{"data":{"all":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"ED arrests ex-minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao"},"content":{"text":"The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday arrested former Andhra Pradesh minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao in connection with the transport scam linked to the liquor scam. The ED officials took him into custody from his residence at Kondapur in Hyderabad. The Central agency is probing the alleged irregularities in liquor transport tenders and financial transactions. It has already arrested three accused, including Nageswara Rao’s son Karumuri Sunil Kumar, former Managing Director of Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Ltd (APSBCL) Dontireddy Vasudeva Reddy and Raj Kesireddy.  Nageswara Rao was a minister for Civil Supplies in the YSR Congress Party government After the arrest of Sunil Kumar in June, ED had told the Special Court (PMLA) that, as the son of the minister, he managed to secure liquor transport sub-contracts for his business associates. The court was told that Sunil Kumar and his associates derived unlawful pecuniary gains. ED initiated an investigation based on an FIR registered by CID, Andhra Pradesh, under various sections of the IPC and the BNS, based on a complaint of the Additional Secretary to the Government of Andhra Pradesh (Vigilance), for loss to the Government exchequer to the tune of Rs 195.33 crore. ED investigation revealed that the liquor transport tender conditions of APSBCL were deliberately modified and tailored in favour of selected entities, namely Sigma Supply Chain Solutions Pvt Ltd (SSCSPL) and subsequently Prasad Transports, which acted merely as front entities while the actual operational and financial control remained with persons associated with Kesireddy, Vasudeva Reddy and their associates. ED investigation further revealed that the liquor cartel devised a mechanism to generate unlawful gains through the transportation of liquor from depots to retail outlets in Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, YSRCP leaders and former Ministers Chelluboyina Venugopala Krishna, Anil Kumar Yadav and Vidadala Rajini strongly condemned the arrest of Karumuri Nageswara Rao, calling it an act of political vendetta by the TDP-led coalition government. In a joint statement, they said a false case was created to target YSRCP leaders and that Karumuri, a senior BC leader, was unfairly arrested in Hyderabad over alleged irregularities in liquor transportation. They recalled that his son Sunil was also arrested earlier and said the entire family was being deliberately targeted. They said liquor procurement and sales during the YSRCP government were conducted transparently. Illegal liquor was curbed, the number of liquor shops was reduced, and retail outlets were operated by the government. Permit rooms and belt shops were also abolished."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ZtDeoxy0rAZNdNQz_kanumoori.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T14:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"ed-arrests-ex-minister-karumuri-nageswara-rao"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Driver of Konda Surekha’s former OSD arrested"},"content":{"text":"The driver of Telangana’s Forest and Endowments Minister Konda Surekha’s former OSD, N. Sumanth, was arrested on Sunday in a case of alleged assault on a real estate businessman.   The driver was arrested near Sumanth’s residence in Tellapur on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Sumanth and five others were booked following a complaint filed by the realtor, who alleged that he was assaulted with iron rods and that the accused demanded Rs 10 crore from him. An attempt to murder case was registered against the former OSD and five others. A zero FIR was registered against N. Sumanth and five others at Medipally Police Station of Malkajgiri Police Commissionerate last week. Later, the case was transferred to Jubilee Hills Police Station of Hyderabad Commissionerate. Gongidi Harikrishna, a resident of Boduppal, lodged a complaint. Harikrishna alleged that he was assaulted with iron rods and sticks and threatened with dire consequences.  The case was registered against former OSD Sumanth, Ramu, Prashanth, Arun Kumar Reddy, Karthik and Mahender Reddy under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complainant said Sumanth and others assaulted him on July 30. Harikrishna stated that Sumanth asked him to meet at Ramu’s office. Sumanth allegedly abused him and hit him with an iron rod. On Sumanth’s direction, others also joined the assault. The complainant claimed that he sustained a fracture to his left hand, bleeding injuries and other injuries and that he underwent surgery on August 10. The case was registered amid a controversy involving Minister Konda Surekha’s family. Her daughter Konda Sushmitha’s recent remarks against Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy triggered a storm in the ruling Congress party. At her mother’s birthday celebrations in Warangal district, Sushmita declared that she would contest from Parkala Assembly constituency in the next elections even if she was denied a party ticket. She also made allegations of corruption against the Chief Minister’s family. Taking serious note of the allegations, the disciplinary committee of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) issued a show-cause notice to the minister. Surekha distanced herself from her daughter’s remarks, saying the latter expressed her personal views.  Congress MP and party disciplinary committee chairman Mallu Ravi said on Saturday that the committee had examined the explanation given by the minister and videos of remarks made by her daughter, but had not taken any decision on the matter yet. Ravi said the panel had discussed several issues at length and examined complaints received from party leaders. "},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aPE4kZ5xUNkB2EhS_konda.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T11:35:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"driver-of-konda-surekhas-former-osd-arrested"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","four"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Kriti’s Cricket Date With Kabir?"},"content":{"text":"Actress Kriti Sanon took to social media to share a fond memory with her rumoured beau Kabir Bahia, a UK-based businessman. On Sunday, Kriti published a selfie with Kabir on her IG as the two stood in the middle of a cricket ground. The 'Mimi' actress had her hand on Kabir's shoulder as the two smiled for the camera. The photo seems to be from the time when Kriti and Kabir were in England recently to witness the India versus England ODI series. Pictures and videos of the two from the stadium had created a lot of buzz on social media. One of the other photos in the album had Kriti getting a sweet kiss from sister Nupur Sanon. The 'Cocktail 2' actress also treated her Instagram family with some lovely selfies clicked by her in the recent past. We could also see Kriti flaunting her foodie side in one of the pictures. For the caption, Kriti wrote, \"Some memories captured.. Mannnnyyyyy more Lived! (Red heart and kiss emojis) (sic).\" Meanwhile, as Kriti celebrated her 36th birthday on July 27, Kabir wished his rumoured ladylove on her special day by sharing a smiling selfie with Kriti. The still was accompanied by the caption, \"Happy K dayyy,\" along with a blue heart, party face, and birthday cake emojis. In addition to this, Kabir uploaded another picture with Kriti aboard a yacht. The alleged lovebirds were seen standing against the backdrop of a scenic night.  Although Kriti and Kabir have never commented on their relationship, these two are often seen together, also making appearances on each other's social media posts. Kabir was also seen attending the wedding festivities of Kriti's younger sister, actress Nupur Sanon, with singer Stebin Ben in Udaipur earlier this year. Kabir also frequently gets clicked with the entire Sanon family."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ybexfJBP0EkhawsC_kritibeue.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T15:32:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"kritis-cricket-date-with-kabir"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"BRS Raises '1,000-Day Betrayal'  Slogan"},"content":{"text":"The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) said on Sunday that it will launch a week-long campaign across Telangana from September 2 to expose what it describes as the Congress government's betrayal of the people as it completes 1,000 days in office. The BRS will organise a series of innovative programmes, highlighting the alleged failure of the Congress government to fulfil its promises and the problems faced by different sections of society. BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) called upon the entire party organisation to unite and ensure that the alleged failures of the Congress government during its 1,000-day tenure are taken to every section of the people across the state. KTR said the Congress came to power after making numerous promises to the people, including 420 promises, 13 declarations and six guarantees, assuring them that these commitments would be implemented within 100 days. \"However, even after 1,000 days in office, the Congress government had failed to fully fulfil even a single promise,\" he alleged. KTR said that people across Telangana were deeply unhappy with the Congress government's alleged administrative failures, corruption and misgovernance.  He directed the party cadre to explain to the people how the Congress government had failed them and to highlight its policies, administrative failures and alleged irregularities. The programmes from September 2 should not be confined merely to the promises made by Congress, he said.  They should also highlight the failures of the state government after assuming office and the problems currently being faced by different sections of society. KTR called upon the BRS to once again take the pending commitments made to different sections of society to the people through \"Baaki Cards\", highlighting the benefits and financial assistance that were promised but allegedly remain unpaid. He said that the cards should remind people of the amounts that have accumulated as pending payments under the monthly financial assistance promised to agricultural labourers, senior citizens, women, students and youth. KTR alleged that the Congress government had deceived everyone from farmers to women after coming to power in the state. The BRS said the alleged failure of the Congress government to clear more than Rs 12,000 crore in fee reimbursement dues should be highlighted among students and their parents across colleges.  He called for the issue to be taken to every college and brought into wider public discussion, given its impact on students and their education. He also alleged that the Congress government had failed to provide jobs to the youth and had not fulfilled its promises. KTR called for special programmes to be organised for every section to which the Congress had made promises, including auto drivers, women, farmers, tribals, Dalits, Backward Classes, government employees and retired employees. He said that the BRS should meet each section of society separately and explain the alleged failures of the Congress government in a manner that people could easily understand.  \"The programmes should not follow a uniform format, but should instead be designed around the specific problems faced by each section,\" he added. He said that social media should be used as a powerful weapon, with innovative campaigns and communication formats developed to ensure that the alleged failures of the Congress government reach the younger generation. KTR called upon BRS MPs, MLAs, MLCs, party general secretaries, constituency in-charges, former public representatives, former corporation chairpersons and former Zilla Parishad chairpersons, along with leaders at all levels, to participate in the week-long programmes."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/b927f608-6aad-46bc-995d-1a303d748101_BRSCONG.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T15:49:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"brs-raises-1000-day-betrayal--slogan"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Nayan’s Latest Temple Visit Sparks Controversy"},"content":{"text":"In a recent social media frenzy, images purportedly depicting actress Nayanthara with a shaved head have surfaced, leading to rampant speculation regarding her spiritual journey. The viral claims suggest that Nayanthara visited the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirupati ahead of the release of her upcoming film 'Toxic'. However, these photos have been identified as digitally manipulated, sparking discussions about authenticity and the power of image editing in the age of instant communication. Earlier this year, Nayanthara and her husband, director Vignesh Shivan, made headlines when they visited the same temple for blessings prior to the debut of Vignesh's film, 'Love Insurance Kompany'. Despite a promising launch, the film has faced harsh criticism and failed to meet box office expectations, grossing approximately 60 crore against a reported budget of 100 crore. This juxtaposition of their spiritual pilgrimage and the film's financial performance has led to questions about whether such temple visits are more for public relations than personal faith. The couple's trip to Tirupati is not merely a casual visit; it is a significant cultural practice among many in the Indian film industry, where stars often seek divine favor before their films hit the screens. The perception of Nayanthara as a spiritual figure has been compounded by her actions, as she aligns herself with traditional practices that resonate with her fan base. However, this incident raises important questions about the implications of altered images and the responsibilities of public figures in representing authenticity to their followers. In light of the manipulated images, Vignesh Shivan has yet to address the ongoing narrative and the impact of these rumors on their personal and professional lives. Meanwhile, Nayanthara is set to appear in 'Toxic', alongside prominent stars such as Yash and Kiara Advani, further solidifying her status as one of the leading actresses in South Indian cinema. As the media continues to swirl with speculation, the couple's silence speaks volumes about the delicate balance they must navigate as public figures in a hyper-connected world."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/gNLPsxnWOnMNSe9Z_nayanvignesh.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C2%2C510%2C251&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T09:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"nayans-latest-temple-visit-sparks-controversy"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Jagan Accuses CBN on Govt Schools"},"content":{"text":"Disputing the claims of the coalition government in Andhra Pradesh of an increase in enrolment in government schools in the state, former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday accused it of weakening education in the government sector to support the growth of private institutions.  Citing data from the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE +) for the academic year 2025-26, he said this brought to light a very dangerous trend in the State of Andhra Pradesh.  “There is a clear reduction in the number of enrolments during AY 2025-26, when compared with AY 2023-24, the last year of our government, particularly in government schools. The state government has repeatedly claimed that over 1.10 lakh students have shifted from private schools to government schools, portraying it as evidence of growing public confidence in government education. This is in line with their party's philosophy of making most unjustifiable claims and ones which are very clearly exposed and contradicted by official statistics and figures,” YS Jagan said in a social media post. “If government schools were indeed witnessing such a large influx of students, the overall enrolment in government schools should have increased. Instead, the UDISE plus (Unified District Information system for School Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India) comparison between AY 2023-24 and AY 2025-26 shows that government school enrolment fell from 40,50,116 to 34,93,450 students, a decline of 5,56,666 students. At the same time, the number of government schools have also been reduced from 45,000 to 44,222, while government-aided schools declined from 991 to 797. What is also noteworthy is that during the same period, the enrolment of students in schools operating under private management have increased from 45,53,380 in 2023-24 to 48,40,296 in 2025-26,” he said. “Therefore, the enrolment in Government and Government aided schools has come down and the enrolment in private schools has increased. This clearly demonstrates the plight of Government schools in AP and proves that the claim of the State Government is incorrect,” the former Chief Minister said. He claimed that the Andhra Pradesh private education sector is dominated by institutions such as Narayana, Sri Chaitanya, Bhashyam, Vignan, and GITAM. He alleged that the Chandrababu Naidu government has a close unholy association with these institutions and is therefore clearly weakening education in the government sector to support the growth of private sector educational institutions. The statistics indicate a very worrisome trend of quality education being made inaccessible to students who are unable to afford to enrol in private schools, he added. He claimed that during the period of the YSRCP regime between 2019-24, the number of reforms and transformative steps initiated brought about substantial improvements in the education system. According to him, the emphasis of the YSRCP government was on making quality education accessible to everyone. The Mana Badi - Nadu Nedu initiative had modernised the infrastructure across 56,703 government schools, welfare hostels, and junior colleges by upgrading facilities like furniture, drinking water, sanitation, classrooms and so forth. Phase I, covering 15,715 schools, was completed, while Phase II extended these improvements to 22,344 schools and Phase III was underway by June 2024, he said. He pointed out that free Tabs with pre-loaded BYJU's content were provided to Class 8 students and their teachers. English medium was made the medium of instruction from the primary level, and to make the transition seamless, bilingual textbooks and an Oxford dictionary were made available to all students. This is most pertinent, considering the reality that our children must be capable of competing in the global arena. Further, 62,000 IFPs were installed in every classroom from Class 6 and above to boost digital education; 45,000 smart TVs were installed in every school having Classes from 1st to 5th. With respect to TOEFL, a subject was introduced from Class 3 onwards to help students develop spoken English skills. An MOU to this effect was signed with American Educational Testing Services (ETS) to provide international certification for TOEFL. Further, a major reform was initiated to enable students to compete and succeed at the global level. IB (International Baccalaureate) was planned to be introduced, and work in this regard had commenced with capacity building and providing training in the IB system to teachers, school heads, MEOs and other faculty, YS Jagan added."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F58cd3c7a-7678-4adc-80f4-4caaaba31c93_jagan+baxite.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C54%2C1200%2C592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T08:21:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"jagan-accuses-cbn-on-govt-schools"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Teja’s Zombie Reddy Ride"},"content":{"text":"Actor Teja Sajja, who will be next seen in the upcoming film ‘Zombie Reddy Nxt Lvl’, has said that the film franchise has rewarded him with the freedom to take chances and trust the audience. The film is a sequel to ‘Zombie Reddy’, and the makers announced the sequel on the occasion of the actor’s birthday on Sunday. Talking about the film, Teja Sajja said, “For me, the most rewarding part of this journey has been the freedom to take chances and trust the audience to come along. Zombie Reddy was one such leap, and the way people embraced that world and my character gave us the confidence to dream much bigger. ‘Zombie Reddy Nxt Lvl’ is that dream taken several steps further. The scale, the action and the world we have created are far more ambitious this time, and I’m excited to see how audiences respond to it”. “As I celebrate another birthday, I couldn’t have asked for a better gift than returning to a franchise that means so much to me. We’ve raised the stakes, brought in an incredible team and pushed ourselves to create something truly entertaining. I’m looking forward to stepping back into the zombie-verse and making this next chapter an experience worth celebrating”, he added. Following the huge success of the original, the franchise is now set to return with a second chapter that promises to take its scale, action and zombie mayhem to the next level. The film is a zombie action-comedy, and also stars Real Star Upendra. It also marks the South Indian cinema debut of Shanaya Kapoor. This spectacle is directed by Suparn S. Varma, who is known for ‘The Family Man 2’, ‘Rana Naidu’, and ‘Haq’, and is created by Prasanth Varma. Director Suparn S. Varma said, \"Every society creates monsters to process its deepest, collective anxieties. Zombies have always been the ultimate figments of our catastrophisation—they reflect our fear of losing control, of the breakdown of order. The plan with Zombie Reddy Nxt Lvl was to attempt the unprecedented. Having spent years crafting grounded, hyper-realistic political and emotional friction in projects, transitioning into this unapologetically chaotic sandbox is such a thrill. A huge shout out to the foundational brilliance that Prasanth Varma created. We hope to take that to the next level for a visceral cinematic experience”. Produced on a massive scale by TG Vishwa Prasad and Krithi Prasad, the screenplay is penned by Hussain Dalal, Prasanth Varma, and Suparn S. Varma. The film is set to release globally in Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Nepali, Japanese and Malayalam."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aMVNj2GNHVfTPNkx_tejasajja.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T10:00:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"tejas-zombie-reddy-ride"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Taapsee’s Cryptic Kangana Jab"},"content":{"text":"Actress Taapsee Pannu shared a cryptic post on her social media handle on Sunday after actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut called her a 'sasti copy'. On Saturday, Kangana had accused Taapsee of questioning her upbringing. While Kangana did not take any names, she shared on her IG, “One Sasti copy is out and about with her upcoming B grade film but as usual only headline point with the media is Kangana Ranaut, but today she crossed all limits shamelessly ridiculing my upbringing /parents, I think all parents do their best and I never bring any parents in to any argument, but today I also want to ask her parents why they couldn't birth someone original like my parents did? Why a cheap Sasti copy? Feel sorry for your efforts.(sic)” “This is so unfortunate and so wrong, but she is not the only one; many people who grew up in shady, cramped-up outskirts of cities in dingy rented apartments with questionable backgrounds and incomes often question my upbringing and malign my parents and background who hail from a renowned Rajput zamindar family and were raised by educated, distinguished parents. It was a personal choice for me to start from scratch; why attack my parents for that?,\" the 'Queen' actress had added. However, Kangana later deleted the post.  On Sunday, Taapsee dropped a cryptic post on her handle. Without naming anyone, she wrote, “Hence proved.”  Recently, Taapsee opened up about her equation with Kangana during a media interaction. Revealing that she has not met Kangana, Taapsee shared that her opinion about Kangana was reflective of her upbringing and her way of talking and perceiving things. \"So, I think that's enough for everybody to look and decide who comes from where,\" she had added. To refresh your memory, Kangana and Taapsee got into a feud in 2019. The situation got worse after Kangana’s sister Rangoli Chandel called Taapsee a “sasti copy” of Kangana on social media."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F5ad9da17-4cf0-4387-bb9c-e8fa4b44921b_taapsee+pannu.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C43%2C1200%2C592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T09:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"taapsees-cryptic-kangana-jab"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Govinda Threatens 100Cr Defamation Suit"},"content":{"text":"Amid all the rumors and misleading reports surrounding actor and former MP Govinda on social media regarding his personal life, a public notice has been issued on his behalf warning netizens, media institutions, digital platforms, and content creators not to publish or share any false, defamatory, malicious, fabricated, or unverified material related to Govinda or his family.  This notice was issued a day after Govinda's wife Sunita Ahuja's conversation with Rakhi Sawant went viral. In the conversation, Sunita claimed that she withdrew the divorce petition as Govinda intended to marry actress Rani Swarnkar. The notice issued by Govinda specifically mentions photos, videos, audio, morphed images, deepfakes, and any other synthetic content created using AI. Govinda has expressed through this notice that he has not granted anyone permission to create, manipulate, or use any material related to his voice, image, identity, or personal/family life through AI or digital technology. Going by the notice, civil and criminal action will be taken against the accused under applicable laws related to defamation, violation of privacy, misuse of identity, and cybercrime. The notice further mentions various provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the Information Technology Act, 2000.  Govinda has warned of claims up to ₹100 crore for those found guilty. Additionally, the actor might also seek court orders to act against their bank accounts, restrict property transactions, seize passports, and pursue other legal measures, in accordance with the law. Moreover, action has been sought against YouTube channels and other social media accounts accused of deliberately spreading misleading or false content related to Govinda. Referring to his past experiences, Govinda has further expressed concern that rumors may be spread in an organised manner to damage his public image. Through this public notice, Govinda aims to stop the circulation of unverified news or unchecked rumors about his personal matters on social media."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Zv2JS7VsGrYSwT7T_govinda.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-22T19:02:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"govinda-threatens-100cr-defamation-suit"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","one"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"AA23: Allu Arjun’s Game-Changer"},"content":{"text":"In a significant buzz within the South Indian film industry, Allu Arjun's highly anticipated transformation for Lokesh Kanagaraj's upcoming project, AA23, has become a focal point of discussion among cinephiles. Details of the actor's unique look have recently leaked, igniting fervor among his fan base and positioning him once again as a leading figure in pan-Indian cinema. As the actor continues to redefine his on-screen persona, the excitement surrounding this collaboration is palpable, with expectations riding high for the film's eventual release. Allu Arjun, known for his charisma and versatility, is set to unveil a character that deviates from his previous roles, a fact that has already captivated audiences. Sources indicate that both Arjun and Kanagaraj have meticulously researched various aesthetics to breathe life into the character, demonstrating their commitment to pushing creative boundaries. This collaboration promises to be a visual spectacle, as Arjun's growth as an artist shines through in every role he takes on, making AA23 a must-watch for fans eager to witness his latest evolution. This project marks yet another milestone in Allu Arjun's illustrious career, which has been characterized by a series of blockbuster successes. After the monumental success of Pushpa 2, which solidified his status as a cinematic powerhouse, expectations for AA23 are understandably sky-high. Arjun's ability to immerse himself in diverse characters—exemplified in films such as Arya and Pushpa—has set a precedent in the industry, garnering both critical acclaim and audience adoration. Lokesh Kanagaraj, celebrated for his unique storytelling and character development, is the perfect counterpart for Arjun in this venture. As the film gears up for release, fans are already abuzz with speculation about its themes and narrative direction. The actor has recently teased further projects, including Raaka, directed by Atlee, which continues to build anticipation for his upcoming work. The synergy between Arjun's dynamic performances and Kanagaraj's directorial prowess is expected to yield a film that not only entertains but also challenges the norms of contemporary cinema, making AA23 a pivotal release in the upcoming film landscape."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/tqvW_HVPA7vVPIqy_AA23.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C6%2C516%2C254&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T09:33:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"aa23-allu-arjuns-game-changer"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"CBN Steps In Amid Campus Clash"},"content":{"text":"Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to resolve the issue between students from the state and the Northeastern region at a nursing college in Kakinada city.  One student was injured in a clash that erupted between students from the state and the Northeastern region in S.K. College of Nursing on Saturday. The Chief Minister reviewed the incident and immediately directed senior officials to resolve the issue.  According to the Chief Minister’s Office, Kakinada District Collector and Superintendent of Police ensured the safety and security of the students, provided the necessary accommodation and prevented any further escalation.  The issue was resolved amicably, and students from the northeastern states expressed satisfaction with the response of the authorities, the CMO said. There was tension in the college hostel after students from the Northeast lodged a complaint with Sarpavaram police stating that one of the students’ mobile phones was stolen by someone. A clash broke out between the two groups after the Andhra Pradesh students learnt about the police complaint. A girl was injured in the clash. She received injuries on her head and was treated in Government General Hospital in Kakinada. Some students from Manipur have reportedly complained to Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand about the prevailing environment on the college campus and raised alarm on their safety. The Government of Manipur took up the issue with the Andhra Pradesh government. Following directions from Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Kakinada District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad and SP G. Bindu Madhav deployed a team of officials to maintain peace on the campus on Saturday.  The District Collector said the clash erupted between groups of Telugu students and those from Manipur and Nagaland over theft of a phone of a Manipur student. The campus returned to normalcy after talks with the two groups. The district authorities provided separate accommodation to 31 students from Manipur and Nagaland to guarantee them safety on campus.  The top officials are scheduled to hold talks with the students on Sunday to maintain peace and harmony on the college campus."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aJ7pfaTt2nPbaWqN_cbn.