long-haired look designed for Jadal, immediately catches attention. Following his striking transformation in Dasara, expectations were naturally high for another unconventional portrayal. Nani carries the rugged appearance convincingly and performs the physically demanding action sequences with commitment. However, the character is written largely around aggression and action, leaving limited room for the actor to explore emotional depth. The film occasionally introduces sentimental moments, but they are not developed strongly enough to create a lasting impact. Mohan Babu plays Malik, a character that was heavily discussed before the film's release. Despite being positioned as a crucial figure in the narrative, the character receives surprisingly limited dramatic weight. Raghav Juyal also makes an impression in the space given to him, but his character is brought to an abrupt end instead of being developed into a stronger force within the story. Sonali Kulkarni's character is central to the film's larger theme, yet the screenplay doesn't provide her enough material to make the emotional struggle truly resonate. Kayadu Lohar's role is largely confined to the romantic and glamour elements. Sampoornesh Babu appears in a supporting part with barely enough dialogue to make an impression. Even the numerous experienced actors in the cast are unable to leave a strong mark because the writing does not give their characters sufficient substance. Technical: Anirudh Ravichander's involvement naturally raised expectations, particularly for the background score. While the music works in isolated stretches, the background score often becomes excessively loud rather than enhancing the emotional intensity of the scenes. A couple of songs stand out, but the soundtrack as a whole does not deliver the impact one might expect from a project of this scale. The cinematography does reasonably well in recreating the period atmosphere. The production design and visual detailing help establish the harsh world in which the characters live. The film carries considerable production value, and the scale is visible on screen. The biggest problem, however, lies in the writing and execution. Srikanth Odela appears to have had a strong central idea but struggles to turn it into a cohesive screenplay. The dialogue, scene construction, pacing and transitions frequently lack the required sharpness. Editing issues further affect the flow, making the lengthy narrative feel more exhausting than immersive. Plus Points: Nani's rugged transformation and performance Kayadu Lohar's presence The pre-interval sequence Production design and period atmosphere A few effective action moments Minus Points: Weak screenplay Underdeveloped characters Uneven pacing Excessive action Limited emotional impact Editing issues Underutilisation of senior actors Analysis: At its core, The Paradise is built around a potentially powerful idea: the fight of an oppressed community for recognition and dignity. The problem is that the film rarely develops this idea with the depth it deserves. Instead of building the characters and their conflicts gradually, the narrative repeatedly falls back on large-scale action and heightened moments. The influence of films such as KGF and Salaar can be felt in the treatment, particularly in the attempt to create a larger-than-life world populated by powerful factions and brutal action. But where those films built their worlds around stronger character motivations and narrative momentum, The Paradise struggles to establish the same emotional connection. The action sequences are undeniably aggressive, but intensity alone cannot compensate for weak storytelling. Several sequences appear designed primarily to shock rather than organically emerge from the story. The violence frequently moves away from realism, while the emotional scenes fail to generate the intended response. The film also introduces powerful-looking antagonists, only to gradually reduce their importance. This weakens the central conflict because the protagonist never gets a consistently formidable opposition. Even the effort to add political and historical references appears more like an attempt to generate additional buzz than something organically integrated into the screenplay. Nani gives the role everything he can, but the performance ultimately depends heavily on the material provided to him. The film clearly wants to present Jadal as an iconic figure, yet the writing does not sufficiently establish the emotional journey necessary to make that transformation convincing. Final Verdict: The Paradise begins with an interesting idea and a promising world, but struggles to turn that foundation into a satisfying cinematic experience. The gap between the film's promotional build-up and the actual content becomes difficult to ignore as the story progresses. Nani's commitment and the film's scale are evident, but they cannot fully compensate for an underdeveloped screenplay and inconsistent execution. What could have been a hard-hitting story about identity, dignity and resistance instead ends up feeling like an action-heavy film searching for an emotional core."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/gykUOtmdxL0XVM2y_TheParadise.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-09-23T20:38:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-the-paradise"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Epic'"},"content":{"text":"The combination of Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya, who previously delivered a successful outing with Baby, naturally raised expectations around Epic. With the duo returning together, there was considerable curiosity about whether the film could recreate the magic of their earlier collaboration. Unfortunately, while Epic has its share of entertaining moments, it ultimately struggles to live up to the expectations created by its lead pair. Story: Aditya (Anand Deverakonda), the younger son of Chandrasekhar (Shivaji), a government school teacher, is a carefree youngster with little interest in academics but a deep fascination for cinema. Dreaming of becoming a filmmaker, he keeps trying to find his way into the world of movies. However, pressure from his parents eventually forces him to travel to the UK to pursue his education. An innocent, soft-spoken and inexperienced young man, Aditya enters a completely unfamiliar world in the UK. Soon after arriving, he meets Kadali (Vaishnavi Chaitanya), and the encounter gradually brings a significant change in his personality and outlook. Meanwhile, Aditya's family is dealing with its own set of problems back home. Whether Aditya manages to achieve his ambitions, how his relationship with Kadali develops and where his journey eventually takes him form the crux of the story. Performances: Anand Deverakonda once again fits comfortably into the role of an innocent and somewhat naïve youngster. Much like his performance in Baby, he brings a certain vulnerability to the character, though the actor gets an opportunity to display a slightly different shade of the role as the story progresses into the second half. His appearance, body language and dialogue delivery work well for the character. Anand is particularly effective in emotional and romantic sequences, showing noticeable improvement and confidence as a performer. His familiar mannerisms and body language may also remind audiences of his brother Vijay Deverakonda, which could work in favour of his fan base. Overall, Epic gives Anand another opportunity to showcase his acting abilities. Vaishnavi Chaitanya, who delivered a strong performance in Baby, does not get a character with comparable depth here. While she has a few scenes that allow her to demonstrate her acting skills, much of the role remains fairly limited. She gets some glamorous moments and contributes effectively whenever the screenplay gives her room, but the character itself does not offer enough scope for a standout performance. Shivaji is convincing as the middle-class government school teacher and once again settles naturally into the character. The supporting cast performs adequately within the limitations of their respective roles. Technical: Director Aditya Hasan chooses a premise that feels contemporary and relevant to the mindset of the current generation. However, the execution is considerably more conventional. The comedy provides some relief and prevents the screenplay from becoming completely monotonous, but several sequences feel familiar and reminiscent of situations seen in other films. The screenplay could have benefited from greater freshness and stronger character development. The first half works relatively better, largely because of its comic portions, while the second half loses momentum and becomes slower. Hesham Abdul Wahab's music is another weak link. Although a couple of songs are passable, the overall album fails to make a lasting impression. The background score, particularly during emotional sequences, could have played a much stronger role in elevating the impact of the scenes. The cinematography is adequate, though the film could have made better use of the picturesque UK locations. Production values are solid and contribute to the film's overall visual presentation. Analysis: A successful pairing can certainly create initial buzz, but a familiar combination alone cannot guarantee a successful film. What truly works is when a popular combination is backed by strong and engaging content. In Epic, the film's premise appears tailored to the sensibilities of the current generation, but the execution does not consistently match its potential. The director succeeds in extracting some entertaining moments from the comedy and emotional portions. The first half benefits from its humour, while the emotional scenes in the latter portion provide a few engaging moments. However, the romantic track lacks the impact required to make the central relationship truly memorable. The film also needed a sharper screenplay and a more compelling second half to rise above its routine elements. While it may not satisfy viewers expecting another Baby-like outing from Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya, Epic can still work as a light, one-time entertainer for those looking for a casual watch. Positives: Comedy First half Anand Deverakonda Vaishnavi Chaitanya Negatives: Slow narration Routine story and screenplay Music Second half Verdict: Epic has enough comedy and a few engaging moments to make it a passable time-pass entertainer, but its routine romantic track, slow narration and underwhelming second half keep it from becoming the memorable film its lead combination promised. Banner: Sithara Entertainments Producer: Suryadevara Naga Vamsi Director: Aditya Hasan Music: Hesham Abdul Wahab Cast: Anand Deverakonda, Vaishnavi Chaitanya, Shivaji, Vasuki, Kalyan Shankar and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/i5tpcCyZXxZGstkc_EPICreview.