{"data":{"all":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["politics","featured","three"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"1 Cr Ex-Gratia: Will CBN Go Extra Mile?"},"content":{"text":"Politics often divides leaders, but tragedies sometimes offer an opportunity to rise above party lines. The devastating blast at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, which has claimed nine lives and left several workers battling for survival, has now triggered a political challenge from YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Jagan has demanded that the government provide an additional Rs 1 crore ex-gratia to each victim's family, over and above the compensation package already announced, along with employment for a family member. The question now is whether Chandrababu Naidu will accept the demand and transform a political issue into a humanitarian gesture. The state government has already announced compensation, employment support, educational assistance for children, housing benefits, and medical coverage for the injured. However, Jagan argues that a significant portion of the announced package consists of statutory benefits, insurance claims, and retirement dues that rightfully belong to the workers. His demand for an additional Rs 1 crore mirrors the compensation announced during the LG Polymers tragedy and seeks to establish a stronger precedent for industrial disaster victims. For Chandrababu Naidu, the decision carries both political and moral significance. Accepting the demand would send a strong message that worker welfare transcends political differences. It would reassure thousands of employees working in hazardous industrial environments that the government stands firmly behind them during times of crisis. Such a move could also soften criticism that successive governments have failed to adequately address safety concerns within the steel plant. At the same time, the government may argue that compensation cannot become a competitive political exercise and that financial assistance must follow established policies and legal frameworks. Officials may also point out that several benefits announced for the victims' families extend far beyond immediate cash compensation. Yet beyond the politics lies a deeper issue. The families who lost their breadwinners are not concerned about which party gets the credit. Their immediate concern is financial security, education for their children, and a stable future. Whether the compensation is called ex-gratia, relief, or assistance matters little compared to the assurance that their lives will not collapse after the tragedy. As public sympathy continues to pour in for the victims, Chandrababu Naidu faces a choice. He can reject the opposition's demand and defend the existing package, or he can embrace the proposal and position himself as a leader willing to rise above politics when human lives are at stake. In moments like these, governments are often remembered not for the announcements they make, but for the compassion they show."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2Fbb599b1a-2f7d-49d0-ae54-24a236966bdb_chandrababu+naidu.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,54,1200,592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T12:57:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"1-cr-ex-gratia-will-cbn-go-the-extra-mile"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Drishyam 3 in Number Plate Controversy"},"content":{"text":"The makers of Mohanlal’s blockbuster film Drishyam 3 are facing a legal challenge after a vehicle owner from Idukki alleged that his vehicle registration number was used in the film without his knowledge or permission. Rajeev, a resident of Kunchithanny in Idukki, has filed a complaint against the film’s producer, Antony Perumbavoor, director Jeethu Joseph, and other crew members, alleging that the registration number of his personal vehicle was falsely shown as the number of the vehicle used by the film’s central character, played by Mohanlal. In his complaint submitted to the Munnar DySP, Rajeev demanded that all scenes in which his vehicle number appears be removed from the film immediately. He also submitted a copy of his vehicle’s Registration Certificate (RC) as evidence to support his claim. Rajeev alleged that the unauthorised display of his vehicle number plate could create serious personal and legal complications for him. According to him, any incidents involving the number shown on the screen could lead to unnecessary trouble for the vehicle's actual owner. “Now, with the film getting traction, people who saw the film have started reacting, seeing my vehicle as a ‘Drishyam’ vehicle. Mostly these comments have come from the new generation,” said Rajeev. Interestingly, Rajeev’s vehicle is a Mahindra Scorpio, while the vehicle shown being used by the character in the film is of an entirely different brand. Despite this, he claims the registration number displayed in the movie matches the one assigned to his vehicle. The complainant said he was neither approached nor informed by the filmmakers before using the number plate in the film. He has now decided to pursue further legal action against the production team if the scenes are not removed. The complaint has raised questions about the use of real vehicle registration details in films and the filmmakers' responsibility to ensure that such details do not cause difficulties for unsuspecting individuals."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aBs7uidWJ-7kRs_h_mohanlal.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T12:44:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"drishyam-3-in-number-plate-controversy"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics","featured","one"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Hyd's Growth Story Ends Where the Rain Begins"},"content":{"text":"Hyderabad proudly markets itself as a global technology hub, a city of innovation, investment, and futuristic ambitions. Yet, all it took was one hour of moderate rain to expose a harsh reality. On Tuesday, key stretches in Gachibowli, Hitec City, Financial District, and surrounding areas turned into virtual parking lots as roads disappeared under water and commuters spent hours trapped in traffic. For thousands of working professionals, students, and daily wage earners, the evening commute became an exhausting test of patience. The obvious question citizens are asking is simple: What exactly are HYDRA and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation doing? Every monsoon, authorities promise better drainage, encroachment removal, flood mitigation plans, and smart city solutions. Yet, the same locations continue to flood year after year. If roads around Hyderabad's most premium business districts cannot withstand an hour of rain, how can citizens trust claims of world-class infrastructure? At the same time, the government appears focused on unveiling grand visions like the proposed Future City. While long-term planning is important, shouldn't the immediate priority be fixing the city people are living in today? What is the value of building tomorrow's city when today's Hyderabad struggles with basic urban management? A software engineer stuck for three hours in traffic or a family stranded on waterlogged roads is unlikely to be inspired by futuristic presentations and ambitious master plans. The growing frustration among citizens is not merely about rainwater or traffic congestion. It is about accountability. Politicians often appear during project inaugurations and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, but ordinary residents rarely see them experiencing the daily struggles of commuting through flooded roads, navigating broken infrastructure, or enduring hours of gridlock. Governance cannot happen from conference halls alone. Hyderabad's taxpayers deserve answers, not excuses. They deserve functioning drainage systems, better urban planning, and real-time accountability from civic agencies. Leaders must step out of their comfort zones, leave behind the grand speeches, and witness firsthand what a common citizen faces during a single rainy evening. Public patience is wearing thin, and the message from Hyderabad's roads is becoming impossible to ignore: fix the present before selling dreams of the future."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ailWwQeQX7-eXKfG_HyderabadRains.png?auto=format,compress&rect=0,34,877,432&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T07:11:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgRS6pzUqnM"}},"uid":"hyds-growth-story-ends-where-the-rain-begins"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Revanth Reddy Dragged Into RS Row"},"content":{"text":"Amid row over rejection of nomination of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan for Rajya Sabha in Madhya Pradesh, Congress MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy on Wednesday lodged a police complaint against certain social media accounts for spreading what he called \"malicious propaganda\" against Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. In the complaint filed with the Central Crime Station, he named 'Telugu Scribe' and other social media accounts for propagating on social media that there is a conspiracy by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy behind rejection of the nomination of Meenakshi Natarajan, the Telangana Congress In-Charge. Congress MP Kiran Kumar Reddy requested that a full-fledged investigation be conducted on this and an FIR be registered. The Lok Sabha member from Bhuvanagiri sought action against 'Telugu Scribe', its handlers, associated persons and political conspirators for executing a \"deep-rooted political conspiracy, fabricating electronics records, distributing fake news and publishing highly defamatory content targeting the Chief Minister\". \"This is a clear case of an organised attempt by a digital proxy entity acting on behalf of an opposition party in Telangana, which was recently rejected by the people and is desperate to regain political ground, to destabilise the democratically-elected state government and breach public tranquillity,\" the complaint said. The Congress MP said that accused individuals published a post on social media platforms X and Instagram, alleging that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy executed a secret conspiracy against Meenakshi Natarajan by covertly sharing old legal case details with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders. Meanwhile, addressing a press conference, Kiran Kumar Reddy alleged that BJP and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) are hatching conspiracies to join hands.  He alleged that opposition parties BJP and BRS are working together to create trouble for the Congress in Telangana. He clarified that there is only a private complaint against Meenakshi Natarajan, and there is no need to show it under the 'case' Section in Form-26 as per the Representation of the People Act."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ailXxweQX7-eXKfr_KiranKumarReddy.png?auto=format,compress&rect=0,16,450,222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T12:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"revanth-reddy-dragged-into-rs-row"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Vizag Steel Plant Death Toll Rises to 9"},"content":{"text":"The death toll in Monday’s accident at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant rose to nine as an injured worker succumbed on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at a hospital.  A contract worker named Pydiraju succumbed to his injuries at Seven Hills Hospital. Eight persons were killed and six others injured after a ladle carrying molten steel exploded at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant on Monday. The accident occurred when a large quantity of molten steel leaked following the explosion of the ladle, which was carrying steel at a very high temperature, of about 1,500 degrees Celsius, officials said. A video message of Pydiraju, recorded while he was being shifted to the hospital, went viral on social media. Scared that he might not survive, he left instructions for his elder son Varma, to look after his mother and ensure his younger brother continued his education. Five injured workers are undergoing treatment at two hospitals. After visiting the accident site on Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan had announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh each to the family of every worker who lost their lives in the accident, along with a job in the plant to one of the family members. He also announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the workers who are seriously injured and receiving treatment in the ICU. Pawan Kalyan also revealed that Rs 1.72 crore will be provided to the permanent employees under retirement benefits, and Rs 45.75 lakh to contract employees, and that the plant management will fully bear all expenses for the treatment of the injured. The Deputy CM stated that the education of the children of the deceased workers will continue. Until the age of retirement for the deceased employees, their family members can continue to stay free of cost in the steel plant quarters. The affected families currently living in rented houses outside the steel plant township will also be allotted quarters inside the township, if they wish to move into plant quarters. He stated that a three-member committee from Bokaro Steel Plant will conduct a full-scale inquiry into the accident, and further action will be taken based on the committee's report."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Z8yEHRsAHJWomQQ8_fire.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T09:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"vizag-steel-plant-death-toll-rises-to-9"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Modi's record tenure draws praise in US"},"content":{"text":"Prime Minister Narendra Modi's milestone of becoming India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister has drawn praise from American lawmakers, business leaders and prominent members of the Indian diaspora, who credited his leadership with transforming India's global standing and strengthening ties with the United States.  US Senator John Cornyn led the tributes, congratulating Modi on completing 4,399 days in office. \"Congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi on becoming India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister — 4,399 days of leadership earned through the trust of 1.4 billion people across three democratic mandates,\" Cornyn said. \"From lifting 250 million out of poverty to making India the world's fastest-growing major economy, PM Modi's tenure has been nothing short of transformational. The US-India partnership has never been stronger,\" he added. Arun Agarwal, Co-founder of the Indian American CEO Council and Chair of the Texas Economic Development Corporation, said the milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on India's transformation during the past twelve years. \"The India of 2026 is not the India of 2014,\" Agarwal wrote in a commentary marking the occasion. He said it was \"difficult to deny that India today stands taller, speaks louder, and commands greater attention on the global stage than it did a decade ago.\" India is no longer viewed merely as a country with promise but increasingly as one delivering on that promise. \"For many decades, India was often described as a nation with enormous potential. Today, it is increasingly viewed as a nation realizing that potential,\" he said. He said the past twelve years would likely be remembered as a period that \"accelerated India's rise and altered global perceptions of what India can achieve.\" Nikesh Arora, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Palo Alto Networks, also congratulated Modi on the achievement. \"Congratulating Prime Minister @narendramodi on becoming India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister — 4,399 days of leadership earned through the trust of 1.4 billion people across three democratic mandates,\" Arora wrote. \"From lifting 250 million out of poverty to making India the world's fastest-growing major economy, PM Modi's tenure has been nothing short of transformational. Look forward to a continued US-India partnership,\" he said. American singer and India supporter Mary Millben described the occasion as \"a historic, democratic milestone in the journey of a great Nation.\" \"Today, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to my friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India's longest-serving Prime Minister,\" she said. \"Your steadfast leadership, enduring commitment to the progress, unity, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians, alongside your unwavering vision for a stronger Bharat has helped shape an era of transformation.\" Millben also praised Modi's stewardship of relations between New Delhi and Washington. \"I honor your leadership in advancing the US India relationship. You have outlasted consecutive US Presidents, some with whom you had great relationship and others you have had great grace towards, yet you never wavered in exercising clear diplomacy that upheld the interests of the Indian people coupled with the health of our two countries,\" she said. Calling the achievement an inspiration for future generations, she added: \"Now, as India's longest serving Prime Minister, you have inspired generations to dream bigger, strive harder, and contribute to the glory of the motherland.\""},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/e513ac6f-7bab-45da-8400-841092dbc889_modi.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T09:47:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"modis-record-tenure-draws-praise-in-us"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Here’s why Khushi Kapoor issued an apology"},"content":{"text":"Khushi Kapoor, on Wednesday, took to social media to share a light-hearted “sorry” moment. Taking to Instagram, she shared candid pictures with her friends Aaliyah Kashyap and others, giving a glimpse of their casual and fun moments together. Alongside the video, she wrote, “Sorry to everyone who heard our dinner table conversations.” In the images, she is seen striking poses alongside her friends for the camera. Khushi exudes stylish vibes in a short top and skirt. Reacting to her images, Khushi’s close friend Orhan Awatramani commented, “Sorry to everyone who dint also.” Aaliyah wrote, “Legit.” A few days ago, the actress had posted her stylish photos and captioned them as \"Was a converse kinda day.” Last month, Khushi Kapoor made headlines as she remembered her late mother and legendary actress Sridevi on Mother’s Day. She shared a black-and-white collage featuring cherished memories with her mother. In one of the pictures, a young Khushi was seen embracing Sridevi, while another showed baby Khushi with the 'Mr. India’ actress."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aQt_prpReVYa4GYC_kushikapoor.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T07:48:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"khushi-kapoor-on-wednesday-took-to-social-media-to"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Anu Sparks Debate Amid ‘Peddi’ Controversy"},"content":{"text":"Amid the heated chatter about Janhvi Kapoor’s sexualised character in “Peddi”, veteran actress Anu Aggarwal has talked about the portrayal of women in films, questioning whether female characters are treated as complete human beings with their own voices, choices and journeys, or merely reduced to objects of visual consumption.  Anu wrote on Instagram: “When we talk about the objectification of women in cinema, what are we really talking about? For me, the question is simple. Are we seeing a female character as a complete human being? Or are we seeing her primarily as an object of visual consumption? Does she have a voice?” She added: “Does she have a personality? Does she make choices? Does she have a journey of her own? And perhaps the simplest question of all: If a particular scene were removed, would the story lose something essential?” “Or was it there merely to draw attention to her body? Respect recognizes the whole person. Objectification reduces the character to something less.What do you think?” Peddi is receiving backlash over the portrayal of the female lead, Janhvi Kapoor, with many accusing the makers of objectifying her. However, later the film’s director Buchi Babu Sana responded to the ongoing controversy and said they will make changes to the relevant portion based on feedback."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aKRjNKTt2nPbadRY_jahnvikapoor.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T07:44:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"anu-sparks-debate-amid-peddi-controversy"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","two"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Legendary director Bharathiraja passes away"},"content":{"text":"One of Tamil cinema's iconic directors Bharathirajaa passed away on Wednesday. He was 84. The veteran director, who is considered to be a trendsetter in Tamil and Indian cinema, had been battling health issues for some time now. Known for showcasing the rural Tamil lifestyle with flair on screen with his movies, many of which dealt with societal problems, Bharathiraja, whose opening lines 'En Iniya Tamil Makkale...' are popular in Tamil Nadu to this day, was known for his brilliant direction and his ability to spot new talent. The ace director, who was honoured with the Padma Shri, has won several state and National Awards. In fact, he won the Tamil Nadu government's state award for best direction for his very first film, '16 Vayathinile', which featured Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and Sridevi in the lead. Born to Periya Mayathevar and Meenakshi Ammal alias Karuthammal on July 17, 1941 in Alli Nagaram in Theni district, Bharathirajaa was originally named Chinnasamy. The director, who has directed around 44 films in his illustrious career, has delivered several cult classics including the Sivaji Ganesan-starrer 'Mudhal Mariyadhai', 'Mann Vasanai', 'Pudhumai Penn', 'Vedham Pudhithu', 'Kizhakku Cheemaiyile', 'Karuthamma' and 'Nadodi Thendral'. Apart from directing, Bharathiraja was also a brilliant actor. He made his debut as an actor in Kallukkul Eeram and then went on to act in a number of movies including Nizhalgal, Dhaavani Kanavugal, Idhayam, Aayudha Ezhuthu, Rettai Suzhi, Pandiya Naadu, Seethakaadhi, Maanaadu, Eeswaran, and Thiruchitrambalam. Bharathiraja was also the person responsible for introducing a number of iconic directors and actors in Tamil cinema. Some of those whom he introduced include K Bhagyaraj, Radhika, Manivannan, Nepoleon, Nizhalgal Ravi, Aruna, Vijayshanthi, Usha, Goundamani, Karthik, Revathi, Radha and Thyagarajan. Condolence messages are pouring in for the veteran director, who has left an indelible mark on Tamil and Indian cinema."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aikZbweQX7-eXHhZ_Bharathiraja.png?auto=format,compress&rect=0,16,350,173&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T03:59:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"legendary-director-bharathiraja-passes-away"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"PK:Bharathiraja’s Passing an ‘Irreplaceable Loss’"},"content":{"text":"Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday expressed profound grief at the passing away of one of Indian cinema's iconic directors Bharathiraja, calling the six-time National Award winner's demise \"an irreplaceable loss to the Indian film industry\". Taking to his X timeline to pen his condolence message, Pawan Kalyan pointed out that the passing away of the renowned legendary film director and Padma Shri awardee was an irreplaceable loss to the Indian film industry. Stating that the gifted director, with his extraordinary films, had not only won the hearts of Tamil cinema audiences but also those of Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada language viewers, Pawan Kalyan said that the six-time National Award winner had left his unique imprint on the Indian film scene. Pawan Kalyan recalled that the devotional film 'Aaraadhana', which he brought to life with Pawan Kalyan's elder brother Megastar Chiranjeevi, as well as films like 'Seethakoka Chiluka', that won a National Award, had remained eternally etched in the hearts of audiences.  Bharathiraja, he said, would be remembered forever as a director who marvelously portrayed rural life and human relationships on screen. \"Losing such a great creative director is an irreplaceable loss to the Indian film industry. Expressing profound grief over Shri Bharathiraja garu's passing, I convey my deepest condolences to his family members and fans,\" Pawan Kalyan said. One of Tamil cinema's iconic directors, Bharathiraja, passed away in Chennai in the early hours of Wednesday. He was 84. The veteran director, who is a Padma Shri Awardee and who is considered to be a trendsetter in Tamil and Indian cinema, had been battling health issues for sometime now.  Condolence messages have been pouring in from film industry professionals cutting across regions and languages. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay was among the first to pay homage to the late director at his residence in Neelangarai on Wednesday. Several other celebrities too have expressed grief over the demise of the veteran director."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adOj4pGXnQHGZSCp_pawan.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T07:54:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"pkbharathirajas-passing-an-irreplaceable-loss"}},{"node":{"tags":["NRI"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"US States hail court win against H-1B fee"},"content":{"text":"State attorneys general across the United States welcomed a federal court ruling striking down the Trump administration’s $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, calling it a victory for employers, universities, healthcare providers and research institutions that rely on highly skilled foreign workers.  A day earlier, US District Court in Massachusetts issued a final ruling vacating the fee, which had been imposed on all new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. A multistate coalition had challenged the policy, arguing that the administration lacked congressional authorisation to impose the charge. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said the ruling would help protect the state's ability to attract specialised talent. “This win helps keep our state at the forefront of highly specialized research that drives our world’s most dynamic industries,” Brown said. “Unchecked, this illegal tax would have massively increased costs for Washington state agencies, public universities, and public colleges,” he added. Brown's office said nearly 500 H-1B visa holders are employed across more than 30 Washington state agencies, public universities and colleges. Officials argued that the fee would have made it difficult for educational institutions to fill critical positions, particularly in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and medical fields. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, whose office led the multistate challenge, said the court had delivered a decisive rejection of the policy. “The judgment is in! The Trump Administration’s unlawful and costly $100,000 tax has been struck down. This tax was an attack on America’s ability to attract and retain the high-skilled talent that strengthens our economy and helps us meet critical workforce needs,” Bonta said. “California remains open for business, open to talent, and committed to ensuring our communities have essential services — from healthcare to education — that depend on a strong, skilled workforce,” he added. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong also praised the ruling, describing the fee as an unfair burden on employers. “We just stopped Donald Trump’s crude attempt to hawk the American Dream to the highest bidder. Trump’s outrageous fees were a steep burden for Connecticut employers across the public and private sector who rely on skilled H-1B workers for difficult, vital positions,” Tong said. “We sued, we won, and we’re going to keep fighting to protect a fair and lawful immigration process,” he added. State officials argued that the fee created a costly barrier for employers seeking workers in specialised occupations, including teachers, physicians, researchers and nurses. They said the policy risked worsening labour shortages and disrupting essential public services. According to the coalition, employers had previously paid between $960 and $7,595 in regulatory and statutory fees for H-1B visas before the $100,000 charge was introduced. The states also highlighted the economic contribution of H-1B workers and their families, citing estimates that they contribute $86 billion annually to the US economy, pay $35 billion in federal and payroll taxes, and another $11 billion in state and local taxes."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F6d9a84a3-bdac-4f8f-957e-c069d3c27d4f_h1b.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,67,1920,947&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T20:05:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"us-states-hail-court-win-against-h-1b-fee"}},{"node":{"tags":["NRI"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Indian mangoes spark summer rush across US"},"content":{"text":"From Seattle to Los Angeles and from New Jersey to Washington DC, Indian mangoes are triggering a summer buying frenzy across the United States, with shipments selling out within hours at major retailers as demand surges for varieties such as Kesar, Alphonso and Langra.  India's Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra says the fruit's growing popularity reflects both diaspora nostalgia and widening American appreciation for Indian produce. For decades, Indian Americans returning from summer visits home would carry memories of Alphonso, Kesar, Langra and Dussehri mangoes. Today, many of those same varieties are appearing in mainstream American retail stores, bringing a taste of India to consumers thousands of miles away. \"You know, we all have a sense of diaspora, particularly in the US a sense of summer nostalgia as I call it when it comes to mango. Summer vacations remind us of the times when, we will enjoy mango and the deliciousness of this fruit to our heart's content,\" Kwatra told IANS ahead of a mango festival being organised by the Embassy of India in Washington later this month. That nostalgia is now finding its way into American supermarkets. \"But we are now facing a very, very happy situation where this nostalgia is now available with American retailers,” he said. The latest sign of Indian mangoes' growing popularity came in Seattle, where the Consulate General of India hosted the second edition of \"Mango Magic\", a promotion and tasting event that brought together more than 100 importers, distributors and senior representatives from major retailers, including Costco. Guests sampled seven premium varieties of Indian mangoes — Alphonso and Kesar from Maharashtra, Banganpalli and Himayat from Andhra Pradesh, Langra and Dussehri from Uttar Pradesh, and Rajapuri from Gujarat. Washington State Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck welcomed the introduction of a wider range of Indian mangoes to Washington State. State senators, diplomats and business leaders attended the event, which was organised in partnership with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). In May, Costco imported its first tranche of Indian Kesar mangoes to stores in Greater Seattle, Las Vegas, New Jersey and Greater Los Angeles. Costco representatives have reported that \"all the Indian mangoes were sold out from these locations within two hours of their arrival on the shelves\". That rapid sell-out has become a recurring theme in conversations surrounding Indian mangoes. \"People tell me that when Costco first introduced Mango and … within a couple of hours, the shelves all emptied out. Such was the popularity of the fruit,\" Kwatra said. Consumers have taken notice. Social media posts have tracked arrivals of Kesar mangoes at Costco locations across California, Washington State and New Jersey, with shoppers sharing photos and urging friends to visit stores before supplies disappear. One customer described Indian Kesar mangoes as an \"iconic Indian summer favorite\", while others posted that Indian mangoes were \"unmatched in taste\". The ambassador said the enthusiasm extends beyond the Indian diaspora. \"I can tell you from my personal experience that the mango that we have shared here with our colleagues in the US administration, in the Congress, universal feedback has been that this is the most delicious kind of mango they have ever tasted in their lives,\" he said. India is the world's largest producer of mangoes, with annual production exceeding 26 million metric tonnes and more than 1,000 named varieties. Exports of Indian mangoes to the United States, which resumed in 2007 after an 18-year suspension, have expanded steadily over the past decade. Exports of Indian mangoes to the US reached $10 million in FY2023-24, up from $4.36 million in the previous fiscal year. With the US mango import market crossing $1 billion in value in 2025 and continuing to grow, Indian exporters increasingly see an opportunity to introduce regional varieties to a wider American audience."