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T06:20:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"cbn-steps-in-amid-campus-clash"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"What made Sonakshi Sunday morning happy"},"content":{"text":"Actress Sonakshi Sinha took to her Instagram handle to share a glimpse of her “happy Sunday” morning, giving a peek into how she spent the relaxing day. Taking to her Instagram Stories, the ‘Akira’ actress shared a blurry glimpse of herself enjoying a cup of coffee while soaking in the beautiful Mumbai sea view. The actress appeared to be enjoying a quiet and relaxing morning from her balcony, taking in the scenic view with her coffee. The text on the picture read, “Happy Sunday.” Sonakshi also gave a glimpse into her memorable family holiday in Bhutan through a vlog shared on social media. The ‘Dabangg’ actress documented the journey, from the breathtaking flight into Paro and the stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga to exploring Bhutan’s rich culture, traditional architecture and scenic landscapes. The trip also saw Sonakshi spending quality time with her family as they explored the picturesque town of Paro. She also shared glimpses of their visit to Tungkar Jong, the Royal Academy and other cultural landmarks. One of the major highlights of the trip was the family’s trek to the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery. Sonakshi described the challenging climb as an unforgettable experience and shared her excitement after successfully completing the trek. In the video, she said, “Before reaching Bhutan, we got a very special welcome from the plane. We were seeing clouds below and then suddenly, we saw the snow-covered peak of Mount Kanchenjunga in the middle of them. Our captain told us this. It was such a beautiful sight and at that moment, the excitement increased even more because now we had almost reached Bhutan.” “One thing that I really liked about Bhutan was that Bollywood is really popular here. You won't believe it, but this man, he's a Bhutanese singer, and he stole my song, Chori Kiya Re Jiya, from Dabangg. He sang it so fluently and so beautifully that I can't even tell you. I can't sing it for you here because there will be a copyright claim. But you can understand, because I was really into it. During the trip, I met so many people who watch Hindi films, know Bollywood music, and were surprisingly so familiar with my work.” Sonakshi added, “I kept meeting people at different places who talked a lot about my films, songs, and characters. And seeing someone from so far away connecting with their work is genuinely a very special feeling. I got a lot of love in Bhutan, and every meeting was so warm and genuine that the connection with this country became even deeper.” On the professional front, the 39-year-old actress was last seen in was last seen in the courtroom drama “System,” where she played public prosecutor Neha Rajvansh alongside Jyotika. Her recent projects also include the theatrical thriller “Nikita Roy,” released in July 2025, and the horror-comedy “Kakuda,” which premiered on ZEE5."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aPE0fp5xUNkB2Efg_sonakshi.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T05:05:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"what-made-sonakshi-sunday-morning-happy"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","two"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"'Irumudi' captures box office success"},"content":{"text":"In a remarkable turn of events, Ravi Teja's latest film, 'Irumudi,' has swiftly etched its name in the annals of Telugu cinema, marking a significant milestone with impressive box office collections on its second day. Following its much-anticipated release, the action drama has captivated audiences and critics alike, generating a buzz that has transcended regional boundaries. With an opening day collection surpassing ₹20 crore, 'Irumudi' has not only emerged as Teja's highest opener but has solidified its status as one of the largest film releases in the industry this year. The collaboration between Teja and director Shiva Nirvana has proven fruitful, as the film received praise for its blend of gripping narrative and emotional depth. Critics, including prominent reviewer Ramesh Bala, lauded 'Irumudi' as both powerful and evocative. The film features Teja alongside notable talents like Priya Bhavani Shankar, Sai Kumar, and Baby Nakshathra, further enhancing its appeal. As of the second day, 'Irumudi' has amassed a worldwide total of ₹47.45 crore, falling just shy of the coveted ₹50 crore mark, while its overseas collections saw a modest drop to ₹5 crore, totaling ₹11 crore in that market. 'Irumudi's' journey at the box office is indicative of the current landscape of Telugu cinema, where audiences are increasingly drawn to high-octane narratives interwoven with emotional arcs. The film's domestic collection on its second day rose to ₹16.1 crore, pushing its nett total to ₹31.4 crore. The gross figures also reflected a healthy performance, totaling ₹35.46 crore. This upward trajectory reinforces the idea that a well-crafted film can resonate powerfully with viewers, as evidenced by the escalating figures following its initial release. In a show of camaraderie and support, fellow superstar Nani took to social media to congratulate Ravi Teja on the film's success, expressing that 'Irumudi' represents a significant moment of celebration for both the actor and director. Nani's heartfelt message underscores the collaborative spirit within the industry, as he highlighted the emotional connection that audiences have with the film, a connection that often translates into box office success. As 'Irumudi' continues its run, the industry is abuzz with anticipation for its future performance, as both fans and critics remain engaged in this cinematic journey."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0_1mjPrvJM9P43cE_irumudi.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C51%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T06:39:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"irumudi-captures-box-office-success"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"‘India will fall in love with Kaira’"},"content":{"text":"Yash stated that Kiara’s portrayal of Nadia will leave audiences impressed and make India “fall in love with her again.” The ‘Kabir Singh’ actress recently attended the grand pre-release event of Toxic in Hyderabad, where she drew considerable attention amid the massive gathering. During the event, Yash praised her performance and described her as “an amazing actor” and “an amazing co-star.” Speaking about Kiara, the ‘K.G.F: Chapter 1’ actor said, “What an amazing actor, what an amazing co-star! She is somebody who is very simple, very pure, and a fantastic actor. But whatever you have seen, Kiara, till today, I think from the 26th onwards, you’re going to witness something much more than that. India will fall in love with her again and also at another level. Thank you so much, Kiara, for being a part of this.” Kiara Advani takes on the complex and intense character of Nadia in Geetu Mohandas’s upcoming action-thriller “Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups,” which is slated to release on August 26, 2026. Marking her Kannada film debut, the role sees the actress explore a wide emotional spectrum while also taking on demanding action sequences. Kiara Advani has previously opened up about her experience of working on Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, describing the film as a project that pushed her beyond her comfort zone and encouraged her to embrace the unfamiliar. In a recent Instagram post, the ‘Shershaah’ actress shared a behind-the-scenes video from the making of the film and reflected on how the creative vision and collective talent behind the project came together. She wrote, “A fairy tale isn’t just what this film is. It’s also what making it was. One string of thought, talent from everywhere, each doing right by their craft, avalanching into TOXIC. “Peculiar Alchemy,” as our director calls it.” “Films have a beautiful way of making us step into worlds we’ve never known, sometimes quite literally. Every new character, every new set, every crazy challenge teaches you something you didn’t know you were capable of.” Kiara added, “This one taught me to be comfortable with the unfamiliar, to stay curious, to keep learning and to find joy in the adventure of it all. Because growth, for me, has always been about saying yes to the things that scare you a little… and loving the journey that follows.”"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/afhPc8BOoF08xkNV_kairaadvani.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T08:37:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"india-will-fall-in-love-with-kaira"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","three"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Raashii Khanna completed 13 years in industry"},"content":{"text":"Actress Raashii Khanna, who was last seen in a special appearance in ‘120 Bahadur’, has completed 13 years in the Indian film industry. The actress said that since her debut with ‘Madras Cafe’, she has felt time has just flown because she looks at work as a privilege. The film was released in 2013, and set the stage for her to work across four industries and into some of the most closely followed titles in the country. Looking back at her journey, the actress said, \"Thirteen years is a long time, and it has gone quickly because the work has never stopped feeling like a privilege. Looking back at Madras Cafe reminds me why I started. It gave me the chance to tell stories that matter to me, and I am grateful to every collaborator who has backed me along the way”. Since her debut, the actress has built a body of work across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam cinema, one of the few actors of her generation to hold ground in all four. The range has been deliberate rather than accidental, and it is what has taken her from a promising first outing to a pan-India presence. The actress is currently filming the second season of Raj & DK's ‘Farzi’, in which she is set to return as RBI officer Megha Vyas alongside Shahid Kapoor and Vijay Sethupathi. The series is produced and directed by Raj & DK, Farzi is a crime thriller built around a disillusioned artist who turns to counterfeiting to escape his financial situation. The actress will also be seen opposite Rajinikanth in the Tamil action thriller ‘Dharman’, and opposite Akshay Kumar in Anees Bazmee's next comedy drama."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/58f0c0e3-fefa-4684-b1d4-df826eb4d97e_Raashi-Khanna-18.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C45%2C2500%2C1233&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T08:24:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"raashii-khanna-completed-13-years-in-industry"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Legal Battle Erupts Over Kangana's 'Queen 2' "},"content":{"text":"In a dramatic turn of events, the production of Kangana Ranaut's much-anticipated sequel to the 2014 blockbuster 'Queen' is now at the center of a legal storm. Phantom Studios has filed a lawsuit in the Bombay High Court, alleging that the project is proceeding without their consent. They are seeking a staggering ₹250 crore in damages and an injunction to halt the film's release, claiming rights to the sequel based on a prior agreement concerning intellectual property related to the original film. The contention arises from Phantom’s assertion that they share equal ownership of the rights to the 'Queen* franchise with JioStar India Private Limited. Under the terms of their original agreement, any sequels or derivative works would necessitate mutual consent from both parties. Phantom claims that it has made repeated attempts to communicate with JioStar since May of last year regarding these rights, but has reportedly received no response. The lawsuit underscores the complexities of intellectual property in the film industry, particularly when it involves successful franchises. JioStar, in defense of its actions, has dismissed Phantom's claims, arguing that the upcoming film is an independent project with a unique storyline that bears no connection to the original 'Queen'. Their position hinges on the assertion that the word “Queen” is a commonly used term, and therefore, they cannot be restricted by Phantom's claims of ownership over the title. Such statements reflect a broader legal principle that seeks to balance creative expression with proprietary rights in a landscape where titles and themes often overlap. The original 'Queen', celebrated for its innovative narrative and powerful performances, garnered critical acclaim, including National Awards for Best Feature Film and Best Actress. The film's immense popularity has undoubtedly intensified the stakes surrounding its sequel, making the current dispute not just a legal matter, but a significant point of contention within the film industry. As the case progresses through the courts, it remains to be seen how the judiciary will interpret the rights of co-owners in such cases and what ramifications this dispute may have on future film productions in India."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/qIdtPkHxP9-O0XlT_queen.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-22T16:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"legal-battle-erupts-over-kanganas-queen-2-"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"What PC does not like about Bollywood"},"content":{"text":"Priyanka Chopra has been ruling the silver screen for more than 2 decades now, but did you know that during her interaction with actress Simi Garewal on the popular chat show, 'Rendezvous with Simi Garewal', the 'Desi Girl' had revealed what she does not like about Bollywood.  PeeCee shared that she does not appreciate the fact that the industry is surrounded by fake and pretentious people. The 'Barfi' actress even admitted that she herself had started to become like the rest of them in the beginning of her career, turning into someone she is not. Priyanka was heard saying, \"I don't like people who are pretentious, and most of them are. I mean, we do have intelligent people around, but there are so many people who are so fake, that's something I just cannot stand. I mean, I think even I was in the beginning, very very much. That is completely and entirely not what I am.\" Following her Bollywood debut with 'The Hero: Love Story of a Spy' in 2003, Priyanka cemented her position as a bankable actress with movies such as 'Andaaz (2003)', 'Aitraaz (2004)', 'Krrish (2006)', 'Don (2006)', 'Fashion (2008)', 'Barfi! (2012)', 'Mary Kom (2014)', and 'Bajirao Mastani (2015)'. After making a mark for herself in the Indian film industry, PeeCee has also successfully managed to create quite a buzz in Hollywood with 'Citadel', 'The Bluff', and 'Heads of State'. Up next, Priyanka is all set to make a comeback to Indian cinema as she has been roped in as the leading lady for SS Rajamouli's forthcoming action-adventure drama, 'Varanasi'. Priyanka will be seen essaying the role of Mandakini, a fierce historian, in her next. She will reportedly accompany protagonist Rudhra (Played by Mahesh Babu) on his globetrotting mission to save the holy city of Varanasi from an asteroid named Shambhavi."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aTg7v3NYClf9n-cO_pc.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-22T11:28:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"what-pc-does-not-like-about-bollywood"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Is Kareena pregnant?"},"content":{"text":"Kareena Kapoor has been making headlines as speculations around her third pregnancy circulated on social media recently. On Saturday, Bebo used her Instagram handle to share her reaction to these pregnancy rumours, and it will leave you in stitches. Kareena took to the Stories section and reshared a hilarious Instagram post where a man can be seen posing with his bloated belly. The caption on the post read, ‘Hat nah be’. As Kareena shared the post on her account, she added a couple of laughing and pizza emojis. She further added the track, 'Chocolate Lime Juice' from the movie 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun', indicating that her visible paunch was simply a result of her love for food. Before Kareena, her sister-in-law and Saif's sister, Saba Pataudi, rubbished the actress's pregnancy rumours, claiming that the picture in question, where Bebo can be seen with a bloated belly, was the outcome of a bad camera angle.  Saba had shared, “A bad angle ... Or a bad hair day! How can everyone assume another extreme!! She walked out of an airport looking slick, classy and slim, and today out of a gym! That's it!! I've been convincing my sister to have a 2nd child ... wish that was true! She'll kill me for saying it! Live n let live guys. Some things are left private. No speculation needed. With love n respect.” To refresh your memory, speculation that Bebo was expecting her third child with husband Saif Ali Khan had also surfaced during her vacation in New York. Back then, one of Kareena's Insta Stories was misinterpreted. However, the 'K3G' actress had later cleared the air, saying that it was all just pizza and wine.  Professionally, Kareena will next be seen in Meghna Gulzar's 'Daayra', in which she will be seen alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aL1abmGNHVfTOvJa_kareena.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-22T01:41:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"is-kareena-pregnant"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Chiru: Pawan’s Words Took Me Back"},"content":{"text":"Moved by the heart touching birthday post put out by his younger brother and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Megastar Chiranjeevi on Saturday responded to the post, saying that Pawan Kalyan's words had taken him back to the most precious chapters of their lives and had left him deeply emotional. In a post on his X timeline, Chiranjeevi, who celebrates his birthday on Saturday, wrote, \"My dear Kalyan Babu, Your words took me back to the most precious chapters of our lives and left me deeply emotional. What you remember as my love and sacrifice was simply my responsibility and affection as your Annayya (elder brother)\" Chiranjeevi further wrote, \"Today, seeing your unwavering courage, commitment to the people and love for our Bharat, I feel immensely proud. You have become a source of strength and inspiration to millions.\" He went on to say, \"You call me your Hero, but your determination, honesty and selfless journey have inspired me in countless ways too. Thank you for this beautiful gift of memories, Kalyan Babu. Your love is one of the greatest blessings of my life. Love you always @PawanKalyan.\""},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/vYS3rdY6FicM8qOO_chirupknb.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C283%2C140&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-22T12:00:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"chiru-pawans-words-took-me-back"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"No new Tamil films to release from Sep 1"},"content":{"text":"The Tamil Film Producers Council and the Tamil Film Active Producers Association on Saturday jointly announced that no new Tamil films would release from September 1 this year.  They also said that all film shootings and post production work being carried out on films would come to a standstill from September 1.  The producers said the decision to stop the release of all new Tamil films from September 1 was being taken in response to the unilateral announcement made by the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association and the Tamil Nadu Film Distributors Federation with regard to the release of new films on OTTs.  The distributors and the theatre owners associations had said that they would be able to screen in theatres, only those films whose producers gave them an assurance that they would release their films on OTT platforms eight weeks after their theatrical release.  In a joint statement, the producers said, \"The distributors federation and the theatre owners association, of their own accord and without holding consultations with others, have decided that they can permit the theatrical screenings of only those films, whose producers give letters stating that they will release their films on OTT platforms only after eight weeks after their films' theatrical release.\" Pointing out that no such practice was in place in the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka or Kerala, the producers associations said this move, which was being deliberately introduced in Tamil Nadu alone, was one that needed to be condemned.  \"When such decisions are made, consultations should have been held with all stakeholders to ensure that no party is affected. Only then should such announcements be made. Therefore, this unilateral decision of the distributors federation and the theatre owners association is unacceptable to producers,\" they said. \"In a bid to protest the unilateral decision of the Tamil Nadu Film Distributors Federation and the Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association, the producers have decided not to release any new Tamil films from September 1 this year. Moreover, the producers associations also said that they had decided to stop all film shootings and post production work from September 1.  The producers said that they would taking this problem to the attention of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and the minister concerned in a bid to find an amicable solution to this issue.  Meanwhile, The Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association Secretary S Sridhar, while talking to media, expressed hope that the issue would be resolved soon through talks. \"There are a number of films slotted for release in the coming weeks from September. We will all get together, hold talks and look to find a solution to the issue,\" he said."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ff607008-ca6b-4aec-bfe1-934a600d6c41_movies.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-22T11:32:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"no-new-tamil-films-to-release-from-sep-1"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"The Hero Who Inspired Ram Charan"},"content":{"text":"Tollywood heartthrob Ram Charan penned a sweet birthday wish for his father, Megastar Chiranjeevi, as he turned a year older on Saturday.  The 'RRR' actor took to his official handle on X (Earlier known as Twitter) and shared a heartfelt post, calling Chiranjeevi his 'first hero, and someone he could turn to'. Ram Charam added that Chiranjeevi's belief in him has always been his biggest strength.  The 'Peddi' actor shared on the micro-blogging site, \"Happy Birthday Nanna @KChiruTweets You have been my first hero, my biggest inspiration and someone I can always turn to. Through every high and low, your love, guidance and belief in me have been my greatest strength. I feel truly blessed to have you in my life. Wishing you good health, happiness and many more wonderful years ahead. Love you more than words can say, Nanna (sic).\" Additionally, actor, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, and the younger brother of Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, wished him by taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting some fond memories of their childhood. Pawan Kalyan stated that his elder brother had always been a hero for him, even before he became a hero on screen. He wrote, \"In my school days, just walking beside him was a proud moment. I used to feel like I am walking with the world's most important person; by then, he was just in college. When he used to ride my father’s bike (Bullet - 350 cc) with his curly long hair, fit NCC Cadet body with bell bottoms and glasses - oh! it was an absolutely fanboy and hero-worshipping moment,\" Pawan Kalyan disclosed and added, \"My Annaya was always a Hero for me even before he became a Hero.\" Sharing an incident, Pawan Kalyan added, \"In the early days of his film career, he brought a big blue bag from his first Singapore trip. In that blue bag I found my first tiny Lego helicopter, few remote cars, racing track, some comics, music tapes, tape recorder, scented Yardley Co. powders, soaps, few perfumes and other small gifts to others. He always brought joy and smiles into our small home.\""},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Z4vqTJbqstJ99mOW_RC.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-22T01:24:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"the-hero-who-inspired-ram-charan"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"TikTok Settles US Child Privacy Case for $400M"},"content":{"text":"TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance have agreed to pay $400 million to resolve a US Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit accusing the social media app of collecting data on children in violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.  Under the proposed settlement, which requires court approval, TikTok will pay $300 million up front and an additional $100 million once a court order vacates a prior consent decree involving TikTok’s predecessor, Musical.ly. The DOJ said a statement that the settlement features among the largest in cases involving the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. “This settlement is a major victory for American children and parents,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward adding that the department’s priority is ensuring that children are protected online \"and that companies entrusted with their personal information meet their legal obligations.” The settlement would end court oversight of TikTok’s privacy practices. The company has made several changes to ownership and privacy policies since the DOJ filed its suit. It has taken steps to strengthen safeguards for young users, including improved age controls and parental oversight. The DOJ sued TikTok in 2024 on behalf of the Federal Trade Commission, alleging the company allowed millions of children under 13 to create accounts without parental consent. Such a lapse made it difficult for parents to request deletion of those accounts, the Justice Department argued. TikTok and Beijing-based ByteDance struggled through geopolitical and regulatory tug-of-war for several years that threatened its survival in the US over national security concerns. US Congress passed legislation in 2024 to ban the app unless ByteDance sold TikTok, over concerns that the Chinese government could use US user data or the app to push Chinese Communist Party's narratives. President Donald Trump oversaw a deal, which closed in January that moved parts of TikTok's US business from control by ByteDance to a new, American-led and majority American-owned TikTok venture."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/d2511d54-5242-407a-a8c9-bac8e6faae38_tiktok.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-22T05:55:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"tiktok-settles-us-child-privacy-case-for-400m"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"PK: Before Stardom, Annaya Was My Hero!"},"content":{"text":"Actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who is also the younger brother of Megastar Chiranjeevi, on Saturday penned a heartfelt note on their childhood together and said that his elder brother had always been a hero for him, even before he became a hero in films.  On the occasion of Chiranjeevi's birthday on Saturday, Telugu star and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan took to his Instagram page to pen a heartfelt note.  He wrote, \"A thought about Annaya @chiranjeevikonidela is always a source of joy. While I walk along the memory lane on this special day, these are few memories I have (s)tumbled upon.\" \"In our childhood, he went away from home to pursue his college education in Narsapur. And his homecoming for summer holidays was a festive season. A big pain and disappointment used to follow when he used to go back for his college. We all used to miss his absence and feel the vacuum. Home was never vibrant till he was back,\" Pawan Kalyan said. \"In my school days, just walking beside him was a proud moment. I used to feel like I am walking with the world's most important person; by then, he was just in college. When he used to ride my father’s bike (Bullet - 350 cc) with his curly long hair, fit NCC Cadet body with bell bottoms and glasses - oh! it was an absolutely fanboy and hero-worshipping moment,\" Pawan Kalyan disclosed and added, \"My Annaya was always a Hero for me even before he became a Hero.\" The Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister further said, \"In the early days of his film career, he brought a big blue bag from his first Singapore trip. In that blue bag I found my first tiny Lego helicopter, few remote cars, racing track, some comics, music tapes, tape recorder, scented Yardley Co. powders, soaps, few perfumes and other small gifts to others. He always brought joy and smiles into our small home.\" Stating that when Chiranjeevi got married, he was worried that he would be away from them, Pawan Kalyan said that the thought made him cry. \"...I was crying silently in a room. Then he brought my Vadina (sister-in-law) and said, 'Come, I will introduce you to a big man (Pedda Manishi) today'.' They both were laughing while they found the reason for my tears.\" Pawan Kalyan said that he didn’t have enough words to describe the love and care his brother and his sister-in-law showered on him in the following years when was taken to Chennai (then Madras) to stay with them. \"I had seen his struggle, hard work and injuries in shoots. Everyday he used to reach home in the middle of the night after 18 hours shift of laborious work in his sweat-drenched costumes and shoes in Chennai’s heat and humidity; with hardly any strength to stand… I used to feel guilty for living off on his hard work and sacrifice. But he never even uttered a word about my academic failures and lack of direction in my life,\" he wrote. \"The way he lighted up our family and relatives with his generosity and he extended the same spirit to his friends, producers, film fraternity and everyone he touched. He is one of the primary and key persons who acted as a cultural bridge between the South and Hindi film industry. He always believed in Indian cinema,\" Pawan Kalyan pointed out.  Disclosing that Chiranjeevi was a tech-savvy person, Pawan Kalyan said that he also had astounding medical knowledge. Pointing out that despite his phenomenal achievements Chiranjeevi never rested, Pawan Kalyan said, \"After a major spinal operation recently, he bounces back within no time with his strength training and goes back to work. Like a city never sleeps, he’s a man who never rests. He’s born with an unstoppable motor within. That’s why he’s become our beloved ‘Mega Star’ and my only Hero.\" The Deputy Chief Minister concluded the post saying, \"Let ‘Mother Nature’ provide you my dear Annaya abundant health, super strength and astounding victories on your life path. Wishing my Annaya on his birthday is not a formality but a gentle reminder to many like me ; how his life has impacted, influenced and transformed millions like me to build a better future and to lay a stronger foundation for the land of Bharath -we all adore and worship. Jai Hind !! #HBDMegastarChiranjeevi.\""},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/RGxAd4e-zeKoOCzI_chirupawan.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-22T06:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"pk-before-stardom-annaya-was-my-hero"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Crash Case: No Alcohol Found in MP’s Son"},"content":{"text":"Preliminary tests for alcohol and drugs have returned negative for 21-year-old Lingamaneni Sanjush, the son of Andhra Pradesh Rajya Sabha MP, Lingamaneni Ramesh, following a fatal Aston Martin accident in Hyderabad. The accident took place near Inorbit Mall on August 16, when Sanjush was allegedly driving the luxury car. The vehicle struck 26-year-old Bharati Mukhi, a sales executive, leaving her critically injured. She was rushed to Apollo Hospital for treatment but was declared dead on arrival, according to police. Investigators said Sanjush was allegedly driving at a high speed in a rash and negligent manner at the time of the collision. The Aston Martin has been seized and examined by a Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI), while the authorities are awaiting the inspection report. Police said that despite the negative preliminary screening for alcohol and narcotic substances, Sanjush's blood samples have been forwarded to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for detailed analysis. The final forensic findings, along with the MVI inspection report and the victim's post-mortem report, are expected to play an important role in the ongoing investigation. A case has been registered under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for causing death through a rash or negligent act. The provision carries a maximum punishment of five years in prison. Police said Sanjush was not arrested immediately because the evidence available at that stage did not justify custodial action. Instead, he was issued a notice under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and directed to cooperate with investigators. The Deputy Commissioner of Police dismissed allegations that Sanjush received preferential treatment because of political connections or outside pressure. The officer maintained that the action taken by police was in line with legal provisions and Supreme Court guidelines governing arrests. Police added that Sanjush could be arrested later if additional evidence or the findings of the investigation warrant such action. Investigators are continuing to collect forensic, technical and other evidence to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the crash. The Aston Martin involved in the accident was reportedly not registered in Sanjush's name. Meanwhile, Sanjush has maintained that he did not leave the scene after the collision. He claimed that he helped take Bharati to the hospital and subsequently cooperated with the police probe. Following the post-mortem examination, Bharati's body was handed over to her brother and later taken to Odisha. Her post-mortem report is still awaited. Bharati was reportedly the sole earning member of her family. Her death has led to calls for financial assistance for her family as the investigation into the fatal accident continues."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/OvTWAd2vxbiJNRjH_jsmpson.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-22T05:24:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"crash-case-no-alcohol-found-in-mps-son"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"#Mega158 titled 'Kaaka'"},"content":{"text":"The makers of director Bobby Kolli's eagerly awaited action entertainer featuring Telugu star Chiranjeevi in the lead on Saturday announced the title of the film as 'Kaaka', much to the delight of fans and film buffs.  The announcement was made as part of the birthday celebrations of the actor, who celebrates his birthday on Saturday.  