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-09-11T08:51:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-epic"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Haiwaan'"},"content":{"text":"Haiwaan builds its strongest moments around two accomplished actors standing on opposite sides of a conflict. Directed by Priyadarshan, the psychological action crime thriller brings Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan together after 18 years, and their reunion is easily one of the film’s biggest strengths. At its core, the film is a tense game of cat and mouse between a dangerous antagonist and a visually impaired man who must rely on instinct, intelligence and resilience to survive. Akshay Kumar is the first major talking point, delivering what could easily be described as one of his darkest and most menacing performances to date. As Parshuram, he does not play the villain in the conventional, loud Bollywood manner. Instead, there is an unsettling calmness to his performance. Akshay gives Parshuram a sense of conviction and unpredictability that makes it difficult to anticipate his next move. His body language, controlled expressions and measured intensity establish the character as genuinely dangerous. There is a quiet menace running through the performance, making Parshuram one of Akshay’s standout negative roles. Saif Ali Khan is equally compelling as Shyam, a visually impaired man who finds himself caught in an increasingly dangerous situation. What stands out about Saif’s performance is the restraint. He does not exaggerate the character’s blindness or turn it into a theatrical device. Instead, Shyam’s vulnerability exists alongside his intelligence, determination and heightened instincts. Saif allows us to understand the challenges Shyam faces without ever making him seem helpless. His performance becomes particularly effective in the confrontational scenes with Akshay. That brings us to the film’s biggest hook — the Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan face-off. Their scenes provide some of Haiwaan’s most thrilling moments because the conflict is not merely physical; there is a strong psychological element to their encounters. Parshuram has physical menace, confidence and an apparent ability to control situations, while Shyam has to depend on instinct, intelligence and resilience. The contrast creates genuine tension. Their standoff gives Haiwaan its dramatic pulse and keeps the audience invested in their battle. A major surprise comes from Paahal Chaudhary, who emerges as one of the film’s biggest revelations. The young actor delivers an outstanding and remarkably assured performance. Paahal brings vulnerability and sincerity to the role without allowing the character to become merely a plot device. Her presence adds emotional stakes to the thriller and makes the audience more invested in what happens to the characters. She holds her own impressively alongside an established cast and becomes an important emotional centre of the story. The supporting cast adds further weight to the narrative. Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar and Boman Irani bring sincerity and conviction to their respective roles, while Sharib Hashmi is effective as the police officer and fits naturally into the investigative world of the film. The return of veteran actor Asrani is particularly heartwarming. He delivers another memorable performance, and his final on-screen appearance gives his presence an added emotional significance. Priyadarshan demonstrates once again why he remains such a dependable filmmaker when it comes to commercial storytelling. With Haiwaan marking his 98th film, he understands how to balance emotion, drama, suspense and mainstream entertainment without allowing one element to overpower the others. At 2 hours and 44 minutes, the film is certainly long, but it rarely feels as though the material is being unnecessarily stretched. The performances, confrontations and steady progression of the thriller keep the narrative moving. The background score deserves special mention for the role it plays in sustaining that momentum. The BGM consistently keeps the tension alive and gives the film the atmospheric quality required of a thriller. It works particularly well during confrontational sequences, adding anticipation without overpowering the performances. The soundscape works hand-in-hand with Priyadarshan’s direction and ensures that the film retains its thriller pulse. Pritam’s music is also integrated thoughtfully into the narrative. Mere Hero Hai Woh adds an emotional dimension, while Rangiyaara works particularly well during the travel portions. The songs complement the mood and allow the film to breathe while remaining connected to the narrative. They never feel completely disconnected from the storytelling. The fact that Haiwaan is adapted from Priyadarshan’s Malayalam thriller Oppam will naturally be known to audiences familiar with the original. However, the Hindi adaptation brings its own treatment, staging and commercial flavour to the material. The performances give the story fresh energy, while Priyadarshan’s direction ensures that it remains accessible as a Hindi theatrical thriller. Mohanlal’s special appearance, reprising his presence from the original, is also a welcome touch for fans of Oppam and provides a meaningful connection between the two films. The film also benefits from a clear central conflict. The screenplay does not bury the emotional stakes under unnecessary complications, allowing the audience to understand what is at risk while the suspense builds naturally. What makes the performances stand out is the contrast in their approaches. Akshay creates danger through stillness and unpredictability, while Saif creates tension through observation and restraint. That difference gives their scenes texture and prevents the conflict from becoming a routine hero-versus-villain battle. The audience is constantly waiting for the next move, which is where the film finds its strongest rhythm. For a film carrying the weight of a star reunion, Haiwaan also avoids becoming solely about that reunion. Akshay and Saif are undoubtedly the centre of attention, but the surrounding characters and emotional stakes are given enough room to matter. Haiwaan works because its strongest elements come together effectively. Akshay’s Parshuram provides the menace, Saif’s Shyam supplies the emotional and human core, and Paahal Chaudhary adds an unexpected layer of vulnerability. The supporting performances strengthen the world around them, while Priyadarshan keeps the suspense alive. The gripping background score further enhances the atmosphere, and the music sits naturally within the narrative. Haiwaan is a theatrical thriller that gets its most important ingredients right. Akshay Kumar gets one of his most compelling negative roles, Saif Ali Khan brings depth and restraint to a challenging character, and Paahal Chaudhary proves to be a genuine revelation. But it is the Akshay-Saif confrontation that remains the film’s beating heart.  Priyadarshan’s assured direction keeps the tension intact and successfully balances suspense, emotion, drama and mainstream entertainment. Haiwaan may draw from familiar material, but its performances, atmosphere and execution give it enough conviction to work as a satisfying big-screen experience. Director – Priyadarshan, Cast:  Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, Mohanlal, Asrani, Sharib Hashmi And Others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/pcf8OeUE1gPChq-9_HaiwaanJ.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C42%2C1280%2C631&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-09-11T05:04:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-haiwaan"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Sardar 2’ "},"content":{"text":"Karthi has built a strong following across both Tamil and Telugu audiences, and the success of Sardar naturally created considerable anticipation for its sequel. With Sardar 2, director P. S. Mithran attempts to expand the franchise into a larger and more intense espionage-action space. The film carries forward the narrative from the first instalment while introducing a new threat and a fresh mission. On paper, the ingredients suggest a potentially engaging spy thriller. However, the execution falls short of the expectations created by its predecessor, with an uneven screenplay and excessive padding preventing the film from achieving the impact it aims for. Story: The sequel picks up from where Sardar left off. After reports emerge that Sardar, played by Karthi, has been shot dead in China, the focus shifts to his son Vijay, also portrayed by Karthi, who works as a RAW agent. Vijay does not enjoy much support from his superiors, but that does not stop him from taking matters into his own hands. He launches an unauthorised operation to rescue Walrus, played by Achyuth Kumar.  Although Vijay fails to save him, the mission leaves him with crucial information about a dangerous operation known as ‘DO’. His investigation leads him towards Black Dagger, played by S. J. Suryah, and a larger conspiracy that threatens the country. The mystery surrounding Black Dagger, his motives and the purpose of Operation DO forms the central conflict.  While the premise has the potential for a gripping espionage drama, the narrative takes too long to build momentum and struggles to maintain suspense. Performences: Karthi remains the film’s biggest asset. The actor handles the two contrasting shades of his characters with confidence, bringing gravitas to Sardar while giving Vijay a more youthful and jovial personality. The difference between the two roles allows Karthi to display considerable range, and his energetic performance keeps several sequences watchable even when the writing falters.  S. J. Suryah once again proves effective as a villain, bringing an unsettling intensity to Black Dagger and making some of his scenes genuinely menacing.  Malavika Mohanan has limited scope but makes an impression in the portions available to her, while Ashika Ranganath gets only a few opportunities to showcase her acting abilities.  Yogi Babu provides comic relief, though some of the humour feels artificially inserted into the otherwise serious narrative. c oy-e remaining cast members are adequate within their respective roles. Technical: The film does not consistently live up to its big-budget positioning. The background score is particularly disappointing, with similar musical patterns repeatedly used during the action sequences. At several points, the music becomes excessively loud and threatens to overpower the scenes instead of complementing them. The cinematography fares better, with certain sequences gaining visual appeal from the camera work.  The production design and overall scale are reasonably impressive, but these positives are undermined by the film’s editing. Several portions feel unnecessarily prolonged, particularly during the first half, and a tighter cut could have significantly improved the pacing. The second half makes a more determined attempt to generate intrigue and urgency, but the screenplay never quite develops the momentum required for a satisfying payoff. Analysis: The fundamental problem with Sardar 2 is that it arrives as the follow-up to a successful film. A sequel is expected not merely to continue the story but to raise the stakes and offer audiences something more compelling than what they have already seen. Here, the connection to the first film is maintained while the new storyline remains accessible even to those unfamiliar with the earlier instalment. Yet the basic espionage framework feels familiar, and the film needed sharper writing and more inventive storytelling to make its premise stand out. Instead, the slow stretches, forced comedy and inconsistent screenplay repeatedly take the edge off the narrative. Ultimately, Sardar 2 has a capable lead, an interesting central idea and a few effective performances, but it lacks the tight writing and controlled execution required for a high-impact spy thriller. Karthi’s dual-role performance is undoubtedly a plus, and the core storyline offers enough material for an engaging franchise film. However, the sequel never fully capitalises on those strengths. For audiences expecting a more powerful follow-up to Sardar, the film is likely to feel like a missed opportunity. Positives:  Karthi’s dual performance Basic storyline S. J. Suryah’s villainous act Negatives:  Slow first half Forced comedy Weak background score Uneven editing Inconsistent screenplay Final Verdict:  Sardar 2 has the scale, star power and premise of a promising spy-action franchise, but its lacklustre screenplay and uneven execution keep it from matching the impact of the original. Banner: Prince Pictures, IVY Entertainment Producers: S. Lakshman Kumar, Ishan Saksena Director: P. S. Mithran Music: Sam C. S. Cast: Karthi, Malavika Mohanan, S. J. Suryah, Ashika Ranganath, Yogi Babu and others "},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/YJ_CQhIc2-axaebY_SARDARReview2.