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Zrz2ZEaF0TcGI7_5_mangojuice.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T19:31:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"indian-mangoes-spark-summer-rush-across-us"}},{"node":{"tags":["NRI"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"US Introduces Premium Visa Appointments"},"content":{"text":"In a significant shift in visa processing procedures, the US State Department has unveiled a pilot program aimed at B1/B2 visa applicants, allowing them to secure interview appointments within a mere 10 business days for an additional fee of $750. Set to commence on July 1 and running through December 31, this initiative marks a notable departure from the traditionally long wait times that have plagued the process, particularly in the wake of pandemic-related delays. However, while this premium service offers expedited scheduling, it is crucial to understand that it does not alter the underlying processing timelines, eligibility criteria, or likelihood of visa approval. The program will be implemented at select US consulates, with specific locations yet to be identified by the State Department. As stated in an upcoming notice to be published in the Federal Register, only a limited number of expedited appointments will be available at these participating diplomatic missions. This exclusivity highlights both the experimental nature of the pilot and the demand for expedited services, which many applicants have increasingly sought due to extensive backlogs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on international travel. Historically, obtaining a B1/B2 visa—designated for business and tourism—has required meticulous adherence to a standardized process often characterized by extended waiting periods. The recent surge in global travel demands has prompted the US government to reassess its approach to visa applications. By introducing this premium service, the State Department aims to alleviate some of the pressure on applicants while also generating additional revenue through the expedited fee. However, officials have made it explicitly clear that this fee merely facilitates quicker access to interview slots and bears no influence on the outcome of visa applications, which remain subject to the rigors of security checks and eligibility assessments. Applicants opting for the expedited appointment service must still fulfill all existing requirements associated with the B visa category. Consequently, the introduction of this program does not imply enhanced prospects for approval; rather, it serves as an acknowledgment of the ongoing challenges faced by international travelers in securing timely appointments. As the State Department navigates this pilot initiative, the effectiveness and impact on the overall visa processing landscape remain to be seen, with many advocating for a more comprehensive overhaul of the system to meet the rising demands of global mobility."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aNFVfZ5xUNkB0-bC_H1Bvisa.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T08:13:57+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"us-introduces-premium-visa-appointments"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Revanth Salutes T'gana Youth Who Saved 3 in US"},"content":{"text":"Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday paid rich tributes to Koduru Anuroop Reddy, who lost his life while saving the lives of three friends in the United States recently.  He described this extremely tragic incident as heartbreaking. On behalf of the Telangana government and the people, the Chief Minister extended his deepest condolences to Anuroop's parents, his brother Ashrit Reddy, and family members. He prayed to God for peace for Anuroop's soul. In a letter of commendation sent to them, the Chief Minister stated that the government would stand by the family during this profound sorrow. He noted that the news of Anuroop's tragic death, which occurred on May 29, at the Toro Bayou Park in the US state of Louisiana, has left all deeply shocked. At just 23 years of age, Anuroop, with a promising career and a bright future ahead of him, demonstrated exemplary courage, selflessness, and valour that stand as an inspiration to all, he said. \"When faced with a critical situation where three of his friends were in imminent danger of drowning, Anuroop did not hesitate. Without regard for his own safety, he plunged into the waters and successfully rescued his friends. While his heroic actions ensured they survived, it is our deepest misfortune that the cruel currents of destiny took him away from us,\" he wrote in the letter. The Chief Minister stated that Anuroop’s act of supreme sacrifice embodies the highest values of human compassion and bravery. He has left an indelible mark of honour upon his homeland, Telangana. He said that the human values, compassion, and courage displayed by Anuroop on that occasion are a testament to the highest sacrifice. Following the Chief Minister's instructions, MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, along with a few MLAs, visited the student's home and paid tributes to Anuroop's mortal remains. They consoled the family members. Anuroop, a native of Abdullapurmet on the outskirts of Hyderabad, had recently completed his master’s degree in Computer Science at the University of North Texas (UNT)."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aig88AeQX7-eXFVU_tsyouth.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T12:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"revanth-salutes-tgana-youth-who-saved-3-in-us"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"‘Peddi’ Sparks Cultural Sensitivity Debate"},"content":{"text":"The recent release of 'Peddi' has sparked an uproar across social media and cinema circles, highlighting a critical misalignment between filmmakers and evolving audience sensibilities. The film's depiction of Janhvi Kapoor, particularly the unsettling midriff shots and a scene implicating non-consensual intimacy, has raised eyebrows and ignited backlash. What was meant to be a bold cinematic statement quickly transformed into a public relations debacle, as viewers lambasted the film for its tone-deaf portrayal of women. The silence in the auditorium during its screening morphed into a chorus of criticism within days, forcing director Buchi Babu Sana to issue a public apology and acknowledge the film's missteps. Sana's admission that the intention was never to objectify women rings hollow to many who question the production's oversight. With thousands of professionals involved in the film’s creation, it is troubling that such glaring issues went unchallenged during the development and post-production phases. The incident has sparked discussions about the culture within film sets, where the pressure to conform can lead to a dangerous environment of 'yes-men' who fail to provide honest feedback. This raises an unsettling question: Did no one within the expansive production pipeline have the courage to voice concerns before the film reached audiences? The failure of 'Peddi' serves as a stark reminder of the increasing scrutiny facing films that aspire to be pan-India hits. Filmmakers must understand that an audience that transcends regional boundaries demands a heightened awareness of diverse cultural sensitivities. The backlash was amplified once the film entered the Hindi market, exposing nuances that local audiences may have overlooked, but which resonated sharply with broader national viewpoints. The lessons from similar past incidents, such as those involving 'The Family Star', underscore the critical need for filmmakers to adapt to a national audience while navigating the expectations of modern viewers. In order to prevent future missteps, the industry should consider adopting the Aamir Khan model of pre-release focus groups. This approach could offer filmmakers invaluable insights from outside their immediate creative circles, allowing for a more accurate gauge of public sentiment regarding potentially controversial scenes. Moreover, embracing a broader understanding of gender politics and audience expectations will be essential for filmmakers seeking to connect with a pan-Indian viewer base. Ultimately, 'Peddi' stands as a cautionary tale for those in the industry who may underestimate the evolving nature of cinematic storytelling and its implications for female representation on screen."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aihRKQeQX7-eXFhx_peddi.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T18:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"peddi-sparks-cultural-sensitivity-debate"}},{"node":{"tags":["Health"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Recognizing the Early Signs of Ovarian Cancer"},"content":{"text":"Ovarian cancer is a significant concern for women in India, being the third most common cancer among them. However, many women with ovarian cancer often experience symptoms for several months before receiving a proper diagnosis. In India, a staggering 70 to 80 percent of ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, mainly because the early signs are easily mistaken for other health issues. Oncologists have dubbed ovarian cancer as a 'silent disease' due to its subtle progression without clear, alarming symptoms.  Dr. Sampada Desai, a Consultant Gynaecological Cancer and Robotic Surgeon, emphasizes that ovarian cancer does not remain silent but instead 'whispers' through nonspecific symptoms such as upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, feeling full too early, and digestive problems, which are often mistaken for other conditions. Persistent bloating and extreme fullness even after consuming small portions of food, coupled with lower abdominal or pelvic pain, should prompt a visit to the doctor. Changes in menstrual patterns, irregular bleeding, or any bleeding post-menopause also warrant attention.  It is crucial for individuals experiencing these symptoms to keep a record for a month and consult a gynecologic oncologist if any symptoms persist for more than two weeks or occur frequently. Women with a family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer should be particularly vigilant, as they have a higher genetic predisposition to cancer. Early detection is key, as there are no routine screening tests for ovarian cancer. Clinical examination, ultrasonography, and blood tests may be part of the evaluation for potential ovarian cancer. Recognizing the subtle signs and listening to the 'whisper' of ovarian cancer may significantly aid in early detection and improved survival rates."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aigpQAeQX7-eXEpI_overaincancer.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-08T18:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"recognizing-the-early-signs-of-ovarian-cancer"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Janhvi's Absence Sparks Controversy"},"content":{"text":"Absence of Janhvi Kapoor at the film's success meet has stirred up controversy. Despite the film's thriving box office performance, Janhvi's non-attendance has fueled speculation and drawn attention online. Her decision to stay away from the event and the subsequent lack of public statements have only added to the intrigue.  Meanwhile, at the success meet in Hyderabad, Ram Charan expressed gratitude to the audience for their overwhelming support. However, notable by its absence was any mention of Janhvi Kapoor during the acknowledgments. Prior to the film's release, there were indications that Janhvi might not fully participate in promotions due to her role, although she did actively engage in promotional activities before the backlash over her character's portrayal gained traction.  The controversy surrounding ‘Peddi’ centers on the depiction of Janhvi Kapoor's character, with criticism directed at the film's alleged objectification of her. In response, the filmmakers issued a clarification and apology, pledging to edit certain scenes."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aigrRAeQX7-eXEsC_janhvi.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T10:03:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"janhvis-absence-sparks-controversy"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Deepika and Ranveer's Balcony Moment"},"content":{"text":"Bollywood's beloved couple, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, were spotted enjoying a rare moment on the balcony of their newly acquired extravagant residence. The couple, who invested a staggering estimated Rs 100 crore in their dream abode, took in the breathtaking views from their balcony.  Deepika, who is expecting their second child, lovingly cradled her baby bump while engaging in animated conversation with Ranveer. Reports suggest that the couple was seen overseeing the ongoing interior work before they move in with their family. In the viral photos, Deepika looked stunning in a loose white co-ord set, while Ranveer sported a casual red vest and black track pants. This public appearance comes after Deepika's announcement of her second pregnancy in April.  The couple, who are proud parents to their baby girl, Dua, have been keeping their public appearances to a minimum. On the work front, Deepika has been busy filming her next movie 'King' with Shah Rukh Khan and a sci-fi film 'Raaka' with Allu Arjun, both slated for release this year. Ranveer Singh has been in the news due to a legal dispute following his departure from 'Don 3', which was supposed to be directed by Farhan Akhtar."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aigs9AeQX7-eXEwR_deepikaranveer.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T10:10:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"deepika-and-ranveers-balcony-moment"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Rakul Preet Singh enjoys NY food crawl"},"content":{"text":"Actress Rakul Preet Singh enjoyed a food-filled outing in New York with her husband Jackky Bhagnani. The couple explored some of the city’s popular eateries together. Sharing glimpses from their trip, Rakul gave a look at their relaxed time spent trying different cuisines and enjoying the vibrant food scene of the city. Taking to Instagram, the ‘De De Pyaar De 2’ actress posted a series of photos and videos in which she is seen enjoying pizza, croissants, and other delicious snacks. Alongside the post, Rakul wrote, “A little bit of New York, a lot of good food, and the best kind of company.” For the unversed, Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani got married on February 21, 2024, in a grand beachfront celebration at ITC Grand Goa in India. The couple hosted a star-studded wedding ceremony featuring two different traditions—an Anand Karaj ceremony held in the morning, followed by a Sindhi wedding ritual in the evening. Professionally, the actress will next be seen in “Indian 3,” directed by S. Shankar. The film, which is a continuation of the iconic 1996 release Indian, also stars Kamal Haasan. Meanwhile, Rakul Preet Singh recently spoke about online criticism, trolling, and the impact of social media on actors. In an exclusive interaction with IANS, the actress shared that it is important for actors to distance themselves from constant online chatter and not let it affect their work. “I think when you are newer and when you just start out, you get affected. Luckily, when I started out, social media wasn't so prominent. This is only the last five years, and I think people have started having an opinion only through the pandemic. I think the last five, six years, when there was a lot of time and social media was around.” “So, I feel that ultimately as an actor, you have to shut that noise and you have to distance yourself from the chatter. And just put your blinders on and work, and then disconnect. Because if you start getting affected by what everyone is saying on social media, then you will be a disaster,” concluded Rakul."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aifgIAeQX7-eXAo2_rps.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T07:43:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rakul-preet-singh-enjoys-ny-food-crawl"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Judge strikes down Trump’s $100K H-1B fee"},"content":{"text":"A federal judge struck down President Donald Trump's controversial $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, ruling that the administration exceeded its authority and imposed what amounted to an unlawful tax without approval from Congress.  In a major setback for the administration's immigration agenda, US District Judge Leo T. Sorokin of Massachusetts sided with a coalition of 20 states challenging the policy and vacated it nationwide. “The Court finds that the Policy imposes a tax on H-1B petitions without the requisite delegation by Congress,” Sorokin wrote. “There are no statutory powers authorizing Defendants to implement a $100,000 tax on H-1B petitions.” The ruling overturns a September 2025 presidential proclamation that required employers filing new H-1B petitions to make an additional $100,000 payment. The administration had argued that the H-1B programme was being exploited to replace American workers and suppress wages in key sectors, particularly science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. The states contended that the measure would make it significantly more difficult for public schools, universities and healthcare systems to recruit skilled foreign professionals, worsening existing staffing shortages. The court agreed that the policy threatened to impede hiring in education, academic research and healthcare. Sorokin rejected the administration's argument that broad presidential powers under immigration law allowed the fee to be imposed as a condition of entry into the United States. “While the Executive has broad discretion over the admission and exclusion of aliens, . . . that discretion is not boundless,’” the judge wrote. He added that such discretion “may not transgress constitutional limitations” or “the statutory authority conferred by Congress.” At the centre of the case was whether the fee was a legitimate immigration restriction or an unauthorised tax. Sorokin concluded it was the latter. “Taxes are not ‘restrictions,’” he wrote while rejecting the government's interpretation of presidential powers under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The judge said Congress had never delegated its taxing authority to the President through the immigration statutes cited by the administration. “These considerations preclude reading INA §§ 212(f) and 215(a) as delegating Congress’s exclusive power to tax,” Sorokin wrote. Beyond the constitutional issues, the court found that federal agencies violated the Administrative Procedure Act by implementing the policy without following the required notice-and-comment rulemaking process. “Defendants issued a legislative rule without engaging in notice-and-commenting rulemaking,” the ruling said. The court also found the policy arbitrary and capricious, saying agencies failed to adequately explain the unprecedented increase in costs imposed on employers. “The administrative record is devoid of any indication that Defendants ‘reasonably considered the relevant issues and reasonably explained the decision’ to implement a $100,000 tax on H-1B petitions,” Sorokin wrote. As a remedy, the judge declared the policy unlawful and vacated all agency actions implementing the payment requirement. “The Policy implementing the Proclamation is declared unlawful and is VACATED in its entirety,” the ruling said. The H-1B programme allows US employers to hire foreign professionals in speciality occupations requiring highly specialised knowledge and at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Congress currently caps most new H-1B visas at 65,000 annually, with an additional 20,000 reserved for holders of advanced US degrees. Universities, affiliated non-profit institutions and certain research organisations are exempt from those annual limits."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aNEW0Z5xUNkB089Z_trumpH1B.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T00:46:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"judge-strikes-down-trumps-100k-h-1b-fee"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"How India can survive without Strait of Hormuz"},"content":{"text":"The possibility of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz due to rising tensions in West Asia should not be viewed merely as an external crisis. It should be treated as a strategic warning. For decades, India has depended heavily on imported oil and gas moving through vulnerable maritime routes. Any prolonged disruption can affect transportation, agriculture, industry, inflation and overall economic stability.  China recognised this vulnerability years ago and diversified its energy sources through renewable energy, electric mobility, strategic reserves, domestic production and alternative supply networks. India faces a similar challenge today but does not have the luxury of another decade to prepare. The answer lies not only in finding alternative suppliers but in fundamentally reimagining India’s energy ecosystem. India’s greatest overlooked energy resource is not hidden underground. It is visible in every village, town and city. Mountains of municipal waste, agricultural residue, animal waste, food waste and organic matter continue to accumulate daily. Much of it is burnt, dumped or left untreated, creating pollution and environmental damage. This waste should be treated as a strategic national resource. India needs a National Waste to Energy Mission operating from Panchayats to the national level. The objective should be simple: every kilogram of waste should generate energy, fertiliser or revenue. India’s waste challenge can become India’s energy opportunity. The biggest mistake would be to assume that waste to energy can only be achieved through large industrial projects. India requires a multi-layer model. At the village level, cattle waste, agricultural residue and household organic waste can be converted into biogas through community plants. Panchayats should become local energy producers. At the district level, clusters of villages can operate bio methane and compressed biogas units supplying fuel for transport and local industries. At the city level, municipal corporations should establish integrated waste processing facilities producing electricity, gas and recyclable materials. At the national level, large waste processing parks should be developed with industry participation. Such a decentralised approach creates thousands of energy generation points rather than dependence on a few large facilities. India’s biggest strength is not its resources but its talent. The Government should launch a National Waste Innovation Challenge involving IITs, NITs, universities, engineering colleges, schools and start-ups. Every year, thousands of students develop innovative projects that rarely move beyond laboratories. This talent should be directed towards solving the waste challenge. Special awards, incubation grants and commercialisation support should be provided for innovations in waste collection, segregation, transportation, methane capture, recycling and waste-based electricity generation. Students should compete to create the world’s most efficient and affordable waste to energy technologies. A mission comparable to India’s space and digital revolutions can unleash extraordinary creativity while promoting indigenous solutions. India should become a global leader in applying artificial intelligence to waste management. AI can identify waste generation patterns, optimise collection routes, reduce transportation costs and improve segregation efficiency. Smart bins, sensor-based systems and predictive management models can significantly improve productivity. Municipalities can use AI platforms to determine where waste is generated, what type of waste is produced and which conversion technology is most suitable. The combination of AI and India’s digital infrastructure can create one of the world’s most efficient waste management ecosystems. Waste should no longer be viewed as garbage. It should become a tradable economic asset. Citizens who segregate waste should receive incentives. Housing societies should receive rebates. Schools should be rewarded for recycling initiatives. Companies should receive tax benefits for waste conversion projects. Large industrial houses in energy, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors should be encouraged to adopt districts and create integrated waste management ecosystems. Public private partnerships must become the backbone of the mission. The government alone cannot manage the scale of India’s waste challenge. Alongside waste to energy, solar power must expand rapidly. The PM Surya Ghar initiative is an important beginning, but the scale must grow substantially. Every rooftop should become a potential power station. Schools, monasteries, temples, government buildings, commercial complexes and residential colonies should contribute electricity to the grid. Simplified procedures, easier financing and targeted subsidies should encourage mass participation. The objective should be energy generation by millions of citizens rather than dependence on a limited number of producers. Renewable energy alone cannot immediately replace imported hydrocarbons. India must simultaneously pursue a second track strategy focused on diversification of supply. Engagement with Central Asia, Russia, Turkmenistan, Myanmar and other potential suppliers should be intensified. Alternative pipeline corridors, long term gas agreements and expanded LNG infrastructure should become national priorities. The Bay of Bengal should emerge as a major energy gateway supported by modern ports, storage facilities and diversified shipping routes. Renewable energy, waste to energy initiatives and domestic production can significantly reduce dependence on imported fuel, but they cannot completely replace India’s energy requirements in the foreseeable future. India therefore needs a fourth pillar in its energy security architecture: Energy Diplomacy. Just as defence diplomacy has become an important component of India’s strategic outreach, energy diplomacy must become a national mission. Every Indian Ambassador, High Commissioner and diplomatic mission should actively identify new sources of oil, gas, critical minerals, renewable technologies and long term energy partnerships. India’s search for energy security cannot remain confined to the Gulf region. The country must deepen engagement with Central Asia, Russia, Mongolia, Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America. Countries such as Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia and Myanmar deserve renewed strategic attention for long term cooperation. China reduced its vulnerability not only through domestic reforms but also through sustained diplomatic efforts that created diversified supply chains and long term agreements. The “Energy diplomacy” is at the core of it. The Ministry of External Affairs should establish a dedicated Energy Diplomacy framework under which Indian missions regularly report on emerging opportunities, technology partnerships, investments and supply diversification options. These inputs should be reviewed by a high-level Energy Security Council comprising representatives from relevant ministries, industry, scientists, IITs and policy experts submitting regular updates to the highest authority. Energy security demands continuous monitoring, measurable outcomes and regular review. Every embassy should become a platform for advancing India’s energy interests. Energy diplomacy is no longer an option. It is a strategic necessity. The first year should focus on nationwide waste mapping, policy reforms and pilot projects. The next two years should establish village biogas networks, district processing centres and urban waste conversion facilities. Simultaneously, innovation competitions should identify the most efficient indigenous technologies. Within five years, India should aim to become one of the world’s leading waste to energy economies. The mission should be measured not only in megawatts generated but also in cleaner cities, healthier citizens, reduced landfills and lower dependence on imported fuel. The Strait of Hormuz may remain vulnerable to geopolitical tensions for years to come. India cannot control events in West Asia, but it can control how prepared it is for them. The country’s response must rest on four pillars. First, convert waste into energy through a nationwide mission. Second, accelerate solar power generation at household and community levels. Third, diversify energy supplies through multiple partners, routes and strategic agreements. Fourth, institutionalise energy diplomacy as a key instrument of national security. India possesses the population, talent, entrepreneurial spirit and technological capability to achieve this transformation. What is needed now is urgency. If India can mobilise its youth, involve industry, empower villages and convert waste into wealth, it can transform a major vulnerability into a strategic strength. The future of India’s energy security may not lie only in distant oil fields; it may also lie in the waste India throws away every day."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aife_AeQX7-eXAkn_straitofharmuz.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T07:15:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"how-india-can-survive-without-strait-of-hormuz"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"TCS to match AI agents with human workforce"},"content":{"text":"Tata Consultancy Services expects a major transformation in the coming years, with artificial intelligence (AI) becoming deeply integrated into its workforce and operations, its Chairman N Chandrasekaran said on Tuesday.  Speaking at the 31st Annual General Meeting here, he said that over the next three years, the company could have as many AI agents as human employees, marking a major shift in how work is done at TCS. He said the company is building what he called “the most consequential work” in its history, as AI reshapes the global technology services industry. “Some say AI poses a fundamental threat to that model. I see it differently: far from being a mortal threat, AI is the most significant opportunity yet for enterprise IT,” he said. According to him, nearly three-fourths of enterprises worldwide expect their technology spending to rise in the next two years, driven largely by AI adoption. “Globally, three-quarters of enterprises expect technology spend to increase over the next two years, largely thanks to AI,” he added. Chandrasekaran also pointed to strong momentum in TCS’s AI business. He said that in the last quarter of FY26, the company recorded an annualised AI revenue of $2.4 billion, which is growing at a compound quarterly growth rate of 22.4 per cent. He noted that despite investor concerns and recent pressure on the broader IT sector, the company’s fundamentals remain strong, with stable margins, rising revenues and a strong deal pipeline. “Today, AI primarily exists in the world of software and computers, but soon it will make inroads into the physical world: stores, factories, warehouses, energy networks, vehicles and supply chains. This will require experts who understand how to link IT, AI and physical equipment and infrastructure,” he explained. Addressing concerns about AI replacing jobs in the IT services industry, he acknowledged that a key question has emerged: if AI can perform much of the work, what happens to a sector built around delivering those services? However, he argued that the fear is based on a misunderstanding of how AI will interact with enterprise systems."