KVN Productions, which is producing the film, announced the title through a title teaser and revealed that the film would hit screens on January 13 next year. Taking to its social media timelines to share the title teaser, the production house wrote, \"Meet Supervisor Satyam, C/O Ammaji Aqua Industries, Ravulapalem. Team #KAAKA wishes the one and only Megastar @Kchirutweets garu a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Title glimpse out now. January 13, 2027 - Sankranthi release.\"  The title teaser shows Chiranjeevi working in a shrimp farm called Ammaji Aqua Industries. His name in the film is Satyam and he works as a Supervisor in the facility that has people from all regions of the country working in it. The title teaser shows an employee who attempts to return a key to Chiranjeevi but ends up dropping it in a pool full of shrimps. Chiranjeevi is then seen retrieving the key using a giant electromagnet. Along with the key, a lot of weapons too come up. The key has a keychain that reads, 'I love dad'.  The film has triggered huge interest in fans and film buffs and the title teaser has only added to the excitement.  For the unaware, the unit of this film, which was being referred to as #Mega158 until now, has completed 40 days of shooting and has locked the edit of the first half of the film! Sources close to the unit of the film say that the first half of the film ends with a spectacular action sequence. They claim that this interval fight sequence, which was shot recently, is set to be one of the major attractions of the film. The action block has been designed and executed on a grand scale and is expected to provide a powerful high point before the second half. Sources also claim that the initial output has given the team immense confidence, with the narrative maintaining the right mix of intensity, entertainment, emotion, and action. Anaswara Rajan and Nivetha Pethuraj play pivotal roles in this film, which is currently being planned as a Sankranthi 2027 release. With the shoot advancing smoothly and the first-half edit nearing completion, the production is clearly moving towards the next crucial phase. This is the second time that director Bobby is working with Megastar Chiranjeevi. The two had earlier worked together on action entertainer 'Waltair Veerayya'."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/20eim9L-sTLoyiTu_kaaka.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-22T04:56:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJQU9mZugZM"}},"uid":"mega158-titled-kaaka"}},{"node":{"tags":["Editorial"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Branding Intellectual Dissent As A Threat"},"content":{"text":"“If you cannot defeat an intellectual argument, simply label the intellectual a national security threat.” This axiom reflects a long-standing political tradition: to silence dissenters who demand accountability, the ruling class first destroys their reputation. This strategy mirrors the old proverb: \"If you want to kill a dog, give it a bad name.\" Globally, when authorities cannot counter a critique, they brand the critic as a danger to society to justify destroying them. There is a famous anecdote about a mother who asked Albert Einstein how she could prepare her son to become an intellectual. To her surprise, his answer was simple: “Read them fairy tales.” Einstein believed that true learning thrived on joy, curiosity, and independent thinking. In today’s political landscape, however, that anecdote feels like a relic from a forgotten civilization. Had that mother been alive today, she would not dare to raise an intellectual. In the current political discourse, fostering critical thought is no longer a proud parental goal, it is a dangerous potential liability. This shift is driven by a carefully manufactured political lexicon designed to suppress democratic discussion through a colorful assortment of branding. Over the past decade, labels like the \"Tukde-Tukde Gang\" and \"Khan Market Gang\" have steadily evolved to silence dissent. Critics of agricultural policies were branded \"Andolanjeevis\" (professional protesters), while activists, journalists, and professors routinely became \"Urban Naxals.\" This labeling machinery reached its peak when the term \"Dhimagi Naxal\" (Intellectual Naxal) was introduced to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day. The irony was absolute: using a monument of national freedom to declare critical thinking a threat to the state. Of course, this is not an entirely original invention, but an adaptation from a grand global playbook. From 1950s American McCarthyism and Richard Nixon’s \"Enemies List\" to the modern Western panic over the word \"Woke,\" democracies under pressure have long shared a common mechanism: when leaders cannot defeat an argument, they simply target the speaker's credibility. In the present Indian political propaganda ecosystem, mainstream media has been acting as the state's crucial amplifier, turning political paranoia into daily household folklore through high-decibel evening shouting matches. Instead of analyzing why citizens question state policies or why the government fails to build public consensus, prime-time anchors flash bold labels across breaking-news tickers to hunt down the latest \"Dhimagi Naxal.\" This relentless broadcast successfully trains the public to fear the critical thinker long before they even understand the policy being debated. This coordinated labeling serves two highly effective purposes: polarization and delegitimization. By destroying all nuance, it divides the citizenry into a simple binary of the compliant \"Nationalist\" versus the questioning \"Anti-Nationalist.\" Consequently, any citizen raising concerns about governance is stripped of their status as an engaged voter and framed as an enemy of the state. In this environment, asking for accountability is treated as an act of subversion, sending a clear message that true patriotism requires total compliance, not to the nation itself, but to its ruling leadership. This strategy becomes most aggressive when the carefully built image of leadership shatters under the weight of policy failures, and the terrifying prospect of losing the trust of a restless youth looms large. When complex policy defenses are impossible to sell, the state manufactures an imaginary antagonist to prevent an entire generation from demanding jobs. It is no surprise that a leader who once compared his empathy for riot victims to a puppy run over by a car, showing a complete absence of personal regret or accountability, would easily label democratic critics as a national threat. The \"Dhimagi Naxal\" tag acts as the perfect shield. As the leadership panics over losing its grip on young voters, the narrative aggressively pivots from \"Why is there no accountability for policy failures?\" to \"Who is conspiring against the nation?\" By directing public attention toward a manufactured internal enemy, a leadership that once operated on the assumption of absolute invincibility now uses state paranoia to suffocate uncomfortable questions regarding governance failures, decaying infrastructure, and widespread institutional collapse. If the mother who questioned Einstein were alive today, she would likely keep her son far away from independent thought. The safe path forward no longer requires curiosity, imagination, or a book of fairy tales. It simply demands a steady diet of subservience to the political leadership, a slavish eagerness to agree, and a complete, unquestioning avoidance of the word \"Why?\" Ultimately, this moral and political decay should shock no one. It is entirely fitting that a leader who once allegedly compared his empathy for riot victims to a puppy run over by a car, showing a complete absence of personal regret or accountability, would choose to close his argument by labeling democratic critics as a national security threat."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/yz4BCa9PVnn_ELqT_modi.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-22T06:29:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"branding-intellectual-dissent-as-a-threat"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Veteran Actress Shavukaru Janaki Passes Away"},"content":{"text":"The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of veteran actress Shavukaru Janaki, who passed away at the age of 94 in Chennai. The acclaimed actress had been undergoing treatment at Kauvery Hospital after suffering from age-related complications and health issues. She breathed her last at 1:59 PM on Friday while receiving treatment in the ICU. Nadigar Sangam president Nassar officially confirmed the news. Her mortal remains have been kept at Saint Mary’s Road in Teynampet, Chennai, allowing family, friends, colleagues and fans to pay their final respects. Janaki began her remarkable acting journey with the 1950 Telugu film Shavukaru, directed by L. V. Prasad. The film’s title became permanently associated with her name, earning her the identity Shavukaru Janaki. She went on to build an impressive career across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam cinema, making her Tamil debut with Valayapathi in 1952 and later appearing in Devakannika and School Master. She also featured alongside Dr. Rajkumar in the 1959 Kannada film Mahishasura Mardhini. Beyond cinema, Janaki explored television and appeared in several memorable serials, with Varoodhini Parinayam being her final Telugu TV outing. Her last film appearances came in Biskoth (2020) and Nandini Reddy’s Anni Manchi Sakunamule (2023). Recognising her immense contribution to Indian cinema, the Government of India honoured her with the Padma Shri in 2022."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/QsoDVZC2beLWtZiX_janaki.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-21T10:33:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"veteran-actress-shavukaru-janaki-passes-away"}},{"node":{"tags":["Videos"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Jailer 2's first single 'Ala Bolelo' out"},"content":{"text":"Jailer 2's first single 'Ala Bolelo' out"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/2sHyUz864qMC477e_alaboleojailersing.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C83%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-21T13:54:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZgzzsTCylo"}},"uid":"jailer-2s-first-single-ala-bolelo-out"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Police Defend No Arrest of Jana Sena MP’s Son"},"content":{"text":"Under public criticism for not arresting Jana Sena MP Lingamaneni Ramesh’s son for allegedly crushing a young woman to death under his luxury car, Cyberabad Police on Friday said that it is incorrect and unwarranted to allege that the police refrained from arresting the accused under any extraneous influence.  The decision not to arrest was based on the legal requirements governing arrest, the circumstances of the case, and the material available during the investigation at that stage, the police said in a statement. Cyberabad Police on Thursday revealed that they booked Lingamaneni Sanjush (21) for causing the death of a young woman in an accident while driving a car allegedly in a rash and negligent manner four days ago. Bharathi Mukhi (26), a sales executive at a Lifestyle store in Inorbit Mall in the IT corridor of Madhapur, Hyderabad, was killed after being run over by an Aston Martin car while crossing the road opposite the mall on August 16. A case under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was registered at Madhapur Police Station, and the case is presently under investigation, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ritiraj. Immediately after the registration of the case, the driver of the offending vehicle was apprehended and subjected to preliminary tests for alcohol and drugs. The results of the tests were negative. His blood samples were thereafter collected and forwarded to the Forensic Science Laboratory for scientific examination. The vehicle was seized and sent for Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) inspection. The MVI report is awaited and will form part of the investigation, the DCP said. “Having regard to the facts and circumstances then available, the appropriate penal provision, namely Section 106(1) BNS, carrying a maximum punishment of five years, was invoked. Since the alleged offence is punishable with imprisonment of less than seven years, the Investigating Police Officer was required to consider the necessity of arrest in accordance with Section 35 of the BNSS and the principles laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar,” explained the officer. “On an objective assessment of the material then available, no circumstances warranting the arrest of the accused were found to exist. Consequently, notice under Section 35 BNSS was issued to the accused, requiring his appearance and cooperation with the investigation,” the officer said. She stated that the course adopted by the Investigating Officer was in accordance with the statutory mandate and the law laid down by the Supreme Court regarding arrest in offences punishable with imprisonment up to seven years. The investigation is still in progress. The MVI report and other relevant evidence will be collected and examined, and further action, including the necessity of arrest if warranted by the material subsequently collected, will be taken strictly in accordance with law, the DCP added."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/l6vDEnO-_7R0Q94z_JSPson.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-21T14:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"police-defend-no-arrest-of-jana-sena-mps-son"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"New record: 1 acre fetches 264 cr in Hyd"},"content":{"text":"Setting a new record in Hyderabad's real estate market, an acre of government land was auctioned for a whopping Rs 264 crore on Friday, surpassing the earlier record of Rs 237 crore.  The Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) created a new record in its e-auction of 5.25 acres of prime multi-use land in Raidurg in the heart of the Information Technology corridor. It generated Rs 1,386 crore from the auction of the prime multi-use land.  According to the TGIIC, 5.25 acres were auctioned against a reserve price of Rs 175 crore per acre, achieving a final realisation of Rs 264 crore per acre — a 50.9 per cent premium over the reserve price.  Officials said the result underscores Hyderabad's emergence as one of India's most dynamic real estate markets and confirms Telangana's strategic approach to infrastructure-led growth. This outcome reflects the intensifying competition among premier developers and the market's increasingly bullish outlook on Hyderabad's strategic corridors, confirming Telangana's position as a high-growth destination for institutional real estate capital, the TGIIC said. The result also marks a sharp escalation in Raidurg land values. The TGIIC's earlier auction fetched Rs 237 crore per acre in May. This underscored the sustained intensity of investor demand for the corridor's premium plots. The auction was conducted through the MSTC e-Auction platform with JLL serving as exclusive transaction advisor, ensuring transparency and enabling competitive participation from leading national developers. \"The successful outcome of the Plot P1 auction speaks volumes about the confidence and conviction that the developer community places in Telangana's future. What we're witnessing is not just strong pricing, but a clear endorsement of the state's development philosophy—one rooted in transparency, infrastructure excellence, and creating genuine value for all stakeholders,\" TGIIC's Vice Chairman & Managing Director K. Shashanka said. The quality of participation and the competitive spirit displayed throughout the auction reflect a market that recognises Hyderabad's transformation into a truly world-class business destination, he added. He stated that these results position Hyderabad decisively among India's premier investment destinations."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/dO3suLO2hl6u7c55_hydrealestate.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C4%2C400%2C197&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-21T13:36:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"new-record-1-acre-fetches-264-cr-in-hyd"}}]},"featured":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Irumudi' captures box office success"},"content":{"text":"In a remarkable turn of events, Ravi Teja's latest film, 'Irumudi,' has swiftly etched its name in the annals of Telugu cinema, marking a significant milestone with impressive box office collections on its second day. Following its much-anticipated release, the action drama has captivated audiences and critics alike, generating a buzz that has transcended regional boundaries. With an opening day collection surpassing ₹20 crore, 'Irumudi' has not only emerged as Teja's highest opener but has solidified its status as one of the largest film releases in the industry this year. The collaboration between Teja and director Shiva Nirvana has proven fruitful, as the film received praise for its blend of gripping narrative and emotional depth. Critics, including prominent reviewer Ramesh Bala, lauded 'Irumudi' as both powerful and evocative. The film features Teja alongside notable talents like Priya Bhavani Shankar, Sai Kumar, and Baby Nakshathra, further enhancing its appeal. As of the second day, 'Irumudi' has amassed a worldwide total of ₹47.45 crore, falling just shy of the coveted ₹50 crore mark, while its overseas collections saw a modest drop to ₹5 crore, totaling ₹11 crore in that market. 'Irumudi's' journey at the box office is indicative of the current landscape of Telugu cinema, where audiences are increasingly drawn to high-octane narratives interwoven with emotional arcs. The film's domestic collection on its second day rose to ₹16.1 crore, pushing its nett total to ₹31.4 crore. The gross figures also reflected a healthy performance, totaling ₹35.46 crore. This upward trajectory reinforces the idea that a well-crafted film can resonate powerfully with viewers, as evidenced by the escalating figures following its initial release. In a show of camaraderie and support, fellow superstar Nani took to social media to congratulate Ravi Teja on the film's success, expressing that 'Irumudi' represents a significant moment of celebration for both the actor and director. Nani's heartfelt message underscores the collaborative spirit within the industry, as he highlighted the emotional connection that audiences have with the film, a connection that often translates into box office success. As 'Irumudi' continues its run, the industry is abuzz with anticipation for its future performance, as both fans and critics remain engaged in this cinematic journey."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0_1mjPrvJM9P43cE_irumudi.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C51%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T06:39:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"irumudi-captures-box-office-success"}}]},"politics":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"ED arrests ex-minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao"},"content":{"text":"The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday arrested former Andhra Pradesh minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao in connection with the transport scam linked to the liquor scam. The ED officials took him into custody from his residence at Kondapur in Hyderabad. The Central agency is probing the alleged irregularities in liquor transport tenders and financial transactions. It has already arrested three accused, including Nageswara Rao’s son Karumuri Sunil Kumar, former Managing Director of Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Ltd (APSBCL) Dontireddy Vasudeva Reddy and Raj Kesireddy.  Nageswara Rao was a minister for Civil Supplies in the YSR Congress Party government After the arrest of Sunil Kumar in June, ED had told the Special Court (PMLA) that, as the son of the minister, he managed to secure liquor transport sub-contracts for his business associates. The court was told that Sunil Kumar and his associates derived unlawful pecuniary gains. ED initiated an investigation based on an FIR registered by CID, Andhra Pradesh, under various sections of the IPC and the BNS, based on a complaint of the Additional Secretary to the Government of Andhra Pradesh (Vigilance), for loss to the Government exchequer to the tune of Rs 195.33 crore. ED investigation revealed that the liquor transport tender conditions of APSBCL were deliberately modified and tailored in favour of selected entities, namely Sigma Supply Chain Solutions Pvt Ltd (SSCSPL) and subsequently Prasad Transports, which acted merely as front entities while the actual operational and financial control remained with persons associated with Kesireddy, Vasudeva Reddy and their associates. ED investigation further revealed that the liquor cartel devised a mechanism to generate unlawful gains through the transportation of liquor from depots to retail outlets in Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, YSRCP leaders and former Ministers Chelluboyina Venugopala Krishna, Anil Kumar Yadav and Vidadala Rajini strongly condemned the arrest of Karumuri Nageswara Rao, calling it an act of political vendetta by the TDP-led coalition government. In a joint statement, they said a false case was created to target YSRCP leaders and that Karumuri, a senior BC leader, was unfairly arrested in Hyderabad over alleged irregularities in liquor transportation. They recalled that his son Sunil was also arrested earlier and said the entire family was being deliberately targeted. They said liquor procurement and sales during the YSRCP government were conducted transparently. Illegal liquor was curbed, the number of liquor shops was reduced, and retail outlets were operated by the government. Permit rooms and belt shops were also abolished."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ZtDeoxy0rAZNdNQz_kanumoori.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T14:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"ed-arrests-ex-minister-karumuri-nageswara-rao"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Driver of Konda Surekha’s former OSD arrested"},"content":{"text":"The driver of Telangana’s Forest and Endowments Minister Konda Surekha’s former OSD, N. Sumanth, was arrested on Sunday in a case of alleged assault on a real estate businessman.   The driver was arrested near Sumanth’s residence in Tellapur on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Sumanth and five others were booked following a complaint filed by the realtor, who alleged that he was assaulted with iron rods and that the accused demanded Rs 10 crore from him. An attempt to murder case was registered against the former OSD and five others. A zero FIR was registered against N. Sumanth and five others at Medipally Police Station of Malkajgiri Police Commissionerate last week. Later, the case was transferred to Jubilee Hills Police Station of Hyderabad Commissionerate. Gongidi Harikrishna, a resident of Boduppal, lodged a complaint. Harikrishna alleged that he was assaulted with iron rods and sticks and threatened with dire consequences.  The case was registered against former OSD Sumanth, Ramu, Prashanth, Arun Kumar Reddy, Karthik and Mahender Reddy under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complainant said Sumanth and others assaulted him on July 30. Harikrishna stated that Sumanth asked him to meet at Ramu’s office. Sumanth allegedly abused him and hit him with an iron rod. On Sumanth’s direction, others also joined the assault. The complainant claimed that he sustained a fracture to his left hand, bleeding injuries and other injuries and that he underwent surgery on August 10. The case was registered amid a controversy involving Minister Konda Surekha’s family. Her daughter Konda Sushmitha’s recent remarks against Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy triggered a storm in the ruling Congress party. At her mother’s birthday celebrations in Warangal district, Sushmita declared that she would contest from Parkala Assembly constituency in the next elections even if she was denied a party ticket. She also made allegations of corruption against the Chief Minister’s family. Taking serious note of the allegations, the disciplinary committee of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) issued a show-cause notice to the minister. Surekha distanced herself from her daughter’s remarks, saying the latter expressed her personal views.  Congress MP and party disciplinary committee chairman Mallu Ravi said on Saturday that the committee had examined the explanation given by the minister and videos of remarks made by her daughter, but had not taken any decision on the matter yet. Ravi said the panel had discussed several issues at length and examined complaints received from party leaders. "},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aPE4kZ5xUNkB2EhS_konda.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T11:35:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"driver-of-konda-surekhas-former-osd-arrested"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"BRS Raises '1,000-Day Betrayal'  Slogan"},"content":{"text":"The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) said on Sunday that it will launch a week-long campaign across Telangana from September 2 to expose what it describes as the Congress government's betrayal of the people as it completes 1,000 days in office. The BRS will organise a series of innovative programmes, highlighting the alleged failure of the Congress government to fulfil its promises and the problems faced by different sections of society. BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) called upon the entire party organisation to unite and ensure that the alleged failures of the Congress government during its 1,000-day tenure are taken to every section of the people across the state. KTR said the Congress came to power after making numerous promises to the people, including 420 promises, 13 declarations and six guarantees, assuring them that these commitments would be implemented within 100 days. \"However, even after 1,000 days in office, the Congress government had failed to fully fulfil even a single promise,\" he alleged. KTR said that people across Telangana were deeply unhappy with the Congress government's alleged administrative failures, corruption and misgovernance.  He directed the party cadre to explain to the people how the Congress government had failed them and to highlight its policies, administrative failures and alleged irregularities. The programmes from September 2 should not be confined merely to the promises made by Congress, he said.  They should also highlight the failures of the state government after assuming office and the problems currently being faced by different sections of society. KTR called upon the BRS to once again take the pending commitments made to different sections of society to the people through \"Baaki Cards\", highlighting the benefits and financial assistance that were promised but allegedly remain unpaid. He said that the cards should remind people of the amounts that have accumulated as pending payments under the monthly financial assistance promised to agricultural labourers, senior citizens, women, students and youth. KTR alleged that the Congress government had deceived everyone from farmers to women after coming to power in the state. The BRS said the alleged failure of the Congress government to clear more than Rs 12,000 crore in fee reimbursement dues should be highlighted among students and their parents across colleges.  He called for the issue to be taken to every college and brought into wider public discussion, given its impact on students and their education. He also alleged that the Congress government had failed to provide jobs to the youth and had not fulfilled its promises. KTR called for special programmes to be organised for every section to which the Congress had made promises, including auto drivers, women, farmers, tribals, Dalits, Backward Classes, government employees and retired employees. He said that the BRS should meet each section of society separately and explain the alleged failures of the Congress government in a manner that people could easily understand.  \"The programmes should not follow a uniform format, but should instead be designed around the specific problems faced by each section,\" he added. He said that social media should be used as a powerful weapon, with innovative campaigns and communication formats developed to ensure that the alleged failures of the Congress government reach the younger generation. KTR called upon BRS MPs, MLAs, MLCs, party general secretaries, constituency in-charges, former public representatives, former corporation chairpersons and former Zilla Parishad chairpersons, along with leaders at all levels, to participate in the week-long programmes."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/b927f608-6aad-46bc-995d-1a303d748101_BRSCONG.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T15:49:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"brs-raises-1000-day-betrayal--slogan"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Jagan Accuses CBN on Govt Schools"},"content":{"text":"Disputing the claims of the coalition government in Andhra Pradesh of an increase in enrolment in government schools in the state, former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday accused it of weakening education in the government sector to support the growth of private institutions.  Citing data from the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE +) for the academic year 2025-26, he said this brought to light a very dangerous trend in the State of Andhra Pradesh.  “There is a clear reduction in the number of enrolments during AY 2025-26, when compared with AY 2023-24, the last year of our government, particularly in government schools. The state government has repeatedly claimed that over 1.10 lakh students have shifted from private schools to government schools, portraying it as evidence of growing public confidence in government education. This is in line with their party's philosophy of making most unjustifiable claims and ones which are very clearly exposed and contradicted by official statistics and figures,” YS Jagan said in a social media post. “If government schools were indeed witnessing such a large influx of students, the overall enrolment in government schools should have increased. Instead, the UDISE plus (Unified District Information system for School Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India) comparison between AY 2023-24 and AY 2025-26 shows that government school enrolment fell from 40,50,116 to 34,93,450 students, a decline of 5,56,666 students. At the same time, the number of government schools have also been reduced from 45,000 to 44,222, while government-aided schools declined from 991 to 797. What is also noteworthy is that during the same period, the enrolment of students in schools operating under private management have increased from 45,53,380 in 2023-24 to 48,40,296 in 2025-26,” he said. “Therefore, the enrolment in Government and Government aided schools has come down and the enrolment in private schools has increased. This clearly demonstrates the plight of Government schools in AP and proves that the claim of the State Government is incorrect,” the former Chief Minister said. He claimed that the Andhra Pradesh private education sector is dominated by institutions such as Narayana, Sri Chaitanya, Bhashyam, Vignan, and GITAM. He alleged that the Chandrababu Naidu government has a close unholy association with these institutions and is therefore clearly weakening education in the government sector to support the growth of private sector educational institutions. The statistics indicate a very worrisome trend of quality education being made inaccessible to students who are unable to afford to enrol in private schools, he added. He claimed that during the period of the YSRCP regime between 2019-24, the number of reforms and transformative steps initiated brought about substantial improvements in the education system. According to him, the emphasis of the YSRCP government was on making quality education accessible to everyone. The Mana Badi - Nadu Nedu initiative had modernised the infrastructure across 56,703 government schools, welfare hostels, and junior colleges by upgrading facilities like furniture, drinking water, sanitation, classrooms and so forth. Phase I, covering 15,715 schools, was completed, while Phase II extended these improvements to 22,344 schools and Phase III was underway by June 2024, he said. He pointed out that free Tabs with pre-loaded BYJU's content were provided to Class 8 students and their teachers. English medium was made the medium of instruction from the primary level, and to make the transition seamless, bilingual textbooks and an Oxford dictionary were made available to all students. This is most pertinent, considering the reality that our children must be capable of competing in the global arena. Further, 62,000 IFPs were installed in every classroom from Class 6 and above to boost digital education; 45,000 smart TVs were installed in every school having Classes from 1st to 5th. With respect to TOEFL, a subject was introduced from Class 3 onwards to help students develop spoken English skills. An MOU to this effect was signed with American Educational Testing Services (ETS) to provide international certification for TOEFL. Further, a major reform was initiated to enable students to compete and succeed at the global level. IB (International Baccalaureate) was planned to be introduced, and work in this regard had commenced with capacity building and providing training in the IB system to teachers, school heads, MEOs and other faculty, YS Jagan added."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F58cd3c7a-7678-4adc-80f4-4caaaba31c93_jagan+baxite.