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-09-10T07:32:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-sardar-2-"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Toxic'"},"content":{"text":"After delivering the massive success of KGF, Yash took considerable time before announcing his next project. He reportedly heard several scripts and met numerous filmmakers before finally joining hands with Geetu Mohandas for Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. The collaboration itself raised eyebrows, with many wondering how Mohandas’ filmmaking sensibilities would blend with Yash’s larger-than-life action image. The result is an ambitious gangster action drama that aims for the scale and intensity of KGF, but struggles to match its emotional impact. Story: Set against the backdrop of Goa in 1947, the film revolves around a powerful drug and underworld network led by Salvador, a feared gang lord. Raya (Yash) and Ganga (Nayanthara), who are siblings, are among his most trusted associates. Ganga dreams of seeing her younger brother rise to the top of Goa’s drug empire. Raya’s life takes an unexpected turn when he falls in love with Salvador’s daughter, Rebecca (Tara Sutaria), and marries her. This eventually helps him become the head of the drug syndicate, fulfilling Ganga’s long-standing ambition. However, Raya later develops feelings for Nadia (Kiara Advani), a circus performer. Their relationship leads to Nadia’s pregnancy and creates a devastating conflict after Rebecca discovers the affair. Overcome by the situation, Rebecca takes her own life. The central conflict then revolves around Salvador’s reaction and Ganga’s desperate attempts to protect her brother from his wrath. Performances: Yash delivers a convincing performance as Raya and carries much of the film on his shoulders. However, the screenplay is so heavily centred on his character that several supporting roles fail to make a lasting impact. Some of his action sequences also feel exaggerated, with the hero overpowering villains almost effortlessly. While his emotional moments work reasonably well, the action lacks the grounded quality needed to make the violence feel convincing. Nayanthara gets a powerful character as Ganga, but the writing does not provide her with enough substantial scenes. She makes an impression whenever she appears, despite having limited material. Kiara Advani, unfortunately, has little scope to demonstrate her acting abilities, with her character largely confined to glamour and romance. Tara Sutaria fares better, delivering a natural performance in several emotional sequences. The remaining cast members are adequate within the limitations of their respective roles. Technical: Geetu Mohandas deserves credit for attempting a dark and ambitious gangster drama, but the execution falls short of the potential of the premise. The screenplay repeatedly relies on elaborate action sequences, seemingly assuming that Yash’s screen presence and large-scale set pieces alone will sustain the film. Considerably more attention is given to the protagonist than to the development of the supporting characters. The dubbing is another noticeable weakness, occasionally giving the film the feel of a dubbed production rather than a seamless multilingual project. The cinematography is impressive and succeeds in creating the required visual scale. However, the background score does not leave a strong impact. Ravi Basrur’s music fails to live up to expectations, while the songs struggle to connect because of their placement within the romantic portions. Editing is one of the film’s major drawbacks, particularly in the second half, where several sequences feel unnecessarily stretched. The production values, however, remain impressive and contribute to the film’s grand visual presentation. Analysis: The biggest challenge for Toxic was always going to be the enormous expectations surrounding Yash after KGF. Audiences naturally expected another high-octane action spectacle, and the film clearly attempts to recreate that larger-than-life formula. But KGF worked not merely because of its action; its emotional core gave the spectacle considerable weight. Toxic struggles in that department. The film repeatedly prioritises action, violence and glamour while failing to build sufficiently strong emotional connections with its characters. The result is a movie that looks ambitious but often feels emotionally hollow. The excessive romantic and adult-oriented content may also alienate a significant section of family audiences. Instead of complementing the gangster narrative, several such sequences feel unnecessarily provocative and distract from the core story. The film appears determined to push its mature tone, but the approach does not always feel organic to the narrative. Ultimately, Toxic showcases Yash’s immense screen presence and delivers a few visually striking action sequences, but it falls short of replicating the emotional resonance that made KGF such a phenomenon. The attempt to create another massive Yash action vehicle is evident, yet the absence of a compelling emotional backbone prevents the film from reaching its full potential. Plus Points: Yash’s performance Tara Sutaria’s natural acting A few well-executed action sequences Grand production values Impressive cinematography Minus Points: Weak story and screenplay Limited depth for supporting characters Excessive romance and adult content Over-the-top action in places Underwhelming music and background score Slow and stretched second half Dubbing issues Verdict: Toxic sets out to deliver another KGF-style action extravaganza but misses the emotional ingredient that made Yash’s previous blockbuster so effective. Despite its scale, star power and flashes of impressive action, the film struggles to create a satisfying overall impact. Final Take: Another KGF was attempted, but the emotion is missing. Banner: KVN Productions Producer: Venkat K. Narayana Director: Geethu Mohandas Music: Ravi Basrur Cast: Yash, Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, Sudev and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/E2UJr6qTDfzc_kvt_TOXIC.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-26T07:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-toxic"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Irumudi'"},"content":{"text":"It has been a long time since Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja scored a hit. At a time when his fans were also giving up hope on Ravi Teja, expectations have increased hugely on the film directed by Shiva Nirvana, who is known as a sensible director. A positive buzz has been created for Ravi Teja's film like never before and huge advance bookings have been registered. Let's see how this film is in this review. Story: Trinath (Ravi Teja) is a devotee of Ayyappa. He wears an Ayyappa garland every year. Trinath, who is very devoted when he wears a garland, cannot stop drinking when he does not have one. No matter how much he drinks, he takes good care of his wife Kaveri (Priya Bhavani Shankar) and daughter Manikantha (Baby Nakshatra), leads a happy life with them, and works in the banana plantation. Trinath, who lives in a village, loves his daughter. He takes care of every girl in the village and is the first to come to his aid if any danger comes to them. At such a time, a girl studying in high school is murdered. What changes does Trinath's life bring about with that murder? Why does Trinath swear to his daughter that he will stop drinking? What else does Trinath do for his daughter is the story of the film. Actors' Performance: Everyone who acted in the film acted very well. Ravi Teja, as always, acted with full energy and impressed. Especially in the action scenes and sentimental scenes with his daughter, Ravi Teja acted very well. Ravi Teja appeared for the first time in Ayyappa Mala. As expected, Ravi Teja impressed in the devotional scenes as well. Overall, he carried the film on his shoulders and carried it forward, impressing everyone including the fans. Heroine Priya Bhavani Shankar acted as if she had a good future. She was seen in a de-glamor look in this film. Still, she impressed in terms of looks. Apart from that, she impressed with her acting. In recent times, we have been seeing the level of importance given to the acting of heroines. It has been proven once again that heroines will create dust if they get roles that have potential for acting. There is no doubt that Baby Nakshatra has given life to the film. Ajay Ghosh and Sai Kumar impressed with their roles. Technical: Music director GV Prakash Kumar impressed with the background score. The theater was rocked by the song Mallepula Pallaki. However, it must be said that the credit does not go to GV Prakash. The other songs are mediocre. The more GV lifts the film with the background score, the more it lifts it. Director Shiva Nirvana's writing is good. Some dialogues are touching, while some scenes are like the best of Ravi Teja's career. Overall, the director has succeeded in all respects. There are no major mistakes in editing. It would have been even better if some scenes in the second half had been cut to three or four minutes. The cinematography is good. The beauty of the village has been shown well. There is no compromise in the structural values. Analysis: Director Shiva Nirvana has conveyed the point he wanted to convey with devotion and sentiments. The director has shown the injustice being done to girls in the current society well. Apart from that, there is no doubt that he has made a good decision in choosing Ravi Teja for this film and taking Ayyappa Mala as the backdrop. Ravi Teja has never done such roles in the past. That is why there is a concern about how he will be seen in this film, how the character will be, and how the film will be. After watching the film, it feels like we are seeing Trinath instead of Ravi Teja. The director has taken us into the film in a very short time. This film can be called a movie with good sentiment and devotion along with entertainment. Ravi Teja's films have been criticized for a long time in the industry. There is no doubt that this film is the answer to all of them. It went like an all-round movie. Plus points: Ravi Teja, Other Actors' Performances, Mallepula Pallaki Song, Action Sequences Minus points: Some Emotional Scenes Final Verdict:  Ravi Teja tied 'Irumudi' to Ayyappa and scored a hit Banner: Mythri Movie Makers Producer: Naveen Yerneni, Y Ravi Shankar Director: Shiva Nirvana Music: G.V. Prakash Kumar Cast: Ravi Teja, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Sai Kumar, Baby Nakshatra, Ajay Ghosh and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/HcTr2KkaiWO37ssK_irumudi.jpg?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-21T08:18:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-irumudi"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Awarapan 2'"},"content":{"text":"Some characters become so closely associated with an actor that bringing them back after nearly two decades is a risky proposition. Shivam Pandit is one such character for Emraan Hashmi. Awarapan 2 takes that risk and, for the most part, understands why the 2007 film became a cult favourite. Directed by Nitin Kakkar, the film picks up the emotional thread of the original rather than simply recreating it. Shivam is still carrying the memory of Aaliyah when he comes across an abandoned infant girl at her grave. He takes her to an orphanage, quietly pays for her care and names her Aaliyah. When a couple later adopts the girl, Shivam convinces himself that giving her a family is the right thing to do. He soon discovers that they are connected to an international child-trafficking syndicate, and when Interpol tells him that Aaliyah has been abducted, the man who had walked away from the criminal world has no choice but to return. That premise gives Awarapan 2 a natural reason to bring Shivam back rather than forcing a reunion for nostalgia's sake. Interpol wants his help in taking down the syndicate, but Shivam's motivation is much more personal. His guilt over Aaliyah and his inability to protect her pull him back into the world he desperately wanted to leave behind. This is where the sequel expands the franchise. The first Awarapan was raw, intimate and deeply rooted in Shivam's personal transformation. The new film moves from that compact moral awakening into a larger crime thriller involving trafficking, organised crime, revenge and sacrifice. The scale is bigger, the action is more prominent and the storytelling is designed for a theatrical audience, but