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/1a66400a-a0f7-4444-b918-c980bf94ec7a_TCS.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T08:28:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"tcs-to-match-ai-agents-with-human-workforce"}},{"node":{"tags":["Editorial"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Is PK writing A New Script?"},"content":{"text":"“Someone can decide it’s in their best interests to agree to something, but a choice is only really a choice if there’s a genuine alternative. Otherwise, it’s manipulation and it’s taking advantage.” Though this wisdom does not stem from classical political science literature, it beautifully captures the emerging psychological and tactical discourse between the TDP and Jana Sena Party (JSP) leadership. For months, the underlying friction has simmered beneath the surface, begging the ultimate question: Is Pawan Kalyan (PK) actually trying to play the lead hero in Andhra politics, or is he just tired of being the director’s assistant? If recent events in the theater of Andhra politics are anything to go by, he might actually want a solo movie. Caught in a noisy shouting match with Kapu leaders over his \"pick-and-choose principles\" (Convenient Politics) and fresh off a verbal boxing match with Telangana activists, he seems to have suddenly realized it is time to write his own script instead of just reading lines written by others. If whispers in the power corridors of AP are true, he staged a dramatic early exit from a recent Cabinet meeting, accusing the government of treating his party as a mere rubber stamp. \"Why am I even sitting in these meetings where nobody actually debates anything?\" he reportedly complained to party insiders, genuinely surprised to find that everything is predetermined and ministers are simply there to nod like bobbleheads on a dashboard. Keeping both friends and enemies guessing, he is now packing a giant VIP delegation to New Delhi. The goal? To hold parleys with the BJP’s national bosses and convince them to make him the official, undisputed face of the saffron party in Andhra Pradesh. The political grapevine confirms that for the first time since this TDP-BJP-Jana Sena trio grabbed power in June 2024, he is desperately trying to prove he is more than just a footnote in Chandrababu Naidu's (CBN) scheme of alliance politics. This dramatic venting instantly reminds the discerning of the famous fable about the scorpion and the frog. The scorpion begs the frog for a ride across the river, promises not to sting, but stings anyway because it cannot help its own toxic nature—even if it means they both drown. Right now, PK is hitching a comfortable sail in deep political waters on the sturdy back of the TDP frog. But with his recent backstage drama, the deadly choreography of that old fable is starting to look a lot like current events. Of course, this \"why should I attend\" outburst is no groundbreaking plot twist; it perfectly suits his convenient, albeit confusing, politics. His entire career has been a masterclass in mixed signals, and this latest tantrum fits the chaotic, unpredictable style he has practiced since day one. What this really tells us is that he is absolutely done living in CBN’s long shadow. He is sick of Kapu critics labeling him a \"convenient politician\" or a sidekick who only shows up when the political financial package is right. It also doesn't help that across the border in Tamil Nadu, fellow actor Vijay’s new political party (TVK) just scored a massive, unexpected wave of popularity. Naturally, PK's own fan club is buzzing, asking why their favorite star is playing second fiddle instead of aiming for the top spot. Coincidentally, he recently appeared on multiple national TV channels, chatting wisely about big-picture issues affecting South India. The timing of these interviews was beautifully synchronized, almost as if he was trying to tell the country that he is \"Pan-India\" stuff and far too big for just one state. Mind you, just a week ago, he tried to expand his empire into Telangana politics. That experiment crashed and burned instantly when local hardliners blocked his path, bluntly telling him he had no locus standi or relevance in their state, forcing a very quick retreat.PK has been throwing mixed signals for months, one day he is the ultimate savior of Sanatana Dharma, the next he claims he doesn't care about being Chief Minister, and the day after he insists he represents everyone, not just the Kapus. But after riding CBN’s coattails to victory, he has finally decided it’s time to announce his role as the \"Solo Hero\" of the Andhra movie. While he and CBN play this passive-aggressive game of political chess, the BJP has remained completely silent. This quietness highlights a fascinating, unspoken reality: all three allies are currently acting out of pure, unadulterated desperation. The fact that the BJP is staying quiet while a part-time politician, who famously lacks discipline, a solid strategy, or any real interest in building a proper party organization, tries to take over their brand shows exactly how weak the BJP’s own local leadership really is. It is no secret that he wants to be the ultimate leader of the right wing in AP. However, political analysts point out that he lacks the basic stamina and discipline to do the boring grunt work of politics. He hasn't even bothered to strengthen Jana Sena since they won, and with Kapu leaders accusing him of sacrificing their interests to please CBN, he realizes his party might dissolve if he doesn't start making noise. Ultimately, the ghost of Vijay’s instant stardom in Tamil Nadu continues to fuel the fire, giving PK the perfect excuse to convince himself that he is destined for much bigger things than being a junior partner in a coalition. At the end of the day, PK’s ego trip might just sabotage the stability of the entire state government. For now, all we can do is sit back, relax, and watch the scorpion get ready to sting the very frog that is carrying him across the river."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aifpNgeQX7-eXBHj_pawan.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T06:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"is-pk-writing-a-new-script"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Puri:  'Slum Dog: 33 Temple Road' is for Gen Z guys"},"content":{"text":"Director Puri Jagannadh, whose eagerly awaited action entertainer 'Slum Dog: 33 Temple Road', featuring actor Vijay Sethupathi in the lead, is fast gearing up for release, has now disclosed that the film is based on true incidents. Participating in a teaser launch event in Chennai, the director said, \"The Slumdog is based on true incidents. Real incidents. And real emotion is there in the film. When we come across beggars, we ignore them. We don't notice, we don't focus on them. But we know there are a lot of stories behind them. There's a lot of emotion there. We don't know who are those beggars actually.\" While pointing out that the film would have a lot of action, the director said that it would also be equally emotional. \"There's a lot of emotion. This is an emotional movie.\" Jagannadh said that they had made this movie for the next generation. \"We have made this film for the Gen Z guys. I feel the Gen Z guys are more disciplined than the previous generation. They're more emotional also,\" he said and asked those from Gen Z to watch the film with their families. The makers of the film also released a gritty and power-packed teaser on the occasion. The teaser released opens on a powerful note, with the protagonist speaking about the harsh and often overlooked lives of beggars while delivering a stern warning to those who exploit or mistreat them. What follows is a gripping montage of action, emotion, and mystery, introducing the film’s principal characters one after another. While the teaser offers several glimpses into the world of the film, it cleverly leaves its biggest question unanswered- is Vijay Sethupathi’s character genuinely blind, or is there a deeper secret behind his appearance? For the unaware, the film, apart from Vijay Sethupathi, also features actors Samyuktha, Tabu, Duniya Vijay Kumar, Brahmaji and VTV Ganesh among others. Having successfully wrapped up production, the film is currently in its final stages of post-production, with work progressing at a brisk pace for all versions. Produced by Puri Jagannadh and Charmme Kaur under the Puri Connects banner in association with JB Narayan Rao Kondrolla’s JB Motion Pictures, the film carries substantial expectations."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Z-lz2ndAxsiBwFtN_purivijaycharmi.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T05:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"puri--slum-dog-33-temple-road-is-for-gen-z-guys"}},{"node":{"tags":["NRI"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Nithya Raman Sets Up LA Mayor Clash"},"content":{"text":"Nithya Raman, a Democratic Socialist in the mould of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, has emerged as the challenger to embattled Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in the November election to lead the second-biggest US city. She took the second spot in the open primary election, edging out the Republican candidate Spencer Pratt, to face Democrat Bass in a runoff, according to media calculations reported on Monday, even as the official counting was continuing almost a week after the election held last Tuesday. Raman, like Mamdani, made affordability for the majority in the city of Hollywood glamour the focus of her campaign, and pins her hopes on riding a wave of grassroots Democratic Socialist progressivism. If she defeats Bass in November, the two largest cities will be led by leftist Democrats of Indian heritage. Some polls put the disapproval rate of Bass at over 55 per cent, while only 35 per cent of voters had an unfavourable view of Raman. Raman, 44, was born in Kerala to a Tamil family and moved to the US when she was six years old. After getting a bachelor's degree from Harvard University and a master's in urban planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she went back to India to set up a research organisation, Transparent Chennai, that worked on sanitation and environment issues. Returning to the US, she worked for the city before taking up the cause of the homeless. She was elected to the Los Angeles City Council riding a wave of progressivism in 2020, setting the stage for her mayoral candidacy. Bass, a 76-year-old veteran of California politics who was a speaker of the state Assembly, succeeded Eric Garcetti, who was appointed US Ambassador to India by former President Joe Biden. She came under criticism for her handling of the fires that swallowed vast areas of sprawling Los Angeles, destroying over 12,000 homes and 4,000 other buildings. When the fires started in January last year, Bass, who is African American, had been away in Ghana, and grappled with dealing with it and its continuing aftermath. Behind the facade of movie glitter lurked the problems of homelessness, high cost of housing, and delayed response by city emergency services, which Raman said she would try to fix. \"If you're as frustrated by the broken status quo as I am, I hope you'll join our movement to build a city that works for everyone,\" she said. Bass was earlier declared the top candidate in the mayoral primary after she crossed the 34 per cent mark. As of Monday, she had 28.6 per cent of the votes to Pratt's 25.8 per cent, leading to the media declaration. Pratt had been leading for the second spot till Sunday, when Raman overtook him. President Donald Trump, who backed Pratt, alleged the election was rigged, repeating allegations he has made about the US electoral system since his defeat in 2020. \"No way this could have happened. Rigged Election!\" Trump posted on Truth Social about the Los Angeles primary early Monday."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aifkPweQX7-eXA1s_nithyaraman.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T06:01:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"nithya-raman-sets-up-la-mayor-clash"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Sonam Kapoor turns 41"},"content":{"text":"As Bollywood’s fashionista Sonam Kapoor turned 41 on Tuesday, her actor-father Anil Kapoor penned  a note for his daughter stating that her smile lights up every room and his whole heart.  Anil shared a carousel of images featuring Anil along with Sonam’s pictures from her childhood days to becoming a mother. For the caption, Anil first wished his daughter as he wrote: “Happy Birthday, Sonam.” He added: “So much has been said about you, but none of it can truly capture just how precious, beautiful and deeply loved you are...Your smile lights up every room (and my whole heart), and your warmth touches everyone fortunate enough to know you.” Anil wished happiness every single day for Sonam. “Not just on your special day, but every single day, I simply want to wish you all the happiness your heart can hold,” he wrote. The actor went on to express his love for his daughter and added: “May life, and everyone you hold close continue to shower you with love, laughter and countless beautiful moments - the kind of moments that make a life unbearably beautiful! Love you so much beta!” Anil married his wife, Sunita in 1984. They have three children Sonam, Rhea Kapoor and Harshvardhan Kapoor. Sonam is married to businessman Anand Ahuja. They got married in 2018. In 2022, they welcomed their first son, Vayu. The couple became parents to their second son in 2026. On the acting front, the actress was last seen in the film Blind in 2023. The crime thriller was directed by Shome Makhija. It also stars Purab Kohli, Vinay Pathak and Lillete Dubey in supporting roles. Blind, a remake of the 2011 Korean film of the same name, centres around a blind police officer in search of a serial killer."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Zj3dzEFLKBtrWxaP_sonamheritage.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T04:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"sonam-kapoor-turns-41"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"NDA Unshaken at Modi 3.0@2"},"content":{"text":"When the 2024 Lok Sabha election results were announced in June, naysayers rubbed their hands in glee; not because the mandate returned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the single largest party in the Lower House of Parliament, but that it ran short of an absolute majority by a few seats.  When the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners, including Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP), again extended their support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the total strength of the Treasury benches rose to 293 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha. Though the alliance comprised some 44 member-parties, the naysayers still dismissed the new government as “short-lived”. Two years later, the nation is celebrating the anniversary of Modi 3.0 at the Centre; the NDA remains a cohesive front, while the Opposition bloc crumbles. The 75-year-old veteran JD(U) leader has since moved to the Centre as a Rajya Sabha member, voluntarily vacating his position with blessings for his successor, Bihar’s new BJP Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and another ally, former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Deve Gowda, penned paeans on Modi’s leadership while celebrating an uninterrupted three-term governance, now completing 12 years. Incidentally, the nonagenarian JD(S) leader has reportedly announced retirement from electoral politics, opting out of the Rajya Sabha race and ending a seven-decade-long Parliamentary career. In an article in The Times of India, he reflected that Modi becoming the longest continuously serving democratically elected Prime Minister after surpassing the record of Jawaharlal Nehru reflects both the strength and evolution of Indian democracy, while crediting his leadership for what he described as uncompromising protection of national interest and sustained public support. Nehru’s first term as the Prime Minister of Independent India was not through direct popular votes; the general election to elect the first Lok Sabha was held between 1951 and 1952. Though he won three consecutive elections, he spent two years in office after the 1962 Parliamentary poll. Deve Gowda also observed that the Congress at that time functioned as a dominant political force with minimal opposition, while by the time Modi assumed office in 2014 and returned for a third term in 2024, India had transformed significantly in terms of diversity and economic complexity. He said it would not be exactly prudent to suggest that becoming Prime Minister in 1952 was easier than in 2014 or 2024, adding that even by 1996, when he himself became Prime Minister, India’s political environment had already become more competitive, questioning, and mature. He also stressed the fact that, unlike dynastic or privileged political backgrounds, leaders such as PM Modi and himself did not have access to inherited political capital, patronage, or social advantage that could serve as a springboard into national leadership. Meanwhile, Naidu, penning his thoughts in The Indian Express, hailed Modi’s tenure as having rediscovered India’s cultural pride and national self-belief. He heaped praise on the Prime Minister and asserted that this milestone reflects the enduring trust that millions of Indians have placed in a model of governance anchored in the principle of “Nation First”. History, he mused, will remember this period not merely for economic growth or political stability, but for the restoration of India’s confidence in itself. The TDP chief also believed that this is India’s defining moment, the beginning of a golden era for India. Despite the naysayers, the Modi government has completed 12 years at the helm. The administration looks secure and confident under him; strong performance has exceeded expectations, with alliance partners standing committed under the Prime Minister’s leadership. That commitment is reflected in the fact that the NDA government has successfully steered several major bills through Parliament, ranging from economic reforms and social legislation to constitutional amendments."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ZmLnKJm069VX1i3M_NDAMeeting.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T10:20:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"nda-unshaken-at-modi-3.02"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Nayan Toasts Another Year with Vignesh"},"content":{"text":"Power couple Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan completed 4 years of marital bliss on Tuesday.  Commemorating the special occasion, Nayanthara treated the netizens with some rare family photos of the lovebirds and their twin boys - RudroNeel N Shivan and Ulag Daiwik N Shivan. One of the pics from the album which seems to be from their recent vacay to the Vatican City shows the two giving a romantic pose in front of a bridge. In another picture, Nayanthara and Vignesh were seen locking lips, with one of the boys sitting on the director's shoulders. From simply walking the streets of the Vatican with their two boys to flaunting their infectious smile for the camera, the post included many heartwarming moments of the cute little family. \"Happy Anniversary to Us (sic),\" Nayanthara captioned the post. Nayanthara and Vignesh came close while working on the 2015 Tamil film, \"Naanum Rowdy Dhaan\". After being in a relationship for many years, the lovebirds finally tied the knot on June 9, 2022, in a grand ceremony in Mahabalipuram. The traditional nuptials were attended by many prominent names from the entertainment industry, such as Shah Rukh Khan, Rajinikanth, AR Rahman, Suriya, Vijay Sethupathi, and Atlee. Taking the next step, the couple welcomed twin boys, Uyir RudroNeel N Shivan and Ulag Daiwik N Shivan, via surrogacy on September 22, 2022. Work-wise, Nayanthara will soon be seen in Geetu Mohandas's eagerly awaited action entertainer 'Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups', which will see 'KGF' actor Yash as the lead. Earlier, talking about casting Nayanthara as Ganga in the movie, director Geetu Mohandas said, \"I wanted to portray Nayan in a way that she’s never been showcased before. But as the shoot progressed I began to see how closely her own personality echoed the soul of the character. It wasn’t imitation, it was alignment. The depth, the honesty, the restraint, and the emotional clarity she brought were not performances layered on top of the character, they were qualities she already possessed.\""},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aiftUAeQX7-eXBVF_nayanvignesh.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C127%2C449%2C221&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T09:29:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"nayan-toasts-another-year-with-vignesh"}},{"node":{"tags":["Videos"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"SlumDog - 33 Temple Road Teaser"},"content":{"text":"SlumDog - 33 Temple Road Teaser"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aWoY2wIvOtkhBpL2_slumdog.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-08T12:53:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV3EYDxMrvA"}},"uid":"slumdog---33-temple-road-teaser"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Vijay Sethupathi plays a visually impaired beggar?"},"content":{"text":"The makers of director Puri Jagannadh's eagerly awaited action entertainer Slum Dog: 33 Temple Road, featuring actor Vijay Sethupathi in the lead, released a gritty and power-packed teaser on Monday, much to the delight of fans and film buffs.   The teaser opens on a powerful note, with the protagonist speaking about the harsh and often overlooked lives of beggars while delivering a stern warning to those who exploit or mistreat them. What follows is a gripping montage of action, emotion, and mystery, introducing the film’s principal characters one after another. While the teaser offers several glimpses into the world of the film, it cleverly leaves its biggest question unanswered- is Vijay Sethupathi’s character genuinely blind, or is there a deeper secret behind his appearance? Known for crafting distinctive character arcs and presenting stories in his own style, Puri Jagannadh has once again created a fascinating character for Vijay Sethupathi. The mystery surrounding the lead character instantly becomes the teaser’s biggest strength, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative. Vijay Sethupathi's commanding presence lifts the teaser to another level. He effortlessly slips into the skin of a visually impaired beggar who despite his loss of vision showcases strength and shows the ability to protect those who are helpless and vulnerable. His transformation and screen presence stand out as major highlights. Samyuktha plays the female lead, while Tabu makes a powerful impression as a police officer. Duniya Vijay appears in a menacing negative role, and the teaser also offers glimpses of key characters portrayed by Brahmaji and VTV Ganesh. Technically, the teaser leaves a strong impression. Cinematographer Sam K Naidu lends a gritty visual texture and stylish presentation to the film’s world. National Award-winning composer Harshavardhan Rameshwar elevates the impact with a pulsating score that perfectly complements the intensity on screen. Editor Santosh Noozilla keeps the narrative crisp and engaging with sharp cuts, while the overall production values reflect the film’s ambitious scale. For the unaware, the film, apart from Vijay Sethupathi, also features actors Samyuktha, Tabu, Duniya Vijay Kumar, Brahmaji and VTV Ganesh among others.  Having successfully wrapped up production, the film is currently in its final stages of post-production, with work progressing at a brisk pace for all versions.  Produced by Puri Jagannadh and Charmme Kaur under the Puri Connects banner in association with JB Narayan Rao Kondrolla’s JB Motion Pictures, the film carries substantial expectations. "},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aib0JQeQX7-eW-tF_vspslumdog.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C13%2C448%2C221&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-08T15:56:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"vijay-sethupathi-plays-a-visually-impaired-beggar"}}]},"featured":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Legendary director Bharathiraja passes away"},"content":{"text":"One of Tamil cinema's iconic directors Bharathirajaa passed away on Wednesday. He was 84. The veteran director, who is considered to be a trendsetter in Tamil and Indian cinema, had been battling health issues for some time now. Known for showcasing the rural Tamil lifestyle with flair on screen with his movies, many of which dealt with societal problems, Bharathiraja, whose opening lines 'En Iniya Tamil Makkale...' are popular in Tamil Nadu to this day, was known for his brilliant direction and his ability to spot new talent. The ace director, who was honoured with the Padma Shri, has won several state and National Awards. In fact, he won the Tamil Nadu government's state award for best direction for his very first film, '16 Vayathinile', which featured Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and Sridevi in the lead. Born to Periya Mayathevar and Meenakshi Ammal alias Karuthammal on July 17, 1941 in Alli Nagaram in Theni district, Bharathirajaa was originally named Chinnasamy. The director, who has directed around 44 films in his illustrious career, has delivered several cult classics including the Sivaji Ganesan-starrer 'Mudhal Mariyadhai', 'Mann Vasanai', 'Pudhumai Penn', 'Vedham Pudhithu', 'Kizhakku Cheemaiyile', 'Karuthamma' and 'Nadodi Thendral'. Apart from directing, Bharathiraja was also a brilliant actor. He made his debut as an actor in Kallukkul Eeram and then went on to act in a number of movies including Nizhalgal, Dhaavani Kanavugal, Idhayam, Aayudha Ezhuthu, Rettai Suzhi, Pandiya Naadu, Seethakaadhi, Maanaadu, Eeswaran, and Thiruchitrambalam. Bharathiraja was also the person responsible for introducing a number of iconic directors and actors in Tamil cinema. Some of those whom he introduced include K Bhagyaraj, Radhika, Manivannan, Nepoleon, Nizhalgal Ravi, Aruna, Vijayshanthi, Usha, Goundamani, Karthik, Revathi, Radha and Thyagarajan. Condolence messages are pouring in for the veteran director, who has left an indelible mark on Tamil and Indian cinema."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aikZbweQX7-eXHhZ_Bharathiraja.png?auto=format,compress&rect=0,16,350,173&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T03:59:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"legendary-director-bharathiraja-passes-away"}}]},"politics":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"1 Cr Ex-Gratia: Will CBN Go Extra Mile?"},"content":{"text":"Politics often divides leaders, but tragedies sometimes offer an opportunity to rise above party lines. The devastating blast at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, which has claimed nine lives and left several workers battling for survival, has now triggered a political challenge from YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Jagan has demanded that the government provide an additional Rs 1 crore ex-gratia to each victim's family, over and above the compensation package already announced, along with employment for a family member. The question now is whether Chandrababu Naidu will accept the demand and transform a political issue into a humanitarian gesture. The state government has already announced compensation, employment support, educational assistance for children, housing benefits, and medical coverage for the injured. However, Jagan argues that a significant portion of the announced package consists of statutory benefits, insurance claims, and retirement dues that rightfully belong to the workers. His demand for an additional Rs 1 crore mirrors the compensation announced during the LG Polymers tragedy and seeks to establish a stronger precedent for industrial disaster victims. For Chandrababu Naidu, the decision carries both political and moral significance. Accepting the demand would send a strong message that worker welfare transcends political differences. It would reassure thousands of employees working in hazardous industrial environments that the government stands firmly behind them during times of crisis. Such a move could also soften criticism that successive governments have failed to adequately address safety concerns within the steel plant. At the same time, the government may argue that compensation cannot become a competitive political exercise and that financial assistance must follow established policies and legal frameworks. Officials may also point out that several benefits announced for the victims' families extend far beyond immediate cash compensation. Yet beyond the politics lies a deeper issue. The families who lost their breadwinners are not concerned about which party gets the credit. Their immediate concern is financial security, education for their children, and a stable future. Whether the compensation is called ex-gratia, relief, or assistance matters little compared to the assurance that their lives will not collapse after the tragedy. As public sympathy continues to pour in for the victims, Chandrababu Naidu faces a choice. He can reject the opposition's demand and defend the existing package, or he can embrace the proposal and position himself as a leader willing to rise above politics when human lives are at stake. In moments like these, governments are often remembered not for the announcements they make, but for the compassion they show."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2Fbb599b1a-2f7d-49d0-ae54-24a236966bdb_chandrababu+naidu.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,54,1200,592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T12:57:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"1-cr-ex-gratia-will-cbn-go-the-extra-mile"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Hyd's Growth Story Ends Where the Rain Begins"},"content":{"text":"Hyderabad proudly markets itself as a global technology hub, a city of innovation, investment, and futuristic ambitions. Yet, all it took was one hour of moderate rain to expose a harsh reality. On Tuesday, key stretches in Gachibowli, Hitec City, Financial District, and surrounding areas turned into virtual parking lots as roads disappeared under water and commuters spent hours trapped in traffic. For thousands of working professionals, students, and daily wage earners, the evening commute became an exhausting test of patience. The obvious question citizens are asking is simple: What exactly are HYDRA and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation doing? Every monsoon, authorities promise better drainage, encroachment removal, flood mitigation plans, and smart city solutions. Yet, the same locations continue to flood year after year. If roads around Hyderabad's most premium business districts cannot withstand an hour of rain, how can citizens trust claims of world-class infrastructure? At the same time, the government appears focused on unveiling grand visions like the proposed Future City. While long-term planning is important, shouldn't the immediate priority be fixing the city people are living in today? What is the value of building tomorrow's city when today's Hyderabad struggles with basic urban management? A software engineer stuck for three hours in traffic or a family stranded on waterlogged roads is unlikely to be inspired by futuristic presentations and ambitious master plans. The growing frustration among citizens is not merely about rainwater or traffic congestion. It is about accountability. Politicians often appear during project inaugurations and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, but ordinary residents rarely see them experiencing the daily struggles of commuting through flooded roads, navigating broken infrastructure, or enduring hours of gridlock. Governance cannot happen from conference halls alone. Hyderabad's taxpayers deserve answers, not excuses. They deserve functioning drainage systems, better urban planning, and real-time accountability from civic agencies. Leaders must step out of their comfort zones, leave behind the grand speeches, and witness firsthand what a common citizen faces during a single rainy evening. Public patience is wearing thin, and the message from Hyderabad's roads is becoming impossible to ignore: fix the present before selling dreams of the future."