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C54%2C1200%2C592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T08:21:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"jagan-accuses-cbn-on-govt-schools"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"CBN Steps In Amid Campus Clash"},"content":{"text":"Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to resolve the issue between students from the state and the Northeastern region at a nursing college in Kakinada city.  One student was injured in a clash that erupted between students from the state and the Northeastern region in S.K. College of Nursing on Saturday. The Chief Minister reviewed the incident and immediately directed senior officials to resolve the issue.  According to the Chief Minister’s Office, Kakinada District Collector and Superintendent of Police ensured the safety and security of the students, provided the necessary accommodation and prevented any further escalation.  The issue was resolved amicably, and students from the northeastern states expressed satisfaction with the response of the authorities, the CMO said. There was tension in the college hostel after students from the Northeast lodged a complaint with Sarpavaram police stating that one of the students’ mobile phones was stolen by someone. A clash broke out between the two groups after the Andhra Pradesh students learnt about the police complaint. A girl was injured in the clash. She received injuries on her head and was treated in Government General Hospital in Kakinada. Some students from Manipur have reportedly complained to Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand about the prevailing environment on the college campus and raised alarm on their safety. The Government of Manipur took up the issue with the Andhra Pradesh government. Following directions from Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Kakinada District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad and SP G. Bindu Madhav deployed a team of officials to maintain peace on the campus on Saturday.  The District Collector said the clash erupted between groups of Telugu students and those from Manipur and Nagaland over theft of a phone of a Manipur student. The campus returned to normalcy after talks with the two groups. The district authorities provided separate accommodation to 31 students from Manipur and Nagaland to guarantee them safety on campus.  The top officials are scheduled to hold talks with the students on Sunday to maintain peace and harmony on the college campus."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aJ7pfaTt2nPbaWqN_cbn.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T06:20:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"cbn-steps-in-amid-campus-clash"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"TikTok Settles US Child Privacy Case for $400M"},"content":{"text":"TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance have agreed to pay $400 million to resolve a US Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit accusing the social media app of collecting data on children in violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.  Under the proposed settlement, which requires court approval, TikTok will pay $300 million up front and an additional $100 million once a court order vacates a prior consent decree involving TikTok’s predecessor, Musical.ly. The DOJ said a statement that the settlement features among the largest in cases involving the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. “This settlement is a major victory for American children and parents,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward adding that the department’s priority is ensuring that children are protected online \"and that companies entrusted with their personal information meet their legal obligations.” The settlement would end court oversight of TikTok’s privacy practices. The company has made several changes to ownership and privacy policies since the DOJ filed its suit. It has taken steps to strengthen safeguards for young users, including improved age controls and parental oversight. The DOJ sued TikTok in 2024 on behalf of the Federal Trade Commission, alleging the company allowed millions of children under 13 to create accounts without parental consent. Such a lapse made it difficult for parents to request deletion of those accounts, the Justice Department argued. TikTok and Beijing-based ByteDance struggled through geopolitical and regulatory tug-of-war for several years that threatened its survival in the US over national security concerns. US Congress passed legislation in 2024 to ban the app unless ByteDance sold TikTok, over concerns that the Chinese government could use US user data or the app to push Chinese Communist Party's narratives. President Donald Trump oversaw a deal, which closed in January that moved parts of TikTok's US business from control by ByteDance to a new, American-led and majority American-owned TikTok venture."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/d2511d54-5242-407a-a8c9-bac8e6faae38_tiktok.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-22T05:55:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"tiktok-settles-us-child-privacy-case-for-400m"}}]},"entertainment":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Kriti’s Cricket Date With Kabir?"},"content":{"text":"Actress Kriti Sanon took to social media to share a fond memory with her rumoured beau Kabir Bahia, a UK-based businessman. On Sunday, Kriti published a selfie with Kabir on her IG as the two stood in the middle of a cricket ground. The 'Mimi' actress had her hand on Kabir's shoulder as the two smiled for the camera. The photo seems to be from the time when Kriti and Kabir were in England recently to witness the India versus England ODI series. Pictures and videos of the two from the stadium had created a lot of buzz on social media. One of the other photos in the album had Kriti getting a sweet kiss from sister Nupur Sanon. The 'Cocktail 2' actress also treated her Instagram family with some lovely selfies clicked by her in the recent past. We could also see Kriti flaunting her foodie side in one of the pictures. For the caption, Kriti wrote, \"Some memories captured.. Mannnnyyyyy more Lived! (Red heart and kiss emojis) (sic).\" Meanwhile, as Kriti celebrated her 36th birthday on July 27, Kabir wished his rumoured ladylove on her special day by sharing a smiling selfie with Kriti. The still was accompanied by the caption, \"Happy K dayyy,\" along with a blue heart, party face, and birthday cake emojis. In addition to this, Kabir uploaded another picture with Kriti aboard a yacht. The alleged lovebirds were seen standing against the backdrop of a scenic night.  Although Kriti and Kabir have never commented on their relationship, these two are often seen together, also making appearances on each other's social media posts. Kabir was also seen attending the wedding festivities of Kriti's younger sister, actress Nupur Sanon, with singer Stebin Ben in Udaipur earlier this year. Kabir also frequently gets clicked with the entire Sanon family."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ybexfJBP0EkhawsC_kritibeue.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T15:32:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"kritis-cricket-date-with-kabir"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Nayan’s Latest Temple Visit Sparks Controversy"},"content":{"text":"In a recent social media frenzy, images purportedly depicting actress Nayanthara with a shaved head have surfaced, leading to rampant speculation regarding her spiritual journey. The viral claims suggest that Nayanthara visited the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirupati ahead of the release of her upcoming film 'Toxic'. However, these photos have been identified as digitally manipulated, sparking discussions about authenticity and the power of image editing in the age of instant communication. Earlier this year, Nayanthara and her husband, director Vignesh Shivan, made headlines when they visited the same temple for blessings prior to the debut of Vignesh's film, 'Love Insurance Kompany'. Despite a promising launch, the film has faced harsh criticism and failed to meet box office expectations, grossing approximately 60 crore against a reported budget of 100 crore. This juxtaposition of their spiritual pilgrimage and the film's financial performance has led to questions about whether such temple visits are more for public relations than personal faith. The couple's trip to Tirupati is not merely a casual visit; it is a significant cultural practice among many in the Indian film industry, where stars often seek divine favor before their films hit the screens. The perception of Nayanthara as a spiritual figure has been compounded by her actions, as she aligns herself with traditional practices that resonate with her fan base. However, this incident raises important questions about the implications of altered images and the responsibilities of public figures in representing authenticity to their followers. In light of the manipulated images, Vignesh Shivan has yet to address the ongoing narrative and the impact of these rumors on their personal and professional lives. Meanwhile, Nayanthara is set to appear in 'Toxic', alongside prominent stars such as Yash and Kiara Advani, further solidifying her status as one of the leading actresses in South Indian cinema. As the media continues to swirl with speculation, the couple's silence speaks volumes about the delicate balance they must navigate as public figures in a hyper-connected world."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/gNLPsxnWOnMNSe9Z_nayanvignesh.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C2%2C510%2C251&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T09:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"nayans-latest-temple-visit-sparks-controversy"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Teja’s Zombie Reddy Ride"},"content":{"text":"Actor Teja Sajja, who will be next seen in the upcoming film ‘Zombie Reddy Nxt Lvl’, has said that the film franchise has rewarded him with the freedom to take chances and trust the audience. The film is a sequel to ‘Zombie Reddy’, and the makers announced the sequel on the occasion of the actor’s birthday on Sunday. Talking about the film, Teja Sajja said, “For me, the most rewarding part of this journey has been the freedom to take chances and trust the audience to come along. Zombie Reddy was one such leap, and the way people embraced that world and my character gave us the confidence to dream much bigger. ‘Zombie Reddy Nxt Lvl’ is that dream taken several steps further. The scale, the action and the world we have created are far more ambitious this time, and I’m excited to see how audiences respond to it”. “As I celebrate another birthday, I couldn’t have asked for a better gift than returning to a franchise that means so much to me. We’ve raised the stakes, brought in an incredible team and pushed ourselves to create something truly entertaining. I’m looking forward to stepping back into the zombie-verse and making this next chapter an experience worth celebrating”, he added. Following the huge success of the original, the franchise is now set to return with a second chapter that promises to take its scale, action and zombie mayhem to the next level. The film is a zombie action-comedy, and also stars Real Star Upendra. It also marks the South Indian cinema debut of Shanaya Kapoor. This spectacle is directed by Suparn S. Varma, who is known for ‘The Family Man 2’, ‘Rana Naidu’, and ‘Haq’, and is created by Prasanth Varma. Director Suparn S. Varma said, \"Every society creates monsters to process its deepest, collective anxieties. Zombies have always been the ultimate figments of our catastrophisation—they reflect our fear of losing control, of the breakdown of order. The plan with Zombie Reddy Nxt Lvl was to attempt the unprecedented. Having spent years crafting grounded, hyper-realistic political and emotional friction in projects, transitioning into this unapologetically chaotic sandbox is such a thrill. A huge shout out to the foundational brilliance that Prasanth Varma created. We hope to take that to the next level for a visceral cinematic experience”. Produced on a massive scale by TG Vishwa Prasad and Krithi Prasad, the screenplay is penned by Hussain Dalal, Prasanth Varma, and Suparn S. Varma. The film is set to release globally in Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Nepali, Japanese and Malayalam."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aMVNj2GNHVfTPNkx_tejasajja.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T10:00:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"tejas-zombie-reddy-ride"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Taapsee’s Cryptic Kangana Jab"},"content":{"text":"Actress Taapsee Pannu shared a cryptic post on her social media handle on Sunday after actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut called her a 'sasti copy'. On Saturday, Kangana had accused Taapsee of questioning her upbringing. While Kangana did not take any names, she shared on her IG, “One Sasti copy is out and about with her upcoming B grade film but as usual only headline point with the media is Kangana Ranaut, but today she crossed all limits shamelessly ridiculing my upbringing /parents, I think all parents do their best and I never bring any parents in to any argument, but today I also want to ask her parents why they couldn't birth someone original like my parents did? Why a cheap Sasti copy? Feel sorry for your efforts.(sic)” “This is so unfortunate and so wrong, but she is not the only one; many people who grew up in shady, cramped-up outskirts of cities in dingy rented apartments with questionable backgrounds and incomes often question my upbringing and malign my parents and background who hail from a renowned Rajput zamindar family and were raised by educated, distinguished parents. It was a personal choice for me to start from scratch; why attack my parents for that?,\" the 'Queen' actress had added. However, Kangana later deleted the post.  On Sunday, Taapsee dropped a cryptic post on her handle. Without naming anyone, she wrote, “Hence proved.”  Recently, Taapsee opened up about her equation with Kangana during a media interaction. Revealing that she has not met Kangana, Taapsee shared that her opinion about Kangana was reflective of her upbringing and her way of talking and perceiving things. \"So, I think that's enough for everybody to look and decide who comes from where,\" she had added. To refresh your memory, Kangana and Taapsee got into a feud in 2019. The situation got worse after Kangana’s sister Rangoli Chandel called Taapsee a “sasti copy” of Kangana on social media."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F5ad9da17-4cf0-4387-bb9c-e8fa4b44921b_taapsee+pannu.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C43%2C1200%2C592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T09:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"taapsees-cryptic-kangana-jab"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Govinda Threatens 100Cr Defamation Suit"},"content":{"text":"Amid all the rumors and misleading reports surrounding actor and former MP Govinda on social media regarding his personal life, a public notice has been issued on his behalf warning netizens, media institutions, digital platforms, and content creators not to publish or share any false, defamatory, malicious, fabricated, or unverified material related to Govinda or his family.  This notice was issued a day after Govinda's wife Sunita Ahuja's conversation with Rakhi Sawant went viral. In the conversation, Sunita claimed that she withdrew the divorce petition as Govinda intended to marry actress Rani Swarnkar. The notice issued by Govinda specifically mentions photos, videos, audio, morphed images, deepfakes, and any other synthetic content created using AI. Govinda has expressed through this notice that he has not granted anyone permission to create, manipulate, or use any material related to his voice, image, identity, or personal/family life through AI or digital technology. Going by the notice, civil and criminal action will be taken against the accused under applicable laws related to defamation, violation of privacy, misuse of identity, and cybercrime. The notice further mentions various provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the Information Technology Act, 2000.  Govinda has warned of claims up to ₹100 crore for those found guilty. Additionally, the actor might also seek court orders to act against their bank accounts, restrict property transactions, seize passports, and pursue other legal measures, in accordance with the law. Moreover, action has been sought against YouTube channels and other social media accounts accused of deliberately spreading misleading or false content related to Govinda. Referring to his past experiences, Govinda has further expressed concern that rumors may be spread in an organised manner to damage his public image. Through this public notice, Govinda aims to stop the circulation of unverified news or unchecked rumors about his personal matters on social media."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Zv2JS7VsGrYSwT7T_govinda.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-22T19:02:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"govinda-threatens-100cr-defamation-suit"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"AA23: Allu Arjun’s Game-Changer"},"content":{"text":"In a significant buzz within the South Indian film industry, Allu Arjun's highly anticipated transformation for Lokesh Kanagaraj's upcoming project, AA23, has become a focal point of discussion among cinephiles. Details of the actor's unique look have recently leaked, igniting fervor among his fan base and positioning him once again as a leading figure in pan-Indian cinema. As the actor continues to redefine his on-screen persona, the excitement surrounding this collaboration is palpable, with expectations riding high for the film's eventual release. Allu Arjun, known for his charisma and versatility, is set to unveil a character that deviates from his previous roles, a fact that has already captivated audiences. Sources indicate that both Arjun and Kanagaraj have meticulously researched various aesthetics to breathe life into the character, demonstrating their commitment to pushing creative boundaries. This collaboration promises to be a visual spectacle, as Arjun's growth as an artist shines through in every role he takes on, making AA23 a must-watch for fans eager to witness his latest evolution. This project marks yet another milestone in Allu Arjun's illustrious career, which has been characterized by a series of blockbuster successes. After the monumental success of Pushpa 2, which solidified his status as a cinematic powerhouse, expectations for AA23 are understandably sky-high. Arjun's ability to immerse himself in diverse characters—exemplified in films such as Arya and Pushpa—has set a precedent in the industry, garnering both critical acclaim and audience adoration. Lokesh Kanagaraj, celebrated for his unique storytelling and character development, is the perfect counterpart for Arjun in this venture. As the film gears up for release, fans are already abuzz with speculation about its themes and narrative direction. The actor has recently teased further projects, including Raaka, directed by Atlee, which continues to build anticipation for his upcoming work. The synergy between Arjun's dynamic performances and Kanagaraj's directorial prowess is expected to yield a film that not only entertains but also challenges the norms of contemporary cinema, making AA23 a pivotal release in the upcoming film landscape."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/tqvW_HVPA7vVPIqy_AA23.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C6%2C516%2C254&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T09:33:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"aa23-allu-arjuns-game-changer"}}]},"tech":{"edges":[]},"fashion":{"edges":[]},"business":{"edges":[]},"health":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Scorching Heat: The Unseen Toll on Teen Mental Health"},"content":{"text":"As global temperatures soar, a troubling new study reveals that extreme heat is not merely an environmental concern but a significant threat to the mental health of adolescents. Research indicates that for every 1°C rise in daily temperature, the risk of adverse mental health outcomes in teenagers escalates by nearly 1%. While this statistic may seem modest at first glance, it becomes alarming when considering the frequency of heatwaves in recent summers, underscoring the urgent need to address this evolving crisis. The comprehensive review analyzed data from 23 studies worldwide, pinpointing children and teenagers aged five to eighteen as the most vulnerable demographic. On particularly hot days, this group experiences a 1.5% increase in the likelihood of poor mental health outcomes; however, during actual heatwaves, this figure skyrockets to an astonishing 25%. Such stark differences highlight the psychological ramifications of sustained heat exposure, which extends beyond mere discomfort to include serious implications such as increased anxiety, depression, and even suicide attempts. Experts, including co-author Jacqueline Stephens from Flinders University, emphasize that the intersection of climate change and mental health cannot be ignored. The patterns of rising temperatures and more frequent heat events are not restricted to a single region; they are a global phenomenon with widespread repercussions. Adolescents are particularly susceptible during this pivotal developmental stage, where their routines—schooling, recreation, and social interactions—are disrupted by extreme weather conditions, causing significant emotional distress. Moreover, researchers note that the physical impact of heat, such as sleep disruption, compounds mental health challenges. Poor sleep exacerbates mood regulation, while family stress during heatwaves creates a ripple effect that permeates households. Although the findings point to population-level trends rather than individual predictions, they call for a re-evaluation of how public health strategies address heat-related issues. Current responses prioritize physical safety measures like hydration and cooling centers but overlook the critical need for mental health support tailored to young people. This oversight underscores the need for a more holistic approach to climate adaptation strategies that incorporate mental health services as integral components of public health initiatives."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/CJ8ZpPonvzZKyB1t_mentalhealth.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-11T10:28:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"scorching-heat-the-unseen-toll-on-teen-mental-heal"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"The Distinction Between Brain Tumors and Brain Cancer"},"content":{"text":"The phrases 'brain tumor' and 'brain cancer' often evoke a visceral reaction among the public, conjuring images of gravely serious health threats. However, contrary to common perception, these terms describe distinct medical conditions that warrant different approaches to diagnosis and treatment. A brain tumor is simply an abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain, which can be classified as benign or malignant. While all brain cancers are tumors, not all tumors exhibit cancerous characteristics; this critical distinction can influence a patient's treatment plan and overall prognosis. The medical community underscores the importance of understanding these differences. Brain tumors, irrespective of their benign or malignant status, can lead to severe health consequences because of the brain’s confined environment within the skull. This means that even non-cancerous tumors can exert pressure on vital neurological functions, leading to symptoms such as persistent headaches, seizures, and cognitive deficits. Dr. Praveen Gupta, a prominent neurologist, emphasizes that benign tumors, while non-cancerous, can still necessitate significant medical intervention depending on their size and location. The implications of this are crucial for anyone facing a diagnosis related to brain health. Historically, the classification of brain tumors has evolved as medical science has advanced. The National Cancer Institute and other leading neurological institutions categorize these tumors into myriad types, each demanding tailored treatment strategies. For instance, malignant tumors possess the aggressive ability to invade surrounding brain tissue, often requiring complex interventions that may include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Understanding whether a growth is benign or malignant is not just a matter of terminology; it directly impacts the urgency and nature of the interventions required. Symptoms often overlap between benign and malignant tumors, complicating self-diagnosis and reinforcing the necessity for professional evaluation. Medical imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans, along with biopsies, are essential to ascertain the nature of the tumor. Experts caution against relying on symptomatology alone, as the presence of alarming symptoms could mask a benign condition, while milder manifestations could signify a malignant threat. As such, timely medical evaluation is paramount, as early detection can significantly enhance treatment effectiveness and patient quality of life."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/f6803c8c-7220-433e-b58f-ef269a3ecf79_brain+stroke.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-24T10:10:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"the-distinction-between-brain-tumors-and-brain-can"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Heatwaves, Sleepless Nights"},"content":{"text":"As the world grapples with the escalating repercussions of climate change, a less visible yet profoundly affecting consequence is emerging: significant sleep loss. Current research indicates that individuals in India are losing nearly four nights of sleep annually due to rising nighttime temperatures driven by climate change. Specifically, average citizens are suffering an estimated sleep deprivation of 56 hours each year, a disturbing trend that has doubled since the 1970s. This phenomenon is particularly acute in Southern India and Southeast Asia, where soaring nighttime temperatures have rendered restful sleep increasingly elusive. A recent study conducted by Climate Central, a respected US-based climate science organization, sheds light on the quantifiable impact of climate change on human sleep patterns. The analysis reveals that from 2020 to 2025, global average losses in sleep reached nearly 56 hours, with over six hours directly attributed to climate change rather than seasonal fluctuations. This groundbreaking research merges existing studies on heat and sleep with empirical temperature data, highlighting the stark reality that warmer nights are profoundly undermining the quality of rest for millions. With findings spanning 1,338 cities worldwide, the analysis indicates a troubling acceleration in sleep loss, particularly in urban areas where heat islands intensify nighttime temperatures. Regions most adversely affected include cities in the Middle East, where residents in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE report losing between 55 and 87 hours of sleep each year, with 12 to 16 hours attributable to climate change alone. In contrast, the United States presents a slightly milder scenario, with average sleep losses around 36 hours annually, though climate-related losses have nearly tripled since the early 1970s. States such as Arizona and California are notably suffering from extreme heat, exacerbating the public health crisis stemming from sleep deprivation. In comparison, Indian citizens, particularly in the warmer southern states, face staggering sleep losses of between 78 to 91 hours, with a significant portion directly linked to anthropogenic climate factors. The implications of this widespread sleep deficiency are deeply troubling, extending beyond mere fatigue. Research consistently correlates poor sleep with numerous health issues, including impaired mood, cognitive decline, and increased susceptibility to cardiovascular and immune system disorders. As the burden of sleep loss accumulates, it becomes increasingly detrimental to individuals already struggling to achieve restorative sleep. While air conditioning may mitigate some impacts, access remains inequitable, with only about 35% of households equipped with cooling systems as of 2021, disproportionately affecting lower-income populations. Consequently, the underreported consequences of climate-induced sleep deprivation reflect a critical challenge that demands urgent attention from policymakers and health advocates alike."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F37239656-628a-4814-9f5d-a1f31a14cfd0_sleep.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C108%2C1200%2C592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-17T17:03:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"heatwaves-sleepless-nights"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"How Smoking Hurts Pregnancy!"},"content":{"text":"When planning to start a family, many couples focus on preparing for pregnancy by discussing nursery plans and choosing baby names. However, what often goes unnoticed is the detrimental impact of smoking on fertility and pregnancy. Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can damage reproductive cells in both men and women, making it harder to conceive and increasing the risk of pregnancy complications and poor outcomes for babies.  Dr. Vandana Bhatia, a Senior Fertility Specialist, emphasizes that smoking silently affects fertility, pregnancy, and the long-term development of the child. Both partners play a crucial role in protecting fertility as smoking can reduce sperm count, affect sperm movement, and damage egg quality, hormone levels, and ovarian reserve. Additionally, passive smoking also poses risks to fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Quitting smoking as a couple not only improves motivation and emotional support but also encourages healthier habits, leading to improved fertility and overall health.  The quality of eggs and sperm before conception significantly influences the health of the future child, making it essential for both parents to quit smoking before starting a family. Dr. Bhatia recommends practical steps for quitting smoking together, emphasizing that healthy choices are crucial in building a healthy family. Parenthood begins with the quiet promise of choosing health together, even before the first heartbeat is heard on an ultrasound."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/akDOG1bRV8_Qf8Cd_smokefertility.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-27T19:33:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"how-smoking-hurts-pregnancy"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Even 1% Sleep Loss Could Heighten Dementia Risk"},"content":{"text":"A recent study published in JAMA Neurology has shed light on the potential link between minimal sleep loss and an increased risk of dementia. The research suggests that as little as a 1% reduction in deep sleep per year for individuals over 60 could translate to a 27% elevated risk of developing dementia. Deep sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep, plays a crucial role in the body's repair processes and the clearance of toxic proteins associated with dementia.  Associate Professor Matthew Pase from Monash University's Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health emphasized the significance of deep sleep in supporting the aging brain and facilitating the removal of metabolic waste, including proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease. The study, which drew from the Framingham Heart Study, examined 346 participants over 60 years of age, tracking their sleep patterns and dementia development over a 17-year period. Even after adjusting for various factors, including age, genetic predisposition, and medication use, the findings consistently pointed to a 27% increased dementia risk for each percentage decrease in deep sleep annually.  It's important to note that the natural decline in deep sleep with age is gradual, peaking between 75 and 80 years old and then stabilizing. However, the cumulative effect of a 27% increase per percentage-point decrease underscores the long-term impact on dementia risk. While there's no straightforward solution to preserving deep sleep, maintaining consistent sleep schedules, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, creating a conducive sleep environment, and addressing conditions like sleep apnea can potentially support better sleep quality. Additionally, regular exercise has been linked to improved slow-wave sleep in older adults. Although these measures aren't a guarantee, the study highlights the importance of prioritizing deep sleep for brain health as individuals age."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/50a54145-f24c-4c83-80b9-e6d19ba52027_sleep.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-25T06:59:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"even-1-sleep-loss-could-heighten-dementia-risk"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Is Your Soda Habit Causing Hair Loss?"},"content":{"text":"Are your beloved sodas harming your hair? While soft drinks have long been criticized for their impact on weight, diabetes, and heart health, a new concern has emerged regarding their potential effects on hair. The discussion gained traction after hair transplant surgeon Dr. Abhishek Pilani highlighted the issue on Raj Shamani's Figuring Out podcast.  