the emotional core remains Shivam's search for redemption. The narrative has moved from 2007 to 2026, and this genuinely feels like the next chapter rather than a film simply borrowing the name of a beloved original. A major part of that evolution comes from Vishesh Bhatt. As the co-producer of Awarapan and now the writer-producer behind Awarapan 2, Bhatt's vision of turning Awarapan into a franchise is central to the film. This isn't just a sequel made because the first film developed a cult following. There is a clear attempt to build the next chapter of Shivam Pandit's story while retaining the emotional and musical DNA of Vishesh Films. Bhatt's creative direction gives the film its larger ambition, with Kakkar and the entire team following that lead. The collaboration between Emraan Hashmi and Vishesh Films remains one of the film's strongest forces. Emraan, unsurprisingly, is the film's biggest strength, but the supporting characters deserve attention. Disha Patani plays Zara, a woman who becomes an unintentional victim of the criminal world surrounding her family. Her brother Zorawar, played by Puran Gabbi, is involved in the drug trade, and the film uses their relationship to show how crime can trap people who never chose that life. Patani gets a stronger dramatic focus and brings a vulnerability that gives Zara's portions emotional weight. Gabbi is one of the film's discoveries, bringing an unpredictability that makes Zorawar stand out without turning him into a standard gangster caricature. Shabana Azmi as Nafisa brings the expected gravitas, while Suvinder Vicky as Jaideep, Vijayant Kohli as Mehmood, Atul Kumar as Samarth and Aniruddh Rawal as Sikandar add further layers to the criminal and investigative world around Shivam. The music is where Awarapan 2 makes perhaps its most important connection with the original. Mithoon, Amaal Mallik and Jeet Gannguli carry forward the musical identity of the franchise, with lyrics by Sayeed Quadri and Rashmi Virag. The returning favourites \"Tera Mera Rishta\" and \"Toh Phir Aao\" have been reimagined by Mithoon, while \"Yeh Awarapan\", sung by Arijit Singh, adds another emotional layer. But the soundtrack is not simply a collection of songs designed to trigger nostalgia. The music is integral to the story. It carries Shivam's emotional state, builds the atmosphere and becomes part of the film's narrative language. This is also a soundtrack that deserves to be experienced in a theatre, where the sound design, scale of the compositions and visuals create a different audio-visual experience. The film also makes its marketing campaign look smarter once the story unfolds. Some of what has been shown and teased begins to make sense only after watching it, and there are elements of the narrative better experienced without knowing too much beforehand. Awarapan 2 is not merely selling the return of Emraan Hashmi or the nostalgia of its music. It is attempting to make audiences curious about what happened to Shivam and where his story goes next. The big-screen presentation adds to that appeal. Awarapan 2 succeeds because it respects where the franchise came from without pretending that cinema hasn't changed since 2007. It is bigger, more ambitious and more conventional as a thriller than the original, but it retains the grief, rage, sacrifice and search for redemption that made Shivam Pandit memorable. Vishesh Bhatt's franchise vision, Vishesh Films' creative identity, Nitin Kakkar's direction, Bilal Siddiqui's writing and Emraan Hashmi's return all work toward the same goal: taking Shivam's story forward rather than simply repeating it. Disha Patani gets a meaningful role, Puran Gabbi emerges as a genuine discovery, the supporting cast adds weight and the music remains an essential part of the experience. It may not have the same bleak intimacy as Awarapan, but that isn't what this film is trying to be. This is the 2026 chapter of Shivam Pandit's journey much bigger, louder and still carrying the same old wound. Director: Nitin Kakkar,  Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Puran Gabbi, Suvinder Vicky and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/nH0_7NckLLpkJ8vL_awarapan2.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-14T04:07:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-awarapan-2"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Vishwanath and Sons'"},"content":{"text":"Despite being a Tamil hero, Surya is a hero who has a good craze in Telugu. Telugu audiences have raised their expectations as soon as he says that he is working with a Telugu director. The film Surya, which was made in a Telugu production company and directed by a Telugu director, was promoted as a Telugu film. Let's see how this film, which has huge expectations among the audience, is doing in this review. Story: Sanjay Vishwanath (Surya) is a big businessman. Sanjay, who has everything, is not interested in marriage. But his mother (Radhika) insists on marriage and having a family. Sanjay becomes a father to a baby boy through surrogacy for his mother. While he is happy with Babu, unexpected developments take place. Babu develops serious health problems. Babu needs bone marrow. Then Sanjay goes to Maddy (Mamita Baiju), who is in the US. She has to give the bone marrow to Babu. 22-year-old Maddy, who came for Babu, falls in love with 42-year-old Sanjay. Where did that love lead? Who is Maddy really? You have to watch the movie to know these things. Performance: There is no need to mention the performance of the hero Surya. Millionaire Sanjay Vishwanath impressed in the role. Surya scored 100 out of 100 marks in showing that modesty. Surya impressed in a role that shows love while appearing serious in some scenes. Overall, there is no doubt that Sanjay Vishwanath brought the character to life. Fans enjoyed the shades of Surya's character. Surya impressed with his 40+ age look. Maddy's role is very crucial in the movie. The entire first half is based on that character. Mamita Baiju appeared in the role of an orphan with no one. Generally, any heroine would look good in the role of a naughty girl. But Mamita in the role of Maddy made me laugh, cry, and get angry. She was the main attraction of the film. It seemed that Maddy's role would have been better in the second half as well. Radhika impressed in the role of Sanjay's mother. She seemed to have transformed into a small child and acted. The other actors acted and impressed within the scope of their roles. Technical: It seemed that the music director focused more on the background score than on the songs. It must be said that his hard work was rewarded. Because the background score came out well. It led some scenes in an impressive way. Let's talk about cinematography. Generally, it is easy to show the beauty of the village, but to bring a rich family look, cinematography has more work. That work is good. It would have been better if the director had worked more on the second half. The structural values ​​are good. Editing needs to be improved in the second half. Plus points: Mamita Baiju Surya Entertainment Some sentimental scenes Minus points: Second half Fights Analysis: Director Venky seems to have come up with a mature story once again. However, this time, the addition of a love story made it a youthful entertainer. Especially in the first half, the scenes with the heroine should definitely make the audience fall in love. The scenes between the hero and heroine make you laugh on one side and cry on the other. Although the second half seemed to be a bit sentimental, it ended on a positive note. There is no doubt that if the first half was as entertaining as the second half, it would have been even better if it had been more entertaining along with sentiment. Overall, this film can be watched for the heroine Mamita Baiju and for the sentimental scenes. Finally... The first half is fun, the second half is balanced with emotion. Banner: Sitara Entertainments Producer: Suryadevara Nagavamsi Director: Venky Atluri Music: G.V. Prakash Kumar Cast: Surya, Mamita Baiju, Radhika Sarath Kumar, Raveena Tandon, Nassar, Sudha and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ahgA9bK9tuLqENie_vishwanathandsons.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-14T07:46:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-vishwanath-and-sons"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Korean Kanakaraju'"},"content":{"text":"Mega hero Varun Tej, who has been greeting the audience with a series of films, has once again come to the Telugu audience with a different concept. This time, he has come to the audience with a Korean ghost concept like never before. He has attracted everyone's attention by coming to the audience with a ghost concept.  A large-scale publicity program was organized before the release. With that, a huge buzz was created. Let's see if the movie lives up to that buzz in the review. Story: Kanakaraju (Varun Tej) from Penukonda area leads a smooth life. He falls in love with Chaitra (Rithika), who works for Kia car companies. An angry Kanakaraju has a fight with a local rowdy gang. At that time, in the wake of unforeseen developments, the ashes of a person from Korea arrive in India. They reach Penugonda. The soul of the deceased Korean man enters Kanakaraju's body. Why did that soul enter Kanakaraju's body and what happens next is the rest of the story. Actors' performance: Varun Tej seems to have done 100 percent justice to the character of Kanakaraju. There is no doubt that he acted as if the angry Kanakaraju was really in front of us, and there is no doubt that the way he spoke in Korean when the Korean soul entered him took Varun's acting to another level. Varun, who maintained a good physique to match the character, also impressed with his comedy timing. It is no exaggeration to say that Varun has never done this level of comedy before. Varun impressed with his acting in the action scenes, but he could not do much with his dance. Heroine Rithika impressed with her cute looks. However, despite the importance of her role in the story, she did not get much opportunity to appear in the screenplay. The scenes with Satya were good, but Satya's dominance is clearly visible in it. Rithika impressed in two or three scenes along with her cute beauty display.  Comedian Satya appeared on the screen more than the second hero. At the same time, he impressed with his comedy. Overall, Satya's comedy was the main attraction in the film. Those who played the rest of the characters did not seem to care. Technical: The songs provided by music director Thaman seemed mediocre, but the background score was good here and there. Thaman impressed in some horror scenes. Overall, it must be said that Thaman's work is not up to his level. It would have been better if the songs were two or three good. The cinematography seems to be okay. It seemed like the focus on action scenes was reduced in order to show Korean beauties. The heroine was shown as cute. More care should have been taken in the matter of hero elevation. It would have been better if director Gandhi had rewritten the story and given a different treatment to the screenplay. The production values ​​are good. There is a possibility of trimming some of the second-off scenes. Analysis: The main attraction of the movie is the concept. It seems that director Gandhi has not been completely successful in carrying out that concept with a proper screenplay. However, he has brought the movie to a close with comedy. It is commendable that the director has chosen Satya for that role with full faith. The comedy has the potential to make the movie closer to the family audience. Since there have been no movies with the concept of a Korean ghost movie so far, this movie is sure to feel new. Director Gandhi has a reputation for making different movies.. This movie is a continuation of that. Varun Tej has fully fulfilled the responsibility assigned to him. It would have been better if he had thought better about the screenplay and worked out the horror scenes. The graphics seem poor. It seems like it was made using AI technology. Plus points: Concept, Hero heroine, True comedy Minus points: Routine horror, Graphics, Korean language. Finally... A routine horror drama that will please mega fans Banner: UV Creations Director: Merlapaka Gandhi Producer: Vamsi, Pramod Music: Thaman Cast: Varun Tej, Rithika Nayak, Satya and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Ui6FbufwpUs86SxR_KoreanKanakaraju.