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ailWwQeQX7-eXKfG_HyderabadRains.png?auto=format,compress&rect=0,34,877,432&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T07:11:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgRS6pzUqnM"}},"uid":"hyds-growth-story-ends-where-the-rain-begins"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Revanth Reddy Dragged Into RS Row"},"content":{"text":"Amid row over rejection of nomination of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan for Rajya Sabha in Madhya Pradesh, Congress MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy on Wednesday lodged a police complaint against certain social media accounts for spreading what he called \"malicious propaganda\" against Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. In the complaint filed with the Central Crime Station, he named 'Telugu Scribe' and other social media accounts for propagating on social media that there is a conspiracy by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy behind rejection of the nomination of Meenakshi Natarajan, the Telangana Congress In-Charge. Congress MP Kiran Kumar Reddy requested that a full-fledged investigation be conducted on this and an FIR be registered. The Lok Sabha member from Bhuvanagiri sought action against 'Telugu Scribe', its handlers, associated persons and political conspirators for executing a \"deep-rooted political conspiracy, fabricating electronics records, distributing fake news and publishing highly defamatory content targeting the Chief Minister\". \"This is a clear case of an organised attempt by a digital proxy entity acting on behalf of an opposition party in Telangana, which was recently rejected by the people and is desperate to regain political ground, to destabilise the democratically-elected state government and breach public tranquillity,\" the complaint said. The Congress MP said that accused individuals published a post on social media platforms X and Instagram, alleging that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy executed a secret conspiracy against Meenakshi Natarajan by covertly sharing old legal case details with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders. Meanwhile, addressing a press conference, Kiran Kumar Reddy alleged that BJP and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) are hatching conspiracies to join hands.  He alleged that opposition parties BJP and BRS are working together to create trouble for the Congress in Telangana. He clarified that there is only a private complaint against Meenakshi Natarajan, and there is no need to show it under the 'case' Section in Form-26 as per the Representation of the People Act."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ailXxweQX7-eXKfr_KiranKumarReddy.png?auto=format,compress&rect=0,16,450,222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T12:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"revanth-reddy-dragged-into-rs-row"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Vizag Steel Plant Death Toll Rises to 9"},"content":{"text":"The death toll in Monday’s accident at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant rose to nine as an injured worker succumbed on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at a hospital.  A contract worker named Pydiraju succumbed to his injuries at Seven Hills Hospital. Eight persons were killed and six others injured after a ladle carrying molten steel exploded at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant on Monday. The accident occurred when a large quantity of molten steel leaked following the explosion of the ladle, which was carrying steel at a very high temperature, of about 1,500 degrees Celsius, officials said. A video message of Pydiraju, recorded while he was being shifted to the hospital, went viral on social media. Scared that he might not survive, he left instructions for his elder son Varma, to look after his mother and ensure his younger brother continued his education. Five injured workers are undergoing treatment at two hospitals. After visiting the accident site on Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan had announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh each to the family of every worker who lost their lives in the accident, along with a job in the plant to one of the family members. He also announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the workers who are seriously injured and receiving treatment in the ICU. Pawan Kalyan also revealed that Rs 1.72 crore will be provided to the permanent employees under retirement benefits, and Rs 45.75 lakh to contract employees, and that the plant management will fully bear all expenses for the treatment of the injured. The Deputy CM stated that the education of the children of the deceased workers will continue. Until the age of retirement for the deceased employees, their family members can continue to stay free of cost in the steel plant quarters. The affected families currently living in rented houses outside the steel plant township will also be allotted quarters inside the township, if they wish to move into plant quarters. He stated that a three-member committee from Bokaro Steel Plant will conduct a full-scale inquiry into the accident, and further action will be taken based on the committee's report."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Z8yEHRsAHJWomQQ8_fire.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T09:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"vizag-steel-plant-death-toll-rises-to-9"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Modi's record tenure draws praise in US"},"content":{"text":"Prime Minister Narendra Modi's milestone of becoming India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister has drawn praise from American lawmakers, business leaders and prominent members of the Indian diaspora, who credited his leadership with transforming India's global standing and strengthening ties with the United States.  US Senator John Cornyn led the tributes, congratulating Modi on completing 4,399 days in office. \"Congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi on becoming India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister — 4,399 days of leadership earned through the trust of 1.4 billion people across three democratic mandates,\" Cornyn said. \"From lifting 250 million out of poverty to making India the world's fastest-growing major economy, PM Modi's tenure has been nothing short of transformational. The US-India partnership has never been stronger,\" he added. Arun Agarwal, Co-founder of the Indian American CEO Council and Chair of the Texas Economic Development Corporation, said the milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on India's transformation during the past twelve years. \"The India of 2026 is not the India of 2014,\" Agarwal wrote in a commentary marking the occasion. He said it was \"difficult to deny that India today stands taller, speaks louder, and commands greater attention on the global stage than it did a decade ago.\" India is no longer viewed merely as a country with promise but increasingly as one delivering on that promise. \"For many decades, India was often described as a nation with enormous potential. Today, it is increasingly viewed as a nation realizing that potential,\" he said. He said the past twelve years would likely be remembered as a period that \"accelerated India's rise and altered global perceptions of what India can achieve.\" Nikesh Arora, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Palo Alto Networks, also congratulated Modi on the achievement. \"Congratulating Prime Minister @narendramodi on becoming India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister — 4,399 days of leadership earned through the trust of 1.4 billion people across three democratic mandates,\" Arora wrote. \"From lifting 250 million out of poverty to making India the world's fastest-growing major economy, PM Modi's tenure has been nothing short of transformational. Look forward to a continued US-India partnership,\" he said. American singer and India supporter Mary Millben described the occasion as \"a historic, democratic milestone in the journey of a great Nation.\" \"Today, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to my friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India's longest-serving Prime Minister,\" she said. \"Your steadfast leadership, enduring commitment to the progress, unity, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians, alongside your unwavering vision for a stronger Bharat has helped shape an era of transformation.\" Millben also praised Modi's stewardship of relations between New Delhi and Washington. \"I honor your leadership in advancing the US India relationship. You have outlasted consecutive US Presidents, some with whom you had great relationship and others you have had great grace towards, yet you never wavered in exercising clear diplomacy that upheld the interests of the Indian people coupled with the health of our two countries,\" she said. Calling the achievement an inspiration for future generations, she added: \"Now, as India's longest serving Prime Minister, you have inspired generations to dream bigger, strive harder, and contribute to the glory of the motherland.\""},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/e513ac6f-7bab-45da-8400-841092dbc889_modi.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T09:47:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"modis-record-tenure-draws-praise-in-us"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Revanth Salutes T'gana Youth Who Saved 3 in US"},"content":{"text":"Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday paid rich tributes to Koduru Anuroop Reddy, who lost his life while saving the lives of three friends in the United States recently.  He described this extremely tragic incident as heartbreaking. On behalf of the Telangana government and the people, the Chief Minister extended his deepest condolences to Anuroop's parents, his brother Ashrit Reddy, and family members. He prayed to God for peace for Anuroop's soul. In a letter of commendation sent to them, the Chief Minister stated that the government would stand by the family during this profound sorrow. He noted that the news of Anuroop's tragic death, which occurred on May 29, at the Toro Bayou Park in the US state of Louisiana, has left all deeply shocked. At just 23 years of age, Anuroop, with a promising career and a bright future ahead of him, demonstrated exemplary courage, selflessness, and valour that stand as an inspiration to all, he said. \"When faced with a critical situation where three of his friends were in imminent danger of drowning, Anuroop did not hesitate. Without regard for his own safety, he plunged into the waters and successfully rescued his friends. While his heroic actions ensured they survived, it is our deepest misfortune that the cruel currents of destiny took him away from us,\" he wrote in the letter. The Chief Minister stated that Anuroop’s act of supreme sacrifice embodies the highest values of human compassion and bravery. He has left an indelible mark of honour upon his homeland, Telangana. He said that the human values, compassion, and courage displayed by Anuroop on that occasion are a testament to the highest sacrifice. Following the Chief Minister's instructions, MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, along with a few MLAs, visited the student's home and paid tributes to Anuroop's mortal remains. They consoled the family members. Anuroop, a native of Abdullapurmet on the outskirts of Hyderabad, had recently completed his master’s degree in Computer Science at the University of North Texas (UNT)."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aig88AeQX7-eXFVU_tsyouth.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T12:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"revanth-salutes-tgana-youth-who-saved-3-in-us"}}]},"entertainment":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Drishyam 3 in Number Plate Controversy"},"content":{"text":"The makers of Mohanlal’s blockbuster film Drishyam 3 are facing a legal challenge after a vehicle owner from Idukki alleged that his vehicle registration number was used in the film without his knowledge or permission. Rajeev, a resident of Kunchithanny in Idukki, has filed a complaint against the film’s producer, Antony Perumbavoor, director Jeethu Joseph, and other crew members, alleging that the registration number of his personal vehicle was falsely shown as the number of the vehicle used by the film’s central character, played by Mohanlal. In his complaint submitted to the Munnar DySP, Rajeev demanded that all scenes in which his vehicle number appears be removed from the film immediately. He also submitted a copy of his vehicle’s Registration Certificate (RC) as evidence to support his claim. Rajeev alleged that the unauthorised display of his vehicle number plate could create serious personal and legal complications for him. According to him, any incidents involving the number shown on the screen could lead to unnecessary trouble for the vehicle's actual owner. “Now, with the film getting traction, people who saw the film have started reacting, seeing my vehicle as a ‘Drishyam’ vehicle. Mostly these comments have come from the new generation,” said Rajeev. Interestingly, Rajeev’s vehicle is a Mahindra Scorpio, while the vehicle shown being used by the character in the film is of an entirely different brand. Despite this, he claims the registration number displayed in the movie matches the one assigned to his vehicle. The complainant said he was neither approached nor informed by the filmmakers before using the number plate in the film. He has now decided to pursue further legal action against the production team if the scenes are not removed. The complaint has raised questions about the use of real vehicle registration details in films and the filmmakers' responsibility to ensure that such details do not cause difficulties for unsuspecting individuals."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aBs7uidWJ-7kRs_h_mohanlal.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T12:44:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"drishyam-3-in-number-plate-controversy"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Here’s why Khushi Kapoor issued an apology"},"content":{"text":"Khushi Kapoor, on Wednesday, took to social media to share a light-hearted “sorry” moment. Taking to Instagram, she shared candid pictures with her friends Aaliyah Kashyap and others, giving a glimpse of their casual and fun moments together. Alongside the video, she wrote, “Sorry to everyone who heard our dinner table conversations.” In the images, she is seen striking poses alongside her friends for the camera. Khushi exudes stylish vibes in a short top and skirt. Reacting to her images, Khushi’s close friend Orhan Awatramani commented, “Sorry to everyone who dint also.” Aaliyah wrote, “Legit.” A few days ago, the actress had posted her stylish photos and captioned them as \"Was a converse kinda day.” Last month, Khushi Kapoor made headlines as she remembered her late mother and legendary actress Sridevi on Mother’s Day. She shared a black-and-white collage featuring cherished memories with her mother. In one of the pictures, a young Khushi was seen embracing Sridevi, while another showed baby Khushi with the 'Mr. India’ actress."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aQt_prpReVYa4GYC_kushikapoor.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T07:48:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"khushi-kapoor-on-wednesday-took-to-social-media-to"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Anu Sparks Debate Amid ‘Peddi’ Controversy"},"content":{"text":"Amid the heated chatter about Janhvi Kapoor’s sexualised character in “Peddi”, veteran actress Anu Aggarwal has talked about the portrayal of women in films, questioning whether female characters are treated as complete human beings with their own voices, choices and journeys, or merely reduced to objects of visual consumption.  Anu wrote on Instagram: “When we talk about the objectification of women in cinema, what are we really talking about? For me, the question is simple. Are we seeing a female character as a complete human being? Or are we seeing her primarily as an object of visual consumption? Does she have a voice?” She added: “Does she have a personality? Does she make choices? Does she have a journey of her own? And perhaps the simplest question of all: If a particular scene were removed, would the story lose something essential?” “Or was it there merely to draw attention to her body? Respect recognizes the whole person. Objectification reduces the character to something less.What do you think?” Peddi is receiving backlash over the portrayal of the female lead, Janhvi Kapoor, with many accusing the makers of objectifying her. However, later the film’s director Buchi Babu Sana responded to the ongoing controversy and said they will make changes to the relevant portion based on feedback."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aKRjNKTt2nPbadRY_jahnvikapoor.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T07:44:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"anu-sparks-debate-amid-peddi-controversy"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Legendary director Bharathiraja passes away"},"content":{"text":"One of Tamil cinema's iconic directors Bharathirajaa passed away on Wednesday. He was 84. The veteran director, who is considered to be a trendsetter in Tamil and Indian cinema, had been battling health issues for some time now. Known for showcasing the rural Tamil lifestyle with flair on screen with his movies, many of which dealt with societal problems, Bharathiraja, whose opening lines 'En Iniya Tamil Makkale...' are popular in Tamil Nadu to this day, was known for his brilliant direction and his ability to spot new talent. The ace director, who was honoured with the Padma Shri, has won several state and National Awards. In fact, he won the Tamil Nadu government's state award for best direction for his very first film, '16 Vayathinile', which featured Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and Sridevi in the lead. Born to Periya Mayathevar and Meenakshi Ammal alias Karuthammal on July 17, 1941 in Alli Nagaram in Theni district, Bharathirajaa was originally named Chinnasamy. The director, who has directed around 44 films in his illustrious career, has delivered several cult classics including the Sivaji Ganesan-starrer 'Mudhal Mariyadhai', 'Mann Vasanai', 'Pudhumai Penn', 'Vedham Pudhithu', 'Kizhakku Cheemaiyile', 'Karuthamma' and 'Nadodi Thendral'. Apart from directing, Bharathiraja was also a brilliant actor. He made his debut as an actor in Kallukkul Eeram and then went on to act in a number of movies including Nizhalgal, Dhaavani Kanavugal, Idhayam, Aayudha Ezhuthu, Rettai Suzhi, Pandiya Naadu, Seethakaadhi, Maanaadu, Eeswaran, and Thiruchitrambalam. Bharathiraja was also the person responsible for introducing a number of iconic directors and actors in Tamil cinema. Some of those whom he introduced include K Bhagyaraj, Radhika, Manivannan, Nepoleon, Nizhalgal Ravi, Aruna, Vijayshanthi, Usha, Goundamani, Karthik, Revathi, Radha and Thyagarajan. Condolence messages are pouring in for the veteran director, who has left an indelible mark on Tamil and Indian cinema."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aikZbweQX7-eXHhZ_Bharathiraja.png?auto=format,compress&rect=0,16,350,173&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T03:59:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"legendary-director-bharathiraja-passes-away"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"PK:Bharathiraja’s Passing an ‘Irreplaceable Loss’"},"content":{"text":"Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday expressed profound grief at the passing away of one of Indian cinema's iconic directors Bharathiraja, calling the six-time National Award winner's demise \"an irreplaceable loss to the Indian film industry\". Taking to his X timeline to pen his condolence message, Pawan Kalyan pointed out that the passing away of the renowned legendary film director and Padma Shri awardee was an irreplaceable loss to the Indian film industry. Stating that the gifted director, with his extraordinary films, had not only won the hearts of Tamil cinema audiences but also those of Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada language viewers, Pawan Kalyan said that the six-time National Award winner had left his unique imprint on the Indian film scene. Pawan Kalyan recalled that the devotional film 'Aaraadhana', which he brought to life with Pawan Kalyan's elder brother Megastar Chiranjeevi, as well as films like 'Seethakoka Chiluka', that won a National Award, had remained eternally etched in the hearts of audiences.  Bharathiraja, he said, would be remembered forever as a director who marvelously portrayed rural life and human relationships on screen. \"Losing such a great creative director is an irreplaceable loss to the Indian film industry. Expressing profound grief over Shri Bharathiraja garu's passing, I convey my deepest condolences to his family members and fans,\" Pawan Kalyan said. One of Tamil cinema's iconic directors, Bharathiraja, passed away in Chennai in the early hours of Wednesday. He was 84. The veteran director, who is a Padma Shri Awardee and who is considered to be a trendsetter in Tamil and Indian cinema, had been battling health issues for sometime now.  Condolence messages have been pouring in from film industry professionals cutting across regions and languages. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay was among the first to pay homage to the late director at his residence in Neelangarai on Wednesday. Several other celebrities too have expressed grief over the demise of the veteran director."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adOj4pGXnQHGZSCp_pawan.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T07:54:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"pkbharathirajas-passing-an-irreplaceable-loss"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"‘Peddi’ Sparks Cultural Sensitivity Debate"},"content":{"text":"The recent release of 'Peddi' has sparked an uproar across social media and cinema circles, highlighting a critical misalignment between filmmakers and evolving audience sensibilities. The film's depiction of Janhvi Kapoor, particularly the unsettling midriff shots and a scene implicating non-consensual intimacy, has raised eyebrows and ignited backlash. What was meant to be a bold cinematic statement quickly transformed into a public relations debacle, as viewers lambasted the film for its tone-deaf portrayal of women. The silence in the auditorium during its screening morphed into a chorus of criticism within days, forcing director Buchi Babu Sana to issue a public apology and acknowledge the film's missteps. Sana's admission that the intention was never to objectify women rings hollow to many who question the production's oversight. With thousands of professionals involved in the film’s creation, it is troubling that such glaring issues went unchallenged during the development and post-production phases. The incident has sparked discussions about the culture within film sets, where the pressure to conform can lead to a dangerous environment of 'yes-men' who fail to provide honest feedback. This raises an unsettling question: Did no one within the expansive production pipeline have the courage to voice concerns before the film reached audiences? The failure of 'Peddi' serves as a stark reminder of the increasing scrutiny facing films that aspire to be pan-India hits. Filmmakers must understand that an audience that transcends regional boundaries demands a heightened awareness of diverse cultural sensitivities. The backlash was amplified once the film entered the Hindi market, exposing nuances that local audiences may have overlooked, but which resonated sharply with broader national viewpoints. The lessons from similar past incidents, such as those involving 'The Family Star', underscore the critical need for filmmakers to adapt to a national audience while navigating the expectations of modern viewers. In order to prevent future missteps, the industry should consider adopting the Aamir Khan model of pre-release focus groups. This approach could offer filmmakers invaluable insights from outside their immediate creative circles, allowing for a more accurate gauge of public sentiment regarding potentially controversial scenes. Moreover, embracing a broader understanding of gender politics and audience expectations will be essential for filmmakers seeking to connect with a pan-Indian viewer base. Ultimately, 'Peddi' stands as a cautionary tale for those in the industry who may underestimate the evolving nature of cinematic storytelling and its implications for female representation on screen."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aihRKQeQX7-eXFhx_peddi.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T18:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"peddi-sparks-cultural-sensitivity-debate"}}]},"tech":{"edges":[]},"fashion":{"edges":[]},"business":{"edges":[]},"health":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Recognizing the Early Signs of Ovarian Cancer"},"content":{"text":"Ovarian cancer is a significant concern for women in India, being the third most common cancer among them. However, many women with ovarian cancer often experience symptoms for several months before receiving a proper diagnosis. In India, a staggering 70 to 80 percent of ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, mainly because the early signs are easily mistaken for other health issues. Oncologists have dubbed ovarian cancer as a 'silent disease' due to its subtle progression without clear, alarming symptoms.  Dr. Sampada Desai, a Consultant Gynaecological Cancer and Robotic Surgeon, emphasizes that ovarian cancer does not remain silent but instead 'whispers' through nonspecific symptoms such as upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, feeling full too early, and digestive problems, which are often mistaken for other conditions. Persistent bloating and extreme fullness even after consuming small portions of food, coupled with lower abdominal or pelvic pain, should prompt a visit to the doctor. Changes in menstrual patterns, irregular bleeding, or any bleeding post-menopause also warrant attention.  It is crucial for individuals experiencing these symptoms to keep a record for a month and consult a gynecologic oncologist if any symptoms persist for more than two weeks or occur frequently. Women with a family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer should be particularly vigilant, as they have a higher genetic predisposition to cancer. Early detection is key, as there are no routine screening tests for ovarian cancer. Clinical examination, ultrasonography, and blood tests may be part of the evaluation for potential ovarian cancer. Recognizing the subtle signs and listening to the 'whisper' of ovarian cancer may significantly aid in early detection and improved survival rates."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aigpQAeQX7-eXEpI_overaincancer.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-08T18:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"recognizing-the-early-signs-of-ovarian-cancer"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"How Thyroid Health Affects Fertility"},"content":{"text":"For women trying to conceive, the road to pregnancy can be fraught with challenges. While the reasons for delayed conception may not always be obvious, thyroid health could be a significant factor. As the world marks World Thyroid Day on May 25, experts emphasize the often overlooked influence of hypothyroidism on reproductive health. Dr. Alimileti Jhansi Rani, a Fertility Specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF Hyderabad, stresses the critical role of the thyroid in reproductive health.  Research has shown that hypothyroidism can disrupt ovulation, menstruation, and hormonal regulation, leading to fertility struggles and potential complications during pregnancy. It's important to note that even 'normal' thyroid levels may not be ideal for conception, with specialists recommending optimized levels for fertility. Treatment and lifestyle changes, including medication, proper nutrition, stress management, and monitoring menstrual and ovulation patterns, can significantly improve the chances of conception.  Additionally, testing for thyroid antibodies can provide valuable insights, especially for women facing recurrent miscarriages or fertility challenges. Understanding the impact of thyroid health on fertility and seeking timely medical guidance can save valuable time for women struggling to conceive."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/1c687669-969a-426e-b643-acc2ccc20607_thyroid.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-25T06:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"how-thyroid-health-affects-fertility"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Shortness of Breath? Take It Seriously"},"content":{"text":"Feeling winded when doing everyday tasks like climbing stairs may seem normal, but according to Dr. Rajesh Rajani, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, it can be a red flag for an underlying heart problem. Many people dismiss breathlessness as a sign of aging or lack of fitness, but this could be dangerous thinking. The gradual decline in your ability to perform tasks without getting breathless may go unnoticed, leading to delayed diagnosis of potential heart issues.  Dr. Rajani warns that breathlessness should not be normalized, as it could indicate serious heart conditions such as blocked arteries, heart valve disease, irregular heart rhythms, or weakening of the heart muscles. Recognizing and evaluating these symptoms early can help identify underlying health risks and prevent more serious complications later. It's crucial not to make excuses for these symptoms and to seek medical advice if you experience increasing shortness of breath.  This article provides insights from Dr. Rajesh Rajani, shedding light on why breathlessness should not be ignored and how it can signify an underlying heart condition."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/agwbIKYofJOwHWqT_breath.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-18T18:56:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"dont-ignore-it-when-shortness-of-breath-signals-a-serious-health-concern-mpcc9z9u"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Hantavirus Panic Hits US Passengers"},"content":{"text":"In a troubling development, two American passengers from the MV Hondius have raised alarm as they are transported back to the United States with potential hantavirus infections. The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed on Sunday evening that among the 17 evacuees, one individual is exhibiting mild symptoms, while another has tested 'mildly PCR positive' for the Andes strain of the virus. This evacuation comes amidst a backdrop of heightened awareness surrounding hantavirus, which can lead to severe respiratory complications. The cruise ship, which embarked from Argentina in April and traversed the South Atlantic, has been linked to a disturbing cluster of hantavirus cases, including three fatalities. The initial case involved a Dutch passenger who fell ill shortly after boarding, leading to a tragic sequence of events that resulted in both his and his wife’s deaths, as well as that of a German traveler. The virus's unusual capability for human-to-human transmission—particularly the Andes strain—underscores the urgency of the situation, as it typically spreads through contact with infected rodent excreta. Health experts are particularly concerned about this outbreak due to its rarity, with hantaviruses generally transmitting through animal vectors rather than person-to-person contact. The Andes virus, however, poses a unique threat, necessitating close interactions for transmission to occur. A Swiss tour guide who disembarked in Saint Helena and later tested positive suggests that the virus may have circulated among passengers during the voyage. Such developments have prompted increased scrutiny and rigorous monitoring protocols for those who interacted with affected individuals. The 17 American passengers are currently en route to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which is equipped to handle potential hantavirus cases. The facility will conduct thorough clinical assessments, with asymptomatic individuals expected to monitor their health at home for a full 42 days—the incubation period for the virus. While health officials have classified most passengers as low-risk, the careful tracking and oversight reflect a cautious approach in the face of a potentially serious health crisis, emphasizing both preparedness and the importance of public health vigilance in mitigating outbreaks."