According to Dr. Pilani, regular consumption of sugary cold drinks may create conditions within the body that are not conducive to healthy hair growth. While consuming one soda is unlikely to cause sudden hair loss, a study published in the journal Nutrients in 2023 found a link between higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and male-pattern hair loss in young men. However, it's essential to note that the study established a correlation, not causation. The potential connection between soft drinks and hair health lies in the impact of high-sugar beverages on overall health.  Excessive sugar consumption can lead to repeated spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, potentially contributing to inflammation and metabolic issues that affect the body, including hair growth. However, hair loss is rarely attributed to a single factor and is typically the result of various elements accumulating over time, including genetics, hormones, nutrition, lifestyle, and overall health. Healthy hair growth relies on a balanced intake of nutrients such as iron, protein, zinc, vitamin D, and B vitamins. While soft drinks don't directly deplete these nutrients, excessive consumption may lead to healthier options being replaced.  The concern lies in long-term habits rather than occasional consumption. The normal range of daily hair loss is between 50 and 100 strands, but concerns arise when lost hairs aren't adequately replaced. While soft drinks may not directly cause hair loss, their impact on overall health could potentially affect hair growth. Instead of fixating on individual cans of soda, experts emphasize the importance of considering overall lifestyle factors such as sleep, stress management, balanced nutrition, and reduced sugar intake. Ultimately, addressing concerns about hair health may begin with dietary and lifestyle adjustments."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aDbfAydWJ-7kSniS_jucessoda.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-11T18:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"is-your-soda-habit-causing-hair-loss"}}]},"nri":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"New US green card rule may hit Indians"},"content":{"text":"Thousands of Indians seeking US green cards could face wider scrutiny of their finances and use of public benefits under new immigration guidance taking effect on September 18. US Citizenship and Immigration Services said officers may consider housing assistance, food stamps, college financial aid and other means-tested benefits when deciding whether an applicant is likely to become a public charge. The guidance follows the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to rescind the 2022 Biden-era public charge regulations. The final rule was announced on July 16 and published in the Federal Register on July 20. It will apply to Forms I-485 seeking permanent residence or adjustment of status that are postmarked or electronically submitted on or after September 18. Applications submitted from December 23, 2022, through September 17, 2026, will continue to be decided under the 2022 regulations and related guidance. The change could affect Indians seeking permanent residence through family and employment categories. It does not apply to people who already hold green cards or US citizenship. Most family-sponsored applicants will be subject to the public charge assessment. They include spouses, children and parents of US citizens, as well as spouses and children of lawful permanent residents. Adult children and siblings of US citizens, fiancé(e)s of citizens, and widows or widowers of citizens are also covered. Employment-based categories subject to the assessment include priority workers, professionals holding advanced degrees, people of exceptional ability, skilled workers, investors and religious workers. Foreign medical school graduates, international broadcasters and certain current or former US government employees abroad are also listed among those subject to the provision. Congress has exempted several humanitarian and special immigration categories. These include refugees, asylees, applicants for Temporary Protected Status, victims of human trafficking and qualifying criminal activity, and certain self-petitioners under the Violence Against Women Act. Special immigrant juveniles, certain Afghan and Iraqi nationals who worked for the US government, Cuban Adjustment Act applicants and some surviving relatives of military personnel are among the other exempt groups. USCIS officers must consider five statutory factors: the applicant’s age, health, family status, assets and financial position, and education and skills. They may also consider Form I-864, an affidavit through which a sponsor agrees to use personal financial resources to support the immigrant. For benefits received before September 18, USCIS will consider only public cash assistance for income maintenance and government-funded long-term institutional care. For means-tested benefits received on or after that date, officers may consider any such benefits, including housing and food assistance. The agency said officers must examine all relevant evidence and decide applications individually under the totality of the circumstances. Receiving a covered benefit will not by itself lead to rejection. No single factor, apart from the absence of a sufficient affidavit of support when one is required, can alone establish that an applicant is likely to become a public charge. An applicant found inadmissible solely on public charge grounds may be invited to post a cash or surety bond. The amount will be based on the government assistance the person could potentially receive over the next five years. Applicants may submit Form I-945 for a public charge bond only after USCIS issues a Notice of Intent to Deny containing an invitation to post one. The agency will not accept unsolicited bonds. About 66,800 India-born immigrants obtained US green cards in fiscal 2024, accounting for 4.9 per cent of the 1.36 million people granted lawful permanent residence that year, according to Department of Homeland Security data. About 61 per cent of the Indian recipients secured permanent residence through adjustment of status while already living in the United States."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/91d05705-c80f-4b7c-9364-539789be74b1_US+Green+Card.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C16%2C1200%2C592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-19T06:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"new-us-green-card-rule-may-hit-indians"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Indian-American Pia Wins Florida Primary"},"content":{"text":"Indian-American educator Pia Dandiya has won the Democratic primary for Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, setting up a closely watched November contest that could determine control of the US House of Representatives. Dandiya defeated attorney Kaysia Earley with 61.3 per cent of the vote in Tuesday’s primary. She will face Republican businessman and Marine veteran Casey Askar in the November 3 general election. Askar secured the Republican nomination with 24 per cent of the vote in a crowded seven-candidate field. Cryptocurrency entrepreneur Michael Carbonara received 20.6 per cent, while university administrator Belinda Keiser finished with 20.2 per cent. “I am so thrilled and honoured to be your Democratic nominee for US Congress here in my home state of Florida,” Dandiya said in her victory speech. “To the voters, to the volunteers, and to everyone who’s believed in our campaign for months, a truly heartfelt thank you,” she said. Dandiya said the campaign would now begin “the next chapter of our fight to stand up for working families and to write a new chapter of what it means to be a public servant in Florida.” If elected, Dandiya would become the first South Asian American to represent Florida in the US Congress. Born and raised in Palm Beach County to parents from India, Dandiya is a first-generation American. She began her career as a teacher and later founded a high school in Harlem at the age of 28, becoming one of the youngest high school principals in the country. Every graduate of the school earned admission to college, according to her campaign, despite 86 per cent of the students coming from low-income households. Dandiya later served as a White House Fellow with the Domestic Policy Council and the Department of Education. She subsequently led public-sector initiatives at Apple involving education, healthcare and state government. The Democratic National Committee congratulated Dandiya and identified the district as a potential opportunity for the party to gain a House seat. “As an educator and longtime leader in her community, Pia has dedicated herself to expanding opportunity and fighting for working families,” DNC Chair Ken Martin said. “She is ready to fight in Congress to lower the costs of groceries, healthcare, and housing for South Florida families. The DNC is ready to help elect Pia, flip this seat, and take back the House majority in November,” Martin said. Dandiya is running on a platform that includes reducing household costs, supporting universal pre-kindergarten, strengthening public schools, expanding vocational training and protecting Social Security, Medicare and reproductive rights. The newly redrawn district covers parts of Broward, Palm Beach, Hendry and Collier counties. It became an open seat after Democratic Representative Lois Frankel decided to seek election from the neighbouring 23rd District. The Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball rate the district as leaning Republican. Donald Trump carried its new boundaries with about 54.6 per cent of the vote in 2024, while Joe Biden won the same territory with 51 per cent four years earlier. Both national parties have placed the seat on their lists of priority contests."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/mp92EmvPBQusKBeb_pia.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-19T02:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"indian-american-pia-wins-florida-primary"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'H-1B fee may drive American jobs abroad'"},"content":{"text":"Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has warned that a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas could force US companies to move work abroad, hurting the country’s ability to attract skilled professionals and compete globally. “You can either onshore the talent or offshore the work,” Krishnamoorthi said in an episode of the “Spill the Tea” interview series. “These companies are not going to just sit by and not do the work,” the Illinois Democrat said. Krishnamoorthi said during a discussion about barriers to legal immigration, including the $100,000 fee. The interviewer noted that Indian nationals received 71 per cent of all H-1B visas in fiscal year 2024 and asked how the policy would affect Indian Americans and US competitiveness. “I mean, it adversely affects both, right? Because, our competitiveness depends on attracting the very best talent on earth. Whether it's people from India or China or Sweden. It doesn't matter,” Krishnamoorthi said. He described the fee as a tax on workers who fill highly specialised technical positions in the US economy. “And so when you put this, what I, I call it a tax, $100,000 tax on this group of people who, by the way, fill some of the most kind of exquisite techno - technical roles in our economy and have, and, and many of whom have gone on to incubate companies, you know, employing hundreds of thousands of people, you're basically pushing these people away in the first instance, and then probably getting people here to rethink whether they should stay,” he said. Krishnamoorthi said the approach could increasingly persuade companies to transfer work to other countries. “And now, you know, that kind of, attitude means that I fear that increasingly companies here are gonna offshore the work,” he said. The congressman called for changes to the legal immigration system and an end to policies that could weaken the US economy. “And so that's why, especially in this really competitive economic landscape, we've got to fix our legal immigration system and we've got to stop, you know, these own goals, so to speak, on H1B and, you know, other legal pathways that people have used to enrich our economy,” he said. Krishnamoorthi also blamed President Donald Trump for what he described as a normalisation of hostility towards minority communities. Asked what was driving a rise in anti-Asian and anti-Indian sentiment, he replied: “It rhymes with Donald Trump.” He said Trump had played on fears of people seen as outside the mainstream and blamed them for the economic difficulties faced by others. “And I think that that has now metastasized over 10 years into almost like a normalization of hate,” he said. The H-1B programme allows US employers to hire foreign professionals for speciality occupations requiring specialised knowledge. Technology and consulting companies have traditionally been among its largest users. Krishnamoorthi has represented Illinois’ 8th Congressional District since 2017. He holds a mechanical engineering degree from Princeton University and a law degree from Harvard Law School. "},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aT_qZHNYClf9oL9c_rajakrishnamoorthi.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-14T04:53:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"h-1b-fee-may-drive-american-jobs-abroad"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Indian teen murders mother, brother in US home"},"content":{"text":"A 17-year-old Indian-American boy in Acton, a town about 40 kilometres northwest of Boston, has been charged with murdering his mother and younger brother after investigators said he had used the Internet and ChatGPT to search for ideas or fantasies about killing his family.  Arjun Aravind, an Indian-origin teenager, faces two counts of murder in the deaths of his mother, Sudha Venkatesan, 45, and his brother, Siddharth Aravind, 14, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office said. He has also been charged with two counts each of assault and battery on a household or family member and assault and battery. Other charges include theft of a motor vehicle and use of a vehicle without authority. Police went to the family’s home on Martha Lane shortly after 6.37 p.m. on Tuesday. Arjun’s father had called after being unable to reach his family. A tutor who was expected at the house had also been unable to contact anyone inside. The father had last spoken with his wife early that morning before leaving for work. Siddharth was last seen around noon. Officers found Siddharth on the first floor and Venkatesan in the finished basement. Both had suffered visible trauma. Arjun was missing from the home. His mother’s green 2014 Honda Accord was also gone. Police alerted other law enforcement agencies and asked the public to look for the teenager and the vehicle. Residents were warned not to approach him. Early Wednesday, police in Wayland responded to an unrelated alarm in a parking lot on Andrew Avenue. Officers found the missing car with Arjun inside. He was taken into custody without incident. “The subsequent investigation indicates that Arjun had recently been demonstrating concerning behaviour, including using the Internet and ChatGPT, to make searches for theoretical ideas or fantasies regarding killing his family,” the district attorney’s office said. Prosecutors alleged that Arjun fatally assaulted his mother and brother inside their home before fleeing in his mother’s car. Authorities have not said what weapon or weapons may have been used. That part of the investigation remains active. The precise cause and manner of the two deaths are also awaiting a determination by the chief medical examiner. Arjun was arraigned in Lowell Juvenile Court on Wednesday on the motor vehicle-related charges. Prosecutors said the murder and related assault charges would probably be brought in Concord District Court because the Juvenile Court does not have jurisdiction over murder charges. The investigation is being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Acton Police and the Massachusetts State Police detective unit assigned to the prosecutor’s office. Police departments from eight nearby communities also assisted. Acton is a suburban community in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, and forms part of the Greater Boston region. The town is served by the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District. Massachusetts law provides for an accused person aged 14 or older to be prosecuted as an adult when charged with murder. Other charges involving a juvenile may remain within the state’s juvenile court system."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/WHJobWcRy5vjwpee_usindianteen.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-13T03:33:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"indian-teen-murders-mother-brother-in-us-home"}}]},"videos":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Jailer 2's first single 'Ala Bolelo' out"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/2sHyUz864qMC477e_alaboleojailersing.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C83%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-21T13:54:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"jailer-2s-first-single-ala-bolelo-out"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Chiru @ Bandla Ganesh Daughter Wedding"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/bcgSROuy3Huxk6pf_Chiru.png?auto=format,compress&rect=0,20,603,297&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-16T21:16:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"chiru--bandla-ganesh-daughter-wedding"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Irumudi' Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aXdDtQIvOtkhB7gE_irumudi.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-12T13:20:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"irumudi-trailer"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Ramba Oorvasi Menaka' Teaser"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/VeMmBqBTJ_EOw7XS_rambhavoorvashimenaka.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-11T18:30:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"ramba-oorvasi-menaka-teaser"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Toxic' Movie Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/C68meqHgwMXfdC2G_toxic.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-08T18:22:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"toxic-movie-trailer"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Vishwanath and Sons Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ahgA9bK9tuLqENie_vishwanathandsons.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-07T12:27:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"vishwanath-and-sons-trailer"}}]},"editorial":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Branding Intellectual Dissent As A Threat"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/yz4BCa9PVnn_ELqT_modi.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-22T06:29:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"branding-intellectual-dissent-as-a-threat"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"The BJP's Rejig: The Insulation Policy"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/evT-f8cirRdEjvY6_BJPinsu.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-19T05:22:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"the-bjps-rejig-the-insulation-policy"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"T-Congress: Will Varuna Yagam Turn Into Ashwamedha Yagam?"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/X0AsBoOJ8Yr2l0Hs_VarunaYagam.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-12T07:42:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"t-congress-will-varuna-yagam-turn-into-ashwamedha-"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"RSS: Deploying The Script Of Obsolete Playbook?"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/x5IBIdVo1uCMDqU6_modirss.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-11T06:46:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"rss-deploying-the-script-of-obsolete-playbook"}}]},"gallery":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-08-12T08:19:18+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Mouni Roy Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Mouni Roy is an Indian actress who primarily works in Hindi television and films. One of the highest-paid television actresses in India, Roy is widely known for her portrayal of a shape-shifting snake in Naagin and its sequel Naagin 2."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/8nkSdpm8T3G0jWQk_mouniroy2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"mouni-roy-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-08-07T16:20:40+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Vishnu Priya Latest Spicy Stills"},"content":{"text":"Vishnupriya Ramchandran Pillai (born in Bahrain), known mononymously and better as Vishnupriya, is an Indian actress, dancer and model. She started off her career participating in the dance reality show Vodafone Thakadimi which was aired on Asianet. She made her acting debut in 2007 with Speed Track, playing a supporting character. Later, she played the lead character in Keralotsavam 2009 and got noticed for her character in Penpattanam (2010)."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/EKRVCL6edvfOM1nL_vp2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"vishnu-priya-latest-spicy-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-07-21T16:54:06+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Shraddha Das Spicy Pics"},"content":{"text":"Shraddha Das is an Indian actress and model who predominantly appears in Telugu, Hindi, Bengali, and Kannada language films. She made her acting debut in the 2008 Telugu film Siddu from Sikakulam, and since then has worked across six different film industries throughout her career."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/J5KjgIk60wE63lRg_shraddhadas.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"shraddha-das-spicy-pics"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-07-20T16:44:06+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Rakul Looks Radiant In Yellow Saree"},"content":{"text":"Rakul Preet Singh is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Telugu, Hindi and Tamil films. Singh is a recipient of several accolades including a SIIMA Award, in addition to four nominations at the Filmfare Awards South. Singh started her career as a model and made her acting debut with the Kannada film Gilli"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/_eGbGvnqa1VVLLAH_rps2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"rakul-looks-radiant-in-yellow-saree"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-07-17T12:42:16+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Pragya Jaiswal Spicy Stills"},"content":{"text":"Pragya Jaiswal is an Indian actress and model who predominantly works in Telugu films. She made her acting debut in 2014 with the Tamil-language film Virattu in 2014. Jaiswal had her breakthrough with the Telugu period drama Kanche, for which she was awarded the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/HTcjp1FBdNZf7hDK_pragya2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"pragya-jaiswal-spicy-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-06-27T18:04:47+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Aakankshaa Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Aakankshaa Glam Stills"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aj-0fFbRV8_Qf7sW_aakankshaa.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"aakankshaa-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-06-27T18:04:47+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Anasuya Bharadwaj Saree Pics"},"content":{"text":"Anasuya Bharadwaj is an Indian television presenter and actress who works in Telugu films and television. She has received two SIIMA Awards, an IIFA Utsavam Award and a Filmfare Award South for her performances in Kshanam and Rangasthalam."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aj-3gFbRV8_Qf7se_anasuya2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"anasuya-bharadwaj-saree-pics"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-05-02T12:20:57+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Kajal Aggarwal Stunning Stills"},"content":{"text":"Kajal A Kitchlu, known professionally as Kajal Aggarwal, is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi films. Aggarwal is considered one of the highest paid actresses of South Indian cinema. She is a recipient of three SIIMA Awards and a Filmfare Award."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/afXrHcBOoF08xjQk_kajal2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"kajal-aggarwal-stunning-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-04-14T10:45:57+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Janhvi Kapoor Radiant Look Stills "},"content":{"text":"Janhvi Kapoor is an Indian actress who works predominantly in Hindi films. Born to film actress Sridevi and producer Boney Kapoor, she made her acting debut in 2018 with the romantic drama Dhadak, which was a commercial success."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ad3-7Z1ZCF7ETKag_janhvi2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"janhvi-kapoor-radiant-look-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-04-02T15:03:07+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Nabha Natesh Glam Pics"},"content":{"text":"Nabha Natesh is an Indian actress and model who primarily appears in Telugu films. She made her debut with Kannada film Vajrakaya and later in Telugu with Nannu Dochukunduvate. She had her breakthrough with iSmart Shankar in 2019 due to which she is popularly referred as \"Ismart Beauty\" in the media."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ac6Er5GXnQHGZNWp_nabha2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"nabha-natesh-glam-pics"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-29T11:03:07+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Nidhhi Agerwal Royal Blue Sari Stills"},"content":{"text":"Nidhhi Agerwal is an Indian actress who primarily works in Telugu and Tamil films. After participating in Miss Diva Universe 2014, Agerwal made her acting debut with the Hindi film Munna Michael, for which she received Zee Cine Award for Best Female Debut."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ackGR5GXnQHGZEvS_nidhhi2028.jpg?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"nidhhi-agerwal-royal-blue-sari-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-29T07:22:02+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Rakul New Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Rakul Preet Singh is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Telugu, Hindi and Tamil films. She has won a South Indian International Movie Award, in addition to four nominations at the Filmfare Awards South. Singh made her acting debut with the Kannada film Gilli."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/acjShZGXnQHGZErj_RPS2028.jpg?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"rakul-new-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-17T09:44:26+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Rashi Khanna New Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Rashii Khanna (born 30 November 1990) is an Indian actress and playback singer who predominantly works in Telugu and Tamil film industries. She made her acting debut in a supporting role with the Hindi film Madras Cafe (2013) and subsequently made her debut as female lead with Telugu film Oohalu Gusagusalade (2014), in Tamil with Imaikkaa Nodigal (2018) and Malayalam with Villain (2017)."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/abkhxbbci2UF6Gme_rashikhanna.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"rashi-khanna-new-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-12T18:30:32+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Meenakshi Chaudhary Red Bold Stills"},"content":{"text":"Meenakshi Chaudhary is an Indian actress and beauty pageant titleholder who works predominantly in Telugu and Tamil films. She represented the state of Haryana at the Femina Miss India 2018 pageant, where she was crowned as Femina Miss India Grand International 2018."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/abMFmVxvIZEnjoQC_meenakshi2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"meenakshi-chaudhary-red-bold-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-10T18:35:00+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Shruti Haasan Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Shruti Haasan is an Indian actress and singer who works in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi films. She is the recipient of various accolades, including two Filmfare Award South and seven South Indian International Movie Awards. Haasan has appeared in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list of 2015 and 2016."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aa__a1xvIZEnjhl8_shruthi2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"shruti-haasan-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-03T18:03:05+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Bhagyashri Borse New Stills"},"content":{"text":"Bhagyashri Borse is an Indian actress who appears primarily in South films. After doing cameo appearances in Hindi films Yaariyan 2 and Chandu Champion, she made her lead debut in South with the Telugu film Mr. Bachchan for which she has won the SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut – Telugu."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aachiFxvIZEnjSV9_bhagya2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"bhagyashri-borse-new-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-02-27T11:14:55+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"ViRosh Wedding Stills"},"content":{"text":"ViRosh Wedding Stills"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aaF4t8FoBIGEg6zW_virosh.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"virosh-wedding-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-02-21T12:37:04+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Niharika Konidela New Stills"},"content":{"text":"Niharika Konidela is an Indian actress and producer who predominantly works in Telugu films. She made her debut with the film Oka Manasu. She produces films and web series under her banner. "},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aZmdKsFoBIGEgndO_niharika2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"niharika-konidela-new-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-02-01T18:21:28+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Rashmi Gautam Red Hot Sills"},"content":{"text":"Rashmi Gautam is an Indian actress and television presenter who appears in Telugu-language films and TV. She hosts the Telugu television comedy show Extra Jabardasth and is a conceptual team leader in reality dance show Dhee."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aX-WA90YXLCxVPdl_rashmi2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"rashmi-gautam-red-hot-sills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-01-29T19:41:55+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Rithu Chowdary Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Rithu Chowdary is an Indian actress and anchor known for her work in Telugu television and films. She began her career as an anchor on Star Maa Music and gained popularity through reality shows like Pelli Choopulu (2018). She debuted in Telugu TV with the serial Gorintaku (2019) and later appeared in Suryavamsam and Inti Guttu. Her film debut was in Mouname Ishtam (2019), followed by a role in Uppena (2021). Rithu is also a regular on comedy shows like Jabardasth and Sridevi Drama Company, known for her comedic timing and charm. In 2021, she launched her YouTube channel, Rithu Chowdhary, with over 70,000 subscribers. She participated in Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 (2024)."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aXu3QAIvOtkhCGJU_rithuchoudhary.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"rithu-chowdary-glam-stills"}}]},"one":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"AA23: Allu Arjun’s Game-Changer"},"content":{"text":"In a significant buzz within the South Indian film industry, Allu Arjun's highly anticipated transformation for Lokesh Kanagaraj's upcoming project, AA23, has become a focal point of discussion among cinephiles. Details of the actor's unique look have recently leaked, igniting fervor among his fan base and positioning him once again as a leading figure in pan-Indian cinema. As the actor continues to redefine his on-screen persona, the excitement surrounding this collaboration is palpable, with expectations riding high for the film's eventual release. Allu Arjun, known for his charisma and versatility, is set to unveil a character that deviates from his previous roles, a fact that has already captivated audiences. Sources indicate that both Arjun and Kanagaraj have meticulously researched various aesthetics to breathe life into the character, demonstrating their commitment to pushing creative boundaries. This collaboration promises to be a visual spectacle, as Arjun's growth as an artist shines through in every role he takes on, making AA23 a must-watch for fans eager to witness his latest evolution. This project marks yet another milestone in Allu Arjun's illustrious career, which has been characterized by a series of blockbuster successes. After the monumental success of Pushpa 2, which solidified his status as a cinematic powerhouse, expectations for AA23 are understandably sky-high. Arjun's ability to immerse himself in diverse characters—exemplified in films such as Arya and Pushpa—has set a precedent in the industry, garnering both critical acclaim and audience adoration. Lokesh Kanagaraj, celebrated for his unique storytelling and character development, is the perfect counterpart for Arjun in this venture. As the film gears up for release, fans are already abuzz with speculation about its themes and narrative direction. The actor has recently teased further projects, including Raaka, directed by Atlee, which continues to build anticipation for his upcoming work. The synergy between Arjun's dynamic performances and Kanagaraj's directorial prowess is expected to yield a film that not only entertains but also challenges the norms of contemporary cinema, making AA23 a pivotal release in the upcoming film landscape."