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-07T06:59:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-korean-kanakaraju"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Chennai Love Story'"},"content":{"text":"Small films are having a good time in Tollywood. The makers have been repeatedly saying that they are bringing this film to the audience as a content-oriented film, in the wake of the huge success of making content-oriented films. The makers who gave a super hit film like Baby have brought this film to the audience. Let's see how this film, which was released today, is like in the review. Story: Niv (Sri Gauri), who wanted to fall in love and get married, is unexpectedly cheated by her boyfriend Ajay (Trigun). He leaves her by saying that he loves another girl before the wedding. With that, Nivi turns into a lady Devadasu and becomes addicted to drinking. At that time, her friends take her to Chennai and try to change her a little. But her behavior does not change. That's when Steven Shankar (Kiran Abbavaram) steps into Chennai to show his mettle as a director. Friends help Shankar, an orphan, and allow him to stay in their room. The room is close to Nivi. At first, Shankar's words used to irritate Nivi. Slowly, she gets closer to him. Love blossoms between the two. But amidst unpredictable developments, their love runs into a problem. What is that problem and will the two meet again is the plot. Acting: Kiran Abbavaram impressed with his good acting, like in the past, he impressed with his looks as if he was the boy next door. Playing the role of an innocent person is not an easy thing. But Kiran Abbavaram played the role very easily. Kiran Abbavaram showed well in this role what an innocent person who steps into Chennai with an effort to impress the director would be like. There is no doubt that this heroine Gowry Priya  is the most crucial role in the story. She has done complete justice to her role. Siri Hanumanthu has once again impressed with her acting in a good role. She is likely to get more good roles in the future. Those who played other roles impressed within the scope of their roles. Technical: When the director thought that the story was being handled well, he tried to say something new by saying Atma Paramatma in the second half. It must be said that it failed. In terms of screenplay, the second half failed. The music was impressive, especially the background score was impressive. Manisharma once again showed his magic. Cinematography is good. There is no doubt that cinematography has definitely been useful in showing the beauty of Chennai. The dialogues are good. There are some flaws in the editing, and there is still work to be done in the second half. The structural values ​​are according to the story. Plus points: Hero, heroine acting, Manisharma's background score First off Minus points: Second half, Routine screenplay. Analysis: Producer Sai Rajesh has been making comments in several media conferences and interviews that this film is definitely a baby range cult love story, but it doesn't seem like it has any scenes. While you think that the first half of the film will be smooth and interesting, he made the second half boring by adding unnecessary elements. If the same love story had been continued simply, the second half would definitely have been a good talk. Hero Kiran Abbavaram impressed with his good performance. The audience will definitely appreciate him, and heroine Gauri also did full justice to her role. Gauri impressed in the role of a drunkard and Lady Devadasu, but it must be said that the screen did not match their performance. Overall, Chennai Love Story turned out to be an average love story. Finally... It makes feel like going all the way to Chennai for this love story Banner: Mass Movie Makers Producer: SKN, Sai Rajesh Director: Ravi Namburu Music: Mani Sharma Cast: Kiran Abbavaram, Gowri Priya, Siri and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0yN9tZHPaAuq2hyg_CLS.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-24T08:01:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-chennai-love-story"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Jana Nayakudu' "},"content":{"text":"Expectations have increased among all sections of the audience on the film Jana Nayaku, which was advertised as the last film of Tamil superstar Vijay. Although it was not officially announced that it is a remake of the film Bhagwant Kesari, which came in the combo of Balakrishna and Anil Ravipudi, the makers have been unofficially saying it.  This film, which was delayed a lot due to Tamil Nadu politics, made a royal entry without any problems as Vijay became the CM of Tamil Nadu. And how is this film? Will the audience like this story again in Telugu? Let's see in this review. Story: Vetri Kondan's (Vijay) mother dies in jail. Out of humanity, the jailer releases Vetri Kondan on parole and sends him out to see his mother for the last time. When Vetri is sent out, the jailer gets into a big problem. Vetri Kondan learns that the jailer who helped him is in trouble, and goes to his house. In the wake of unexpected developments, the jailer dies. His only daughter, Viji (Mamita Baiju), becomes an orphan.  The jailer who helped him looks after his daughter and wants to make her an army officer. But Viji says she will not join the army out of fear. Why does Vetri want to send Viji to the army? Will Viji finally join the army? What difficulties will Vetri face in doing so? This is the story. Performance: There is no need to mention anything special about Superstar Vijay's performance. Just as Balakrishna adapted to the role in Bhagwant Kesari, there is no doubt that Vijay also adapted to the role of Vetri. The screenplay was such that the entire story of the film was carried on his shoulders. Even so, Vijay acted well in every scene without giving up. There is no doubt that he impressed with his comedy timing. His fans will enjoy the action scenes to the fullest. Now that he is the CM, he has tried to show Vijay in that angle as well, which is a feast for the eyes of the fans. Since this is Vijay's last film, it seems that he gave his best. Pooja Hegde, who played the heroine, does not have much screen presence. It must be said that Pooja Hegde's screen presence is less than what Kajal Aggarwal's role was in the original Telugu version. Mamita Baiju played the role of Viji, played by Srileela in Telugu and got good marks. It seemed that Mamita did Viji's role even better than Srileela. Along with impressive looks, the two heroines gave good expressions to suit their roles. However, Pooja Hegde's role did not get priority. Mamita impressed as much as she did. Bobby Deol impressed in terms of looks. It would have been better if he had been shown as a stronger and better villain. Since the villain role was not given priority in the story, Bobby Deol's performance became like water poured on ashes. Technical: Director H Vinod tried to make the Telugu story as it is and add Tamil flavor to the screenplay. He made the story without making many changes in the first half. However, when it came to the second half, he made many changes. The entire screenplay changed as if it was a new story. Vijay's character also left the audience in a bit of a quandary. There is nothing much to say about the music. Anirudh, as usual, gave a good background score to Vijay's film. But since the songs did not have much scope, Anirudh's work did not come out much.  The cinematography is good. The cinematography is definitely good in elevating the action scenes. There are errors in the editing. Some scenes in the second half, especially the villain scenes, could have been trimmed. It would have been better if the heroine scenes that are not part of the story were also trimmed a bit. The production values ​​are good. The story was produced with added weight without detracting from it. Plus points: Vijay, Some Action Scenes, Mamita Baiju Minus points: Story, screenplay, Being a familiar story, Second half, Villain role. Analysis: The film Jana Nayakkudu, which was supposed to be released early this year, did not see its release due to censor problems due to Tamil Nadu politics. Officials said that permission could not be given for the release of the film in the wake of the assembly elections. With Vijay becoming the CM, the film Jana Nayakkudu came plowing ahead without any problems and shook the Tamil box office. This movie has been seen in Telugu before. Even though it is known that this is a remake of Balakrishna Bhagwant Kesari, many enthusiasts booked in advance and watched the movie. The movie got a good opening in Telugu states.  It is undeniable that Jana Nayakkudu could not satisfy the Telugu audience completely. Tamil audience will think aha.. oh my for Vijay Elevations. Moreover, they will like it because it is a new story, but Telugu people do not have much to like about this movie, even though the second half seems to have changed a bit, it felt like it was forced. The political elements were not set in the story at all. There is action but no emotion. The magic is missing in the screenplay. Overall, Jana Nayakkudu does not have anything new that the Telugu audience will like much. Finally... A Tamil mass leader who cannot please Telugu people. Banner: KVN Productions Producer: Venkat K. Narayan Director: H Vinod Music: Anirudh Cast: Vijay, Pooja Hegde, Mamita Baiju, Sunil, Bobby Deol and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/8WXmx3hoavnPTLpj_jananayakudu.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-23T08:18:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-jana-nayakudu-"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Dhamaal 4'"},"content":{"text":"STORY: Over the years, the Dhamaal franchise has carved out a unique, bulletproof space in Bollywood, one built entirely on unapologetic, leave-your-brain-at-home comedy. Director Indra Kumar returns to this signature comfort zone scaling up the adventure with itns fourth installment. This time, the chaos revolves around a massive 100-year-old hidden treasure belonging to the legendary Shaitaan Singh. The key to its location is locked away in the faulty memory of Prithvi (Upendra Limaye). When the secret slips out, it triggers a wild, breathless race to a mysterious island marked by a giant \"M.\" Every character is out to outsmart the other to reach the khazana first, paving the way for endless confusion, wrong clues, and frantic chases. SITUATIONAL COMEDY: Chaos at Its Peak What makes Dhamaal 4 work so effectively is its reliance on situational comedy. The film throws a massive ensemble of eccentric, greedy, and hilariously unlucky individuals into bizarre environments, from wild jungle disasters to unexpected pirate encounters. The script doesn’t ask you to look for logic; instead, it invites you to surrender to the sheer ridiculousness of the situations. The first half is exceptionally fast-paced, packed with clever nods to older films in the franchise that will keep longtime fans chuckling. ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCES: The Ultimate Laughter Brigade The true strength of the film lies in its stellar ensemble cast, where Ajay Devgn leads the pack with absolute swagger alongside Sanjay Mishra, whose iconic comic timing results in sharp laugh-out-loud moments. The heartbeat of the franchise, Arshad Warsi and Jaaved Jaaferi, return with their signature electric chemistry, beautifully joined by Sanjeeda Shaikh who adds great charm to their chaotic dynamic. Riteish Deshmukh delivers a thoroughly entertaining performance with his desi flavor alongside Anjali Anand, who plays his wife Paro with a hilarious domestic touch. Stealing scenes effortlessly, Ravi Kishan brings a fresh wave of comedy as the quirky pirate leader Adhoora. Finally, Upendra Limaye is fantastic as the main catalyst of the plot with his high-energy performance, while Esha Gupta brings a wonderful charm and flair to the screen. DIRECTION, SCREENPLAY, AND MUSIC Indra Kumar proves yet again that he is a master at delivering high-energy situational comedies. The engaging screenplay keeps the audience hooked with a constant stream of rapid-fire jokes and entertaining jungle and island survival sequences. On the technical side, the massive scale of the film looks stunning on the big screen, making it a true theatrical spectacle. The music seamlessly fits this energetic narrative, with tracks like Chatni and Qeher keeping the mood light, and celebratory throughout. THE VERDICT: The Perfect Family Entertainer Dhamaal 4 is a fun-filled joyride that is tailor-made for the big screen. It effortlessly delivers on its promise of pure, non-stop entertainment from start to finish. It stands out as an excellent, wholesome entertainer that will easily appeal to all age groups, from grandparents to little kids, who will absolutely love the comedy and thrilling pirate adventures. If you are looking to share a hearty laugh with your entire family this weekend, Dhamaal 4 is a highly recommended watch! Director: Indra Kumar Cast: Ajay Devgn, Arshd Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, Jaaved Jaaferi, Sanjay Mishra, Ravi Kishan, Upendra Limaye, Anjali Anand, Esha Gupta and Sanjeeda Shaikh"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/51qvs_NXLgg3Shrm_dhamaal3.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-10T04:00:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-dhamaal-4"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Lenin'"},"content":{"text":"Years have passed since Akhil made his debut as a hero from the Akkineni family, yet he has not managed to achieve commercial success. Consequently, fans' confidence in him has been waning. At this juncture, Akhil has worked hard on the movie 'Lenin' with great hope. Let us see how the movie fares in this review. Story: The story unfolds in a remote village in Andhra Pradesh. Lenin (Akhil) arrives as an orphan in a village named Sriramapuram. A woman, who is the village head, takes him under her wing and raises him just like her own son. Her son, Vasanth, and Lenin become best friends. While Vasanth pursues his studies and becomes a doctor, Lenin stays back in the village and becomes an integral part of everyone's lives. It has become a tradition for the village's prestigious 18-day festival to be conducted under Lenin's supervision every year. During one such festival, Lenin sees Bharati (Bhagyashree) and falls in love with her. This romance marks a turning point in the entire story. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Vasanth is compelled to marry Bharathi. Meanwhile, Lenin ends up in prison. The story revolves around why Lenin went to jail and whether Vasanth actually marries Bharathi. Performances: As has been noted from the start, it is evident on screen that Akhil has put in a great deal of effort for this film. There is no doubt that this is a distinctively different role compared to the characters he has played previously. Furthermore, he successfully molded himself to fit the character, displaying impressive range and variations in his acting. He also adopted a fresh style of dialogue delivery for this movie. Visually, he is impressive, and in the action sequences, he comes across as a high-voltage action hero; he delivers exactly what fans desire. Beyond the action, he also impresses in the romantic scenes. The heroine, Bhagyashree, charms the audience with her beauty—something she has done in several previous films. However, in this movie, she also impresses with her acting prowess where the script demands it. She certainly leaves a mark on the role assigned to her, though one cannot help but feel that her character could have been written with more depth.  The supporting cast also delivers impressive performances within the scope of their roles; Eswari Rao, Pramod, and Brahmaji, in particular, stand out with their acting.  Technical: The director needed to work a bit more on the story, though he did try to make an impact with the screenplay. He succeeded in engaging the audience during the opening 10–15 minutes, effectively building suspense and sparking curiosity about what would unfold next. However, the dialogues could have been sharper. Thaman delivered a decent musical score, as always; however, there were certain scenes where one felt he could have done more with the background music. The cinematography is impressive—crucial for a film set against a village backdrop. There are minor flaws in the editing, but the production values ​​are good. Plus points: Akhil Akkineni, Jathara (fair) scenes The plot twist Minus points: Some dragged-out scenes Background score Story and screenplay Analysis: There is no doubt that the film lived up to the high expectations of Akkineni fans. However, it remains to be seen how well the general audience will receive it. Akhil had stated from the beginning that he worked very hard for this film, and that effort is clearly visible on screen. The director aimed to present something fresh;...yet, the film would have been even better with more work on the story and a tighter screenplay. It must be noted that there was a lack of sufficient commercial elements to appeal to all sections of the audience, not just the fans. The music also felt a bit underwhelming. Akhil fulfilled his role with 100% commitment; however, the director failed to craft a strong screenplay for the supporting characters, leaving them with little scope to showcase their true acting potential. Overall, this village-based drama manages to engage the audience and appeals to fans. Final verdict: Akhil Akkineni impresses the fans Banner: Sithara Entertainments, Manam Enterprises Producers: Suryadevara Naga Vamsi, Akkineni Nagarjuna Director: Murali Kishore Music: Thaman Cast: Akhil, Bhagyashree, Eeshwari Rao, Pramod, Brahmaji, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/SNyf-1iLls6NrA-j_lenin.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-10T07:34:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-lenin"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Rao Bahadur'"},"content":{"text":"Satyadev has carved a unique niche for himself as an actor by choosing diverse films. Meanwhile, director Venkatesh Maha has already earned a strong reputation for delivering distinctive movies. Expectations soared when a superstar like Mahesh Babu stepped forward to present this collaboration between the two. Let us see in this review whether the film lives up to those expectations. Story: Bhuvanam Ramappa Rao Bahadur (Satyadev), a man of royal lineage, grapples with severe mental turmoil in his old age. He harbors suspicions regarding his younger son, Kusumappa—who passed away in childhood—doubting whether the boy was truly his biological son. Driven by this doubt, he clings to life for years despite suffering from cancer. Ramappa’s wife, Renuka, is also confined to a single room. The story unfolds by exploring the reasons behind Ramappa’s condition and Renuka’s confinement, as well as how it was ultimately confirmed that Kusumappa was indeed Ramappa’s son. Performances: A notable aspect of the film is that, apart from Satyadev, the entire cast consists of newcomers. It is commendable that Satyadev committed to such a role; not every actor could pull off a character like this. He delivered a brilliant performance, nailing the makeover, expressions, and body language. Satyadev truly embodied the persona of a scion of the Rao Bahadur lineage. He impressed everyone with a look that perfectly captured the persona of an elderly king. Furthermore, Satyadev deserves full marks for his acting and dialogue delivery. Generally, young heroes are reluctant to take on such roles, but Satyadev put in immense effort to breathe life into this character. It was revealed that the makeup process took four hours; seeing the 'Ramappa' character on screen, one feels that the actual time spent on makeup might have been even longer. Deepa Thomas, playing the female lead, impressed with her distinctive look. There is a growing opinion that she might secure good opportunities in Tollywood in the future. Vikas Muppala also impressed with his acting, and the supporting cast performed well within the scope of their roles. Venkatesh Maha, appearing in a guest role, also made a strong impression. Technical: Director Venkatesh Maha presented a completely fresh concept to the audience. However, the narrative pacing felt somewhat tedious. The first half moved slowly. While he attempted to pick up the pace in the second half, the twists introduced towards the end felt unintentionally funny. He failed in the attempt to blend humor into what otherwise seemed like a serious story. Some of the dialogues were good. The cinematography was impressive; it effectively brought the atmosphere of the 1960s and 1990s to life. The music was also decent. The songs failed to impress, but the background score was certainly impressive. The production values ​​are good; it is truly commendable that such a significant budget was allocated for an experimental story like this. There are flaws in the editing; some scenes in the first half should have been trimmed. Overall, the film would have benefited from a runtime reduction of 20 to 25 minutes. Analysis: Director Venkatesh attempted an experiment by utilizing a talented actor like Satyadev. Satyadev deserves praise for agreeing to be part of this experimental project. The story revolves around the consequences arising from a suspicion harbored by an elderly man. In an era where films generally achieve commercial success only with compelling storylines and narratives, Director Venkatesh brought this film to the audience without worrying about how such an experiment would be received. He attempted to drive the film using screenplay wizardry. Although the story itself is simple, his execution deserves appreciation. However, the inclusion of more thrilling elements would have improved the film; the first half, in particular, is somewhat underwhelming. The climax manages to generate interest, though the final twist lacks a sense of realism. Ultimately, instead of leaving the audience with the impression of having watched a serious film, the movie ends up feeling more like a comedy.  Plus Points: Satyadev Background music, cinematography Second half, climax Minus Points: Boring first half Illogical scenes Climax twist Verdict: 'Rao Bahadur' is for those looking to watch a thriller rather than a regular commercial movie. Banner: Sree Chakras Entertainments, Mahayana Motion Pictures Producers: Anurag Reddy, Sharath Chandra, Chinta Gopalakrishna Reddy, Eswaran Vijayaraghavan Directior: Venkatesh Maha Music: Smaran Sai Cast: Satyadev, Deepa Thomas, Vikas Muppala, Bala Parasar, Kunal Kaushik, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ruDZrQh1uyTKyATR_RaoBahadur.