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/agHlCKYofJOwHFHL_hantavirus.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-11T05:02:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"hantavirus-alert-us-passengers-evacuated-amid-growing-health-concerns-mp19tz46"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Summer Chill or Skin Kill: The Hidden Perils of AC"},"content":{"text":"As temperatures soar, air conditioning becomes a refuge from the sweltering heat, yet it carries an unsuspected consequence for our skin. The very mechanism that cools our living spaces—lowering humidity levels—has a detrimental effect on skin health. Prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments can lead to significant dehydration, disrupting the skin's natural barrier and causing a range of issues including heightened sensitivity, flakiness, and even unexpected breakouts. This paradox highlights a critical need for awareness in our skincare routines during the sweltering summer months. The science behind air conditioning reveals a stark reality: the cooling process strips moisture from the air, which in turn accelerates water loss from the skin. This dehydration can affect all skin types, whether oily, dry, or combination. A common misconception is that hydrated skin will always appear visibly dry; in many cases, a lack of moisture can trigger the skin to produce excess oil in a compensatory manner, resulting in clogged pores and acne. This cycle underscores the importance of recognizing air conditioning as a double-edged sword, necessary for comfort yet detrimental to skin vitality. The skin barrier serves as the body’s frontline defense against external aggressors. When faced with the relentless assault of dry air, this barrier struggles to maintain its integrity, leading to issues like increased sensitivity and irritation. Individuals may notice fine lines becoming more pronounced, and persistent redness developing as their skin reacts to the new environment. The long-term implications are unsettling; a compromised skin barrier not only invites dryness but also exposes the skin to pollution and UV damage once individuals venture outside. Understanding this connection is crucial for anyone reliant on air conditioning for comfort. To counteract these adverse effects, skincare strategies must adapt to this summer challenge. Prioritizing deep hydration is essential—switching to lightweight moisturizers infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid can help replenish lost moisture without clogging pores. Layering products, such as applying a hydrating serum followed by a moisturizer, creates an additional shield against dry air. Moreover, maintaining internal hydration through adequate water intake and using a humidifier can enhance skin resilience. As the demand for comfort clashes with the need for skin health, it is imperative to strike a balance that ensures both can coexist harmoniously during the hottest months of the year."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/afhRDcBOoF08xkN5_skin.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-03T02:53:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"summer-chill-or-skin-kill-the-hidden-perils-of-air-conditioning-moq2k7ge"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Sun to Acquire US-Based Organon in $11.75 B"},"content":{"text":"India’s major drugmaker Sun Pharmaceutical Industries on Monday announced that it will acquire New York-listed Organon & Co in an all-cash deal valued at $11.75 billion, its biggest overseas acquisition to date.  Under the agreement, the pharmaceutical firm will acquire 100 per cent of Organon’s outstanding shares at $14 per share, translating into an enterprise valuation of $11.75 billion and an equity value of around $3.99 billion, the company said in an exchange filing. The company said the acquisition is aligned with its strategy to scale up its innovative medicines business while strengthening its presence in established brands and branded generics. The deal will also enable Sun Pharma to enter the biosimilars segment as a top global player. Following the acquisition, the combined entity is expected to be among the top 25 global pharmaceutical companies, with revenues of around $12.4 billion, while strengthening its position in women’s health and biosimilars. New Jersey-based Organon operates across women’s health, biosimilars, and established medicines, with a portfolio of over 70 products and a presence in more than 140 countries. The transaction, approved by the boards of both companies, expected to close in early 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and Organon shareholders’ approval. Sun Pharma plans to fund the deal through a mix of internal accruals and debt financing. For the year ended December 2025, Organon reported revenue of $6.2 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $1.9 billion. Commenting on the deal, Sun Pharma Executive Chairman Dilip Shanghvi said the acquisition would help build a stronger and more diversified platform, while Managing Director Kirti Ganorkar highlighted synergy and growth opportunities from the integration. Shares of Sun Pharma rose as much as 6.71 per cent to hit an intraday high of Rs 1,728.65 on the BSE in early trade on Monday."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0559bc76-f082-4aef-b625-6c012ae1d136_sun+pharma.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-27T08:34:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"sun-pharma-to-acquire-us-based-organon-in-11.75-b"}}]},"nri":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"US States hail court win against H-1B fee"},"content":{"text":"State attorneys general across the United States welcomed a federal court ruling striking down the Trump administration’s $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, calling it a victory for employers, universities, healthcare providers and research institutions that rely on highly skilled foreign workers.  A day earlier, US District Court in Massachusetts issued a final ruling vacating the fee, which had been imposed on all new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. A multistate coalition had challenged the policy, arguing that the administration lacked congressional authorisation to impose the charge. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said the ruling would help protect the state's ability to attract specialised talent. “This win helps keep our state at the forefront of highly specialized research that drives our world’s most dynamic industries,” Brown said. “Unchecked, this illegal tax would have massively increased costs for Washington state agencies, public universities, and public colleges,” he added. Brown's office said nearly 500 H-1B visa holders are employed across more than 30 Washington state agencies, public universities and colleges. Officials argued that the fee would have made it difficult for educational institutions to fill critical positions, particularly in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and medical fields. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, whose office led the multistate challenge, said the court had delivered a decisive rejection of the policy. “The judgment is in! The Trump Administration’s unlawful and costly $100,000 tax has been struck down. This tax was an attack on America’s ability to attract and retain the high-skilled talent that strengthens our economy and helps us meet critical workforce needs,” Bonta said. “California remains open for business, open to talent, and committed to ensuring our communities have essential services — from healthcare to education — that depend on a strong, skilled workforce,” he added. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong also praised the ruling, describing the fee as an unfair burden on employers. “We just stopped Donald Trump’s crude attempt to hawk the American Dream to the highest bidder. Trump’s outrageous fees were a steep burden for Connecticut employers across the public and private sector who rely on skilled H-1B workers for difficult, vital positions,” Tong said. “We sued, we won, and we’re going to keep fighting to protect a fair and lawful immigration process,” he added. State officials argued that the fee created a costly barrier for employers seeking workers in specialised occupations, including teachers, physicians, researchers and nurses. They said the policy risked worsening labour shortages and disrupting essential public services. According to the coalition, employers had previously paid between $960 and $7,595 in regulatory and statutory fees for H-1B visas before the $100,000 charge was introduced. The states also highlighted the economic contribution of H-1B workers and their families, citing estimates that they contribute $86 billion annually to the US economy, pay $35 billion in federal and payroll taxes, and another $11 billion in state and local taxes."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F6d9a84a3-bdac-4f8f-957e-c069d3c27d4f_h1b.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,67,1920,947&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T20:05:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"us-states-hail-court-win-against-h-1b-fee"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Indian mangoes spark summer rush across US"},"content":{"text":"From Seattle to Los Angeles and from New Jersey to Washington DC, Indian mangoes are triggering a summer buying frenzy across the United States, with shipments selling out within hours at major retailers as demand surges for varieties such as Kesar, Alphonso and Langra.  India's Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra says the fruit's growing popularity reflects both diaspora nostalgia and widening American appreciation for Indian produce. For decades, Indian Americans returning from summer visits home would carry memories of Alphonso, Kesar, Langra and Dussehri mangoes. Today, many of those same varieties are appearing in mainstream American retail stores, bringing a taste of India to consumers thousands of miles away. \"You know, we all have a sense of diaspora, particularly in the US a sense of summer nostalgia as I call it when it comes to mango. Summer vacations remind us of the times when, we will enjoy mango and the deliciousness of this fruit to our heart's content,\" Kwatra told IANS ahead of a mango festival being organised by the Embassy of India in Washington later this month. That nostalgia is now finding its way into American supermarkets. \"But we are now facing a very, very happy situation where this nostalgia is now available with American retailers,” he said. The latest sign of Indian mangoes' growing popularity came in Seattle, where the Consulate General of India hosted the second edition of \"Mango Magic\", a promotion and tasting event that brought together more than 100 importers, distributors and senior representatives from major retailers, including Costco. Guests sampled seven premium varieties of Indian mangoes — Alphonso and Kesar from Maharashtra, Banganpalli and Himayat from Andhra Pradesh, Langra and Dussehri from Uttar Pradesh, and Rajapuri from Gujarat. Washington State Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck welcomed the introduction of a wider range of Indian mangoes to Washington State. State senators, diplomats and business leaders attended the event, which was organised in partnership with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). In May, Costco imported its first tranche of Indian Kesar mangoes to stores in Greater Seattle, Las Vegas, New Jersey and Greater Los Angeles. Costco representatives have reported that \"all the Indian mangoes were sold out from these locations within two hours of their arrival on the shelves\". That rapid sell-out has become a recurring theme in conversations surrounding Indian mangoes. \"People tell me that when Costco first introduced Mango and … within a couple of hours, the shelves all emptied out. Such was the popularity of the fruit,\" Kwatra said. Consumers have taken notice. Social media posts have tracked arrivals of Kesar mangoes at Costco locations across California, Washington State and New Jersey, with shoppers sharing photos and urging friends to visit stores before supplies disappear. One customer described Indian Kesar mangoes as an \"iconic Indian summer favorite\", while others posted that Indian mangoes were \"unmatched in taste\". The ambassador said the enthusiasm extends beyond the Indian diaspora. \"I can tell you from my personal experience that the mango that we have shared here with our colleagues in the US administration, in the Congress, universal feedback has been that this is the most delicious kind of mango they have ever tasted in their lives,\" he said. India is the world's largest producer of mangoes, with annual production exceeding 26 million metric tonnes and more than 1,000 named varieties. Exports of Indian mangoes to the United States, which resumed in 2007 after an 18-year suspension, have expanded steadily over the past decade. Exports of Indian mangoes to the US reached $10 million in FY2023-24, up from $4.36 million in the previous fiscal year. With the US mango import market crossing $1 billion in value in 2025 and continuing to grow, Indian exporters increasingly see an opportunity to introduce regional varieties to a wider American audience."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Zrz2ZEaF0TcGI7_5_mangojuice.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T19:31:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"indian-mangoes-spark-summer-rush-across-us"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"US Introduces Premium Visa Appointments"},"content":{"text":"In a significant shift in visa processing procedures, the US State Department has unveiled a pilot program aimed at B1/B2 visa applicants, allowing them to secure interview appointments within a mere 10 business days for an additional fee of $750. Set to commence on July 1 and running through December 31, this initiative marks a notable departure from the traditionally long wait times that have plagued the process, particularly in the wake of pandemic-related delays. However, while this premium service offers expedited scheduling, it is crucial to understand that it does not alter the underlying processing timelines, eligibility criteria, or likelihood of visa approval. The program will be implemented at select US consulates, with specific locations yet to be identified by the State Department. As stated in an upcoming notice to be published in the Federal Register, only a limited number of expedited appointments will be available at these participating diplomatic missions. This exclusivity highlights both the experimental nature of the pilot and the demand for expedited services, which many applicants have increasingly sought due to extensive backlogs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on international travel. Historically, obtaining a B1/B2 visa—designated for business and tourism—has required meticulous adherence to a standardized process often characterized by extended waiting periods. The recent surge in global travel demands has prompted the US government to reassess its approach to visa applications. By introducing this premium service, the State Department aims to alleviate some of the pressure on applicants while also generating additional revenue through the expedited fee. However, officials have made it explicitly clear that this fee merely facilitates quicker access to interview slots and bears no influence on the outcome of visa applications, which remain subject to the rigors of security checks and eligibility assessments. Applicants opting for the expedited appointment service must still fulfill all existing requirements associated with the B visa category. Consequently, the introduction of this program does not imply enhanced prospects for approval; rather, it serves as an acknowledgment of the ongoing challenges faced by international travelers in securing timely appointments. As the State Department navigates this pilot initiative, the effectiveness and impact on the overall visa processing landscape remain to be seen, with many advocating for a more comprehensive overhaul of the system to meet the rising demands of global mobility."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aNFVfZ5xUNkB0-bC_H1Bvisa.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T08:13:57+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"us-introduces-premium-visa-appointments"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Nithya Raman Sets Up LA Mayor Clash"},"content":{"text":"Nithya Raman, a Democratic Socialist in the mould of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, has emerged as the challenger to embattled Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in the November election to lead the second-biggest US city. She took the second spot in the open primary election, edging out the Republican candidate Spencer Pratt, to face Democrat Bass in a runoff, according to media calculations reported on Monday, even as the official counting was continuing almost a week after the election held last Tuesday. Raman, like Mamdani, made affordability for the majority in the city of Hollywood glamour the focus of her campaign, and pins her hopes on riding a wave of grassroots Democratic Socialist progressivism. If she defeats Bass in November, the two largest cities will be led by leftist Democrats of Indian heritage. Some polls put the disapproval rate of Bass at over 55 per cent, while only 35 per cent of voters had an unfavourable view of Raman. Raman, 44, was born in Kerala to a Tamil family and moved to the US when she was six years old. After getting a bachelor's degree from Harvard University and a master's in urban planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she went back to India to set up a research organisation, Transparent Chennai, that worked on sanitation and environment issues. Returning to the US, she worked for the city before taking up the cause of the homeless. She was elected to the Los Angeles City Council riding a wave of progressivism in 2020, setting the stage for her mayoral candidacy. Bass, a 76-year-old veteran of California politics who was a speaker of the state Assembly, succeeded Eric Garcetti, who was appointed US Ambassador to India by former President Joe Biden. She came under criticism for her handling of the fires that swallowed vast areas of sprawling Los Angeles, destroying over 12,000 homes and 4,000 other buildings. When the fires started in January last year, Bass, who is African American, had been away in Ghana, and grappled with dealing with it and its continuing aftermath. Behind the facade of movie glitter lurked the problems of homelessness, high cost of housing, and delayed response by city emergency services, which Raman said she would try to fix. \"If you're as frustrated by the broken status quo as I am, I hope you'll join our movement to build a city that works for everyone,\" she said. Bass was earlier declared the top candidate in the mayoral primary after she crossed the 34 per cent mark. As of Monday, she had 28.6 per cent of the votes to Pratt's 25.8 per cent, leading to the media declaration. Pratt had been leading for the second spot till Sunday, when Raman overtook him. President Donald Trump, who backed Pratt, alleged the election was rigged, repeating allegations he has made about the US electoral system since his defeat in 2020. \"No way this could have happened. Rigged Election!\" Trump posted on Truth Social about the Los Angeles primary early Monday."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aifkPweQX7-eXA1s_nithyaraman.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T06:01:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"nithya-raman-sets-up-la-mayor-clash"}}]},"videos":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"SlumDog - 33 Temple Road Teaser"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aWoY2wIvOtkhBpL2_slumdog.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-08T12:53:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"slumdog---33-temple-road-teaser"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Toxic' Movie BTS Video"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aiaXXweQX7-eW9Tg_toxicbts.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-08T05:20:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"toxic-movie-bts-video"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Bigg Boss Telugu 10 Promo"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aiV9TQeQX7-eW8eA_BB10.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-07T12:16:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"bigg-boss-telugu-10-promo"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Massa Massa Lyrical Video"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ah_G4weQX7-eWo33_massamassasong.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-02T19:17:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"massa-massa-lyrical-video"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Cocktail 2' Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ah7YRgeQX7-eWjSA_cocktail2.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-02T10:19:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"cocktail-2-trailer"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"#MEGA158 - Title Teaser"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ahU7ZLK9tuLqEIUX_Mega158title.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-25T18:30:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"mega158---title-teaser"}}]},"editorial":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Is PK writing A New Script?"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aifpNgeQX7-eXBHj_pawan.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-09T06:30:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"is-pk-writing-a-new-script"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"A Bizarre State Of Dual Economic Reality"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aiaZhAeQX7-eW9Ua_GDP.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-08T06:25:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"a-bizarre-state-of-dual-economic-reality"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Some Cockroaches Ask Questions!"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aiVJ-weQX7-eW8X5_CJI.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-06T18:37:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"some-cockroaches-ask-questions"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Trump-Modi Trade Tango: A New Era of Economic Cooperation?"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F40ec273a-3b10-44da-9fec-f3295ab1cb29_trumpmodi.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C9%2C1200%2C592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-05T09:33:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"trump-modi-trade-tango-a-new-era-of-economic-coope"}}]},"gallery":{"edges":[{"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"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2025-12-16T17:05:55+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Shriya Saran Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Shriya Saran Bhatnagar is an Indian actress who primarily works in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films. Although Saran aspired to become a well-known dancer, she became an actress and made her film debut with the Telugu film Ishtam. Saran had her first commercial success with Santosham."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aUGQvnNYClf9oSUB_shriya2028.jpg?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"shriya-saran-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2025-12-16T17:05:55+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/aUGPy3NYClf9oSS3_ansuya2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"anasuya-bharadwaj-saree-pics"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2025-12-06T17:46:28+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Guess This Heroine"},"content":{"text":"guess this heroine"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aTLHu3NYClf9n2n7_gs1.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"guess-this-heroine"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2025-09-23T11:53:49+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Priya Prakash Varrier New Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Priya Prakash Varrier is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Malayalam films. Her wink in the film Oru Adaar Love went viral, making her the most searched-for personality through Google in India in 2018."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aNJDd55xUNkB1AGF_priyapvarrier2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"priya-prakash-varrier-new-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2025-09-20T17:01:37+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Disha Patani Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Disha Patani is an Indian actress who primarily work in Hindi films. Patani began her acting career with the Telugu film Loafer, and had her first Hindi film release with the biopic M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, for which she won the IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aM7X1J5xUNkB07Ue_disha2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"disha-patani-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2025-08-27T16:52:16+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Raai Laxmi Hot Bikini Stills"},"content":{"text":"Lakshmi Rai, professionally credited as Raai Laxmi is an Indian actress and model who predominantly works in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi languages."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aK8262GNHVfTOYIc_raailakshmi2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"raai-laxmi-hot-bikini-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2025-08-15T11:03:15+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Nora Fatehi Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Nora Fatehi is a Canadian dancer and actress based in India. She has appeared in Hindi, Telugu and Malayalam films. Fatehi made her acting debut with the Hindi film Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aJ8R_aTt2nPbaW3o_nora2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"nora-fatehi-glam-stills"}}]},"one":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Hyd's Growth Story Ends Where the Rain Begins"},"content":{"text":"Hyderabad proudly markets itself as a global technology hub, a city of innovation, investment, and futuristic ambitions. Yet, all it took was one hour of moderate rain to expose a harsh reality. On Tuesday, key stretches in Gachibowli, Hitec City, Financial District, and surrounding areas turned into virtual parking lots as roads disappeared under water and commuters spent hours trapped in traffic. For thousands of working professionals, students, and daily wage earners, the evening commute became an exhausting test of patience. The obvious question citizens are asking is simple: What exactly are HYDRA and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation doing? Every monsoon, authorities promise better drainage, encroachment removal, flood mitigation plans, and smart city solutions. Yet, the same locations continue to flood year after year. If roads around Hyderabad's most premium business districts cannot withstand an hour of rain, how can citizens trust claims of world-class infrastructure? At the same time, the government appears focused on unveiling grand visions like the proposed Future City. While long-term planning is important, shouldn't the immediate priority be fixing the city people are living in today? What is the value of building tomorrow's city when today's Hyderabad struggles with basic urban management? A software engineer stuck for three hours in traffic or a family stranded on waterlogged roads is unlikely to be inspired by futuristic presentations and ambitious master plans. The growing frustration among citizens is not merely about rainwater or traffic congestion. It is about accountability. Politicians often appear during project inaugurations and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, but ordinary residents rarely see them experiencing the daily struggles of commuting through flooded roads, navigating broken infrastructure, or enduring hours of gridlock. Governance cannot happen from conference halls alone. Hyderabad's taxpayers deserve answers, not excuses. They deserve functioning drainage systems, better urban planning, and real-time accountability from civic agencies. Leaders must step out of their comfort zones, leave behind the grand speeches, and witness firsthand what a common citizen faces during a single rainy evening. Public patience is wearing thin, and the message from Hyderabad's roads is becoming impossible to ignore: fix the present before selling dreams of the future."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ailWwQeQX7-eXKfG_HyderabadRains.png?auto=format,compress&rect=0,34,877,432&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T07:11:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgRS6pzUqnM"}},"uid":"hyds-growth-story-ends-where-the-rain-begins"}}]},"two":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Legendary director Bharathiraja passes away"},"content":{"text":"One of Tamil cinema's iconic directors Bharathirajaa passed away on Wednesday. He was 84. The veteran director, who is considered to be a trendsetter in Tamil and Indian cinema, had been battling health issues for some time now. Known for showcasing the rural Tamil lifestyle with flair on screen with his movies, many of which dealt with societal problems, Bharathiraja, whose opening lines 'En Iniya Tamil Makkale...' are popular in Tamil Nadu to this day, was known for his brilliant direction and his ability to spot new talent. The ace director, who was honoured with the Padma Shri, has won several state and National Awards. In fact, he won the Tamil Nadu government's state award for best direction for his very first film, '16 Vayathinile', which featured Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and Sridevi in the lead. Born to Periya Mayathevar and Meenakshi Ammal alias Karuthammal on July 17, 1941 in Alli Nagaram in Theni district, Bharathirajaa was originally named Chinnasamy. The director, who has directed around 44 films in his illustrious career, has delivered several cult classics including the Sivaji Ganesan-starrer 'Mudhal Mariyadhai', 'Mann Vasanai', 'Pudhumai Penn', 'Vedham Pudhithu', 'Kizhakku Cheemaiyile', 'Karuthamma' and 'Nadodi Thendral'. Apart from directing, Bharathiraja was also a brilliant actor. He made his debut as an actor in Kallukkul Eeram and then went on to act in a number of movies including Nizhalgal, Dhaavani Kanavugal, Idhayam, Aayudha Ezhuthu, Rettai Suzhi, Pandiya Naadu, Seethakaadhi, Maanaadu, Eeswaran, and Thiruchitrambalam. Bharathiraja was also the person responsible for introducing a number of iconic directors and actors in Tamil cinema. Some of those whom he introduced include K Bhagyaraj, Radhika, Manivannan, Nepoleon, Nizhalgal Ravi, Aruna, Vijayshanthi, Usha, Goundamani, Karthik, Revathi, Radha and Thyagarajan. Condolence messages are pouring in for the veteran director, who has left an indelible mark on Tamil and Indian cinema."