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/tqvW_HVPA7vVPIqy_AA23.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C6%2C516%2C254&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T09:33:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"aa23-allu-arjuns-game-changer"}}]},"two":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"'Irumudi' captures box office success"},"content":{"text":"In a remarkable turn of events, Ravi Teja's latest film, 'Irumudi,' has swiftly etched its name in the annals of Telugu cinema, marking a significant milestone with impressive box office collections on its second day. Following its much-anticipated release, the action drama has captivated audiences and critics alike, generating a buzz that has transcended regional boundaries. With an opening day collection surpassing ₹20 crore, 'Irumudi' has not only emerged as Teja's highest opener but has solidified its status as one of the largest film releases in the industry this year. The collaboration between Teja and director Shiva Nirvana has proven fruitful, as the film received praise for its blend of gripping narrative and emotional depth. Critics, including prominent reviewer Ramesh Bala, lauded 'Irumudi' as both powerful and evocative. The film features Teja alongside notable talents like Priya Bhavani Shankar, Sai Kumar, and Baby Nakshathra, further enhancing its appeal. As of the second day, 'Irumudi' has amassed a worldwide total of ₹47.45 crore, falling just shy of the coveted ₹50 crore mark, while its overseas collections saw a modest drop to ₹5 crore, totaling ₹11 crore in that market. 'Irumudi's' journey at the box office is indicative of the current landscape of Telugu cinema, where audiences are increasingly drawn to high-octane narratives interwoven with emotional arcs. The film's domestic collection on its second day rose to ₹16.1 crore, pushing its nett total to ₹31.4 crore. The gross figures also reflected a healthy performance, totaling ₹35.46 crore. This upward trajectory reinforces the idea that a well-crafted film can resonate powerfully with viewers, as evidenced by the escalating figures following its initial release. In a show of camaraderie and support, fellow superstar Nani took to social media to congratulate Ravi Teja on the film's success, expressing that 'Irumudi' represents a significant moment of celebration for both the actor and director. Nani's heartfelt message underscores the collaborative spirit within the industry, as he highlighted the emotional connection that audiences have with the film, a connection that often translates into box office success. As 'Irumudi' continues its run, the industry is abuzz with anticipation for its future performance, as both fans and critics remain engaged in this cinematic journey."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0_1mjPrvJM9P43cE_irumudi.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C51%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T06:39:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"irumudi-captures-box-office-success"}}]},"three":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Raashii Khanna completed 13 years in industry"},"content":{"text":"Actress Raashii Khanna, who was last seen in a special appearance in ‘120 Bahadur’, has completed 13 years in the Indian film industry. The actress said that since her debut with ‘Madras Cafe’, she has felt time has just flown because she looks at work as a privilege. The film was released in 2013, and set the stage for her to work across four industries and into some of the most closely followed titles in the country. Looking back at her journey, the actress said, \"Thirteen years is a long time, and it has gone quickly because the work has never stopped feeling like a privilege. Looking back at Madras Cafe reminds me why I started. It gave me the chance to tell stories that matter to me, and I am grateful to every collaborator who has backed me along the way”. Since her debut, the actress has built a body of work across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam cinema, one of the few actors of her generation to hold ground in all four. The range has been deliberate rather than accidental, and it is what has taken her from a promising first outing to a pan-India presence. The actress is currently filming the second season of Raj & DK's ‘Farzi’, in which she is set to return as RBI officer Megha Vyas alongside Shahid Kapoor and Vijay Sethupathi. The series is produced and directed by Raj & DK, Farzi is a crime thriller built around a disillusioned artist who turns to counterfeiting to escape his financial situation. The actress will also be seen opposite Rajinikanth in the Tamil action thriller ‘Dharman’, and opposite Akshay Kumar in Anees Bazmee's next comedy drama."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/58f0c0e3-fefa-4684-b1d4-df826eb4d97e_Raashi-Khanna-18.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C45%2C2500%2C1233&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T08:24:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"raashii-khanna-completed-13-years-in-industry"}}]},"four":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Kriti’s Cricket Date With Kabir?"},"content":{"text":"Actress Kriti Sanon took to social media to share a fond memory with her rumoured beau Kabir Bahia, a UK-based businessman. On Sunday, Kriti published a selfie with Kabir on her IG as the two stood in the middle of a cricket ground. The 'Mimi' actress had her hand on Kabir's shoulder as the two smiled for the camera. The photo seems to be from the time when Kriti and Kabir were in England recently to witness the India versus England ODI series. Pictures and videos of the two from the stadium had created a lot of buzz on social media. One of the other photos in the album had Kriti getting a sweet kiss from sister Nupur Sanon. The 'Cocktail 2' actress also treated her Instagram family with some lovely selfies clicked by her in the recent past. We could also see Kriti flaunting her foodie side in one of the pictures. For the caption, Kriti wrote, \"Some memories captured.. Mannnnyyyyy more Lived! (Red heart and kiss emojis) (sic).\" Meanwhile, as Kriti celebrated her 36th birthday on July 27, Kabir wished his rumoured ladylove on her special day by sharing a smiling selfie with Kriti. The still was accompanied by the caption, \"Happy K dayyy,\" along with a blue heart, party face, and birthday cake emojis. In addition to this, Kabir uploaded another picture with Kriti aboard a yacht. The alleged lovebirds were seen standing against the backdrop of a scenic night.  Although Kriti and Kabir have never commented on their relationship, these two are often seen together, also making appearances on each other's social media posts. Kabir was also seen attending the wedding festivities of Kriti's younger sister, actress Nupur Sanon, with singer Stebin Ben in Udaipur earlier this year. Kabir also frequently gets clicked with the entire Sanon family."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ybexfJBP0EkhawsC_kritibeue.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-23T15:32:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"kritis-cricket-date-with-kabir"}}]},"five":{"edges":[]},"review":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Irumudi'"},"content":{"text":"It has been a long time since Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja scored a hit. At a time when his fans were also giving up hope on Ravi Teja, expectations have increased hugely on the film directed by Shiva Nirvana, who is known as a sensible director. A positive buzz has been created for Ravi Teja's film like never before and huge advance bookings have been registered. Let's see how this film is in this review. Story: Trinath (Ravi Teja) is a devotee of Ayyappa. He wears an Ayyappa garland every year. Trinath, who is very devoted when he wears a garland, cannot stop drinking when he does not have one. No matter how much he drinks, he takes good care of his wife Kaveri (Priya Bhavani Shankar) and daughter Manikantha (Baby Nakshatra), leads a happy life with them, and works in the banana plantation. Trinath, who lives in a village, loves his daughter. He takes care of every girl in the village and is the first to come to his aid if any danger comes to them. At such a time, a girl studying in high school is murdered. What changes does Trinath's life bring about with that murder? Why does Trinath swear to his daughter that he will stop drinking? What else does Trinath do for his daughter is the story of the film. Actors' Performance: Everyone who acted in the film acted very well. Ravi Teja, as always, acted with full energy and impressed. Especially in the action scenes and sentimental scenes with his daughter, Ravi Teja acted very well. Ravi Teja appeared for the first time in Ayyappa Mala. As expected, Ravi Teja impressed in the devotional scenes as well. Overall, he carried the film on his shoulders and carried it forward, impressing everyone including the fans. Heroine Priya Bhavani Shankar acted as if she had a good future. She was seen in a de-glamor look in this film. Still, she impressed in terms of looks. Apart from that, she impressed with her acting. In recent times, we have been seeing the level of importance given to the acting of heroines. It has been proven once again that heroines will create dust if they get roles that have potential for acting. There is no doubt that Baby Nakshatra has given life to the film. Ajay Ghosh and Sai Kumar impressed with their roles. Technical: Music director GV Prakash Kumar impressed with the background score. The theater was rocked by the song Mallepula Pallaki. However, it must be said that the credit does not go to GV Prakash. The other songs are mediocre. The more GV lifts the film with the background score, the more it lifts it. Director Shiva Nirvana's writing is good. Some dialogues are touching, while some scenes are like the best of Ravi Teja's career. Overall, the director has succeeded in all respects. There are no major mistakes in editing. It would have been even better if some scenes in the second half had been cut to three or four minutes. The cinematography is good. The beauty of the village has been shown well. There is no compromise in the structural values. Analysis: Director Shiva Nirvana has conveyed the point he wanted to convey with devotion and sentiments. The director has shown the injustice being done to girls in the current society well. Apart from that, there is no doubt that he has made a good decision in choosing Ravi Teja for this film and taking Ayyappa Mala as the backdrop. Ravi Teja has never done such roles in the past. That is why there is a concern about how he will be seen in this film, how the character will be, and how the film will be. After watching the film, it feels like we are seeing Trinath instead of Ravi Teja. The director has taken us into the film in a very short time. This film can be called a movie with good sentiment and devotion along with entertainment. Ravi Teja's films have been criticized for a long time in the industry. There is no doubt that this film is the answer to all of them. It went like an all-round movie. Plus points: Ravi Teja, Other Actors' Performances, Mallepula Pallaki Song, Action Sequences Minus points: Some Emotional Scenes Final Verdict:  Ravi Teja tied 'Irumudi' to Ayyappa and scored a hit Banner: Mythri Movie Makers Producer: Naveen Yerneni, Y Ravi Shankar Director: Shiva Nirvana Music: G.V. Prakash Kumar Cast: Ravi Teja, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Sai Kumar, Baby Nakshatra, Ajay Ghosh and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/HcTr2KkaiWO37ssK_irumudi.jpg?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-08-21T08:18:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-irumudi"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Awarapan 2'"},"content":{"text":"Some characters become so closely associated with an actor that bringing them back after nearly two decades is a risky proposition. Shivam Pandit is one such character for Emraan Hashmi. Awarapan 2 takes that risk and, for the most part, understands why the 2007 film became a cult favourite. Directed by Nitin Kakkar, the film picks up the emotional thread of the original rather than simply recreating it. Shivam is still carrying the memory of Aaliyah when he comes across an abandoned infant girl at her grave. He takes her to an orphanage, quietly pays for her care and names her Aaliyah. When a couple later adopts the girl, Shivam convinces himself that giving her a family is the right thing to do. He soon discovers that they are connected to an international child-trafficking syndicate, and when Interpol tells him that Aaliyah has been abducted, the man who had walked away from the criminal world has no choice but to return. That premise gives Awarapan 2 a natural reason to bring Shivam back rather than forcing a reunion for nostalgia's sake. Interpol wants his help in taking down the syndicate, but Shivam's motivation is much more personal. His guilt over Aaliyah and his inability to protect her pull him back into the world he desperately wanted to leave behind. This is where the sequel expands the franchise. The first Awarapan was raw, intimate and deeply rooted in Shivam's personal transformation. The new film moves from that compact moral awakening into a larger crime thriller involving trafficking, organised crime, revenge and sacrifice. The scale is bigger, the action is more prominent and the storytelling is designed for a theatrical audience, but the emotional core remains Shivam's search for redemption. The narrative has moved from 2007 to 2026, and this genuinely feels like the next chapter rather than a film simply borrowing the name of a beloved original. A major part of that evolution comes from Vishesh Bhatt. As the co-producer of Awarapan and now the writer-producer behind Awarapan 2, Bhatt's vision of turning Awarapan into a franchise is central to the film. This isn't just a sequel made because the first film developed a cult following. There is a clear attempt to build the next chapter of Shivam Pandit's story while retaining the emotional and musical DNA of Vishesh Films. Bhatt's creative direction gives the film its larger ambition, with Kakkar and the entire team following that lead. The collaboration between Emraan Hashmi and Vishesh Films remains one of the film's strongest forces. Emraan, unsurprisingly, is the film's biggest strength, but the supporting characters deserve attention. Disha Patani plays Zara, a woman who becomes an unintentional victim of the criminal world surrounding her family. Her brother Zorawar, played by Puran Gabbi, is involved in the drug trade, and the film uses their relationship to show how crime can trap people who never chose that life. Patani gets a stronger dramatic focus and brings a vulnerability that gives Zara's portions emotional weight. Gabbi is one of the film's discoveries, bringing an unpredictability that makes Zorawar stand out without turning him into a standard gangster caricature. Shabana Azmi as Nafisa brings the expected gravitas, while Suvinder Vicky as Jaideep, Vijayant Kohli as Mehmood, Atul Kumar as Samarth and Aniruddh Rawal as Sikandar add further layers to the criminal and investigative world around Shivam. The music is where Awarapan 2 makes perhaps its most important connection with the original. Mithoon, Amaal Mallik and Jeet Gannguli carry forward the musical identity of the franchise, with lyrics by Sayeed Quadri and Rashmi Virag. The returning favourites \"Tera Mera Rishta\" and \"Toh Phir Aao\" have been reimagined by Mithoon, while \"Yeh Awarapan\", sung by Arijit Singh, adds another emotional layer. But the soundtrack is not simply a collection of songs designed to trigger nostalgia. The music is integral to the story. It carries Shivam's emotional state, builds the atmosphere and becomes part of the film's narrative language. This is also a soundtrack that deserves to be experienced in a theatre, where the sound design, scale of the compositions and visuals create a different audio-visual experience. The film also makes its marketing campaign look smarter once the story unfolds. Some of what has been shown and teased begins to make sense only after watching it, and there are elements of the narrative better experienced without knowing too much beforehand. Awarapan 2 is not merely selling the return of Emraan Hashmi or the nostalgia of its music. It is attempting to make audiences curious about what happened to Shivam and where his story goes next. The big-screen presentation adds to that appeal. Awarapan 2 succeeds because it respects where the franchise came from without pretending that cinema hasn't changed since 2007. It is bigger, more ambitious and more conventional as a thriller than the original, but it retains the grief, rage, sacrifice and search for redemption that made Shivam Pandit memorable. Vishesh Bhatt's franchise vision, Vishesh Films' creative identity, Nitin Kakkar's direction, Bilal Siddiqui's writing and Emraan Hashmi's return all work toward the same goal: taking Shivam's story forward rather than simply repeating it. Disha Patani gets a meaningful role, Puran Gabbi emerges as a genuine discovery, the supporting cast adds weight and the music remains an essential part of the experience. It may not have the same bleak intimacy as Awarapan, but that isn't what this film is trying to be. This is the 2026 chapter of Shivam Pandit's journey much bigger, louder and still carrying the same old wound. Director: Nitin Kakkar,  Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Puran Gabbi, Suvinder Vicky and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/nH0_7NckLLpkJ8vL_awarapan2.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-14T04:07:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-awarapan-2"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Vishwanath and Sons'"},"content":{"text":"Despite being a Tamil hero, Surya is a hero who has a good craze in Telugu. Telugu audiences have raised their expectations as soon as he says that he is working with a Telugu director. The film Surya, which was made in a Telugu production company and directed by a Telugu director, was promoted as a Telugu film. Let's see how this film, which has huge expectations among the audience, is doing in this review. Story: Sanjay Vishwanath (Surya) is a big businessman. Sanjay, who has everything, is not interested in marriage. But his mother (Radhika) insists on marriage and having a family. Sanjay becomes a father to a baby boy through surrogacy for his mother. While he is happy with Babu, unexpected developments take place. Babu develops serious health problems. Babu needs bone marrow. Then Sanjay goes to Maddy (Mamita Baiju), who is in the US. She has to give the bone marrow to Babu. 22-year-old Maddy, who came for Babu, falls in love with 42-year-old Sanjay. Where did that love lead? Who is Maddy really? You have to watch the movie to know these things. Performance: There is no need to mention the performance of the hero Surya. Millionaire Sanjay Vishwanath impressed in the role. Surya scored 100 out of 100 marks in showing that modesty. Surya impressed in a role that shows love while appearing serious in some scenes. Overall, there is no doubt that Sanjay Vishwanath brought the character to life. Fans enjoyed the shades of Surya's character. Surya impressed with his 40+ age look. Maddy's role is very crucial in the movie. The entire first half is based on that character. Mamita Baiju appeared in the role of an orphan with no one. Generally, any heroine would look good in the role of a naughty girl. But Mamita in the role of Maddy made me laugh, cry, and get angry. She was the main attraction of the film. It seemed that Maddy's role would have been better in the second half as well. Radhika impressed in the role of Sanjay's mother. She seemed to have transformed into a small child and acted. The other actors acted and impressed within the scope of their roles. Technical: It seemed that the music director focused more on the background score than on the songs. It must be said that his hard work was rewarded. Because the background score came out well. It led some scenes in an impressive way. Let's talk about cinematography. Generally, it is easy to show the beauty of the village, but to bring a rich family look, cinematography has more work. That work is good. It would have been better if the director had worked more on the second half. The structural values ​​are good. Editing needs to be improved in the second half. Plus points: Mamita Baiju Surya Entertainment Some sentimental scenes Minus points: Second half Fights Analysis: Director Venky seems to have come up with a mature story once again. However, this time, the addition of a love story made it a youthful entertainer. Especially in the first half, the scenes with the heroine should definitely make the audience fall in love. The scenes between the hero and heroine make you laugh on one side and cry on the other. Although the second half seemed to be a bit sentimental, it ended on a positive note. There is no doubt that if the first half was as entertaining as the second half, it would have been even better if it had been more entertaining along with sentiment. Overall, this film can be watched for the heroine Mamita Baiju and for the sentimental scenes. Finally... The first half is fun, the second half is balanced with emotion. Banner: Sitara Entertainments Producer: Suryadevara Nagavamsi Director: Venky Atluri Music: G.V. Prakash Kumar Cast: Surya, Mamita Baiju, Radhika Sarath Kumar, Raveena Tandon, Nassar, Sudha and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ahgA9bK9tuLqENie_vishwanathandsons.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-14T07:46:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-vishwanath-and-sons"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Korean Kanakaraju'"},"content":{"text":"Mega hero Varun Tej, who has been greeting the audience with a series of films, has once again come to the Telugu audience with a different concept. This time, he has come to the audience with a Korean ghost concept like never before. He has attracted everyone's attention by coming to the audience with a ghost concept.  A large-scale publicity program was organized before the release. With that, a huge buzz was created. Let's see if the movie lives up to that buzz in the review. Story: Kanakaraju (Varun Tej) from Penukonda area leads a smooth life. He falls in love with Chaitra (Rithika), who works for Kia car companies. An angry Kanakaraju has a fight with a local rowdy gang. At that time, in the wake of unforeseen developments, the ashes of a person from Korea arrive in India. They reach Penugonda. The soul of the deceased Korean man enters Kanakaraju's body. Why did that soul enter Kanakaraju's body and what happens next is the rest of the story. Actors' performance: Varun Tej seems to have done 100 percent justice to the character of Kanakaraju. There is no doubt that he acted as if the angry Kanakaraju was really in front of us, and there is no doubt that the way he spoke in Korean when the Korean soul entered him took Varun's acting to another level. Varun, who maintained a good physique to match the character, also impressed with his comedy timing. It is no exaggeration to say that Varun has never done this level of comedy before. Varun impressed with his acting in the action scenes, but he could not do much with his dance. Heroine Rithika impressed with her cute looks. However, despite the importance of her role in the story, she did not get much opportunity to appear in the screenplay. The scenes with Satya were good, but Satya's dominance is clearly visible in it. Rithika impressed in two or three scenes along with her cute beauty display.  Comedian Satya appeared on the screen more than the second hero. At the same time, he impressed with his comedy. Overall, Satya's comedy was the main attraction in the film. Those who played the rest of the characters did not seem to care. Technical: The songs provided by music director Thaman seemed mediocre, but the background score was good here and there. Thaman impressed in some horror scenes. Overall, it must be said that Thaman's work is not up to his level. It would have been better if the songs were two or three good. The cinematography seems to be okay. It seemed like the focus on action scenes was reduced in order to show Korean beauties. The heroine was shown as cute. More care should have been taken in the matter of hero elevation. It would have been better if director Gandhi had rewritten the story and given a different treatment to the screenplay. The production values ​​are good. There is a possibility of trimming some of the second-off scenes. Analysis: The main attraction of the movie is the concept. It seems that director Gandhi has not been completely successful in carrying out that concept with a proper screenplay. However, he has brought the movie to a close with comedy. It is commendable that the director has chosen Satya for that role with full faith. The comedy has the potential to make the movie closer to the family audience. Since there have been no movies with the concept of a Korean ghost movie so far, this movie is sure to feel new. Director Gandhi has a reputation for making different movies.. This movie is a continuation of that. Varun Tej has fully fulfilled the responsibility assigned to him. It would have been better if he had thought better about the screenplay and worked out the horror scenes. The graphics seem poor. It seems like it was made using AI technology. Plus points: Concept, Hero heroine, True comedy Minus points: Routine horror, Graphics, Korean language. Finally... A routine horror drama that will please mega fans Banner: UV Creations Director: Merlapaka Gandhi Producer: Vamsi, Pramod Music: Thaman Cast: Varun Tej, Rithika Nayak, Satya and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Ui6FbufwpUs86SxR_KoreanKanakaraju.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-08-07T06:59:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-korean-kanakaraju"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Chennai Love Story'"},"content":{"text":"Small films are having a good time in Tollywood. The makers have been repeatedly saying that they are bringing this film to the audience as a content-oriented film, in the wake of the huge success of making content-oriented films. The makers who gave a super hit film like Baby have brought this film to the audience. Let's see how this film, which was released today, is like in the review. Story: Niv (Sri Gauri), who wanted to fall in love and get married, is unexpectedly cheated by her boyfriend Ajay (Trigun). He leaves her by saying that he loves another girl before the wedding. With that, Nivi turns into a lady Devadasu and becomes addicted to drinking. At that time, her friends take her to Chennai and try to change her a little. But her behavior does not change. That's when Steven Shankar (Kiran Abbavaram) steps into Chennai to show his mettle as a director. Friends help Shankar, an orphan, and allow him to stay in their room. The room is close to Nivi. At first, Shankar's words used to irritate Nivi. Slowly, she gets closer to him. Love blossoms between the two. But amidst unpredictable developments, their love runs into a problem. What is that problem and will the two meet again is the plot. Acting: Kiran Abbavaram impressed with his good acting, like in the past, he impressed with his looks as if he was the boy next door. Playing the role of an innocent person is not an easy thing. But Kiran Abbavaram played the role very easily. Kiran Abbavaram showed well in this role what an innocent person who steps into Chennai with an effort to impress the director would be like. There is no doubt that this heroine Gowry Priya  is the most crucial role in the story. She has done complete justice to her role. Siri Hanumanthu has once again impressed with her acting in a good role. She is likely to get more good roles in the future. Those who played other roles impressed within the scope of their roles. Technical: When the director thought that the story was being handled well, he tried to say something new by saying Atma Paramatma in the second half. It must be said that it failed. In terms of screenplay, the second half failed. The music was impressive, especially the background score was impressive. Manisharma once again showed his magic. Cinematography is good. There is no doubt that cinematography has definitely been useful in showing the beauty of Chennai. The dialogues are good. There are some flaws in the editing, and there is still work to be done in the second half. The structural values ​​are according to the story. Plus points: Hero, heroine acting, Manisharma's background score First off Minus points: Second half, Routine screenplay. Analysis: Producer Sai Rajesh has been making comments in several media conferences and interviews that this film is definitely a baby range cult love story, but it doesn't seem like it has any scenes. While you think that the first half of the film will be smooth and interesting, he made the second half boring by adding unnecessary elements. If the same love story had been continued simply, the second half would definitely have been a good talk. Hero Kiran Abbavaram impressed with his good performance. The audience will definitely appreciate him, and heroine Gauri also did full justice to her role. Gauri impressed in the role of a drunkard and Lady Devadasu, but it must be said that the screen did not match their performance. Overall, Chennai Love Story turned out to be an average love story. Finally... It makes feel like going all the way to Chennai for this love story Banner: Mass Movie Makers Producer: SKN, Sai Rajesh Director: Ravi Namburu Music: Mani Sharma Cast: Kiran Abbavaram, Gowri Priya, Siri and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0yN9tZHPaAuq2hyg_CLS.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-24T08:01:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-chennai-love-story"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Jana Nayakudu' "},"content":{"text":"Expectations have increased among all sections of the audience on the film Jana Nayaku, which was advertised as the last film of Tamil superstar Vijay. Although it was not officially announced that it is a remake of the film Bhagwant Kesari, which came in the combo of Balakrishna and Anil Ravipudi, the makers have been unofficially saying it.  This film, which was delayed a lot due to Tamil Nadu politics, made a royal entry without any problems as Vijay became the CM of Tamil Nadu. And how is this film? Will the audience like this story again in Telugu? Let's see in this review. Story: Vetri Kondan's (Vijay) mother dies in jail. Out of humanity, the jailer releases Vetri Kondan on parole and sends him out to see his mother for the last time. When Vetri is sent out, the jailer gets into a big problem. Vetri Kondan learns that the jailer who helped him is in trouble, and goes to his house. In the wake of unexpected developments, the jailer dies. His only daughter, Viji (Mamita Baiju), becomes an orphan.  The jailer who helped him looks after his daughter and wants to make her an army officer. But Viji says she will not join the army out of fear. Why does Vetri want to send Viji to the army? Will Viji finally join the army? What difficulties will Vetri face in doing so? This is the story. Performance: There is no need to mention anything special about Superstar Vijay's performance. Just as Balakrishna adapted to the role in Bhagwant Kesari, there is no doubt that Vijay also adapted to the role of Vetri. The screenplay was such that the entire story of the film was carried on his shoulders. Even so, Vijay acted well in every scene without giving up. There is no doubt that he impressed with his comedy timing. His fans will enjoy the action scenes to the fullest. Now that he is the CM, he has tried to show Vijay in that angle as well, which is a feast for the eyes of the fans. Since this is Vijay's last film, it seems that he gave his best. Pooja Hegde, who played the heroine, does not have much screen presence. It must be said that Pooja Hegde's screen presence is less than what Kajal Aggarwal's role was in the original Telugu version. Mamita Baiju played the role of Viji, played by Srileela in Telugu and got good marks. It seemed that Mamita did Viji's role even better than Srileela. Along with impressive looks, the two heroines gave good expressions to suit their roles. However, Pooja Hegde's role did not get priority. Mamita impressed as much as she did. Bobby Deol impressed in terms of looks. It would have been better if he had been shown as a stronger and better villain. Since the villain role was not given priority in the story, Bobby Deol's performance became like water poured on ashes. Technical: Director H Vinod tried to make the Telugu story as it is and add Tamil flavor to the screenplay. He made the story without making many changes in the first half. However, when it came to the second half, he made many changes. The entire screenplay changed as if it was a new story. Vijay's character also left the audience in a bit of a quandary. There is nothing much to say about the music. Anirudh, as usual, gave a good background score to Vijay's film. But since the songs did not have much scope, Anirudh's work did not come out much.  