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-03T09:26:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-rao-bahadur"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Nagabandham' "},"content":{"text":"South makers have done wonders once again. At a time when audiences are craving larger-than-life cinematic experiences rooted in Indian culture and mythology, Nagabandham arrives as an ambitious spectacle that blends mystery, mythology, fantasy and adventure into an engrossing big-screen entertainer. Foremost credit goes to the producers Nishitha Nagireddy and Kishore Annapureddy, the duo under the banners of NIK Studios and Abhishek Pictures, have given the film the scale, craft and budget it demands. The budget, the scale and the vision of the film is at par in comparison with some of the biggies. Mounted on a lavish scale, the film starts on a very intriguing note and right from the first frame it captures you into the world, the drama. As it progresses it continues to impresses with its visual ambition, the character introduction, immersive world-building and sincere storytelling, making it one of the most ambitious pan-India releases of the year. Without wasting any single time the film sticks to the subject. The unfolding of mysterious universe where ancient secrets, divine legends and hidden treasures shape the narrative. Rather than rushing through its mythology, the film gradually builds intrigue around the ancients and what 'Nagabandham' is. This measured approach keeps the audience invested while continuously expanding the film's rich cinematic universe. The film begins with the impresive introduction of Rishabh Sawhney who is olayiytge main antagonist in the film and then transports us to the drama that is very interesting. Director Abhishek Nama deserves appreciation for attempting a genre that demands conviction and imagination. His vision remains consistent throughout, balancing mythology with fantasy while ensuring the emotional core never gets lost beneath the visual grandeur. The screenplay unfolds like an adventure, introducing fresh mysteries at regular intervals and maintaining curiosity until the very end. Visuals are Nagabandham's undoubtedly the biggest strengths. Every frame reflects meticulous craftsmanship, from magnificent temple architecture and ancient kingdoms to breathtaking action sequences and mystical landscapes. The production values are first-rate, while the VFX complement the storytelling without overwhelming it. The film consistently feels designed for the biggest screens. Virat Karrna, who is essaying the main protoganist delivers a confident performance, carrying the narrative with sincerity and intensity. Nabha Natesh lends grace and emotional depth to her character, while Rishabh Sawhney leaves a strong impression with his commanding screen presence in the character of the main antagonist. Mahesh Manjrekar stands out in a pivotal role of saint ,adding gravitas whenever he appears. Daksha Nagarkar and the supporting cast contribute effectively, making the expansive world feel believable. The action choreography especially the Interval block and CLIMAX deserves special mention. Instead of relying solely on spectacle, the action sequences are integrated into the mythology, making every confrontation feel purposeful. Several moments involving serpents, ancient rituals and large-scale battles generate genuine goosebumps and showcase the makers' ambition. Technically, Nagabandham is polished across departments. The cinematography captures both the grandeur and mysticism beautifully, while the background score elevates the emotional and adventurous moments. The editing keeps the narrative engaging despite the film's expansive scale, and the sound design enhances the theatrical experience. One of the film's biggest achievements is how it respects Indian mythology while presenting it through an entertaining fantasy-adventure lens. Rather than merely recreating familiar legends, it creates its own mythology-inspired universe that feels fresh and cinematic. If there is one area where the film occasionally slows down, it is during portions dedicated to explaining the mythology, which may slightly affect the pace. However, the narrative quickly regains momentum with compelling twists, visually stunning sequences and emotionally satisfying payoffs. With Nagabandham, South filmmakers once again demonstrate why they continue to lead the way in creating ambitious, pan-India cinematic spectacles. The film combines mythology, fantasy, adventure and emotion into an entertaining package that is tailor-made for the theatrical experience. For audiences looking for a grand visual adventure filled with mystery, ancient legends, spectacular action and impressive world-building, Nagabandham is a rewarding watch. Banner: NIK Studios, Abhishek Pictures Producer: Nishitha Nagireddy, Kishore Annapureddy Director: Abhishek Nama Cast: John Vijay, Nabha Natesh, Iswarya Menon, Mahesh Manjrekar and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/S_t-IVjB2yqa78-Q_nagabandham.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-02T16:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-nagabandham-"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Welcome To The Jungle'"},"content":{"text":"There was a time when Bollywood regularly produced big, unapologetic comedy entertainers that families could watch together. Films weren't trying to preach, surprise audiences with complicated twists or leave behind social messages. They existed for one simple reason—to make people laugh. Welcome To The Jungle embraces exactly that philosophy, and that's what makes it work. Director Ahmed Khan doesn't try to reinvent the Welcome franchise. Instead, he understands its DNA and amplifies it. The laughs are bigger, the cast is bigger, the scale is grander and the madness is turned up several notches. The result is a film that knows exactly what it wants to be—and rarely loses sight of it. The story itself is delightfully ridiculous. A billionaire comes up with an absurd plan to convert his black money into losses by deliberately producing a flop film. To execute this bizarre mission, he assembles a film full of struggling stars, forgotten heroes and eccentric personalities. Among them are Yeda Anna (Suniel Shetty), the brother of Anna from the Welcome universe, and Romeo (Arshad Warsi), Majnu's equally eccentric brother. Just when the production begins, an Income Tax raid wipes out the financier's money, forcing the crew to abandon the expensive setup and continue the shoot in a remote village with real people—while the actors remain blissfully convinced that everything happening around them is part of the script. From there, the film spirals into complete comic chaos involving mistaken identities, fake heroics, terrorists, villagers and nonstop confusion. If there is one actor who reminds audiences why he has ruled Bollywood comedy for decades, it is Akshay Kumar. This is comfortably one of his strongest comic performances in recent years. His expressions, dialogue delivery, body language and effortless timing hold the enormous ensemble together without trying to dominate it. He lets the humour breathe and trusts the situations to generate laughs. Suniel Shetty is undoubtedly one of the film's biggest surprises. His Yeda Anna is wonderfully eccentric and consistently entertaining, delivering several laugh-out-loud moments. Arshad Warsi slips into the franchise's familiar madness with ease, while Lara Dutta, as the Army trainer preparing the clueless actors, adds another enjoyable layer to the comedy. The supporting cast is where the film truly shines. Veterans like Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever and Rajpal Yadav prove once again why they remain among Hindi cinema's finest comic performers. But the film's biggest scene-stealers are undoubtedly Farida Jalal and Kiran Kumar. Every single time they appear on screen, the theatre erupts in laughter. Farida Jalal's delightfully confused character, speaking in her own hilarious gibberish language, becomes one of the film's biggest highlights. Kiran Kumar matches her brilliantly with his exaggerated, heavily Urdu-laced dialogues delivered with complete conviction. Their chemistry, impeccable comic timing and effortless performances produce some of the loudest laughs in the film. There's another emotional layer that longtime Bollywood lovers will instantly appreciate. Watching Akshay Kumar reunite with Suniel Shetty and Raveena Tandon brings back memories of an era when entertainers were built around fun rather than formulas. Thankfully, these reunions never feel forced. They blend naturally into the narrative while allowing the film to create its own identity instead of living entirely on nostalgia. Managing such a massive ensemble is never easy, yet Ahmed Khan deserves credit for ensuring almost every actor gets at least one memorable moment. Despite featuring dozens of familiar faces, the screenplay rarely feels overcrowded. The humour constantly shifts between situational comedy, visual gags, witty one-liners, misunderstandings and complete comic mayhem, ensuring the energy rarely drops. The adventure angle also gives the franchise a refreshing twist. Instead of repeating the exact template of the earlier films, Welcome To The Jungle expands its canvas with larger action set pieces and a more adventurous narrative while still retaining the flavour that fans associate with the franchise. Visually, the film looks colourful and vibrant. The production design suits the exaggerated world perfectly, while the songs arrive naturally without disturbing the pace. The background score effectively enhances both the comic situations and the action sequences. What deserves appreciation is that the film never pretends to be more intelligent than it is. It doesn't chase awards, social commentary or emotional manipulation. It simply focuses on entertaining its audience for over two hours—and judging by the laughter echoing through the auditorium, it succeeds. Welcome To The Jungle is designed for the big-screen experience. Many jokes become funnier because they are enjoyed collectively. The whistles, applause and laughter inside a packed theatre become an extension of the film itself. That's something no OTT platform can replicate. Directed by Ahmed Khan, the film boasts one of the biggest ensemble casts in recent Hindi cinema, featuring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Farida Jalal, Johnny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Aftab Shivdasani, Mukesh Tiwari, Yashpal Sharma, Kiran Kumar, Zakir Hussain, Vindu Dara Singh, Urvashi Rautela, Hemant Pandey, Brijendra Kala, Feroze Khan (Arjun), Late Pankaj Dheer, Puneet Issar, Sudesh Berry, Jeetu Verma, Vrihi Kodvara, Adityaa Singgh and Bhagya Bhanushali. Presented by A.A. Nadiadwala, Cape of Good Films and Star Studios in association with Seeta Films and Rakesh Dang, the film is a Base Industries Group production produced by Rakesh Dang and Vedant Vikaas Baali, and produced by Firoz A. Nadiadwala. If your expectation is meaningful cinema, look elsewhere. But if you simply want to laugh, switch off your brain and enjoy a grand Bollywood entertainer with your family, Welcome To The Jungle delivers exactly what it promises. Sometimes, that's more than enough. Director : Ahmed Khan, Producer : Firoz A Nadiadwala Cast : Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aj1hFVbRV8_Qf44R_welcometothejungle.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-25T15:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-welcome-to-the-jungle"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Cocktail 2'"},"content":{"text":"Some relationships don’t end because people stop loving each other. They end because love alone isn’t always enough. Backed by Maddock Films and producer Dinesh Vijan, a banner known for delivering some of the most memorable entertainers and relationship dramas in recent years, Cocktail 2 is yet another winner. Directed by Homi Adajania, the film explores modern relationships with warmth, maturity and emotional honesty, resulting in a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. While the original film thrived on youthful chaos, Cocktail 2 takes a more mature route. It examines what happens when comfort begins to replace excitement, when commitment feels heavier than romance, and when life forces people to question whether the relationship they’ve built is still the one they truly want. The Story: Kunal (Shahid Kapoor) and Diya (Rashmika Mandanna) have been together for years. What started as a college romance has survived distance, changing priorities and the challenges of adulthood. Their relationship is comfortable, familiar and seemingly stable, but beneath the surface, cracks have begun to appear. Diya finds herself grappling with expectations around marriage and commitment, while Kunal continues holding on to a version of their relationship that may no longer exist. Their lives take an unexpected turn during a trip to Sicily, where they meet Ally (Kriti Sanon), a free spirited woman who lives entirely on her own terms. As the three grow closer, the film gradually unfolds into something far more complex than a traditional love triangle. Friendships blur into emotional attachments, loyalties are tested and difficult questions emerge about love, compatibility and personal happiness. What makes the narrative work is that it never reduces its characters to heroes or villains. Everyone is flawed, everyone makes mistakes and that honesty gives the film