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aikZbweQX7-eXHhZ_Bharathiraja.png?auto=format,compress&rect=0,16,350,173&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T03:59:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"legendary-director-bharathiraja-passes-away"}}]},"three":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"1 Cr Ex-Gratia: Will CBN Go Extra Mile?"},"content":{"text":"Politics often divides leaders, but tragedies sometimes offer an opportunity to rise above party lines. The devastating blast at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, which has claimed nine lives and left several workers battling for survival, has now triggered a political challenge from YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Jagan has demanded that the government provide an additional Rs 1 crore ex-gratia to each victim's family, over and above the compensation package already announced, along with employment for a family member. The question now is whether Chandrababu Naidu will accept the demand and transform a political issue into a humanitarian gesture. The state government has already announced compensation, employment support, educational assistance for children, housing benefits, and medical coverage for the injured. However, Jagan argues that a significant portion of the announced package consists of statutory benefits, insurance claims, and retirement dues that rightfully belong to the workers. His demand for an additional Rs 1 crore mirrors the compensation announced during the LG Polymers tragedy and seeks to establish a stronger precedent for industrial disaster victims. For Chandrababu Naidu, the decision carries both political and moral significance. Accepting the demand would send a strong message that worker welfare transcends political differences. It would reassure thousands of employees working in hazardous industrial environments that the government stands firmly behind them during times of crisis. Such a move could also soften criticism that successive governments have failed to adequately address safety concerns within the steel plant. At the same time, the government may argue that compensation cannot become a competitive political exercise and that financial assistance must follow established policies and legal frameworks. Officials may also point out that several benefits announced for the victims' families extend far beyond immediate cash compensation. Yet beyond the politics lies a deeper issue. The families who lost their breadwinners are not concerned about which party gets the credit. Their immediate concern is financial security, education for their children, and a stable future. Whether the compensation is called ex-gratia, relief, or assistance matters little compared to the assurance that their lives will not collapse after the tragedy. As public sympathy continues to pour in for the victims, Chandrababu Naidu faces a choice. He can reject the opposition's demand and defend the existing package, or he can embrace the proposal and position himself as a leader willing to rise above politics when human lives are at stake. In moments like these, governments are often remembered not for the announcements they make, but for the compassion they show."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2Fbb599b1a-2f7d-49d0-ae54-24a236966bdb_chandrababu+naidu.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,54,1200,592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-10T12:57:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"1-cr-ex-gratia-will-cbn-go-the-extra-mile"}}]},"four":{"edges":[]},"five":{"edges":[]},"review":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai'"},"content":{"text":"Some films are designed to make you think. Others are designed to make you laugh till your cheeks hurt. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, directed by David Dhawan, proudly belongs to the latter category. Loaded with misunderstandings, larger-than-life characters, romance, family drama and non-stop comedy, the film embraces the classic Bollywood entertainer template and delivers exactly what it promises. Written by David Dhawan with screenplay by Yunus Sajawal and dialogues by Farhad Samji, the film thrives on its energetic storytelling and unapologetically chaotic humour. The Story: At the heart of the film is Jass, a lovable and impulsive man whose life takes an unexpected turn when personal relationships, family expectations and a series of unfortunate circumstances collide at the same time. Without revealing too much, the story follows Jass as he finds himself caught in an increasingly complicated situation involving his estranged wife Baani and Preet, a woman who unexpectedly enters his life. What begins as a relationship drama soon snowballs into a full-fledged comedy of errors, leading to a chain of misunderstandings, secrets and hilarious situations. The narrative constantly throws Jass from one problem into another, ensuring there is never a dull moment. While the premise is outrageous, the film fully commits to its madness, making the ride entertaining from start to finish. Performances: Varun Dhawan is in his element as Jass. His comic timing, boundless energy and natural screen presence carry the film effortlessly. He understands the rhythm of David Dhawan's brand of comedy and delivers a performance that is both charming and consistently entertaining. Mrunal Thakur brings warmth and emotional depth to Baani, ensuring that the character remains relatable amidst the chaos unfolding around her. She balances the film's emotional moments effectively and shares a comfortable chemistry with Varun. Pooja Hegde lights up the screen as Preet. Confident, glamorous and full of spark, she adds freshness to the narrative and keeps the momentum alive whenever she appears. Among the supporting cast, Maniesh Paul is a scene stealer, delivering several laugh-out-loud moments with effortless ease. Jimmy Sheirgill, Chunky Pandey, Kubbra Sait, Rakesh Bedi and Mouni Roy contribute well to the ensemble, each adding their own flavour to the madness. Dialogues and Humour: Farhad Samji's dialogues play a major role in keeping the entertainment quotient high. The punchlines land well, the situational comedy works and several one-liners are likely to draw applause from audiences in packed theatres. The film embraces old-school Bollywood comedy while updating it for contemporary viewers, creating a blend that feels familiar yet accessible. Music and Technical Aspects: The music complements the film's upbeat tone, while the vibrant visuals and colourful production design add to its festive appeal. David Dhawan keeps the pace brisk for most parts, ensuring the narrative rarely loses momentum. What Could Have Worked Better: Some comedic stretches feel slightly overextended and a few situations require audiences to completely suspend disbelief. However, these are minor concerns in a film that is more interested in entertaining than being realistic. Final Word: Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is a quintessential David Dhawan entertainer that embraces confusion, comedy and chaos with complete conviction. Powered by Varun Dhawan's infectious energy, solid support from Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, the film delivers a thoroughly enjoyable big-screen experience. If you're looking for logic, this may not be your destination. If you're looking for laughter, fun and a dose of classic Bollywood masala, this film delivers in abundance."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aiKZMAeQX7-eW1yO_HaiJawaniTohIshqHonaHai.jpg?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-05T03:39:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-hai-jawani-toh-ishq-hona-hai"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Peddi'"},"content":{"text":"Buchi Babu grabbed everyone's attention with his debut film, 'Uppena'. Having grossed over 100 crores with his very first movie, he caught the eye of several star heroes. Even NTR expressed interest in working with him. A project with NTR was confirmed; however, for various reasons, it never materialized.  Buchi Babu subsequently spent the last two years collaborating closely with Ram Charan to bring this film to life. Given the massive hype surrounding it, let's see how the movie actually turned out in this review. Story: The story of 'Peddi' revolves around the journey of a 'sports laborer'—a man named Peddi (Ram Charan)—who is driven by an unwavering determination to showcase the existence of his village to the world. Hailing from a village that doesn't even have a name, Peddi earns his livelihood as a sports laborer. While he has built a good reputation as a cricketer, he eventually comes to believe that true recognition for his village can be achieved not through cricket, but through wrestling. However, recognition for the village does not come through wrestling either. So, how did the entire world eventually come to talk about this nameless village—exactly as 'Peddi' had wished? What daring feat did 'Peddi' undertake to make that happen? That forms the crux of the story.  Performances: Ram Charan’s performance is magnificent. Throughout the entire first half of the film, he captivates the audience in his role as a cricketer. He appears to execute spectacular shots, just like a professional cricketer would; indeed, one feels as though they are watching a genuine cricketer in Ram Charan. It is often said that Ram Charan naturally excels in emotional scenes, and there is absolutely no doubt that he truly lived the emotional moments leading up to the interval and during the film's climax. Furthermore, he elevated the musical numbers to extraordinary heights through his dancing—going above and beyond what was expected. Ram Charan showcases his absolute best dancing skills in this movie. He also impresses equally in both the action sequences and the sports-centric scenes. As for the female lead, Janhvi Kapoor—while she is credited as the heroine, she has very little scope to perform and is not an integral part of the core narrative. Moreover, her screen presence is shockingly brief. Janhvi Kapoor practically disappears entirely during the second half of the film. However, it must be noted that she did manage to grab some attention in the first half by flaunting her physique.  Jagapathi Babu, who appears in the first half, delivers a captivating performance in his emotional scenes. Meanwhile, Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar impresses in his role as a wrestling mentor; his mere look alone wins over half the audience, and his acting prowess requires no special mention. Finally, it must be stated that none of the other supporting characters were given any significant prominence. Technical: The film's music has been a prominent topic of discussion right from the very beginning. Director Buchi Babu made a deliberate and specific choice to enlist A.R. Rahman as the music director for the film. Consequently, everyone anticipated that 'Peddi' would capture the audience's attention primarily through its musical elements. True to expectations, the songs proved to be a resounding success. Furthermore, the background score was equally impressive; with the exception of one or two isolated moments, Rahman's background music was captivating throughout the rest of the film. The cinematography also earns high marks. A commendable effort was made to authentically depict the atmosphere and conditions of the 1990s era. The camera work was particularly effective in a few sequences—most notably during the sports scenes. The first half of the film felt somewhat dragged out, suggesting that the editing could have been tighter. The production values, however, were excellent. Director Buchi Babu selected a compelling core concept; yet, it felt as though he was unable to craft a screenplay that did full justice to that premise. Some of the dialogues were well-written. Analysis: Buchi Babu has garnered a strong reputation as a director who managed to achieve a ₹100-crore box office collection with his very first film. Moreover, since the outset, there has been considerable buzz suggesting that he is in no way inferior to his mentor, Sukumar. Reports have surfaced claiming that this particular story—which was originally penned with NTR in mind—was ultimately filmed with Ram Charan. Leaving aside the veracity of those reports, it appears that Ram Charan gave his approval to the project based solely on the strength of the story's core premise. However, watching the film makes it evident that a compelling premise alone is not sufficient to carry an entire movie. The narrative centers on the protagonist participating in three distinct sports to showcase the existence and identity of his hometown to the world. Given this premise, it was imperative that the portrayal of these specific sports be significantly elevated and given greater prominence within the film. Apart from cricket, no other sport was given significant prominence.  The first half dragged on in a boring manner. The second half was somewhat passable, barring a few emotional scenes. It must be said that Director Buchi Babu failed to effectively showcase the sports elements—which are absolutely crucial to the screenplay. With the exception of a few sequences, the majority of the film feels tedious. However, there is no doubt that this serves as a delightful treat for Ram Charan's fans. Viewed from a fan's perspective, the film earns high marks; yet, it must be acknowledged that for a regular moviegoer, it may not quite hit the mark. Plus Points: Ram Charan A few sports sequences The songs Minus Points: The slow pacing of the first half The screenplay The heroine's role The lack of prominence given to the villains Conclusion... The 'Peddi' games are boring. Banners: Vriddhi Cinemas, Mythri Movie Makers Producers: Venkata Satish Kilaru, Ishan Saxena Direction: Buchi Babu Music: A.R. Rahman Cast: Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, Divyendu, Boman Irani, Upendra, Satya, Chammak Chandra, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aiCF9AeQX7-eWrDe_peddi.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-03T19:52:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-peddi"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: Made in India – A Titan Story"},"content":{"text":"Rarely does a series manage to be both inspiring and cinematically gripping—but Made in India – A Titan Story achieves exactly that, and does it with remarkable finesse. The Story: Where Vision Meets Legacy   At its core, the series is a tribute to belief—the kind that builds institutions. It traces the journey of Xerxes Desai, a man driven by vision, and the unwavering faith J.R.D. Tata placed in him. What unfolds is not just the story of Titan Watches, but of an idea that refused to stay small. It is about ambition, risk, and the quiet power of trust that turns dreams into legacy. Performances That Stay With You   Jim Sarbh delivers one of his most layered performances to date. His portrayal of Xerxes Desai is controlled yet deeply emotional, capturing the vulnerability and determination of a man chasing something bigger than himself. Naseeruddin Shah, as J.R.D. Tata, is understated brilliance. Even with limited screen time, his presence defines the emotional spine of the series—commanding, graceful, and quietly powerful. The ensemble cast adds richness to the narrative. Each character feels lived-in and purposeful—whether it’s Namita Dubey’s sincerity, Lakshveer Saran’s emotional weight, or Kaveri Seth’s authenticity. Supporting performances from Vaibhav Tatwawadi, Paresh Ganatra, Ashwath Bhatt, Viraf Patel, Joy Sengupta, and Prateeksha Lonkar create a world that feels real and immersive. Craft, Scale, and Storytelling :  Director Robbie Grewal handles the material with precision and maturity, allowing the story to breathe while maintaining a steady narrative grip. The storytelling never feels rushed, yet never loses momentum. The writing by Karan Vyas is sharp and confident, with dialogues that feel organic yet impactful. Visually, the show carries a cinematic scale—elegant production design, carefully chosen locations, and a background score that subtly amplifies the emotional beats. The integration of classic music adds texture without overwhelming the narrative. Final Word: Backing a story like this requires both courage and conviction, and Almighty Motion Picture deserves credit for bringing it to life. Co-produced with T-Series Films, Made in India – A Titan Story is not just a series—it’s an experience that fills you with immense pride for India and reminds you of the power of vision, perseverance, and nation-building. Patriotism naturally seeps in as the story unfolds. It’s one of a kind story that inspires, engages, and stays with you long after it ends."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ah_UIAeQX7-eWo7C_madeinindia.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-03T05:14:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-made-in-india--a-titan-story"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Drishyam 3'"},"content":{"text":"This film serves as a sequel to 'Drishyam 1' (released in 2013) and 'Drishyam 2' (released in 2021). With the 'Drishyam' franchise, Jeethu Joseph garnered a nationwide fan base. Consequently, whenever a new 'Drishyam 3' installment is announced, it immediately sparks immense curiosity among audiences.  Venkatesh had previously remade the first two 'Drishyam' films, bringing them to the Telugu audience. However, for this third installment, Mohanlal himself has presented the film directly to the Telugu audience today. Despite being a dubbed film, the expectations and interest among the Telugu audience are exceptionally high. Let's see in this review whether the film lives up to those expectations. Story: George (Mohanlal) produces a feature film titled 'Drishyam', based on the actual events that unfolded in his own life. The movie receives a positive reception and garners massive box-office collections. Meanwhile, discussions regarding Varun's murder resurface once again. As the topic of Varun's murder gains traction on social media, George begins looking for suitable alliances to arrange the marriage of his eldest daughter, Anu.  In this sequence of events, Varun's father, Prabhakar (Siddique), devises a plan to reopen the Varun murder case and execute an arrest precisely on the day of Anu's wedding. However, George cleverly manages to evade capture. Nevertheless, George and his family members find themselves in deep trouble due to another plan orchestrated by Prabhakar.  What are these troubles? And how does George manage to protect his family from them? That forms the crux of the film's story. Performances: Just as he impressed audiences with his nuanced and understated acting in the first two installments, Mohanlal once again delivers a captivating performance in this film as a responsible and devoted father. In particular, the anguish he portrays in certain scenes makes him feel truly like a real-life father. There is absolutely no doubt that Mohanlal has delivered a stellar performance as an average father who constantly worries about the future of his two daughters—never going overboard, yet never holding back. There isn't much to say regarding Meena's role, as she was given very little scope to showcase her acting prowess. However, she was impressive in terms of her appearance in the role of a mother, and she performed aptly in accordance with the demands of a character who is a mother to two children. The actresses who played George's daughters were also impressive; their characters have been a continuous presence since the very first installment. Much like in the first two films, their acting and on-screen presence were captivating in this installment as well. However, it must be noted that in this particular film, their screen time and scope for acting were significantly limited. As for the actors playing the supporting roles, their performances were decent and adequate for their respective characters.  Technical: Music director Anil Johnson does not appear to have put in much effort. He relied heavily on the background score used in the first installment. During suspense sequences, the music felt formulaic and uninspired; it should have been composed in a manner that heightened the intrigue.  There are significant flaws in the editing; specifically, many scenes in the first half felt dragged out. Despite the first half being relatively short in duration, it still came across as boring. It appears that director Jeethu Joseph focused more on the protagonist's character and on maintaining the suspense than on the narrative itself this time around.  The production values, as always, remained modest and aligned with the requirements of the story. Analysis: For audiences who have previously watched both installments of the 'Drushyam' franchise in Telugu, watching the dubbed version this time around might feel somewhat unfamiliar. In other words, viewers accustomed to seeing Venkatesh and the other actors in those roles across the first two films may feel slightly disoriented upon seeing Mohanlal and the Malayalam cast. Many scenes also retain a distinct \"Malayalam flavor,\" placing the film quite far removed from a typical Telugu cultural context.  Consequently, it may not be particularly easy for Telugu audiences to fully connect with the story. Nevertheless, for those who enjoyed the previous two installments of the 'Drushyam' franchise, this film is worth a one-time watch. The first half unfolded very slowly and failed to effectively draw the audience into the narrative. Conversely, the second half felt rushed, as if hurrying to reach the climax. Some of the suspense sequences felt forced and shoehorned into the plot.  However, one or two of the twists introduced within the story were engaging. However, on the whole, it must be admitted that the film failed to captivate audiences in the way its predecessors did. Towards the end, a hint was dropped suggesting the possibility of a 'Drishyam 4'. It remains to be seen when that installment will arrive and what form it will take. Plus Points: Mohanlal's performance, The twists in the plot, The main storyline. Minus Points: Slow-paced screenplay in the first half, Editing, Lack of prominence given to characters other than George. Conclusion: This Malayalam 'Drishyam' sequel feels somewhat forced Banner: Aashirvad Cinemas Producer: Antony Perumbavoor Direction: Jeethu Joseph Music: Anil Johnson Cast: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Asha Sharath, Shanthi Mayadevi, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ag7UpaYofJOwHelj_Drushyam3.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-21T09:20:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-drishyam-3"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Aakhri Sawal'"},"content":{"text":"There are films that entertain, there are films that provoke, and then there are films like Aakhri Sawal that arrive like a storm and force an entire nation to confront the questions it has avoided for decades. Directed by Abhijeet Mohan Warang and Produced by Nikhil Nanda, this hard-hitting political drama is not designed to comfort the audience. It is designed to challenge them, disturb them, and leave them thinking long after the credits roll. At a time when mainstream cinema often plays safe, Aakhri Sawal chooses courage. The film openly touches upon some of the nation’s most controversial and emotionally charged subjects — from the demolition of the Babri Masjid to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi — and raises questions that generations have debated but never fully answered. What makes the film even more shocking is the unapologetic honesty with which these conversations are presented. The narrative dares to ask whether organizations like the RSS had deeper involvement in these historic events, and the way the film lays out its perspective and facts leaves the audience stunned. There are moments where the sheer boldness of the writing genuinely makes your jaw drop. Sanjay Dutt delivers what can easily be called one of the most intense performances of his career. This is not the larger-than-life Sanjay Dutt audiences are used to seeing. This is a restrained, wounded, fearless performer carrying the weight of history, anger, and truth in his eyes. Every dialogue lands with impact, and every silent moment speaks even louder. His performance elevates the film from being just politically relevant to emotionally unforgettable. The biggest surprise package, however, is Namashi Chakraborty. He emerges as the soul of the film and proves that he is far more than what audiences expected. His sincerity, emotional depth, and screen presence add an unpredictable energy to the narrative. Several scenes involving him leave a lasting impact and showcase an actor ready for much bigger recognition. One of the strongest aspects of Aakhri Sawal is its newsroom debate sequences. These portions are written with remarkable intensity and intelligence, constantly keeping the audience intrigued. The confrontations feel raw and real, almost like watching a nation argue with itself on screen. Some sequences are so emotionally charged and haunting that they genuinely stir your soul. Visually, the film maintains tension throughout. Every frame carries weight and purpose, ensuring that the audience remains invested till the very end. The storytelling never loses grip despite dealing with layered political and historical themes. Instead of becoming preachy, the film remains emotionally engaging and deeply human. The supporting cast including Amit Sadh, Sameera Reddy, Neetu Chandra and Tridha Choudhury deliver some of their most impactful performances ever, adding further strength to the film’s emotionally heavy narrative. Producer Nikhil Nanda deserves appreciation for backing a subject this fearless and uncompromising. Aakhri Sawal does not feel like just another film. It feels like a conversation India was never prepared to have openly. Bold, unsettling, emotional, and brutally honest, the film succeeds in doing what very few political dramas achieve it makes the audience uncomfortable while also keeping them completely engaged. This is courageous cinema in its purest form."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/agbLRqYofJOwHQ43_aakhrisawal.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-15T06:29:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-aakhri-sawal"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: Daadi Ki Shaadi"},"content":{"text":"The film revolves around Kapil, who is navigating an arranged marriage setup when he meets Sadia Khateeb, his prospective match. Just when things begin to settle into a traditional roka, the situation takes an unexpected turn, Sadia’s daadi announces her own decision to get married, completely shifting the emotional and social dynamics of the family. The story moves to Shimla, where the daadi (Neetu Kapoor) lives alone. Her two sons and daughter rush to Shimla after reading online about her decision to remarry at this age, especially as her phone is switched off, leaving them worried and unable to reach her. Caught in the middle of this chaos is Kapil, who is deeply in love with Sadia Khateeb. Even after his own roka is called off under the belief that his union cannot continue if the daadi is remarrying, he chooses to stay connected to Sadia. He eventually joins the family’s chaotic mission, though with a very different intent: to stop the daadi’s wedding and salvage his own love story in the process. What unfolds is a mix of emotional clashes, comedic misunderstandings, and generational conflict, eventually building towards a surprisingly heartfelt resolution that touches upon family, acceptance, and letting go. Performances: Neetu Kapoor is the undeniable anchor of the film, delivering a graceful yet fearless performance as the daadi. She brings warmth, dignity, and emotional unpredictability, making her character both endearing and impactful. Kapil Sharma balances humour and emotion with ease. His performance feels natural, especially as his character transitions from a hopeful groom to someone emotionally entangled in a much larger family conflict. Sadia Khateeb lends quiet strength to her role, portraying confusion, affection, and emotional restraint with sincerity. She remains the emotional bridge between the chaotic family dynamics. The supporting cast, playing the daadi’s children, effectively drives the central conflict, bringing in frustration, humour, and generational resistance that fuels the narrative. Direction and Writing: The film stands out for its emotional clarity and grounded storytelling, leaning into relatable family dynamics and human reactions. The writing is on point and effective, allowing situations to unfold naturally rather than forcefully. Ashish R Mohan’s direction is confident and patient, often letting silence, reactions, and awkward family exchanges carry as much weight as dialogue. This gives the film its authenticity and emotional depth. Music and Visuals: The music complements the narrative without overwhelming it, subtly enhancing emotional and light-hearted moments. Visually, the film maintains a warm, accessible tone, making the world feel familiar and lived-in. Verdict: A heartfelt, well-crafted family entertainer that blends generational conflict, humour, and emotion into a cohesive experience. It works because of its sincerity and its ability to find humour within emotional chaos. Final Word: Warm, chaotic, and deeply human, this is family cinema done right."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/af2G8qYofJOwG-KX_KapilDaadiKiShaadi.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C874%2C431&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-08T05:59:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"daadi-ki-shaadi-movie-review"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Raja Shivaji'"},"content":{"text":"Riteish Deshmukh returns to direction with Raja Shivaji, and the ambition here is immediately evident. Taking on the roles of actor, writer, and director, he reshapes the familiar historical biopic into something more reflective and immersive. Told through a chapter-based narrative in a bilingual format, the film unfolds less like a conventional drama and more like a carefully written manuscript, measured, deliberate, and emotionally layered. What stands out most is the film’s clear intent: this is not a story of war, but of a warrior. There are no overwhelming, large-scale battle sequences designed purely for spectacle. Instead, the narrative chooses to focus on the making of Shivaji Maharaj, his thoughts, his influences, and the journey that shaped him into a leader. This approach gives the film a quieter strength, allowing it to connect on a more personal level. A significant portion of the film is devoted to Shivaji’s early years and coming-of-age. It thoughtfully explores the lesser-known aspects of his upbringing, placing strong emphasis on the role of his mother, Jijabai. Her presence becomes the emotional anchor of the story, illustrating how values, vision, and resilience were instilled in him long before he became a legendary figure. The focus on family and formative relationships adds richness, making his evolution feel deeply human rather than mythic. At the center, Riteish Deshmukh delivers a restrained and composed performance. His portrayal avoids excessive grandeur, instead leaning into stillness and quiet intensity. As a filmmaker, he shows notable control allowing moments to breathe and trusting the material rather than overdramatizing it. Genelia Deshmukh’s involvement is felt in the film’s emotional texture. There’s a softness in how relationships are handled, a sensitivity that balances the larger historical canvas. This is especially evident in the film’s quieter passages, where personal moments are given as much importance as political developments. Young Rahyl Deshmukh brings a natural charm to the role of the young Shivaji, capturing innocence and curiosity in a way that makes the early chapters particularly engaging and heartfelt. Among the supporting cast, Vidya Balan as Badi Begam leaves a strong impression with a performance marked by subtlety and intelligence. She brings both emotional depth and political nuance without resorting to overt dramatics. Sanjay Dutt’s Afzal Khan is equally compelling - his portrayal carries an underlying tension, defined by cunning, cruelty, and a quiet, looming menace that makes him deeply unsettling.   