The cinematography is good. The cinematography is definitely good in elevating the action scenes. There are errors in the editing. Some scenes in the second half, especially the villain scenes, could have been trimmed. It would have been better if the heroine scenes that are not part of the story were also trimmed a bit. The production values ​​are good. The story was produced with added weight without detracting from it. Plus points: Vijay, Some Action Scenes, Mamita Baiju Minus points: Story, screenplay, Being a familiar story, Second half, Villain role. Analysis: The film Jana Nayakkudu, which was supposed to be released early this year, did not see its release due to censor problems due to Tamil Nadu politics. Officials said that permission could not be given for the release of the film in the wake of the assembly elections. With Vijay becoming the CM, the film Jana Nayakkudu came plowing ahead without any problems and shook the Tamil box office. This movie has been seen in Telugu before. Even though it is known that this is a remake of Balakrishna Bhagwant Kesari, many enthusiasts booked in advance and watched the movie. The movie got a good opening in Telugu states.  It is undeniable that Jana Nayakkudu could not satisfy the Telugu audience completely. Tamil audience will think aha.. oh my for Vijay Elevations. Moreover, they will like it because it is a new story, but Telugu people do not have much to like about this movie, even though the second half seems to have changed a bit, it felt like it was forced. The political elements were not set in the story at all. There is action but no emotion. The magic is missing in the screenplay. Overall, Jana Nayakkudu does not have anything new that the Telugu audience will like much. Finally... A Tamil mass leader who cannot please Telugu people. Banner: KVN Productions Producer: Venkat K. Narayan Director: H Vinod Music: Anirudh Cast: Vijay, Pooja Hegde, Mamita Baiju, Sunil, Bobby Deol and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/8WXmx3hoavnPTLpj_jananayakudu.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-23T08:18:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-jana-nayakudu-"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Dhamaal 4'"},"content":{"text":"STORY: Over the years, the Dhamaal franchise has carved out a unique, bulletproof space in Bollywood, one built entirely on unapologetic, leave-your-brain-at-home comedy. Director Indra Kumar returns to this signature comfort zone scaling up the adventure with itns fourth installment. This time, the chaos revolves around a massive 100-year-old hidden treasure belonging to the legendary Shaitaan Singh. The key to its location is locked away in the faulty memory of Prithvi (Upendra Limaye). When the secret slips out, it triggers a wild, breathless race to a mysterious island marked by a giant \"M.\" Every character is out to outsmart the other to reach the khazana first, paving the way for endless confusion, wrong clues, and frantic chases. SITUATIONAL COMEDY: Chaos at Its Peak What makes Dhamaal 4 work so effectively is its reliance on situational comedy. The film throws a massive ensemble of eccentric, greedy, and hilariously unlucky individuals into bizarre environments, from wild jungle disasters to unexpected pirate encounters. The script doesn’t ask you to look for logic; instead, it invites you to surrender to the sheer ridiculousness of the situations. The first half is exceptionally fast-paced, packed with clever nods to older films in the franchise that will keep longtime fans chuckling. ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCES: The Ultimate Laughter Brigade The true strength of the film lies in its stellar ensemble cast, where Ajay Devgn leads the pack with absolute swagger alongside Sanjay Mishra, whose iconic comic timing results in sharp laugh-out-loud moments. The heartbeat of the franchise, Arshad Warsi and Jaaved Jaaferi, return with their signature electric chemistry, beautifully joined by Sanjeeda Shaikh who adds great charm to their chaotic dynamic. Riteish Deshmukh delivers a thoroughly entertaining performance with his desi flavor alongside Anjali Anand, who plays his wife Paro with a hilarious domestic touch. Stealing scenes effortlessly, Ravi Kishan brings a fresh wave of comedy as the quirky pirate leader Adhoora. Finally, Upendra Limaye is fantastic as the main catalyst of the plot with his high-energy performance, while Esha Gupta brings a wonderful charm and flair to the screen. DIRECTION, SCREENPLAY, AND MUSIC Indra Kumar proves yet again that he is a master at delivering high-energy situational comedies. The engaging screenplay keeps the audience hooked with a constant stream of rapid-fire jokes and entertaining jungle and island survival sequences. On the technical side, the massive scale of the film looks stunning on the big screen, making it a true theatrical spectacle. The music seamlessly fits this energetic narrative, with tracks like Chatni and Qeher keeping the mood light, and celebratory throughout. THE VERDICT: The Perfect Family Entertainer Dhamaal 4 is a fun-filled joyride that is tailor-made for the big screen. It effortlessly delivers on its promise of pure, non-stop entertainment from start to finish. It stands out as an excellent, wholesome entertainer that will easily appeal to all age groups, from grandparents to little kids, who will absolutely love the comedy and thrilling pirate adventures. If you are looking to share a hearty laugh with your entire family this weekend, Dhamaal 4 is a highly recommended watch! Director: Indra Kumar Cast: Ajay Devgn, Arshd Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, Jaaved Jaaferi, Sanjay Mishra, Ravi Kishan, Upendra Limaye, Anjali Anand, Esha Gupta and Sanjeeda Shaikh"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/51qvs_NXLgg3Shrm_dhamaal3.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-10T04:00:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-dhamaal-4"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Lenin'"},"content":{"text":"Years have passed since Akhil made his debut as a hero from the Akkineni family, yet he has not managed to achieve commercial success. Consequently, fans' confidence in him has been waning. At this juncture, Akhil has worked hard on the movie 'Lenin' with great hope. Let us see how the movie fares in this review. Story: The story unfolds in a remote village in Andhra Pradesh. Lenin (Akhil) arrives as an orphan in a village named Sriramapuram. A woman, who is the village head, takes him under her wing and raises him just like her own son. Her son, Vasanth, and Lenin become best friends. While Vasanth pursues his studies and becomes a doctor, Lenin stays back in the village and becomes an integral part of everyone's lives. It has become a tradition for the village's prestigious 18-day festival to be conducted under Lenin's supervision every year. During one such festival, Lenin sees Bharati (Bhagyashree) and falls in love with her. This romance marks a turning point in the entire story. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Vasanth is compelled to marry Bharathi. Meanwhile, Lenin ends up in prison. The story revolves around why Lenin went to jail and whether Vasanth actually marries Bharathi. Performances: As has been noted from the start, it is evident on screen that Akhil has put in a great deal of effort for this film. There is no doubt that this is a distinctively different role compared to the characters he has played previously. Furthermore, he successfully molded himself to fit the character, displaying impressive range and variations in his acting. He also adopted a fresh style of dialogue delivery for this movie. Visually, he is impressive, and in the action sequences, he comes across as a high-voltage action hero; he delivers exactly what fans desire. Beyond the action, he also impresses in the romantic scenes. The heroine, Bhagyashree, charms the audience with her beauty—something she has done in several previous films. However, in this movie, she also impresses with her acting prowess where the script demands it. She certainly leaves a mark on the role assigned to her, though one cannot help but feel that her character could have been written with more depth.  The supporting cast also delivers impressive performances within the scope of their roles; Eswari Rao, Pramod, and Brahmaji, in particular, stand out with their acting.  Technical: The director needed to work a bit more on the story, though he did try to make an impact with the screenplay. He succeeded in engaging the audience during the opening 10–15 minutes, effectively building suspense and sparking curiosity about what would unfold next. However, the dialogues could have been sharper. Thaman delivered a decent musical score, as always; however, there were certain scenes where one felt he could have done more with the background music. The cinematography is impressive—crucial for a film set against a village backdrop. There are minor flaws in the editing, but the production values ​​are good. Plus points: Akhil Akkineni, Jathara (fair) scenes The plot twist Minus points: Some dragged-out scenes Background score Story and screenplay Analysis: There is no doubt that the film lived up to the high expectations of Akkineni fans. However, it remains to be seen how well the general audience will receive it. Akhil had stated from the beginning that he worked very hard for this film, and that effort is clearly visible on screen. The director aimed to present something fresh;...yet, the film would have been even better with more work on the story and a tighter screenplay. It must be noted that there was a lack of sufficient commercial elements to appeal to all sections of the audience, not just the fans. The music also felt a bit underwhelming. Akhil fulfilled his role with 100% commitment; however, the director failed to craft a strong screenplay for the supporting characters, leaving them with little scope to showcase their true acting potential. Overall, this village-based drama manages to engage the audience and appeals to fans. Final verdict: Akhil Akkineni impresses the fans Banner: Sithara Entertainments, Manam Enterprises Producers: Suryadevara Naga Vamsi, Akkineni Nagarjuna Director: Murali Kishore Music: Thaman Cast: Akhil, Bhagyashree, Eeshwari Rao, Pramod, Brahmaji, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/SNyf-1iLls6NrA-j_lenin.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-10T07:34:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-lenin"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Rao Bahadur'"},"content":{"text":"Satyadev has carved a unique niche for himself as an actor by choosing diverse films. Meanwhile, director Venkatesh Maha has already earned a strong reputation for delivering distinctive movies. Expectations soared when a superstar like Mahesh Babu stepped forward to present this collaboration between the two. Let us see in this review whether the film lives up to those expectations. Story: Bhuvanam Ramappa Rao Bahadur (Satyadev), a man of royal lineage, grapples with severe mental turmoil in his old age. He harbors suspicions regarding his younger son, Kusumappa—who passed away in childhood—doubting whether the boy was truly his biological son. Driven by this doubt, he clings to life for years despite suffering from cancer. Ramappa’s wife, Renuka, is also confined to a single room. The story unfolds by exploring the reasons behind Ramappa’s condition and Renuka’s confinement, as well as how it was ultimately confirmed that Kusumappa was indeed Ramappa’s son. Performances: A notable aspect of the film is that, apart from Satyadev, the entire cast consists of newcomers. It is commendable that Satyadev committed to such a role; not every actor could pull off a character like this. He delivered a brilliant performance, nailing the makeover, expressions, and body language. Satyadev truly embodied the persona of a scion of the Rao Bahadur lineage. He impressed everyone with a look that perfectly captured the persona of an elderly king. Furthermore, Satyadev deserves full marks for his acting and dialogue delivery. Generally, young heroes are reluctant to take on such roles, but Satyadev put in immense effort to breathe life into this character. It was revealed that the makeup process took four hours; seeing the 'Ramappa' character on screen, one feels that the actual time spent on makeup might have been even longer. Deepa Thomas, playing the female lead, impressed with her distinctive look. There is a growing opinion that she might secure good opportunities in Tollywood in the future. Vikas Muppala also impressed with his acting, and the supporting cast performed well within the scope of their roles. Venkatesh Maha, appearing in a guest role, also made a strong impression. Technical: Director Venkatesh Maha presented a completely fresh concept to the audience. However, the narrative pacing felt somewhat tedious. The first half moved slowly. While he attempted to pick up the pace in the second half, the twists introduced towards the end felt unintentionally funny. He failed in the attempt to blend humor into what otherwise seemed like a serious story. Some of the dialogues were good. The cinematography was impressive; it effectively brought the atmosphere of the 1960s and 1990s to life. The music was also decent. The songs failed to impress, but the background score was certainly impressive. The production values ​​are good; it is truly commendable that such a significant budget was allocated for an experimental story like this. There are flaws in the editing; some scenes in the first half should have been trimmed. Overall, the film would have benefited from a runtime reduction of 20 to 25 minutes. Analysis: Director Venkatesh attempted an experiment by utilizing a talented actor like Satyadev. Satyadev deserves praise for agreeing to be part of this experimental project. The story revolves around the consequences arising from a suspicion harbored by an elderly man. In an era where films generally achieve commercial success only with compelling storylines and narratives, Director Venkatesh brought this film to the audience without worrying about how such an experiment would be received. He attempted to drive the film using screenplay wizardry. Although the story itself is simple, his execution deserves appreciation. However, the inclusion of more thrilling elements would have improved the film; the first half, in particular, is somewhat underwhelming. The climax manages to generate interest, though the final twist lacks a sense of realism. Ultimately, instead of leaving the audience with the impression of having watched a serious film, the movie ends up feeling more like a comedy.  Plus Points: Satyadev Background music, cinematography Second half, climax Minus Points: Boring first half Illogical scenes Climax twist Verdict: 'Rao Bahadur' is for those looking to watch a thriller rather than a regular commercial movie. Banner: Sree Chakras Entertainments, Mahayana Motion Pictures Producers: Anurag Reddy, Sharath Chandra, Chinta Gopalakrishna Reddy, Eswaran Vijayaraghavan Directior: Venkatesh Maha Music: Smaran Sai Cast: Satyadev, Deepa Thomas, Vikas Muppala, Bala Parasar, Kunal Kaushik, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ruDZrQh1uyTKyATR_RaoBahadur.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-03T09:26:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-rao-bahadur"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Nagabandham' "},"content":{"text":"South makers have done wonders once again. At a time when audiences are craving larger-than-life cinematic experiences rooted in Indian culture and mythology, Nagabandham arrives as an ambitious spectacle that blends mystery, mythology, fantasy and adventure into an engrossing big-screen entertainer. Foremost credit goes to the producers Nishitha Nagireddy and Kishore Annapureddy, the duo under the banners of NIK Studios and Abhishek Pictures, have given the film the scale, craft and budget it demands. The budget, the scale and the vision of the film is at par in comparison with some of the biggies. Mounted on a lavish scale, the film starts on a very intriguing note and right from the first frame it captures you into the world, the drama. As it progresses it continues to impresses with its visual ambition, the character introduction, immersive world-building and sincere storytelling, making it one of the most ambitious pan-India releases of the year. Without wasting any single time the film sticks to the subject. The unfolding of mysterious universe where ancient secrets, divine legends and hidden treasures shape the narrative. Rather than rushing through its mythology, the film gradually builds intrigue around the ancients and what 'Nagabandham' is. This measured approach keeps the audience invested while continuously expanding the film's rich cinematic universe. The film begins with the impresive introduction of Rishabh Sawhney who is olayiytge main antagonist in the film and then transports us to the drama that is very interesting. Director Abhishek Nama deserves appreciation for attempting a genre that demands conviction and imagination. His vision remains consistent throughout, balancing mythology with fantasy while ensuring the emotional core never gets lost beneath the visual grandeur. The screenplay unfolds like an adventure, introducing fresh mysteries at regular intervals and maintaining curiosity until the very end. Visuals are Nagabandham's undoubtedly the biggest strengths. Every frame reflects meticulous craftsmanship, from magnificent temple architecture and ancient kingdoms to breathtaking action sequences and mystical landscapes. The production values are first-rate, while the VFX complement the storytelling without overwhelming it. The film consistently feels designed for the biggest screens. Virat Karrna, who is essaying the main protoganist delivers a confident performance, carrying the narrative with sincerity and intensity. Nabha Natesh lends grace and emotional depth to her character, while Rishabh Sawhney leaves a strong impression with his commanding screen presence in the character of the main antagonist. Mahesh Manjrekar stands out in a pivotal role of saint ,adding gravitas whenever he appears. Daksha Nagarkar and the supporting cast contribute effectively, making the expansive world feel believable. The action choreography especially the Interval block and CLIMAX deserves special mention. Instead of relying solely on spectacle, the action sequences are integrated into the mythology, making every confrontation feel purposeful. Several moments involving serpents, ancient rituals and large-scale battles generate genuine goosebumps and showcase the makers' ambition. Technically, Nagabandham is polished across departments. The cinematography captures both the grandeur and mysticism beautifully, while the background score elevates the emotional and adventurous moments. The editing keeps the narrative engaging despite the film's expansive scale, and the sound design enhances the theatrical experience. One of the film's biggest achievements is how it respects Indian mythology while presenting it through an entertaining fantasy-adventure lens. Rather than merely recreating familiar legends, it creates its own mythology-inspired universe that feels fresh and cinematic. If there is one area where the film occasionally slows down, it is during portions dedicated to explaining the mythology, which may slightly affect the pace. However, the narrative quickly regains momentum with compelling twists, visually stunning sequences and emotionally satisfying payoffs. With Nagabandham, South filmmakers once again demonstrate why they continue to lead the way in creating ambitious, pan-India cinematic spectacles. The film combines mythology, fantasy, adventure and emotion into an entertaining package that is tailor-made for the theatrical experience. For audiences looking for a grand visual adventure filled with mystery, ancient legends, spectacular action and impressive world-building, Nagabandham is a rewarding watch. Banner: NIK Studios, Abhishek Pictures Producer: Nishitha Nagireddy, Kishore Annapureddy Director: Abhishek Nama Cast: John Vijay, Nabha Natesh, Iswarya Menon, Mahesh Manjrekar and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/S_t-IVjB2yqa78-Q_nagabandham.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-02T16:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-nagabandham-"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Welcome To The Jungle'"},"content":{"text":"There was a time when Bollywood regularly produced big, unapologetic comedy entertainers that families could watch together. Films weren't trying to preach, surprise audiences with complicated twists or leave behind social messages. They existed for one simple reason—to make people laugh. Welcome To The Jungle embraces exactly that philosophy, and that's what makes it work. Director Ahmed Khan doesn't try to reinvent the Welcome franchise. Instead, he understands its DNA and amplifies it. The laughs are bigger, the cast is bigger, the scale is grander and the madness is turned up several notches. The result is a film that knows exactly what it wants to be—and rarely loses sight of it. The story itself is delightfully ridiculous. A billionaire comes up with an absurd plan to convert his black money into losses by deliberately producing a flop film. To execute this bizarre mission, he assembles a film full of struggling stars, forgotten heroes and eccentric personalities. Among them are Yeda Anna (Suniel Shetty), the brother of Anna from the Welcome universe, and Romeo (Arshad Warsi), Majnu's equally eccentric brother. Just when the production begins, an Income Tax raid wipes out the financier's money, forcing the crew to abandon the expensive setup and continue the shoot in a remote village with real people—while the actors remain blissfully convinced that everything happening around them is part of the script. From there, the film spirals into complete comic chaos involving mistaken identities, fake heroics, terrorists, villagers and nonstop confusion. If there is one actor who reminds audiences why he has ruled Bollywood comedy for decades, it is Akshay Kumar. This is comfortably one of his strongest comic performances in recent years. His expressions, dialogue delivery, body language and effortless timing hold the enormous ensemble together without trying to dominate it. He lets the humour breathe and trusts the situations to generate laughs. Suniel Shetty is undoubtedly one of the film's biggest surprises. His Yeda Anna is wonderfully eccentric and consistently entertaining, delivering several laugh-out-loud moments. Arshad Warsi slips into the franchise's familiar madness with ease, while Lara Dutta, as the Army trainer preparing the clueless actors, adds another enjoyable layer to the comedy. The supporting cast is where the film truly shines. Veterans like Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever and Rajpal Yadav prove once again why they remain among Hindi cinema's finest comic performers. But the film's biggest scene-stealers are undoubtedly Farida Jalal and Kiran Kumar. Every single time they appear on screen, the theatre erupts in laughter. Farida Jalal's delightfully confused character, speaking in her own hilarious gibberish language, becomes one of the film's biggest highlights. Kiran Kumar matches her brilliantly with his exaggerated, heavily Urdu-laced dialogues delivered with complete conviction. Their chemistry, impeccable comic timing and effortless performances produce some of the loudest laughs in the film. There's another emotional layer that longtime Bollywood lovers will instantly appreciate. Watching Akshay Kumar reunite with Suniel Shetty and Raveena Tandon brings back memories of an era when entertainers were built around fun rather than formulas. Thankfully, these reunions never feel forced. They blend naturally into the narrative while allowing the film to create its own identity instead of living entirely on nostalgia. Managing such a massive ensemble is never easy, yet Ahmed Khan deserves credit for ensuring almost every actor gets at least one memorable moment. Despite featuring dozens of familiar faces, the screenplay rarely feels overcrowded. The humour constantly shifts between situational comedy, visual gags, witty one-liners, misunderstandings and complete comic mayhem, ensuring the energy rarely drops. The adventure angle also gives the franchise a refreshing twist. Instead of repeating the exact template of the earlier films, Welcome To The Jungle expands its canvas with larger action set pieces and a more adventurous narrative while still retaining the flavour that fans associate with the franchise. Visually, the film looks colourful and vibrant. The production design suits the exaggerated world perfectly, while the songs arrive naturally without disturbing the pace. The background score effectively enhances both the comic situations and the action sequences. What deserves appreciation is that the film never pretends to be more intelligent than it is. It doesn't chase awards, social commentary or emotional manipulation. It simply focuses on entertaining its audience for over two hours—and judging by the laughter echoing through the auditorium, it succeeds. Welcome To The Jungle is designed for the big-screen experience. Many jokes become funnier because they are enjoyed collectively. The whistles, applause and laughter inside a packed theatre become an extension of the film itself. That's something no OTT platform can replicate. Directed by Ahmed Khan, the film boasts one of the biggest ensemble casts in recent Hindi cinema, featuring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Farida Jalal, Johnny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Aftab Shivdasani, Mukesh Tiwari, Yashpal Sharma, Kiran Kumar, Zakir Hussain, Vindu Dara Singh, Urvashi Rautela, Hemant Pandey, Brijendra Kala, Feroze Khan (Arjun), Late Pankaj Dheer, Puneet Issar, Sudesh Berry, Jeetu Verma, Vrihi Kodvara, Adityaa Singgh and Bhagya Bhanushali. Presented by A.A. Nadiadwala, Cape of Good Films and Star Studios in association with Seeta Films and Rakesh Dang, the film is a Base Industries Group production produced by Rakesh Dang and Vedant Vikaas Baali, and produced by Firoz A. Nadiadwala. If your expectation is meaningful cinema, look elsewhere. But if you simply want to laugh, switch off your brain and enjoy a grand Bollywood entertainer with your family, Welcome To The Jungle delivers exactly what it promises. Sometimes, that's more than enough. Director : Ahmed Khan, Producer : Firoz A Nadiadwala Cast : Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aj1hFVbRV8_Qf44R_welcometothejungle.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-25T15:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-welcome-to-the-jungle"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Cocktail 2'"},"content":{"text":"Some relationships don’t end because people stop loving each other. They end because love alone isn’t always enough. Backed by Maddock Films and producer Dinesh Vijan, a banner known for delivering some of the most memorable entertainers and relationship dramas in recent years, Cocktail 2 is yet another winner. Directed by Homi Adajania, the film explores modern relationships with warmth, maturity and emotional honesty, resulting in a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. While the original film thrived on youthful chaos, Cocktail 2 takes a more mature route. It examines what happens when comfort begins to replace excitement, when commitment feels heavier than romance, and when life forces people to question whether the relationship they’ve built is still the one they truly want. The Story: Kunal (Shahid Kapoor) and Diya (Rashmika Mandanna) have been together for years. What started as a college romance has survived distance, changing priorities and the challenges of adulthood. Their relationship is comfortable, familiar and seemingly stable, but beneath the surface, cracks have begun to appear. Diya finds herself grappling with expectations around marriage and commitment, while Kunal continues holding on to a version of their relationship that may no longer exist. Their lives take an unexpected turn during a trip to Sicily, where they meet Ally (Kriti Sanon), a free spirited woman who lives entirely on her own terms. As the three grow closer, the film gradually unfolds into something far more complex than a traditional love triangle. Friendships blur into emotional attachments, loyalties are tested and difficult questions emerge about love, compatibility and personal happiness. What makes the narrative work is that it never reduces its characters to heroes or villains. Everyone is flawed, everyone makes mistakes and that honesty gives the film its emotional weight. Performances: Shahid Kapoor delivers one of his most mature performances in recent years. Kunal is a character filled with contradictions and Shahid captures every shade beautifully. Whether he’s expressing quiet heartbreak, frustration or vulnerability, he keeps the audience invested throughout. Rashmika Mandanna brings warmth and authenticity to Diya. Many of her moments feel incredibly relatable, particularly when she navigates the pressures placed on women regarding relationships and life choices. She handles both the lighter and emotionally intense scenes with confidence and restraint. Kriti Sanon is exceptional as Ally. What initially appears to be a carefree and impulsive character slowly reveals surprising emotional depth. Kriti balances Ally’s charm, unpredictability and vulnerability effortlessly, creating one of the film’s most memorable performances. Together, the trio share terrific chemistry. Their interactions feel natural and lived-in, making every friendship, confrontation and emotional conflict feel genuine. Kriti and Rashmika also share some thoroughly entertaining moments, adding another engaging layer to the film’s relationship dynamics. Writing, Dialogues and Relationships: One of the film’s biggest strengths is its writing. The relationships feel layered and believable, with conversations that reflect how people actually communicate rather than how movie characters are expected to speak. The dialogues are sharp, mature and emotionally effective. Several confrontations land with impact because they come from a place of truth rather than melodrama. The film consistently keeps you invested in its characters and the choices they make, while balancing romance, friendship and self-discovery with remarkable ease. Music and Visuals: Pritam’s music blends seamlessly into the storytelling, elevating both the emotional and romantic moments. The songs never interrupt the narrative and instead become a natural extension of it. Visually, the film is stunning. Sicily provides a breathtaking backdrop, with every frame looking postcard worthy without ever feeling excessive. The cinematography, fashion and overall production design add tremendous richness to the viewing experience, making the film as beautiful to look at as it is emotionally engaging. What Could Have Worked Better: A few emotional stretches in the latter half could have been slightly more concise. The Verdict: Cocktail 2 is a beautifully crafted film about love, friendship, self discovery and the difficult choices that come with growing up. It doesn’t offer easy answers and that’s precisely what makes it work. Produced by Maddock Films and Luv Films, backed by outstanding performances from Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, thoughtful writing, gorgeous visuals and strong emotional payoffs, the film delivers a deeply satisfying experience. A heartfelt, visually stunning and emotionally resonant drama that reminds us that sometimes the hardest part of love isn’t finding it, it’s understanding what to do with it once you have it. The result is a relationship drama that stays with you long after the credits roll. Banner: Maddock Films and Luv Films Producer: Dinesh Vijan Director: Homi Adajania Music: Pritam Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Kriti Sanon and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ah7YRgeQX7-eWjSA_cocktail2.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-19T04:48:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-cocktail-2"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Maa Inti Bangaram'"},"content":{"text":"At a time when it was widely assumed Samantha had limited her career to Bollywood, all eyes are on this Telugu film she has undertaken. It is well known that Samantha has previously worked under Nandini Reddy's direction; their collaboration naturally generates positive buzz. Furthermore, expectations have soared because the film is produced by Raj Nidimoru. Let us see in this review whether the movie lives up to those expectations. Story: Swarna (Samantha), who entered into a love marriage with Anirudh (Diganth Manchale), steps into her in-laws' home after a long time due to certain circumstances. She struggles to fit into the joint family environment. Despite the difficulties, she makes earnest efforts to bond with the family members and win their approval. Swarna carries a past—a flashback—associated with her love marriage. This flashback becomes the source of emerging problems within her in-laws' household.  What are these problems? What exactly is Swarna's flashback? To find out what Swarna did at her in-laws' house, one simply has to watch the movie. Performances: Samantha’s acting needs no special introduction. The action sequences she performed in this film are impressive; seeing her execute action scenes while dressed in a traditional saree felt fresh and novel. She delivered a performance that felt distinct—and even better—than her work in previous films. Beyond action, she also showcased her acting prowess in emotional and dramatic scenes. It is evident that she poured her experience into the role, truly doing justice to the character of Swarna. Her appearance seemed slightly different compared to the past, but that change suited the character perfectly.  