its emotional weight. Performances: Shahid Kapoor delivers one of his most mature performances in recent years. Kunal is a character filled with contradictions and Shahid captures every shade beautifully. Whether he’s expressing quiet heartbreak, frustration or vulnerability, he keeps the audience invested throughout. Rashmika Mandanna brings warmth and authenticity to Diya. Many of her moments feel incredibly relatable, particularly when she navigates the pressures placed on women regarding relationships and life choices. She handles both the lighter and emotionally intense scenes with confidence and restraint. Kriti Sanon is exceptional as Ally. What initially appears to be a carefree and impulsive character slowly reveals surprising emotional depth. Kriti balances Ally’s charm, unpredictability and vulnerability effortlessly, creating one of the film’s most memorable performances. Together, the trio share terrific chemistry. Their interactions feel natural and lived-in, making every friendship, confrontation and emotional conflict feel genuine. Kriti and Rashmika also share some thoroughly entertaining moments, adding another engaging layer to the film’s relationship dynamics. Writing, Dialogues and Relationships: One of the film’s biggest strengths is its writing. The relationships feel layered and believable, with conversations that reflect how people actually communicate rather than how movie characters are expected to speak. The dialogues are sharp, mature and emotionally effective. Several confrontations land with impact because they come from a place of truth rather than melodrama. The film consistently keeps you invested in its characters and the choices they make, while balancing romance, friendship and self-discovery with remarkable ease. Music and Visuals: Pritam’s music blends seamlessly into the storytelling, elevating both the emotional and romantic moments. The songs never interrupt the narrative and instead become a natural extension of it. Visually, the film is stunning. Sicily provides a breathtaking backdrop, with every frame looking postcard worthy without ever feeling excessive. The cinematography, fashion and overall production design add tremendous richness to the viewing experience, making the film as beautiful to look at as it is emotionally engaging. What Could Have Worked Better: A few emotional stretches in the latter half could have been slightly more concise. The Verdict: Cocktail 2 is a beautifully crafted film about love, friendship, self discovery and the difficult choices that come with growing up. It doesn’t offer easy answers and that’s precisely what makes it work. Produced by Maddock Films and Luv Films, backed by outstanding performances from Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, thoughtful writing, gorgeous visuals and strong emotional payoffs, the film delivers a deeply satisfying experience. A heartfelt, visually stunning and emotionally resonant drama that reminds us that sometimes the hardest part of love isn’t finding it, it’s understanding what to do with it once you have it. The result is a relationship drama that stays with you long after the credits roll. Banner: Maddock Films and Luv Films Producer: Dinesh Vijan Director: Homi Adajania Music: Pritam Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Kriti Sanon and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ah7YRgeQX7-eWjSA_cocktail2.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-19T04:48:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-cocktail-2"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Maa Inti Bangaram'"},"content":{"text":"At a time when it was widely assumed Samantha had limited her career to Bollywood, all eyes are on this Telugu film she has undertaken. It is well known that Samantha has previously worked under Nandini Reddy's direction; their collaboration naturally generates positive buzz. Furthermore, expectations have soared because the film is produced by Raj Nidimoru. Let us see in this review whether the movie lives up to those expectations. Story: Swarna (Samantha), who entered into a love marriage with Anirudh (Diganth Manchale), steps into her in-laws' home after a long time due to certain circumstances. She struggles to fit into the joint family environment. Despite the difficulties, she makes earnest efforts to bond with the family members and win their approval. Swarna carries a past—a flashback—associated with her love marriage. This flashback becomes the source of emerging problems within her in-laws' household.  What are these problems? What exactly is Swarna's flashback? To find out what Swarna did at her in-laws' house, one simply has to watch the movie. Performances: Samantha’s acting needs no special introduction. The action sequences she performed in this film are impressive; seeing her execute action scenes while dressed in a traditional saree felt fresh and novel. She delivered a performance that felt distinct—and even better—than her work in previous films. Beyond action, she also showcased her acting prowess in emotional and dramatic scenes. It is evident that she poured her experience into the role, truly doing justice to the character of Swarna. Her appearance seemed slightly different compared to the past, but that change suited the character perfectly.  Overall, Samantha succeeded in fully justifying the role she chose. The supporting cast performed well within the scope of their roles; Gulshan Devaiah, in particular, stood out, and his portrayal of the villain was impressive. Gautami had limited screen time but made a good impression within that scope. Sreemukhi also impressed with a different look. Technical: Director Nandini Reddy has once again presented a unique concept to the audience, and her direction is impressive. The storytelling and screenplay could have benefited from a bit more detail. Some of the dialogues are excellent, particularly those in the emotional scenes, which are truly touching. The music is decent; one or two songs have already gained popularity among the audience, though there isn't much else to highlight regarding the soundtrack beyond those tracks.  However, the background score was impressive. The cinematography was good; Om Prakash’s work made the action scenes appear quite realistic, ensuring the film remained engaging. The cinematography also deserves praise for how it presented Samantha’s look. The production values ​​align well with the story. Apart from minor editing flaws, everything else was solid. Analysis: The mere mention of a Samantha film generates audience interest comparable to that of movies starring big male stars. Director Nandini Reddy lived up to this expectation by weaving the story around a massive flashback sequence, much like those seen in big-star films. However, there are some illogical scenes. More care could have been taken with the dramatic elements; specifically, the portrayal of the new daughter-in-law's conduct in her in-laws' home didn't feel quite right.  Additionally, there were some issues in seamlessly connecting the flashback episode to the present-day narrative. An effort was made to deliver good entertainment. Overall, the film appeals to the average viewer, particularly family audiences. If one overlooks a few illogical scenes, the movie is enjoyable. It is a must-watch for Samantha’s fans and serves as a good \"time-pass\" movie for general audiences. Plus Points: Samantha, Flashback scenes, Action sequences.  Minus Points: Some illogical scenes, Boring moments here and there, Lack of mass elements. Verdict: A film that Samantha's fans will appreciate Banner: Tralala Moving Pictures Producers: Samantha, Raj Nidimoru, Himank Reddy Duvvuru Director: B.V. Nandini Reddy Music: Santhosh Narayanan Cast: Samantha, Sreemukhi, Gulshan Devaiah, Diganth Manchale, Gautami, Srinivas Gavireddy, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ajUbm41P9HI4UuRN_MIB.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-19T07:36:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-maa-inti-bangaram"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai'"},"content":{"text":"Some films are designed to make you think. Others are designed to make you laugh till your cheeks hurt. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, directed by David Dhawan, proudly belongs to the latter category. Loaded with misunderstandings, larger-than-life characters, romance, family drama and non-stop comedy, the film embraces the classic Bollywood entertainer template and delivers exactly what it promises. Written by David Dhawan with screenplay by Yunus Sajawal and dialogues by Farhad Samji, the film thrives on its energetic storytelling and unapologetically chaotic humour. The Story: At the heart of the film is Jass, a lovable and impulsive man whose life takes an unexpected turn when personal relationships, family expectations and a series of unfortunate circumstances collide at the same time. Without revealing too much, the story follows Jass as he finds himself caught in an increasingly complicated situation involving his estranged wife Baani and Preet, a woman who unexpectedly enters his life. What begins as a relationship drama soon snowballs into a full-fledged comedy of errors, leading to a chain of misunderstandings, secrets and hilarious situations. The narrative constantly throws Jass from one problem into another, ensuring there is never a dull moment. While the premise is outrageous, the film fully commits to its madness, making the ride entertaining from start to finish. Performances: Varun Dhawan is in his element as Jass. His comic timing, boundless energy and natural screen presence carry the film effortlessly. He understands the rhythm of David Dhawan's brand of comedy and delivers a performance that is both charming and consistently entertaining. Mrunal Thakur brings warmth and emotional depth to Baani, ensuring that the character remains relatable amidst the chaos unfolding around her. She balances the film's emotional moments effectively and shares a comfortable chemistry with Varun. Pooja Hegde lights up the screen as Preet. Confident, glamorous and full of spark, she adds freshness to the narrative and keeps the momentum alive whenever she appears. Among the supporting cast, Maniesh Paul is a scene stealer, delivering several laugh-out-loud moments with effortless ease. Jimmy Sheirgill, Chunky Pandey, Kubbra Sait, Rakesh Bedi and Mouni Roy contribute well to the ensemble, each adding their own flavour to the madness. Dialogues and Humour: Farhad Samji's dialogues play a major role in keeping the entertainment quotient high. The punchlines land well, the situational comedy works and several one-liners are likely to draw applause from audiences in packed theatres. The film embraces old-school Bollywood comedy while updating it for contemporary viewers, creating a blend that feels familiar yet accessible. Music and Technical Aspects: The music complements the film's upbeat tone, while the vibrant visuals and colourful production design add to its festive appeal. David Dhawan keeps the pace brisk for most parts, ensuring the narrative rarely loses momentum. What Could Have Worked Better: Some comedic stretches feel slightly overextended and a few situations require audiences to completely suspend disbelief. However, these are minor concerns in a film that is more interested in entertaining than being realistic. Final Word: Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is a quintessential David Dhawan entertainer that embraces confusion, comedy and chaos with complete conviction. Powered by Varun Dhawan's infectious energy, solid support from Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, the film delivers a thoroughly enjoyable big-screen experience. If you're looking for logic, this may not be your destination. If you're looking for laughter, fun and a dose of classic Bollywood masala, this film delivers in abundance."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aiKZMAeQX7-eW1yO_HaiJawaniTohIshqHonaHai.jpg?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-05T03:39:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-hai-jawani-toh-ishq-hona-hai"}}]}},"pageContext":{"isCreatedByStatefulCreatePages":true}}