Fardeen Khan’s Shah Jahan is defined by restraint. Much of his presence is built around observation and waiting particularly in moments linked to the completion of the Taj Mahal giving the character a composed, watchful quality rather than overt authority. Abhishek Bachchan, as Sambhaji, delivers one of the film’s more emotionally layered performances, reflecting the burden of legacy with quiet internal conflict. A brief but impactful cameo by Salman Khan as Jiva Mahala adds emotional weight. The moment resonates not because of scale, but because of the personal loyalty it represents. The supporting ensemble including Bhagyashree as Jijabai, Sachin Khedekar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Boman Irani, Jitendra Joshi, and Amole Gupte ensures that the world feels complete and intentional. Each character contributes meaningfully to the narrative’s emotional and political fabric. Visually, Santosh Sivan’s cinematography lends the film a grounded grandeur. The landscapes feel authentic, and even the action is staged with clarity rather than chaos. Ajay–Atul’s music further elevates the experience, maintaining an emotional rhythm that complements the storytelling without overwhelming it. The blend of Marathi and Hindi elements adds cultural authenticity. Backed by Jio Studios and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under Mumbai Film Company, the film maintains a fine balance between scale and discipline. Its ambition is evident, but it never loses control of its narrative focus. While Raja Shivaji is designed as a Pan-India film, it carries a special resonance for audiences in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Releasing around Maharashtra Day, it feels like more than just a cinematic event, it comes across as a heartfelt cultural tribute.  More than a tale of war, it stands as a lesson in leadership, resilience, and pride, one that deserves to be known and felt by every Indian. Director: Riteish Deshmukh,   Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amole Gupte, Genelia Deshmukh and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/afRcDsBOoF08xh7T_rajashivaji.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-05-01T06:54:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-raja-shivaji"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Decoit'"},"content":{"text":"Known for consistently choosing unique scripts and achieving back-to-back successes in his career, Adivi Sesh took a brief hiatus before making this film. Initially, Shruti Haasan was selected as the female lead; however, she stepped down due to various reasons. Subsequently, Mrunal Thakur was cast as the heroine. With Mrunal's inclusion, expectations surrounding the film soared even higher. Let's see in this review to what extent the film managed to live up to those expectations. Story:  Haridas (Adivi Sesh) and Saraswathi (Mrunal Thakur)—a couple who fell in love and got married—end up separating amidst a series of unexpected circumstances. Haridas lands in prison in connection with a murder case. It is due to Saraswathi that Haridas finds himself incarcerated for the murder. Consequently, he resolves to exact revenge upon her. After escaping from prison, Haridas hatches a plan to flee to Dubai.To facilitate this, he requires a certain amount of money. In the process of trying to acquire those funds, he crosses paths with Saraswathi—only to discover that she has since remarried.  While her husband suffers from a severe illness, Saraswathi faces immense hardships while raising their child. At this critical juncture, what steps does Haridas—who is intent on exacting revenge upon Saraswathi—take? Furthermore, why did Haridas and Saraswathi—who had fallen deeply in love and married—eventually part ways? And how did Haridas become entangled in a murder case? To uncover the answers to these questions, one must watch the film. Performances: It is a well-known fact that Adivi Sesh has repeatedly proven his mettle as an actor. Once again, he has impressed audiences with his performance. Rather than merely acting in the role of Haridas, one could say he truly lived the character; such was the caliber of Adivi Sesh's performance. He earns high praise, particularly for his work in several emotional and action sequences. He also captivated viewers with a look that perfectly suited the demands of the role. Additionally, Adivi Sesh impressed with his acting in the romantic scenes. Overall, although his character in this film is quite distinct from his previous roles, he adapted to it seamlessly and delivered a compelling performance. Mrunal Thakur’s character holds immense significance within the film's narrative. However, in terms of the screenplay, her role did not receive as much prominence as it deserved. It must be noted that there were no specific scenes that truly challenged her to deliver a tour-de-force performance. Mrunal’s acting in the romantic scenes was engaging, while her performance in some of the emotional sequences was merely passable.  Atul Kulkarni did complete justice to his role. As for Anurag Kashyap, he made a strong impression within the limited screen time he was allotted; however, his character certainly warranted greater prominence. The actors who played the supporting roles delivered decent performances. Technical: Director Shaniel Deo chose a unique premise for the story. However, it must be said that he failed to flesh it out into a cohesive narrative. He drove the plot forward using routine sequences; in particular, several scenes felt like rehashes of moments seen in countless other films. There is nothing particularly noteworthy to mention regarding the screenplay either.  As for the music provided by Bheems, there is little to discuss; only one song felt somewhat passable. Bheems failed to impress even with the background score. Although it felt adequate in a scene or two, the music ultimately proved to be a detriment to the film as a whole.  The cinematography was good in certain sequences—specifically, some shots effectively conveyed the sense of being transported back in time. The production values ​​were commendable. Analysis: Compared to Adivi Sesh's previous films, this movie stands out as a distinctly different kind of project. However, the outcome of this film implicitly suggests that if Adivi Sesh were to attempt a movie within a conventional, formulaic format, his dedicated fan base would likely reject it.  The director steered the film using a stereotypical story and narrative structure. Despite Adivi Sesh's undeniable talent, the lack of a strong grip on the screenplay rendered the entire effort futile—much like pouring precious perfume into the ashes. Rumors had already surfaced during the filming stage regarding creative differences over certain scenes.  It appears that, this time around, Adivi Sesh's judgment may have faltered. Mrunal Thakur did justice to her role; however, she should have been given a bit more prominence. The director ought to have exercised greater care regarding the screenplay. Plus Points: Adivi Sesh Cinematography Anurag Kashyap Minus Points: The Heroine's Role Music Story and Screenplay In Conclusion: A story and screenplay that fail to impress. Banner: Annapurna Studios, SS Creations Direction: Shaniyel Deo Producers: Supriya Yarlagadda, Sunil Narang Music: Bheems Ceciroleo Cast: Adivi Sesh, Mrunal Thakur, Atul Kulkarni, Vaibhav, Anurag Kashyap, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adjfdp1ZCF7ETENe_dacoit.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-10T06:31:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-decoit"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Biker'"},"content":{"text":"It is a well-known fact that the summer season is crucial for Tollywood. This summer was originally scheduled to kick off with a major release starring Ram Charan; however, due to various reasons, that film was postponed. Stepping in to fill that void, Sharwanand has arrived before the audience today with his film, 'Biker.'  The filmmakers have consistently asserted that—until now—no full-fledged bike racing movie has ever graced the Indian screen, making this the very first of its kind. Having assured the public that the film would captivate audiences, let us see in this review whether 'Biker' lives up to those claims. Story: Vikas Narayan—known as Vicky (Sharwanand)—is a top-tier motocross racer who suddenly decides to quit the sport. While fully immersed in leading a family life, Vicky unexpectedly finds his interest and passion for racing reignited due to unforeseen circumstances. Consequently, he returns to his father and mentor, Sunil Narayan (Rajasekhar).  What events unfold during this reunion? Furthermore, what is the true nature of the bond shared between this father-son duo—Sunil and Vicky? The film's premise revolves around why Vicky gives up racing, only to return to the sport many years later. Although the storyline itself is quite simple, the film is driven primarily by its screenplay. Performances: Regardless of the film or the nature of the role, we consistently see Sharwanand impressing audiences with his acting prowess. In this latest outing, he once again poured his heart and soul into the character of Vicky. Sharwanand appears in two distinct age groups within the film, and he delivers a convincing performance tailored perfectly to each phase of the character's life.  Furthermore, Sharwanand earns high marks once again for his execution of both emotional and romantic scenes. As a biker, he makes a sincere effort to impress through his body language. His romantic scenes with the female lead are engaging. Overall, Sharwanand delivers a commendable performance as a biker. Rajasekhar makes a return to the silver screen after a long hiatus. He is cast in the role of Sharwanand's father—a character that, despite being a paternal figure, is accorded significant importance within the narrative. Rajasekhar effectively conveys the emotional depth of the role, bringing the character to life with great conviction. Rajasekhar's acting requires no special mention; he has once again proven his mettle as a performer.  Regarding the female lead, while her character holds significance within the story's plot, it must be noted that she does not receive the expected level of prominence in the actual screenplay. Nevertheless, she delivers a decent performance within the scope provided to her. There is not much to specifically discuss regarding the performances of the other supporting cast members.  Technical: Director Abhilash should have chosen a stronger storyline. It appears he intended to carry the film solely through his direction and screenplay. He really should have put more effort into refining the story itself. Such a thin storyline demands a robust screenplay; however, the director did not fully succeed in that regard either. There are flaws in the editing.  Some of the bike racing sequences occasionally feel tedious. While the film might appeal to racing enthusiasts, regular audiences are likely to wear expressions of exasperation, thinking, \"That's enough—please make it stop!\"  The cinematography is commendable; the camera work in certain racing sequences is particularly impressive. As for the music, there is nothing particularly noteworthy to mention, though it must be acknowledged that the music director did manage to succeed with the background score in a few isolated moments. The production values ​​are good. Analysis: It would have been more effective had the director first provided the audience with a foundational understanding of bike racing before immersing them in the narrative. As it stands, the film is truly engaging only for those who already possess prior knowledge of racing. Specifically, racing aficionados are the ones who will likely watch and enjoy this movie.  However, the average commercial audience is bound to be left bewildered—staring blankly and wondering, \"What exactly is this?\" While the audience may connect with a few of the emotional scenes scattered throughout the film, that connection often feels abruptly severed almost immediately. Overall, the director failed to craft a film that would truly resonate with the audience or leave a lasting impression on their hearts.  The director steered the film as if its sole purpose were to showcase bike racing. It remains unclear whether he simply forgot that a movie requires a blend of various elements, or if he naively assumed that the presence of emotion and racing sequences alone would suffice to bring everything else together. However, it must be stated that the average moviegoer is unlikely to enjoy 'Biker'.  Sharwanand put in a tremendous amount of effort. It was a wise decision to cast Rajasekhar in this role; the combination of these two actors held the potential to create something truly spectacular. Unfortunately, the director failed to effectively utilize their talents to deliver a hit film. Apart from those with a specific passion for bike racing, regular family audiences will find it difficult to connect with this movie. It is simply not possible to carry an entire film on the strength of just a few emotional scenes. Plus Points: Sharwanand Rajasekhar A few racing sequences Minus Points: Story and Screenplay Slow pacing in the first half Some racing sequences felt tedious Certain scenes were overly melodramatic Conclusion: While Sharwanand was impressive in his portrayal of a biker, the film ultimately failed to appeal to family audiences. Banner: UV Creations Producers: Vamsi, Pramod Direction: Abhilash Reddy Music: Ghibran Cast: Sharwanand, Rajasekhar, Malavika Nair, Atul Kulkarni, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ac96upGXnQHGZPjo_biker.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-03T06:31:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-biker---for-those-who-love-racing"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Ustaad Bhagat Singh'"},"content":{"text":"Everyone is well aware of the massive success achieved by Gabbar Singh—a film released many years ago, starring Pawan Kalyan as the lead and directed by Harish Shankar. Consequently, expectations for this film have soared to great heights. In this review, let us see whether Director Harish Shankar has managed to live up to those expectations. Story: A teacher (K.S. Ravikumar), who dedicates himself to supporting the education of tribal children, notices a particular young boy in the region who stands out as truly special. The teacher adopts the boy, raises him, and molds him into a police officer.  That officer is Ustaad Bhagat Singh (Pawan Kalyan)—a man who not only accomplishes whatever he sets his mind to but also stands at the forefront whenever and wherever corruption or injustice rears its head.  The story revolves around how Ustaad Bhagat Singh thwarts the schemes of an individual who seeks to seize power by assassinating the state's Chief Minister. Simply put, this is the story of a powerful police officer. Performances: There is no need to speak separately about Pawan Kalyan's performance; it speaks for itself. There is absolutely no doubt that he does complete justice to any role assigned to him. Pawan Kalyan has done full justice to the character of Ustaad Bhagat Singh as well. Delivering a powerful performance in a commanding role, he captivated the audience without ever compromising on his signature style of entertainment.  Furthermore, his impeccable comedic timing earned him the appreciation of his fans. Pawan Kalyan was equally impressive in the romantic sequences. He also delighted the audience by showcasing a few dance moves in the musical numbers.  Overall, Pawan Kalyan delivered a captivating performance that truly defined the concept of a \"one-man show.\" Typically, heroines do not play a very significant role in Pawan Kalyan's films; this trend continued in this movie as well. The character played by the lead actress, Sreeleela, lacked substantial importance. Nevertheless, she delivered a decent performance within the limited scope of her role. The other heroine, Raashi Khanna, was confined to a single song sequence. She did not feel integral to the plot; in fact, her absence from the film would not have made any significant difference to the narrative.  The supporting cast members performed adequately within the confines of their respective roles. Technical: It appeared that Director Harish Shankar focused his attention entirely on the screenplay and Pawan Kalyan's character, rather than on the core storyline itself. Several of his dialogues were crafted to deliver a definite \"kick\" to the fans. Moreover, the director clearly understood exactly how the fans wished to see Pawan Kalyan portrayed on screen, and he presented him in the film accordingly.  The director succeeded in crafting dialogues that perfectly complemented Pawan Kalyan's distinct body language. The screenplay was passable. The direction falls short, the storyline is weak, and the cinematography is merely passable.  The music provided by Devi Sri Prasad is decent, to a certain extent. The fact that the songs did not turn out to be blockbusters is a drawback; however, the background score provided by Thaman stands out as a major highlight of the film. The production values ​​are commendable, though there are occasional flaws in the editing. Analysis: Whenever a Pawan Kalyan film is announced, it captures the attention not only of his fans but of audiences from all walks of life. Speculations abound—regarding the kind of story he might choose or whether the film will live up to the stature he currently commands—and expectations inevitably soar. There is absolutely no doubt that meeting such high expectations is a monumental challenge for any director.  In this film, Director Harish Shankar presents Pawan Kalyan in a simple, straightforward manner—devoid of heavy-handed social messages or overly dramatic, \"powerful\" dialogues—while crafting his lines in a way that specifically appeals to his fan base. It has been proven once again that Harish Shankar possesses a keen understanding of exactly what fans expect from a Pawan Kalyan film. Director Harish Shankar knew that if Pawan Kalyan delivered the kind of high-energy entertainment reminiscent of Gabbar Singh, his fans would undoubtedly embrace it wholeheartedly. Consequently, he devised a strategy to focus exclusively on showcasing Pawan Kalyan's persona and delivering pure entertainment, without getting bogged down in the intricacies of the plot or other narrative elements.  While his approach certainly resonates with the fans, the general audience may be left feeling that something more is missing. Ultimately, the film feels as though it was crafted exclusively for the enjoyment of Pawan Kalyan's devoted fan base. Pawan Kalyan's previous film, OG, also felt as though it was made specifically for his fans. Once again, this movie appears to have been crafted solely to satisfy Pawan Kalyan's fan base. General audiences may choose to wait until the film becomes available on OTT platforms. Plus Points: Pawan Kalyan, Comedy Select scenes Minus Points: Story and Screenplay Roles of the Heroines Roles of the Villains Verdict: For Pawan Kalyan's fans..."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/abuyNrbci2UF6P_u_UBS.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-03-19T07:22:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-ustaad-bhagat-singh---treat-for-fans-only"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Vishnu Vinyasam' - Routine Entertainer"},"content":{"text":"This film, starring Sree Vishnu, who has acquired a special image by choosing different films, did not have much publicity from the beginning. But there was a bit of a rush during the release. The hype for this film increased in the wake of the publicity that two films starring Sree Vishnu were coming out at the same time. So how is this film? Let's see in this review whether the matter in this film is up to the increased hype. Story: Vishnu (Sree Vishnu) is a junior lecturer at Ongole Pragathi Junior College. He believes in Vastu a lot and pays a lot of attention to horoscopes. He believes a little too much in numerology. Manisha (Nayan Sarika) enters Vishnu's life. Manisha loves Vishnu at first sight. Manisha has a problem. Because of that problem, no one comes forward to marry her. But Manisha loves Vishnu without telling him about it.  After both of them fall deeply in love, Manisha tells Vishnu the real thing. Will Vishnu then say okay to marry Manisha? What is that problem that Manisha has so far? You have to watch the movie to know. Actors' performance: Sree Vishnu has been impressing in recent times as he has made a name for himself in comedy roles. He has already earned the reputation of playing confusing roles. Moreover, as expected, since this is a confusing role in this film, Srivishnu impressed. He acted in an impressive manner and impressed. His expressions make you laugh. Apart from that, he acted in a memorable way in his role.  The heroine Nayan Sarika impressed with her beauty. Even though she was mostly seen in a saree, she sparkled with beauty here and there. Along with her impressive beauty, she impressed with her acting. Her acting in some scenes was good. Especially in some scenes, her acting was the main attraction of the film.  The actors who played other roles impressed within the scope of their roles. Technical: Although the subject taken by director Yadunath Maruthirao is very routine, he impressed with the entertainment he handled. More care should have been taken in the screenplay. It seemed that some scenes were jumped. There are errors in editing. Especially some scenes are like front, back... back, front. That makes it confusing at times.  There is nothing much to say about the music. But in some scenes of the film, it seems that the background score is not important. The production values ​​are good. The cinematography is not important. Analysis: It seems that hero Srivishnu has accepted this film after seeing the support that entertainment films have been getting in recent times. The story is very routine. Recently, too, a film came out in which the hero had three beliefs. If you watch this film within a few months of its release, it has been proven once again that if this subject is handled with comedy, the audience will support it.  The director has handled this film in a completely entertaining way. But there are some errors in the screenplay. There is some confusion in the placement of scenes. The first half came out very well. After the entertaining first half, it must be said that the second half has decreased a bit. The director succeeded in revealing the twist. However, even though there is another twist in the climax, it did not work out well. Overall, the movie is a good entertainer, but you have to enjoy the magic without logic. Plus points: Sree Vishnu, Nayan Sarika Comedy, Satya, other comedians Minus points: Some scenes without logic, Some scenes in the second half, Music, editing. Finally.. It would be good if you enjoy the entertainment without looking at whether there is no logic or not. Banner: Sree Subrahmanyeshwara Cinemas Producer: Sumanth Naidu Director: Yadunath Maruthi Rao Music: Rathan Cast: Sree Vishnu, Nayan Sarika, Satya, Murali Sharma, Brahmaji and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aaFsmMFoBIGEg6rI_vishnuvinyasam.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-02-27T09:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkkMjnbLZHw"}},"uid":"review-vishnu-vinyasam---routine-entertainer"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'O’Romeo'"},"content":{"text":"Inspired by true events, Sajid Nadiadwala's O'Romeo encompasses layered elements of emotions, story and characters that are thoughtfully crafted. Starring Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Avinash Tiwary, Nana Patekar, Farida Jalal, followed by Disha Patani, Tamannaah Bhatia & Vikrant Massey in a special appearances O'Romeo is a visual treat. Vishal Bhardwaj's direction is seamlessly balanced between the mass and class appeal. His sharp attention to even the minute details truly yet again proves his eye for nuanced filmmaking. The jaw dropping action sequences performed by Shahid Kapoor, Avinash Tiwary is arresting and even Triptii Dimri impresses with her action skills making the hype and high anticipation around the film all worth it. The performances by each actor is refined, outstanding and in one word perfect.Shahid Kapoor as Ustara is mind boggling and O'Romeo surely stands as one of his finest roles. Triptii Dimri as Afshan has the innocence yet when required the zeal and fire for revenge. Avinash Tiwary as Jalal is unexpected and unrecognisable. The head tattoo adds to his menacing look and the ruthless character that he plays on screen. The chemistry between Shahid and Triptii feels fresh, intensely passionate and yet they never make you feel this is the first time they are sharing screen space together. Audiences are in for a visual treat with Farida Jalal's fiery dialogues and Nana Patekar's raw and unfiltered dialogue delivery and magnetic screen presence. The humour of the film is something that is strategically placed and doesn't disrupt the emotional intensity. Vishal Bhardwaj can never go wrong when it comes to music. Each music track is immensely soul stirring and melody that you will connect to. The dance numbers be it Aashiqon ki colony, paan ki dukaan has an unmatched energy and makes you want to shake a leg. What grabs your attention is also what a phenomenal dancer Shahid and Disha are and how beautifully they have been brought together in the popular tracks of the movie. Sajid Nadiadwala adds another impressive visionary movie to his legacy with O'Romeo after some of the most inspiring and milestone movies like Chhichhore, 83,Tamasha, Chandu Champion and more."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aY7_mFWLo0XkEfK7_ORomeo.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-02-13T06:15:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M4hKmuBzUU"}},"uid":"review-oromeo"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Anaganaga Oka Raju'"},"content":{"text":"Naveen Polishetty, who gained immense popularity overnight as a hero with the film Jathi Ratnalu, has been making films slowly and steadily without much fanfare. His film with Anushka, Miss Shetty Mr. Polishetty, was considered decent, but some felt it wasn't a film befitting Naveen's image. Naveen started this film with his own script. Even though the director changed, he took the lead in carrying the film forward. From the beginning of the film's production, they have been conducting promotions in a way that raised expectations. Let's see how the film is in this review.  Story: Raju (Naveen Polishetty), who belongs to a zamindar family, lives a respectable life in the village by invoking his ancestors' name, even though he has lost all his properties. Although he is a zamindar's heir in name, Raju faces financial difficulties. Even though he has lost all his fields and properties, he continues to be called a zamindar in the village by mentioning his grandfather's name. He thinks that to solve all his problems, he needs to marry a very wealthy girl. He looks at many prospective matches for this purpose. Finally, he meets Charulata (Meenakshi Chaudhary). Upon learning that she is the daughter of the very wealthy Bhupathi Raju (Rao Ramesh), he undertakes \"Operation Charulata\" to make her fall in love with him.  Charulata falls for his plan, and Raju and Charu get married in a grand ceremony. After the marriage, Raju learns some shocking things, and his situation becomes even worse than before the wedding. How does Raju get out of these circumstances? Does Raju manage to overcome his financial problems as he had hoped? What he does in response to that is the film's plot.  Actors' Performance: It's evident from watching the film that Naveen Polishetty carried the entire burden of the movie on his shoulders. Naveen impressed with his comedic timing. He captivated with his signature mannerisms and also impressed with his dialogues and dance. He also attracted everyone's attention by performing an action sequence. There is no doubt that Naveen's comedic timing is the main attraction of the film. He dominated the entire film with his acting and comedy. Even though the entire film revolved around Naveen, he acted with balance and restraint without going overboard anywhere.  The heroine, Meenakshi Chaudhary, looks very beautiful. She has already earned good marks in terms of her looks. Although she seemed to overact in one or two places, her overall performance was impressive. Rao Ramesh impressed in his limited role. The actors in other roles performed adequately. However, none of them got the scope to deliver a great performance.  Technical Aspects: The director tried to make the story completely entertaining. In that process, the comedy scenes he wrote were somewhat funny. However, every scene felt like something seen before, like something that had made people laugh before. The writing was particularly poor in the second half. It is known that Naveen is one of the writers of this film. It doesn't seem like he gave much importance to other characters except for his own.  There is nothing much to say about the music. While one song was somewhat decent, overall, the songs and background score were not great. The cinematography is good; the beauty of the village was captured well. There are many complaints regarding the editing. The second half, in particular, needed significant trimming. The production values ​​are in line with the story.  Analysis: The fact that Naveen Polishetty is releasing his film knowing that there are big films releasing for Sankranthi suggests he had a lot of confidence in his movie. His statements before the film's release also generated interest. He conducted promotional activities in a way that attracted everyone's attention. However, his complete control over the script and the lack of importance given to any character other than his own resulted in the entire film revolving around Naveen. Despite this, the first half felt decent and progressed with comedy.  However, despite a major problem in the second half, it's unclear why he's contesting in elections and making various attempts to win them. Only Naveen knows why a person from one village is contesting elections in another village. The entire second half proceeded illogically, like magic. While logic isn't always necessary for such entertainment films, assuming that the audience will accept and believe anything shown to them can backfire. That's what happened here. The illogical scenes and screenplay became excessive. The villain had no importance whatsoever; everyone stood before the hero like sheep. The audience won't stand for that. Therefore, it remains to be seen how well the audience will receive the king's entertainment.  Plus points: Naveen Polishetty Some comedy scenes First half.  Minus points: Second half Illogical scenes Routine climax Music  Conclusion... This entertainment is not enough for the Sankranthi competition, Raju.  Banner: Sithara Entertainments  Producers: Naga Vamsi, Sai Soujanya  Director: Mari  Music: Mickey J. Meyer  Cast: Naveen Polishetty, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Rao Ramesh, Tharak Ponnappa and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aWdkoQIvOtkhBfM4_AnaganagaOkaRaju.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-01-14T07:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSGVbEZHgSQ"}},"uid":"review-anaganaga-oka-raju"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi'"},"content":{"text":"Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja has been struggling with a series of flops. The recent film 'Mass Jathara' further disappointed his fans. Recovering quickly from that flop, Ravi Teja made this film at a very fast pace. Director Kishore Tirumala has crafted this film as a family entertainer. It was promoted as a good family entertainer for this Sankranthi season. Let's see in this review whether the film lives up to those expectations.  Story: Ram (Ravi Teja) and Balamani (Dimple Hayathi) are husband and wife. They lead a very harmonious life together. While their married life is going smoothly, due to some unexpected events, Ram unexpectedly meets Manasa Shetty (Ashika Ranganath) from Spain, and a physical relationship develops between them.  