Overall, Samantha succeeded in fully justifying the role she chose. The supporting cast performed well within the scope of their roles; Gulshan Devaiah, in particular, stood out, and his portrayal of the villain was impressive. Gautami had limited screen time but made a good impression within that scope. Sreemukhi also impressed with a different look. Technical: Director Nandini Reddy has once again presented a unique concept to the audience, and her direction is impressive. The storytelling and screenplay could have benefited from a bit more detail. Some of the dialogues are excellent, particularly those in the emotional scenes, which are truly touching. The music is decent; one or two songs have already gained popularity among the audience, though there isn't much else to highlight regarding the soundtrack beyond those tracks.  However, the background score was impressive. The cinematography was good; Om Prakash’s work made the action scenes appear quite realistic, ensuring the film remained engaging. The cinematography also deserves praise for how it presented Samantha’s look. The production values ​​align well with the story. Apart from minor editing flaws, everything else was solid. Analysis: The mere mention of a Samantha film generates audience interest comparable to that of movies starring big male stars. Director Nandini Reddy lived up to this expectation by weaving the story around a massive flashback sequence, much like those seen in big-star films. However, there are some illogical scenes. More care could have been taken with the dramatic elements; specifically, the portrayal of the new daughter-in-law's conduct in her in-laws' home didn't feel quite right.  Additionally, there were some issues in seamlessly connecting the flashback episode to the present-day narrative. An effort was made to deliver good entertainment. Overall, the film appeals to the average viewer, particularly family audiences. If one overlooks a few illogical scenes, the movie is enjoyable. It is a must-watch for Samantha’s fans and serves as a good \"time-pass\" movie for general audiences. Plus Points: Samantha, Flashback scenes, Action sequences.  Minus Points: Some illogical scenes, Boring moments here and there, Lack of mass elements. Verdict: A film that Samantha's fans will appreciate Banner: Tralala Moving Pictures Producers: Samantha, Raj Nidimoru, Himank Reddy Duvvuru Director: B.V. Nandini Reddy Music: Santhosh Narayanan Cast: Samantha, Sreemukhi, Gulshan Devaiah, Diganth Manchale, Gautami, Srinivas Gavireddy, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ajUbm41P9HI4UuRN_MIB.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-19T07:36:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-maa-inti-bangaram"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai'"},"content":{"text":"Some films are designed to make you think. Others are designed to make you laugh till your cheeks hurt. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, directed by David Dhawan, proudly belongs to the latter category. Loaded with misunderstandings, larger-than-life characters, romance, family drama and non-stop comedy, the film embraces the classic Bollywood entertainer template and delivers exactly what it promises. Written by David Dhawan with screenplay by Yunus Sajawal and dialogues by Farhad Samji, the film thrives on its energetic storytelling and unapologetically chaotic humour. The Story: At the heart of the film is Jass, a lovable and impulsive man whose life takes an unexpected turn when personal relationships, family expectations and a series of unfortunate circumstances collide at the same time. Without revealing too much, the story follows Jass as he finds himself caught in an increasingly complicated situation involving his estranged wife Baani and Preet, a woman who unexpectedly enters his life. What begins as a relationship drama soon snowballs into a full-fledged comedy of errors, leading to a chain of misunderstandings, secrets and hilarious situations. The narrative constantly throws Jass from one problem into another, ensuring there is never a dull moment. While the premise is outrageous, the film fully commits to its madness, making the ride entertaining from start to finish. Performances: Varun Dhawan is in his element as Jass. His comic timing, boundless energy and natural screen presence carry the film effortlessly. He understands the rhythm of David Dhawan's brand of comedy and delivers a performance that is both charming and consistently entertaining. Mrunal Thakur brings warmth and emotional depth to Baani, ensuring that the character remains relatable amidst the chaos unfolding around her. She balances the film's emotional moments effectively and shares a comfortable chemistry with Varun. Pooja Hegde lights up the screen as Preet. Confident, glamorous and full of spark, she adds freshness to the narrative and keeps the momentum alive whenever she appears. Among the supporting cast, Maniesh Paul is a scene stealer, delivering several laugh-out-loud moments with effortless ease. Jimmy Sheirgill, Chunky Pandey, Kubbra Sait, Rakesh Bedi and Mouni Roy contribute well to the ensemble, each adding their own flavour to the madness. Dialogues and Humour: Farhad Samji's dialogues play a major role in keeping the entertainment quotient high. The punchlines land well, the situational comedy works and several one-liners are likely to draw applause from audiences in packed theatres. The film embraces old-school Bollywood comedy while updating it for contemporary viewers, creating a blend that feels familiar yet accessible. Music and Technical Aspects: The music complements the film's upbeat tone, while the vibrant visuals and colourful production design add to its festive appeal. David Dhawan keeps the pace brisk for most parts, ensuring the narrative rarely loses momentum. What Could Have Worked Better: Some comedic stretches feel slightly overextended and a few situations require audiences to completely suspend disbelief. However, these are minor concerns in a film that is more interested in entertaining than being realistic. Final Word: Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is a quintessential David Dhawan entertainer that embraces confusion, comedy and chaos with complete conviction. Powered by Varun Dhawan's infectious energy, solid support from Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, the film delivers a thoroughly enjoyable big-screen experience. If you're looking for logic, this may not be your destination. If you're looking for laughter, fun and a dose of classic Bollywood masala, this film delivers in abundance."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aiKZMAeQX7-eW1yO_HaiJawaniTohIshqHonaHai.jpg?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-05T03:39:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-hai-jawani-toh-ishq-hona-hai"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Peddi'"},"content":{"text":"Buchi Babu grabbed everyone's attention with his debut film, 'Uppena'. Having grossed over 100 crores with his very first movie, he caught the eye of several star heroes. Even NTR expressed interest in working with him. A project with NTR was confirmed; however, for various reasons, it never materialized.  Buchi Babu subsequently spent the last two years collaborating closely with Ram Charan to bring this film to life. Given the massive hype surrounding it, let's see how the movie actually turned out in this review. Story: The story of 'Peddi' revolves around the journey of a 'sports laborer'—a man named Peddi (Ram Charan)—who is driven by an unwavering determination to showcase the existence of his village to the world. Hailing from a village that doesn't even have a name, Peddi earns his livelihood as a sports laborer. While he has built a good reputation as a cricketer, he eventually comes to believe that true recognition for his village can be achieved not through cricket, but through wrestling. However, recognition for the village does not come through wrestling either. So, how did the entire world eventually come to talk about this nameless village—exactly as 'Peddi' had wished? What daring feat did 'Peddi' undertake to make that happen? That forms the crux of the story.  Performances: Ram Charan’s performance is magnificent. Throughout the entire first half of the film, he captivates the audience in his role as a cricketer. He appears to execute spectacular shots, just like a professional cricketer would; indeed, one feels as though they are watching a genuine cricketer in Ram Charan. It is often said that Ram Charan naturally excels in emotional scenes, and there is absolutely no doubt that he truly lived the emotional moments leading up to the interval and during the film's climax. Furthermore, he elevated the musical numbers to extraordinary heights through his dancing—going above and beyond what was expected. Ram Charan showcases his absolute best dancing skills in this movie. He also impresses equally in both the action sequences and the sports-centric scenes. As for the female lead, Janhvi Kapoor—while she is credited as the heroine, she has very little scope to perform and is not an integral part of the core narrative. Moreover, her screen presence is shockingly brief. Janhvi Kapoor practically disappears entirely during the second half of the film. However, it must be noted that she did manage to grab some attention in the first half by flaunting her physique.  Jagapathi Babu, who appears in the first half, delivers a captivating performance in his emotional scenes. Meanwhile, Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar impresses in his role as a wrestling mentor; his mere look alone wins over half the audience, and his acting prowess requires no special mention. Finally, it must be stated that none of the other supporting characters were given any significant prominence. Technical: The film's music has been a prominent topic of discussion right from the very beginning. Director Buchi Babu made a deliberate and specific choice to enlist A.R. Rahman as the music director for the film. Consequently, everyone anticipated that 'Peddi' would capture the audience's attention primarily through its musical elements. True to expectations, the songs proved to be a resounding success. Furthermore, the background score was equally impressive; with the exception of one or two isolated moments, Rahman's background music was captivating throughout the rest of the film. The cinematography also earns high marks. A commendable effort was made to authentically depict the atmosphere and conditions of the 1990s era. The camera work was particularly effective in a few sequences—most notably during the sports scenes. The first half of the film felt somewhat dragged out, suggesting that the editing could have been tighter. The production values, however, were excellent. Director Buchi Babu selected a compelling core concept; yet, it felt as though he was unable to craft a screenplay that did full justice to that premise. Some of the dialogues were well-written. Analysis: Buchi Babu has garnered a strong reputation as a director who managed to achieve a ₹100-crore box office collection with his very first film. Moreover, since the outset, there has been considerable buzz suggesting that he is in no way inferior to his mentor, Sukumar. Reports have surfaced claiming that this particular story—which was originally penned with NTR in mind—was ultimately filmed with Ram Charan. Leaving aside the veracity of those reports, it appears that Ram Charan gave his approval to the project based solely on the strength of the story's core premise. However, watching the film makes it evident that a compelling premise alone is not sufficient to carry an entire movie. The narrative centers on the protagonist participating in three distinct sports to showcase the existence and identity of his hometown to the world. Given this premise, it was imperative that the portrayal of these specific sports be significantly elevated and given greater prominence within the film. Apart from cricket, no other sport was given significant prominence.  The first half dragged on in a boring manner. The second half was somewhat passable, barring a few emotional scenes. It must be said that Director Buchi Babu failed to effectively showcase the sports elements—which are absolutely crucial to the screenplay. With the exception of a few sequences, the majority of the film feels tedious. However, there is no doubt that this serves as a delightful treat for Ram Charan's fans. Viewed from a fan's perspective, the film earns high marks; yet, it must be acknowledged that for a regular moviegoer, it may not quite hit the mark. Plus Points: Ram Charan A few sports sequences The songs Minus Points: The slow pacing of the first half The screenplay The heroine's role The lack of prominence given to the villains Conclusion... The 'Peddi' games are boring. Banners: Vriddhi Cinemas, Mythri Movie Makers Producers: Venkata Satish Kilaru, Ishan Saxena Direction: Buchi Babu Music: A.R. Rahman Cast: Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, Divyendu, Boman Irani, Upendra, Satya, Chammak Chandra, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aiCF9AeQX7-eWrDe_peddi.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-03T19:52:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-peddi"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: Made in India – A Titan Story"},"content":{"text":"Rarely does a series manage to be both inspiring and cinematically gripping—but Made in India – A Titan Story achieves exactly that, and does it with remarkable finesse. The Story: Where Vision Meets Legacy   At its core, the series is a tribute to belief—the kind that builds institutions. It traces the journey of Xerxes Desai, a man driven by vision, and the unwavering faith J.R.D. Tata placed in him. What unfolds is not just the story of Titan Watches, but of an idea that refused to stay small. It is about ambition, risk, and the quiet power of trust that turns dreams into legacy. Performances That Stay With You   Jim Sarbh delivers one of his most layered performances to date. His portrayal of Xerxes Desai is controlled yet deeply emotional, capturing the vulnerability and determination of a man chasing something bigger than himself. Naseeruddin Shah, as J.R.D. Tata, is understated brilliance. Even with limited screen time, his presence defines the emotional spine of the series—commanding, graceful, and quietly powerful. The ensemble cast adds richness to the narrative. Each character feels lived-in and purposeful—whether it’s Namita Dubey’s sincerity, Lakshveer Saran’s emotional weight, or Kaveri Seth’s authenticity. Supporting performances from Vaibhav Tatwawadi, Paresh Ganatra, Ashwath Bhatt, Viraf Patel, Joy Sengupta, and Prateeksha Lonkar create a world that feels real and immersive. Craft, Scale, and Storytelling :  Director Robbie Grewal handles the material with precision and maturity, allowing the story to breathe while maintaining a steady narrative grip. The storytelling never feels rushed, yet never loses momentum. The writing by Karan Vyas is sharp and confident, with dialogues that feel organic yet impactful. Visually, the show carries a cinematic scale—elegant production design, carefully chosen locations, and a background score that subtly amplifies the emotional beats. The integration of classic music adds texture without overwhelming the narrative. Final Word: Backing a story like this requires both courage and conviction, and Almighty Motion Picture deserves credit for bringing it to life. Co-produced with T-Series Films, Made in India – A Titan Story is not just a series—it’s an experience that fills you with immense pride for India and reminds you of the power of vision, perseverance, and nation-building. Patriotism naturally seeps in as the story unfolds. It’s one of a kind story that inspires, engages, and stays with you long after it ends."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ah_UIAeQX7-eWo7C_madeinindia.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-03T05:14:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-made-in-india--a-titan-story"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Drishyam 3'"},"content":{"text":"This film serves as a sequel to 'Drishyam 1' (released in 2013) and 'Drishyam 2' (released in 2021). With the 'Drishyam' franchise, Jeethu Joseph garnered a nationwide fan base. Consequently, whenever a new 'Drishyam 3' installment is announced, it immediately sparks immense curiosity among audiences.  Venkatesh had previously remade the first two 'Drishyam' films, bringing them to the Telugu audience. However, for this third installment, Mohanlal himself has presented the film directly to the Telugu audience today. Despite being a dubbed film, the expectations and interest among the Telugu audience are exceptionally high. Let's see in this review whether the film lives up to those expectations. Story: George (Mohanlal) produces a feature film titled 'Drishyam', based on the actual events that unfolded in his own life. The movie receives a positive reception and garners massive box-office collections. Meanwhile, discussions regarding Varun's murder resurface once again. As the topic of Varun's murder gains traction on social media, George begins looking for suitable alliances to arrange the marriage of his eldest daughter, Anu.  In this sequence of events, Varun's father, Prabhakar (Siddique), devises a plan to reopen the Varun murder case and execute an arrest precisely on the day of Anu's wedding. However, George cleverly manages to evade capture. Nevertheless, George and his family members find themselves in deep trouble due to another plan orchestrated by Prabhakar.  What are these troubles? And how does George manage to protect his family from them? That forms the crux of the film's story. Performances: Just as he impressed audiences with his nuanced and understated acting in the first two installments, Mohanlal once again delivers a captivating performance in this film as a responsible and devoted father. In particular, the anguish he portrays in certain scenes makes him feel truly like a real-life father. There is absolutely no doubt that Mohanlal has delivered a stellar performance as an average father who constantly worries about the future of his two daughters—never going overboard, yet never holding back. There isn't much to say regarding Meena's role, as she was given very little scope to showcase her acting prowess. However, she was impressive in terms of her appearance in the role of a mother, and she performed aptly in accordance with the demands of a character who is a mother to two children. The actresses who played George's daughters were also impressive; their characters have been a continuous presence since the very first installment. Much like in the first two films, their acting and on-screen presence were captivating in this installment as well. However, it must be noted that in this particular film, their screen time and scope for acting were significantly limited. As for the actors playing the supporting roles, their performances were decent and adequate for their respective characters.  Technical: Music director Anil Johnson does not appear to have put in much effort. He relied heavily on the background score used in the first installment. During suspense sequences, the music felt formulaic and uninspired; it should have been composed in a manner that heightened the intrigue.  There are significant flaws in the editing; specifically, many scenes in the first half felt dragged out. Despite the first half being relatively short in duration, it still came across as boring. It appears that director Jeethu Joseph focused more on the protagonist's character and on maintaining the suspense than on the narrative itself this time around.  The production values, as always, remained modest and aligned with the requirements of the story. Analysis: For audiences who have previously watched both installments of the 'Drushyam' franchise in Telugu, watching the dubbed version this time around might feel somewhat unfamiliar. In other words, viewers accustomed to seeing Venkatesh and the other actors in those roles across the first two films may feel slightly disoriented upon seeing Mohanlal and the Malayalam cast. Many scenes also retain a distinct \"Malayalam flavor,\" placing the film quite far removed from a typical Telugu cultural context.  Consequently, it may not be particularly easy for Telugu audiences to fully connect with the story. Nevertheless, for those who enjoyed the previous two installments of the 'Drushyam' franchise, this film is worth a one-time watch. The first half unfolded very slowly and failed to effectively draw the audience into the narrative. Conversely, the second half felt rushed, as if hurrying to reach the climax. Some of the suspense sequences felt forced and shoehorned into the plot.  However, one or two of the twists introduced within the story were engaging. However, on the whole, it must be admitted that the film failed to captivate audiences in the way its predecessors did. Towards the end, a hint was dropped suggesting the possibility of a 'Drishyam 4'. It remains to be seen when that installment will arrive and what form it will take. Plus Points: Mohanlal's performance, The twists in the plot, The main storyline. Minus Points: Slow-paced screenplay in the first half, Editing, Lack of prominence given to characters other than George. Conclusion: This Malayalam 'Drishyam' sequel feels somewhat forced Banner: Aashirvad Cinemas Producer: Antony Perumbavoor Direction: Jeethu Joseph Music: Anil Johnson Cast: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Asha Sharath, Shanthi Mayadevi, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ag7UpaYofJOwHelj_Drushyam3.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-21T09:20:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-drishyam-3"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Aakhri Sawal'"},"content":{"text":"There are films that entertain, there are films that provoke, and then there are films like Aakhri Sawal that arrive like a storm and force an entire nation to confront the questions it has avoided for decades. Directed by Abhijeet Mohan Warang and Produced by Nikhil Nanda, this hard-hitting political drama is not designed to comfort the audience. It is designed to challenge them, disturb them, and leave them thinking long after the credits roll. At a time when mainstream cinema often plays safe, Aakhri Sawal chooses courage. The film openly touches upon some of the nation’s most controversial and emotionally charged subjects — from the demolition of the Babri Masjid to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi — and raises questions that generations have debated but never fully answered. What makes the film even more shocking is the unapologetic honesty with which these conversations are presented. The narrative dares to ask whether organizations like the RSS had deeper involvement in these historic events, and the way the film lays out its perspective and facts leaves the audience stunned. There are moments where the sheer boldness of the writing genuinely makes your jaw drop. Sanjay Dutt delivers what can easily be called one of the most intense performances of his career. This is not the larger-than-life Sanjay Dutt audiences are used to seeing. This is a restrained, wounded, fearless performer carrying the weight of history, anger, and truth in his eyes. Every dialogue lands with impact, and every silent moment speaks even louder. His performance elevates the film from being just politically relevant to emotionally unforgettable. The biggest surprise package, however, is Namashi Chakraborty. He emerges as the soul of the film and proves that he is far more than what audiences expected. His sincerity, emotional depth, and screen presence add an unpredictable energy to the narrative. Several scenes involving him leave a lasting impact and showcase an actor ready for much bigger recognition. One of the strongest aspects of Aakhri Sawal is its newsroom debate sequences. These portions are written with remarkable intensity and intelligence, constantly keeping the audience intrigued. The confrontations feel raw and real, almost like watching a nation argue with itself on screen. Some sequences are so emotionally charged and haunting that they genuinely stir your soul. Visually, the film maintains tension throughout. Every frame carries weight and purpose, ensuring that the audience remains invested till the very end. The storytelling never loses grip despite dealing with layered political and historical themes. Instead of becoming preachy, the film remains emotionally engaging and deeply human. The supporting cast including Amit Sadh, Sameera Reddy, Neetu Chandra and Tridha Choudhury deliver some of their most impactful performances ever, adding further strength to the film’s emotionally heavy narrative. Producer Nikhil Nanda deserves appreciation for backing a subject this fearless and uncompromising. Aakhri Sawal does not feel like just another film. It feels like a conversation India was never prepared to have openly. Bold, unsettling, emotional, and brutally honest, the film succeeds in doing what very few political dramas achieve it makes the audience uncomfortable while also keeping them completely engaged. This is courageous cinema in its purest form."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/agbLRqYofJOwHQ43_aakhrisawal.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-15T06:29:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-aakhri-sawal"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: Daadi Ki Shaadi"},"content":{"text":"The film revolves around Kapil, who is navigating an arranged marriage setup when he meets Sadia Khateeb, his prospective match. Just when things begin to settle into a traditional roka, the situation takes an unexpected turn, Sadia’s daadi announces her own decision to get married, completely shifting the emotional and social dynamics of the family. The story moves to Shimla, where the daadi (Neetu Kapoor) lives alone. Her two sons and daughter rush to Shimla after reading online about her decision to remarry at this age, especially as her phone is switched off, leaving them worried and unable to reach her. Caught in the middle of this chaos is Kapil, who is deeply in love with Sadia Khateeb. Even after his own roka is called off under the belief that his union cannot continue if the daadi is remarrying, he chooses to stay connected to Sadia. He eventually joins the family’s chaotic mission, though with a very different intent: to stop the daadi’s wedding and salvage his own love story in the process. What unfolds is a mix of emotional clashes, comedic misunderstandings, and generational conflict, eventually building towards a surprisingly heartfelt resolution that touches upon family, acceptance, and letting go. Performances: Neetu Kapoor is the undeniable anchor of the film, delivering a graceful yet fearless performance as the daadi. She brings warmth, dignity, and emotional unpredictability, making her character both endearing and impactful. Kapil Sharma balances humour and emotion with ease. His performance feels natural, especially as his character transitions from a hopeful groom to someone emotionally entangled in a much larger family conflict. Sadia Khateeb lends quiet strength to her role, portraying confusion, affection, and emotional restraint with sincerity. She remains the emotional bridge between the chaotic family dynamics. The supporting cast, playing the daadi’s children, effectively drives the central conflict, bringing in frustration, humour, and generational resistance that fuels the narrative. Direction and Writing: The film stands out for its emotional clarity and grounded storytelling, leaning into relatable family dynamics and human reactions. The writing is on point and effective, allowing situations to unfold naturally rather than forcefully. Ashish R Mohan’s direction is confident and patient, often letting silence, reactions, and awkward family exchanges carry as much weight as dialogue. This gives the film its authenticity and emotional depth. Music and Visuals: The music complements the narrative without overwhelming it, subtly enhancing emotional and light-hearted moments. Visually, the film maintains a warm, accessible tone, making the world feel familiar and lived-in. Verdict: A heartfelt, well-crafted family entertainer that blends generational conflict, humour, and emotion into a cohesive experience. It works because of its sincerity and its ability to find humour within emotional chaos. Final Word: Warm, chaotic, and deeply human, this is family cinema done right."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/af2G8qYofJOwG-KX_KapilDaadiKiShaadi.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C874%2C431&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-08T05:59:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"daadi-ki-shaadi-movie-review"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Raja Shivaji'"},"content":{"text":"Riteish Deshmukh returns to direction with Raja Shivaji, and the ambition here is immediately evident. Taking on the roles of actor, writer, and director, he reshapes the familiar historical biopic into something more reflective and immersive. Told through a chapter-based narrative in a bilingual format, the film unfolds less like a conventional drama and more like a carefully written manuscript, measured, deliberate, and emotionally layered. What stands out most is the film’s clear intent: this is not a story of war, but of a warrior. There are no overwhelming, large-scale battle sequences designed purely for spectacle. Instead, the narrative chooses to focus on the making of Shivaji Maharaj, his thoughts, his influences, and the journey that shaped him into a leader. This approach gives the film a quieter strength, allowing it to connect on a more personal level. A significant portion of the film is devoted to Shivaji’s early years and coming-of-age. It thoughtfully explores the lesser-known aspects of his upbringing, placing strong emphasis on the role of his mother, Jijabai. Her presence becomes the emotional anchor of the story, illustrating how values, vision, and resilience were instilled in him long before he became a legendary figure. The focus on family and formative relationships adds richness, making his evolution feel deeply human rather than mythic. At the center, Riteish Deshmukh delivers a restrained and composed performance. His portrayal avoids excessive grandeur, instead leaning into stillness and quiet intensity. As a filmmaker, he shows notable control allowing moments to breathe and trusting the material rather than overdramatizing it. Genelia Deshmukh’s involvement is felt in the film’s emotional texture. There’s a softness in how relationships are handled, a sensitivity that balances the larger historical canvas. This is especially evident in the film’s quieter passages, where personal moments are given as much importance as political developments. Young Rahyl Deshmukh brings a natural charm to the role of the young Shivaji, capturing innocence and curiosity in a way that makes the early chapters particularly engaging and heartfelt. Among the supporting cast, Vidya Balan as Badi Begam leaves a strong impression with a performance marked by subtlety and intelligence. She brings both emotional depth and political nuance without resorting to overt dramatics. Sanjay Dutt’s Afzal Khan is equally compelling - his portrayal carries an underlying tension, defined by cunning, cruelty, and a quiet, looming menace that makes him deeply unsettling.   Fardeen Khan’s Shah Jahan is defined by restraint. Much of his presence is built around observation and waiting particularly in moments linked to the completion of the Taj Mahal giving the character a composed, watchful quality rather than overt authority. Abhishek Bachchan, as Sambhaji, delivers one of the film’s more emotionally layered performances, reflecting the burden of legacy with quiet internal conflict. A brief but impactful cameo by Salman Khan as Jiva Mahala adds emotional weight. The moment resonates not because of scale, but because of the personal loyalty it represents. The supporting ensemble including Bhagyashree as Jijabai, Sachin Khedekar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Boman Irani, Jitendra Joshi, and Amole Gupte ensures that the world feels complete and intentional. Each character contributes meaningfully to the narrative’s emotional and political fabric. Visually, Santosh Sivan’s cinematography lends the film a grounded grandeur. The landscapes feel authentic, and even the action is staged with clarity rather than chaos. Ajay–Atul’s music further elevates the experience, maintaining an emotional rhythm that complements the storytelling without overwhelming it. The blend of Marathi and Hindi elements adds cultural authenticity. Backed by Jio Studios and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under Mumbai Film Company, the film maintains a fine balance between scale and discipline. Its ambition is evident, but it never loses control of its narrative focus. While Raja Shivaji is designed as a Pan-India film, it carries a special resonance for audiences in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Releasing around Maharashtra Day, it feels like more than just a cinematic event, it comes across as a heartfelt cultural tribute.  More than a tale of war, it stands as a lesson in leadership, resilience, and pride, one that deserves to be known and felt by every Indian. Director: Riteish Deshmukh,   Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amole Gupte, Genelia Deshmukh and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/afRcDsBOoF08xh7T_rajashivaji.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-05-01T06:54:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-raja-shivaji"}}]}},"pageContext":{"isCreatedByStatefulCreatePages":true}}