After returning from Spain, Ram is troubled by this incident. That's when Manasa comes to Hyderabad. This leads to more problems for Ram. Ram tries to tell Manasa that he is married. What happens in the end? How do the two women play games with Ram? That's the story of the film.  Actors' Performance: Ravi Teja, as always, impressed with his energetic performance. It has been proven once again that he can easily handle such roles. Although being caught between two women is a somewhat new subject for Ravi Teja, he was still captivating. With his trademark mannerisms, Ravi Teja was decent in creating humor through awkward situations and interactions between the two female leads. However, he failed to impress in the songs. In some scenes, his age was clearly visible. Overall, it must be said that Ravi Teja tried his best to deliver full-fledged entertainment.  Among the heroines, Dimple Hayathi deserves special mention. She played Ravi Teja's wife. Her character was portrayed as both traditional and beautiful. However, in some scenes, it feels like another actress would have been a better fit for this role than Dimple. There wasn't much scope for acting. Dimple was decent with what she had. Ashika impressed with her beauty. She played the role of a girl who takes revenge on the person who cheated her. Her character also had only moderate scope for acting. However, overall, Dimple Hayathi impressed in the role of Manasa that she was given.  Technical Aspects: Director Kishore Tirumala should have written a stronger story. He claimed to have managed with the screenplay despite the simple story. He tried to drive the narrative with entertainment. However, he should have presented the story in a more engaging way for the audience. Some dialogues were good, while others were very clichéd.  Bheems' music was average. The songs were not very impressive. The background score was also just average. The cinematography was average. The cinematography was good in some of the foreign location scenes. There were flaws in the editing. Some scenes in the second half feel dragged out. The production values ​​are in line with the story.  Analysis: From the beginning, the unit members have been saying that this film delivers the kind of entertainment that audiences expect from Ravi Teja. Many films have been made in the past about a man caught between two women. Director Kishore has tried to bring back the same story with a new backdrop. It must be said that the director has succeeded to a certain extent in making the film's screenplay entertaining.  Despite the routine story, he managed to evoke laughter in places with the screenplay he chose. He also kept the story moving forward without becoming boring. However, when there is a very strong family entertainer playing alongside it, this film needed to be even better. It needed to be a superior family entertainer. But since the film is only moderately entertaining, it remains to be seen how much the audience will support this film.  Plus Points: Some comedy scenes First half Serial song  Minus Points: Routine story Narrative Some scenes in the second half  Finally... A request to all husbands... A routine entertainer  Banner: SLV Cinemas  Producer: Sudhakar Cherukuri  Director: Kishore Tirumala  Music: Bheems Ceciroleo  Cast: Ravi Teja, Dimple Hayathi, Ashika Ranganath, Sunil, Tharak Ponnappa, Soni, Vennela Kishore, Satya, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aWYRSgIvOtkhBbFi_BMW.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-01-13T08:33:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7PJpctfx3Q"}},"uid":"review-bhartha-mahasayulaku-wignyapthi"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Mana Shankaravaraprasad Garu'"},"content":{"text":"After delivering the biggest blockbuster with 'Sankranthi Ki Vastunnam' alongside Venkatesh for Sankranthi 2025, Anil Ravipudi is being called the 'Sankranthi Director'. In this context, ever since the announcement that Anil would be coming with a film starring the Megastar for Sankranthi, everyone has been eagerly waiting to see how it would turn out. Moreover, with Venkatesh also in the film and every song released becoming a hit, the expectations increased even further. Let's see in this review whether Anil Ravipudi lived up to the expectations, continued his Sankranthi sentiment, and delivered a hit.  Story: Shankaravaraprasad (Chiranjeevi) is a National Security Officer. Due to certain reasons, he divorces his wife Shashirekha (Nayanthara). At the time of the divorce, they have two children. Shashirekha, who is one of the wealthiest women in the country, takes precautions to prevent Shankaravaraprasad from even meeting his children. After a long time, Shankaravaraprasad gets the opportunity to see his children. At that time, realizing that his children are longing for their father's love, he decides to get closer to Shashirekha again.  What does Shankaravaraprasad do for this? A certain circumstance leads him to become a security officer at Shashirekha's house. What is that circumstance? What happened in the end? Will the divorced couple reunite? This is the storyline of the film.  Actors' Performance: No amount of praise is enough for Megastar Chiranjeevi's performance. From the beginning, fans eagerly awaited seeing Chiranjeevi's vintage comedy in this film. They got exactly what they hoped for from Chiranjeevi. He entertained with his unique mannerisms, just like he did in his brother's film and some other movies. He impressed in dance, action, drama, and everything else. He was particularly outstanding in some of the comedy scenes. The director fully utilized Chiranjeevi's potential. It felt like Chiranjeevi completely surrendered to the director's vision.  Venkatesh impressed in his role. His look and body language were captivating as always. Venkatesh excelled, especially in the scenes with Chiranjeevi. It must be said that the film's second half definitely picked up because of Venkatesh's presence. The story revolves around Nayanthara's character, but she didn't get much scope to perform. The director designed her character to be serious throughout. Except for one or two scenes, there isn't much to say about Nayanthara's performance. However, she impressed with her look. As Chiranjeevi's leading lady and playing the role of the richest woman in the country, Nayanthara fit perfectly into the character. The other actors also performed well within the scope of their respective roles.  Technical Aspects: There is no doubt that the film, which is releasing for Sankranthi, became a super hit because of its musical success. Everyone doubted whether Bheem could deliver such songs and music again. Even Mega fans commented that Bheems was unnecessary. But unexpectedly, Bheem delivered music perfectly suited to Megastar Chiranjeevi's body language and Anil Ravipudi's screenplay and writing. Bheem's music became the main attraction of the film. He deserves credit for elevating the film not only with the songs but also with the background score.  Director Anil Ravipudi once again worked his magic with his screenplay. The story is very simple, and the premise he chose is also very simple, but he impressed with the screenplay woven around it, his direction, dialogues, and writing. It has been proven once again that Anil Ravipudi can create a sensation with his comedy. The cinematography is average. It must be said that such comedy films don't require exceptional cinematography. The cinematography is adequate for the film. Some scenes in the second half could have been trimmed. The production values ​​are quite good, in line with the story.  Analysis: With five films releasing for Sankranthi, especially with a pan-India superstar like Prabhas's Raja Saab also releasing, some expressed doubts about what kind of result our Manasankaravaraprasad would achieve. However, those who had faith in Anil Ravipudi's content and his comedy expressed the opinion from the beginning that Manasankaravaraprasad had a strong chance of being a big hit. And as expected, Anil Ravipudi has once again proven his mettle with this film.  Except for one or two scenes in the second half, the entire film was a full-fledged entertainer. Especially the comedy in the first half and the vintage songs featuring the Venky-Chiru combo in the second half are undoubtedly the highlights of the film. If a little more care had been taken with the second half, it would have been on another level. Even now, without a doubt, this film stands as a full-length entertainer for this Sankranthi.  For the fans and audience who were waiting to see what kind of comedy Anil Ravipudi would deliver with a megastar like Chiranjeevi, it can be said that the film provided entertaining content without any disappointment. With a couple of sentimental scenes, some action sequences, and songs, the film is good in all aspects.  Plus Points: Comedy, Chiranjeevi, Venky, Music, First Half  Minus Points: Some scenes in the second half  Finally... Just like Sankranthi 2025, there is no doubt that Sankranthi 2026 will also belong to Anil's entertainment.  Banner: Shine Screens, Gold Box Entertainments  Producers: Sahu Garapati, Sushmita Konidela  Director: Anil Ravipudi  Music: Bheems Ceciroleo  Cast: Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh, Nayanthara, Catherine Tresa, Sachin Khedekar, Sharath Saxena, Harshavardhan, Abhinav Gomatam and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aWQCvAIvOtkhBRbE_MSVPG2.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-01-11T20:06:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4CbAkPb468"}},"uid":"review-mana-shankaravaraprasad-garu"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: The RajaSaab"},"content":{"text":"Ever since Baahubali made him a pan-India superstar, expectations around Prabhas have been sky-high. Naturally, fans expect every film of his to match that scale. At such a time, when it was announced that Prabhas would be doing a film with Maruthi, a director known mainly for small-budget entertainers, many fans openly opposed the combination. There were even protests urging Prabhas not to do the film. However, ignoring fan pressure, Prabhas listened to Maruthi’s story and went ahead with Raja Saab. So how did the film turn out? Did it live up to Maruthi’s claims, or did it end up being the disappointment fans feared? Let’s find out in this review. Story: Raju, aka Raja Saab (Prabhas), shares a deep emotional bond with his grandmother Gangadevi (Zarina Wahab). Though she belongs to a zamindar family, she chooses to live a simple life with her grandson. As age catches up with her, Gangadevi begins to suffer from health issues, particularly memory loss. She repeatedly tells Raju about her late husband Kanakaraju (Sanjay Dutt), who appears in her dreams, and asks him to find and bring him back. Raju’s search leads him to a deserted royal palace hidden deep inside the Narsapur forest. Once there, shocking events unfold. Raju realizes that Kanakaraju is trying to kill both Gangadevi and him. What is hidden inside the palace? Why would a man who is supposedly dead want to kill his own wife and grandson? These questions form the crux of the story. Performances: Prabhas shoulders the entire film. In recent times, he has faced criticism for weak screen presence and limited screen time in some films. However, in Raja Saab, Prabhas is present throughout and impresses with his comic timing. That said, his romantic scenes with the heroines feel underwhelming, as usual. He performs well in action sequences and especially shines in the emotional moments during the climax. After a long time, audiences get to see a somewhat fresh version of Prabhas. There was a lot of buzz around Sanjay Dutt’s role, but unfortunately, his character offers very little scope for performance. Zarina Wahab stands out in her key role and shares a good on-screen rapport with Prabhas. The comedy by Satya and Saptagiri works to an extent, while VTV Ganesh once again succeeds in making Telugu audiences laugh. However, many of these characters feel familiar, as if we’ve seen them in similar roles before. Technical Aspects: Director Maruthi seems to have completely lost grip on the story. In trying to present Prabhas in a comedy-oriented role, he fails to maintain control over the screenplay. Both the narration and direction lack clarity and consistency. Maruthi’s direction ends up being one of the biggest drawbacks. Thaman’s music is disappointing from the start. None of the songs released before the film made an impact. Fans who had high hopes for the background score will also be let down, as it works only in one or two scenes. Cinematography is average and not particularly noteworthy. The VFX are a major letdown—despite claims of heavy investment and long production time, the visuals do not reflect that effort. Production values, however, are decent. Analysis: Everyone knows Prabhas is no longer a small-time hero, but Raja Saab makes one wonder if Maruthi forgot that fact. Showing Prabhas’ comic side does not require reducing his stature. His star image doesn’t need to be compromised for comedy. Audiences expect to see him presented at his current level, but Maruthi seems to have completely missed the opportunity. It’s hard to understand why Prabhas agreed to this film and how he believed Maruthi could deliver a movie that matches his stature. If the sole intention was to make a comedy film, choosing Maruthi turns out to be a big mistake. The same errors Prabhas made with Radhe Shyam seem to have been repeated here. Films that don’t match his level or lack strong content will no longer be accepted by audiences. Despite being promoted as a horror-comedy, Raja Saab lacks both genuine horror and effective comedy. This film proves that such a genre may not suit Prabhas. Maruthi is likely to face heavy criticism. Prabhas, however, does his part, offering some consolation to fans. Those expecting Bujjigadu or Darling-level comedy will be disappointed, but die-hard fans may still enjoy a few entertaining moments. Plus Points: Prabhas One or two comedy scenes Thaman’s background score in a few scenes Minus Points: Story and screenplay Maruthi’s direction Weak VFX Film not matching Prabhas’ star image Final Verdict: This is not the kind of film that should be made with a pan-India star like Prabhas. Banner: People’s Media Factory\nProducer: T.G. Vishwa Prasad\nDirector: Maruthi\nMusic: Thaman\nCast: Prabhas, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Zarina Wahab, VTV Ganesh, Samuthirakani, Satya, Saptagiri, and others."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aWDKmQIvOtkhBMzr_RSB.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-01-09T09:31:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-8w5yDwukA"}},"uid":"review-the-rajasaab"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri'"},"content":{"text":"Young heartthrob Kartik Aaryan and hot and glamorous Ananya Panday starrer Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri has finally hit the theatres. Let’s find out how the film fares.  The story revolves around Rehaan (Kartik Aaryan) and Rumi (Ananya Panday), who meet during a trip journey. As the trip progresses, the bond between them grows stronger. Before they even realise it, this closeness turns into love. Rehaan eventually proposes marriage to Rumi, but Rumi is worried about her father, played by Jackie Shroff. She fears that if she marries Rehaan and moves to the US, who will stay with her father in India—especially since her younger sister is also set to move to Canada after her marriage. Will Rehaan and Rumi be able to get married or not? For that, you’ll have to watch the film.  Directed by Sameer Vidwans, the film is handled with great finesse. His direction is impressive, and the screenplay is well-structured. The cinematography is visually appealing and adds freshness to the narrative. The first half of the film is stronger and more engaging compared to the second half. The music album is another highlight—almost all the songs are melodious and look beautiful on screen as well. The dialogues are witty and genuinely funny, keeping the audience entertained.  Talking about performances, Kartik Aaryan delivers a solid act. He brings charm and depth to the character of Rehaan with his powerful performance. Ananya Panday also does a commendable job, especially in several emotional scenes where she surprises with her expressive acting. Neena Gupta shines as Kartik Aaryan’s mother and plays her role with warmth and conviction. Jackie Shroff leaves a mark with his restrained yet impactful performance. The supporting cast also does justice to their respective roles.  Overall, Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri is a delightful romantic comedy. The film conveys a beautiful message—that while parents always compromise for their children, it is equally important for children to make compromises for their parents. If you are a young couple who values love along with family emotions, this film is definitely worth watching.  Director: Sameer Vidwans,  Producers: Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Bhumika Tewari   Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Ananya Panday, Neena Gupta, Jackie Shroff and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aU12MHNYClf9opAS_tumerina.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2025-12-25T05:36:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jStzDYz2ajI"}},"uid":"review-tu-meri-main-tera-main-tera-tu-meri"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"'అఖండ 2' రివ్యూ... ఫ్యాన్స్‌కి పూనకాలు"},"content":{"text":"నందమూరి బాలకృష్ణ, బోయపాటి కాంబో మూవీ అనగానే ఫ్యాన్స్‌కి మాత్రమే కాకుండా అన్ని వర్గాల ప్రేక్షకులకు ఆసక్తి ఉండటం చాలా సహజం. ఎందుకంటే వీరి కాంబోలో ఇప్పటికే సింహా, లెజెండ్‌, అఖండ వంటి సూపర్‌ హిట్‌ సినిమాలు వచ్చాయి. మూడు సినిమాలు సూపర్‌ హిట్‌ కావడంతో పాటు, అఖండకు సీక్వెల్‌గా రూపొందిన సినిమా కావడంతో అఖండ 2 పై అంచనాలు భారీగా ఉన్నాయి. మరి ఆ అంచనాలకు ఈ సినిమా తగ్గట్లుగా ఉందా? ఈ కాంబోలో నాల్గవ హిట్‌ నమోదు అయిందా అనేది ఈ రివ్యూలో చూద్దాం.  కథ : సైనిక చర్య ద్వారా ఇండియాపై విజయాన్ని సొంతం చేసుకోలేక పోయిన శత్రు దేశంకు చెందిన దుర్మార్ఘులు కుట్రపూరితంగా ప్రవర్తించి, ఇండియాలోనే ఉంటూ అధికారం కోసం ఎంతకైనా తెగించే రాజకీయ నాయకుడి సహాయంతో వినాశనంకు ప్లాన్‌ చేస్తారు. అందుకు మహాకుంభమేళను ఎంపిక చేసుకుంటారు. వేలాది మంది ప్రాణాలు తీసేందుకు ఒక వైరస్‌ను క్రియేట్‌ చేస్తారు. దాంతో ఇండియా మొత్తం అల్లకల్లోలం అవుతుంది.  ఆ వైరస్‌కి వెంటనే వ్యాక్సిన్‌ను కనిపెట్టిన భారత శాస్త్రవేత్తలు దాన్ని జనాలకు ఇచ్చేందుకు ప్రయత్నం చేస్తారు. ఆ సమయంలో మరోసారి శత్రుదేశంకు చెందిన వారు దాడి చేస్తారు.  ఆ సమయంలో అఖండ(బాలకృష్ణ) ఆ వ్యాక్సిన్‌ను ఎలా రక్షించాడు? అసలు అఖండ ఏం చేస్తున్నాడు అనేది సినిమా కథాంశం.  నటీనటుల నటన : నందమూరి బాలకృష్ణ రెండు విభిన్నమైన పాత్రల్లో నటించి మెప్పించాడు. ముఖ్యంగా అఖండ పాత్రలో బాలయ్య లుక్ కి ఫ్యాన్స్ మతి పోవడం ఖాయం. గతంలోనే ఆయన అఖండ పాత్రలో అఘోరగా నటించి మెప్పించిన విషయం తెల్సిందే. ఇప్పుడు అంతకు మించి అన్నట్లుగా ఎక్కువ నిడివి ఉన్న పాత్రలో కనిపించాడు. బాలకృష్ణ అటువంటి గెటప్‌ లో కనిపించడమే గొప్ప విషయం అంటే, ఆ లుక్‌ తో చేసిన యాక్షన్‌ సీన్స్ నెవ్వర్‌ బిఫోర్‌ అన్నట్లుగా సాగాయి. మరో పాత్రలో ఫ్యామిలీ మ్యాన్‌ గా బాలకృష్ణ ఆకట్టుకున్నాడు. మొత్తంగా బాలకృష్ణ వన్‌మ్యాన్‌ షో అన్నట్లుగా నడిపించాడు.  హీరోయిన్‌ సంయుక్త మీనన్‌ ఒక్క పాటకే పరిమితం అయింది. ఒక యాక్షన్‌ సన్నివేశంలోనూ ఆమె కనిపించింది. అయితే ఆమె పాత్ర నిడివి కొంత మేరకు ఉండటం జరిగింది. అయితే ఉన్నంతలో గ్లామర్‌ తో అలరించింది. సినిమాలో మొదటి నుంచి కూడా హర్షాలి పాత్ర గురించి ప్రముఖంగా చెబుతూ వచ్చారు. అన్నట్లుగానే ఈ సినిమాలో ఆమె పాత్రకు వెయిట్‌ ఉంది. అయితే ఆమె స్క్రీన్‌ ప్రజెన్స్ ఎక్కువ సమయం ఏమీ లేదు. ఉన్నంతలో పర్వాలేదు అనిపించింది.  ఆది పినిశెట్టి విలన్‌గా ఆకట్టుకున్నాడు. సెకండ్‌ హాఫ్‌ లో వచ్చే అతడు క్రూరమైన మాయావిగా కనిపించి మెప్పించాడు. ఇతర పాత్రల్లో నటించిన వారు వారి పాత్రల పరిధిలో పర్వాలేదు అనిపించారు.  టెక్నికల్‌ : అఖండ సినిమా పేరు ఎత్తగానే ప్రతి ఒక్కరికీ ఆ సినిమా కోసం తమన్‌ ఇచ్చిన బ్యాక్ గ్రౌండ్ స్కోర్ గుర్తుకు వస్తుంది అనడంలో సందేహం లేదు. అందుకే అఖండ 2 సినిమాలో తమన్‌ ఇచ్చిన బ్యాక్‌గ్రౌండ్‌ స్కోర్ ఎలా ఉంటుందా అని అంతా ఆసక్తిగా ఎదురు చూశారు. సినిమా విడుదలకు ముందే టీజర్‌, గ్లిమ్స్‌, ట్రైలర్‌ లో తమన్‌ తన మ్యూజిక్‌ తో హైప్‌ క్రియేట్‌ చేయడంలో సక్సెస్‌ అయ్యాడు. అంతే కాకుండా ఒక పాటతోనూ మెప్పించాడు. బాలకృష్ణ మాస్ ఇమేజ్‌ కి తగ్గట్లుగా తమన్ బీజీఎం ఇవ్వడంతో సినిమా స్థాయి పెరిగింది. యాక్షన్ సన్నివేశాల్లో తమన్‌ మ్యూజిక్‌ కుర్చీ అంచున కూర్చోబెట్టింది అనడంలో సందేహం లేదు.  దర్శకుడు బోయపాటి శ్రీను ఈసారి కథ విషయంలో ఇంకాస్త ఎక్కువ శ్రద్ద పెట్టాల్సింది అనిపించింది. అఖండ 2 సినిమా కథ విషయంలో అసంతృప్తిగా ఉంది. ఇక స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లే విషయంలోనూ చాలా లోపాలు ఉన్నాయి. కథ చిన్న లైన్‌తోనే ఉన్నప్పటికీ స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లేను అందుకు తగ్గట్లుగా ఆకట్టుకునే విధంగా నడిపించాల్సిన అవసరం ఉంది. కానీ దర్శకుడు ఆ దిశగా కథను నడిపించడంలో విఫలం అయ్యాడు. వీఎఫ్‌ఎక్స్‌ మరీ పేలవంగా ఉంది. సినిమాటోగ్రఫీ బాగుంది. కొన్ని హిమాలయ షాట్స్ ను చక్కగా చూపించారు. నిర్మాణాత్మక విలువలు కథానుసారంగా బాగున్నాయి.  విశ్లేషణ : అనుకోని అవాంతరం కారణంగా ఆలస్యం అయిన అఖండ 2 సినిమా విషయంలో అభిమానులతో పాటు అన్ని వర్గాల వారు మొదటి నుంచి పాజిటివ్‌ హోప్‌ ను కలిగి ఉన్నారు. ఎప్పుడైతే అవాంతరాలు రావడం మొదలైందో అప్పటి నుంచే సినిమా పై అనుమానాలు వ్యక్తం అయ్యాయి. ఫలితం విషయంలో ఈసారి ఏమైనా తేడా కొట్టేనా అన్నట్లుగా కొందరు మాట్లాడుతూ వచ్చారు. అదే జరిగింది అనే అభిప్రాయం వ్యక్తం అవుతోంది. అభిమానులు బాలకృష్ణ కోసం అఖండ 2 సినిమాను చూసి ఎంజాయ్‌ చేయవచ్చు. కానీ రెగ్యులర్‌ ప్రేక్షకులు ఈ సినిమాను చూసి ఆనందించే ఎలిమెంట్స్ ఎక్కువగా లేవని చెప్పాలి. కథను సరిగ్గా చెప్పక పోవడంతో పాటు, స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లే విషయంలో నిరుత్సాహ పరిచారు.  తమన్‌ బ్యాక్‌ గ్రౌండ్‌ స్కోర్ బాగున్నా అందుకు తగ్గట్లుగా యాక్షన్ సీన్స్ పండలేదు. బాలయ్య యాక్షన్ సీన్స్ ను ఆయన అభిమానులు ఎంజాయ్‌ చేస్తారు, కానీ ఆయన మార్క్ డ్రామా, ఎమోషన్‌ సీన్స్ లేకపోవడంతో రెగ్యులర్‌ ప్రేక్షకులు బోర్‌ ఫీల్‌ అయ్యే అవకాశం ఉంది. ఒకటి రెండు సీన్స్ మినహా రెగ్యులర్‌ ఆడియన్స్ ను కట్టి పడేసే సీన్స్ లేవని చెప్పక తప్పదు. మరి థియేట్రికల్‌ రన్‌ లో ఫ్యాన్స్ తో పాటు ప్రేక్షకుల నుంచి ఎలాంటి స్పందన వస్తుందా అనేది చూడాలి.  ప్లస్ పాయింట్స్ :  బాలకృష్ణ,  తమన్ సంగీతం. కొన్ని యాక్షన్‌ సీన్స్‌. మైనస్ పాయింట్స్ :  కథ, కథనం, ఎమోషన్‌ లేకపోవడం, ఓవర్‌ స్టంట్స్‌. చివరగా... అఖండ 2 అభిమానుల వరకు మాత్రమే..! బ్యానర్ : 14 రీల్స్‌ ప్లస్‌ నిర్మాత : రామ్ ఆచంట, గోపీ ఆచంట దర్శకత్వం : బోయపాటి శ్రీను సంగీతం : తమన్‌ తారాగణం : బాలకృష్ణ, సంయుక్త మీనన్‌, హర్షాలి మల్హోత్ర, ఆది పినిశెట్టి, పూర్ణ, అయ్యప్ప పి శర్మ తదితరులు"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aTsrEXNYClf9oFJC_Akhanda2.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2025-12-13T04:32:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL3T1yJxisc"}},"uid":"akhanda-2-review....poonakaalu-for-fans"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Dhurandhar‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌'"},"content":{"text":"Dhurandhar hits the audience like a cyclone—untamed, persistent, and spectacularly dhamakedaar. Aditya Dhar's latest triumph is far from just a movie; it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a cinematic event of the year that completely breaks the clutter of Indian espionage thrillers. With Indian heart and international standard, Dhar weaves a story full of human touch, intricacy, and spark, reaffirming that he belongs among the very few directors capable of conceiving on a grand scale while still keeping the story deeply character-driven.  Drawing inspiration from the IC-814 hijacking and the 2001 Parliament attack, the film sets the stage on a historic backdrop without wasting a moment. Dhar then skillfully expands the narrative to show the political tremors that pushed the Indian intelligence system beyond its limits. Madhavan as IB Chief Ajay Sanyal is the rock on which the story stands. His portrayal, full of precision and gravitas, earns seeti maar reactions in every scene. The dialogues are crisp, the energy is infectious, and the immersion into this high-stakes world is so real that it grips from the first frame.  One of the most striking elements is the use of archival footage, including 9/11 and other terror attacks, interspersed with chilling audio of attackers plotting against India. These sequences evoke patriotism without jingoism, reminding the audience of the stakes while highlighting India’s strategic resilience. It’s a cinematic call to awareness and courage that makes the story even more gripping.  Ranveer Singh delivers arguably his career-best performance—raw, gritty, massy, and explosively powerful. Hamza is hurt, angry, unpredictable, yet inexplicably charming. The transformation from a rage-driven youth to a cold, calculated underworld operative is executed with staggering emotional finesse. Ranveer doesn’t just perform; he literally “blows up” the screen, particularly in the latter half, becoming almost synonymous with the storyline—a 10/10 hardcore action avatar.  The supporting cast matches this energy brilliantly. Akshaye Khanna, as Rehman Dakait, is eerie, sparkling, and dreadful—a mind-is-the-weapon villain whose expressions and timing make him unforgettable. Sanjay Dutt is pure cannon fire as SP Chaudhary Aslam, “The Jinn,” bringing raw toughness to every frame. Arjun Rampal’s Major Iqbal commands attention with his silent menace, while Sara Arjun impresses in her star-studded debut. Every actor is fully into their character, creating a dangerously immersive atmosphere.  The film’s pace is relentless, thanks to Aditya Dhar’s mastery over tempo. And crucially, despite its 214-minute runtime, the length never feels distracting. Every scene is deliberate, every beat perfect, making the infiltration plan genuinely nerve-wracking. The background music is another major highlight—the BGM keeps the energy flowing continuously, never letting the audience feel a dull moment. The soundtrack is one of the strongest pillars of the film, arguably the album of the year or even the decade, turning tension, discovery, and climax into cinematic thunder.  Violence is used sparingly—just three sequences are truly explicit, each dramatically justified. The real intensity comes from the emotional stakes, character development, and political intrigue. The first half showcases masterful world-building, with the interval delivering pure goosebumps and doubling audience excitement. Post-interval, conspiracies intertwine, political power shifts, and Hamza consolidates the mafia core through strategy, betrayal, and even a calculated marriage, setting up a perfect stage for the explosive Part Two coming Eid 2026.  Jyoti Deshpande, Lokesh Dhar, and Aditya Dhar, backed by B62 Studios and Jio Studios, leave no stone unturned in creating a universe that is vast, real, and cinematically rich. Their unwavering support for large sets, hard action, bold storytelling, and a stellar ensemble cast shines in every frame, elevating Indian genre cinema to new heights.  Dhurandhar is a genre-defining spectacle that combines ferocious execution, meticulous craft, and unforgettable impact. With Aditya Dhar’s finest direction and Ranveer Singh’s career-best performance, it makes a solid case for being one of the boldest, most compelling thrillers of the year. The game is set, the pieces are moving, and the wait for Part Two is fervent—completely justified by the high stakes, breathtaking performances, and mind-blowing storytelling.  Cast: Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi and others  Director/Writer: Aditya Dhar"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aTK2Z3NYClf9n2ee_dhurandar.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2025-12-05T08:15:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKOVzHcjEIo"}},"uid":"review-dhurandhar"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"'ఆంధ్రాకింగ్‌ తాలూకా' రివ్యూ... ఫ్యాన్స్‌ మూవీ"},"content":{"text":"రామ్‌ వరుస విజయాలతో ఎనర్జిటిక్ స్టార్‌ ఇమేజ్‌ని సొంతం చేసుకుని కెరీర్‌ ఆరంభంలో అందరి దృష్టిని ఆకర్షించాడు. కానీ గత కొంత కాలంగా ఆయన పూర్తిగా గాడి తప్పినట్లుగా కనిపిస్తున్నాడు. ఏమాత్రం ఆకట్టుకోని కథ, కథనాలను, దర్శకులను ఎంపిక చేసుకోవడంతో ఆయనకు వరుస ఫ్లాప్‌లు తప్పలేదు. ఇస్మార్ట్‌ శంకర్ తర్వాత రామ్‌ ఒక మంచి హిట్‌ కోసం ఎదురు చూస్తున్నాడు. ఆ హిట్‌ ఈ సినిమాతో వచ్చిందా అనేది ఈ రివ్యూలో చూద్దాం.  కథ :  సూర్య(ఉపేంద్ర) తెలుగు సినిమా ఇండస్ట్రీలో స్టార్‌ హీరో. అభిమానులు ఆయన్ను ఆంధ్రా కింగ్‌ అనే బిరుదుతో పిలుచుకుంటూ ఉంటారు. వరుస విజయాలు దక్కించుకుంటూ వచ్చిన సూర్యకు వందవ సినిమాకు ముందు కెరీర్‌ పరంగా ఒడిదొడుకులు ఎదుర్కోవాల్సి వస్తుంది. వరుస ఫ్లాప్స్‌ పడటంతో సూర్య ను విమర్శించే వారు, తిట్టేవారు ఎక్కువ అవుతారు. ఆయన పనైపోయిందని విమర్శిస్తూ ఉంటారు. ఆ సమయంలో సూర్య 100వ సినిమాను మొదలు పెడతాడు.  సినిమాపై అంచనాలు లేకపోవడం, అసలు సూర్య సినిమాను ఎవరు చూస్తారు అని జనాలు అనుకుంటూ ఉండటంతో ఆ సినిమా ఆర్థిక సమస్యలు ఎదుర్కొంటుంది. సినిమా పూర్తి చేయడానికి రూ.3 కోట్లు అవసరం అవుతుంది. ఆ సమయంలో సూర్యను అమితంగా అభిమానించే సాగర్‌ (రామ్‌) ముందుకు వస్తాడు. తాను ఎంతో కష్టపడి సంపాదించిన ఆస్తిని అమ్మి, ఆ డబ్బును తన అభిమాన హీరో, ఆంధ్రాకింగ్‌ సూర్యకి చేరేలా చేస్తాడు.  తీవ్ర ఆర్థిక ఇబ్బందుల్లో ఉన్న సూర్య తన అకౌంట్‌లో పడ్డ రూ.3 కోట్లు చూసి షాక్‌ అవుతాడు. ఆ డబ్బును తన అభిమాని అయిన సాగర్‌ పంపించినట్లు తెలిసి షాక్‌ అవుతాడు. తన అభిమానిని కలుసుకునేందుకు సూర్య బయలుజేరుతాడు. ఆ క్రమంలో సాగర్‌ గురించి పలు విషయాలను సూర్య తెలుసుకుంటాడు. ఒక అభిమానిని స్టార్‌ హీరో ఎలా కలుసుకున్నాడు? ఆ తర్వాత ఏం జరిగింది? అనేది కథ. నటీనటుల నటన :  రామ్‌ మొత్తం బాధ్యత తన భుజాలపై వేసుకున్నాడు. ఎప్పటిలాగే ఈ సినిమాతో మరోసారి తన ఎనర్జిటిక్ పెర్ఫార్మెన్స్‌ను చూపించాడు. సాగర్‌ పాత్రకి రామ్‌ ఎంత వరకు చేయాలో అంతకు మించి చేసినట్లుగా అనిపించింది. ఒక పాత్రను చాలా నమ్మడం వల్లే రామ్‌ ఈ స్థాయిలో కష్టపడి ఉంటాడు అనిపించింది. అతడి లుక్‌, డైలాగ్‌ డెలివరీ, యాక్షన్‌ సీన్స్ లో ఆయన ప్రజెన్స్ ఇలా ప్రతి ఒక్క ఎలిమెంట్‌లోనూ రామ్‌ ఆకట్టుకున్నాడు. అందుకే అతడు ఒక ఫ్యాన్  గా సరిగ్గా సెట్‌ అయ్యి, సినిమాను మోశాడు. సూపర్‌ స్టార్‌గా నటించిన ఉపేంద్ర తన పాత్రకు న్యాయం చేశాడు. ఒక అభిమాని కోసం వెతుక్కుంటూ వెళ్తున్న సీన్స్ లో అతడి భావోద్వేగం కనిపించింది. సినిమా కోసం అతడు పడే తపన, అతడు పడే కష్టం తాలూక డిటైల్స్ ను ఉపేంద్ర చక్కగా చూపడం జరిగింది. హీరోయిన్‌గా నటించిన భాగ్యశ్రీ బోర్సేకి తన ప్రతిభ మొత్తం చూపించే అవకాశం దక్కలేదు. అయితే ఆమె ఉన్నంతలో అందంగా కనిపించడంతో పాటు, నటనతో ఆకట్టుకుంది. ఇతర నటీనటులు వారి పాత్రల పరిధిలో నటించారు.  టెక్నికల్‌ :  పాటల గురించి ప్రత్యేకంగా చర్చ జరిగింది. కొత్త సంగీత దర్శకులు కుమ్మేశారు అంటూ అంతా తెగ మాట్లాడారు. కానీ వారి నుంచి వచ్చిన సంగీతం కొత్తగా ఉంది కానీ ఆకట్టుకునే విధంగా మాత్రం లేదు. ఇలాంటి సినిమాలకు పాత సంగీత దర్శకులు అయితే న్యాయం చేసేవారు అనిపిస్తుంది. కాని రామ్‌ కి మాత్రం ఎందుకో వీరు నచ్చారు. ఆయన నిర్ణయం తప్పు అని తేలింది.  ఇక దర్శకుడు మహేష్‌ ఎంపిక చేసుకున్న కథ విషయంలో ఎలాంటి తప్పు లేదు. ముఖ్యంగా స్టోరీ లైన్ మంచి పాయింట్‌. కానీ దాన్ని మలచిన తీరు బాగాలేదు. ముఖ్యంగా స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లే విషయంలో సాగతీసినట్లుగా అనిపించింది. ఎడిటింగ్‌ కి ఇంకా చాలా స్కోప్ ఉంది. ఎందుకో చాలా సీన్స్‌ను అలాగే వదిలేశాడు. నిర్మాణాత్మక విలువలు బాగానే ఉన్నాయి. సినిమాటోగ్రాఫీ అప్పటి నేటివిటీకి దగ్గరగా ప్రేక్షకులను తీసుకు వెళ్లడంలో సక్సెస్ అయిందని చెప్పాలి.  విశ్లేషణ :  రామ్‌ దాదాపు ఏడాది  గ్యాప్ తీసుకుని, వందల కొద్ది కథలు విని, పదుల కొద్ది కథలు పక్కన పెట్టుకుని, చివరకు ఈ కథను ఎంపిక చేసుకున్నాడు అని ఆయన సన్నిహితులు అంటున్నారు. అయితే ఇలాంటి కథను ఆయన ఎలా ఒప్పుకున్నాడు అంటూ చాలా మంది ఆశ్చర్యం వ్యక్తం చేస్తున్నారు. స్టోరీ లైన్‌ బాగుంటే సరిపోతుందా, కథ, కథనం విషయంలో దీన్ని ఎంత వరకు ప్రేక్షకులకు ఆకట్టుకునే విధంగా తీసుకు రాగలరు అనే విషయంను ఆయన చూసుకోలేదు అనిపిస్తుంది.  రామ్‌ సాధారణంగానే ఎనర్జిటిక్‌ పెర్ఫార్మెన్స్‌ తో ఆకట్టుకుంటాడు. ఈ సినిమాలోనూ మరోసారి తన సత్తా చాటాడు. కానీ సినిమాలోని ఆయన పాత్ర ఉన్నంత పవర్‌ ఫుల్‌గా స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లే లేదు. గ్రామీన ప్రాంతంలో ఉండే ప్రేమ కథను చూపించే ప్రయత్నం చేశారు. ఆ కథను ఇంకాస్త ఎక్కువ చూపించినా బాగుండేది. హీరో, అభిమాని మధ్య ఉండే సీన్స్ చాలా తక్కువగా ఉన్నాయి. ప్రేక్షకులు ఆశించిన ఎలిమెంట్స్ ఈ సినిమాలో చాలా తక్కువగా ఉన్నాయి. అందుకే సినిమా రెగ్యులర్‌ ప్రేక్షకులను ఆకట్టుకోవడంలో విఫలం అవుతుంది. కానీ తమను తాము ఒక హీరోకు అభిమాని అని చెప్పుకునే వారికి మాత్రం తప్పకుండా ఈ సినిమా నచ్చుతుంది.  ప్లస్ పాయింట్స్ :  రామ్‌ నటన, స్టోరీలైన్‌, కొన్ని ఎమోషనల్‌ సీన్స్‌ మైనస్ పాయింట్స్ :  ఫస్ట్‌ హాఫ్‌ చాలా స్లోగా సాగింది స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లే, ప్రేమ కథ ఇంకాస్త ఉండాల్సింది. చివరగా... ఫ్యాన్‌గా ఆంధ్రాకింగ్‌ను ఆకట్టుకున్న సాగర్‌, ప్రేక్షకులను ఆకట్టుకోవడం కష్టమే. బ్యానర్ : మైత్రి మూవీ మేకర్స్‌ నిర్మాత : నవీన్‌ యెర్నేని, వై రవి శంకర్‌ దర్శకత్వం : మహేష్‌ బాబు పి సంగీతం : వివేక్‌-మెర్విన్‌ తారాగణం : రామ్‌ పోతినేని, భాగ్యశ్రీ బోర్సే, ఉపేంద్ర తదితరులు"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aSgr23NYClf9nheC_AKT1.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2025-11-27T08:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeY828c-AXo"}},"uid":"review-andhra-king-talooka---fans-movie"}}]}},"pageContext":{"isCreatedByStatefulCreatePages":true}}