{"data":{"all":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Samantha's Thai Wellness Journey"},"content":{"text":"Mom-to-be Samantha Ruth Prabhu has offered fans a glimpse into her peaceful wellness retreat with husband and filmmaker Raj Nidimoru.  The actress took to her social media account to share a carousel of pictures and videos from the vacation, accompanied by the caption, 'Wellness has always been my favourite kind of travel.' The post captures Samantha soaking in the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of the luxury retreat. In one picture, the actress is seen sitting by a dining table, gazing at a bird perched just outside the glass window. Another picture features a wholesome breakfast spread, while in another picture, Samantha is seen posing in a breezy white co-ord outfit against a lush green backdrop. The carousel also includes candid moments with her filmmaker husband Raj Nidimoru. Another glimpse shows the actress unwinding during a yoga and stretching session. She is also seen enjoying the resort's peaceful ambience. For the uninitiated, a few weeks ago, the actress sparked speculation after she was spotted in a fitted white bodycon outfit that many fans believed highlighted her baby bump. While Samantha has not directly addressed the pregnancy rumours, at a recent press conference, she spoke about taking a maternity break soon. Samantha married filmmaker Raj Nidimoru, one half of the acclaimed director duo Raj & DK, in an intimate ceremony last year in December. The couple reportedly grew close while working together in projects directed by Raj featuring the actress, including The Family Man 2 and Citadel: Honey Bunny. The actress is currently basking in the glory of her recent successful movie, 'Maa Inti Bangaram' which has become the first female-led Telugu film to gross a whopping Rs 100 crores worldwide. The action enterainer, which hit screens on June 19, featured Samantha Ruth Prabhu in the lead and was directed by Nandini Reddy. Samantha, just before the release of the film, had disclosed how she had taken quite a few blows while performing the action sequences in the film and how she had even bled while performing the stunts in the film."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/EL5BhfmhvzOAa4fW_sam.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T10:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"samanthas-thai-wellness-journey"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"TVK functionary caught in bribery row"},"content":{"text":"Hours after the Tamil Nadu government launched a dedicated WhatsApp helpline to encourage the public to report bribery complaints against government officials, a video purportedly showing a TVK functionary accepting cash from a contractor surfaced on social media, triggering political controversy and renewed debate over corruption in local bodies. The video, whose authenticity has not been independently verified, purportedly shows N.V. Veera, president of the Mambakkam panchayat and Chengalpattu East district joint secretary of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), receiving Rs 30,000 in cash from a contractor. During the conversation, another individual is allegedly heard saying that Rs 1 lakh had already been transferred. The footage appears to have been secretly recorded by the contractor. According to the visuals circulating online, the payment was allegedly linked to the clearance of a contractor's pending bill after the completion of road works. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the circumstances under which the money was exchanged, and no formal complaint has yet been publicly announced in connection with the video. Authorities have also not confirmed whether any preliminary inquiry has been initiated. The development assumes significance as it came on the very day the state government stepped up its anti-corruption campaign by directing all government offices, district collectorates, local bodies and public sector undertakings to prominently display bilingual awareness boards carrying the message, \"Bribe giving and receiving is an offence,\" along with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) WhatsApp helpline number 94981 80936. The Chief Secretary instructed all government departments, district collectors and heads of public sector undertakings to ensure the awareness boards are displayed in both Tamil and English at prominent locations. The initiative is intended to encourage citizens to report incidents of bribery and corruption directly to the DVAC through the newly introduced WhatsApp platform, enabling quicker reporting and follow-up. The viral video has since sparked widespread discussion on social media, with opposition parties and several users questioning the government's anti-corruption claims and calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations. As of now, neither the Tamil Nadu government nor the TVK leadership has issued an official statement on the authenticity of the video or whether any legal, departmental or disciplinary action will be initiated against the party functionary. The incident has drawn considerable public attention, particularly because it coincided with the government's latest anti-graft initiative."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/dca4c7f3-786c-4df0-b6d0-279fab09fe63_bribe.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T12:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"tvk-functionary-caught-in-bribery-row"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"SK, Vijay Reaffirm Their Bond"},"content":{"text":"Actor and producer Sivakarthikeyan, who called on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday, has said that the brotherhood and the bond between them continues.  Taking to his social media timelines to post pictures of his meeting with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, Sivakarthikeyan wrote, \" From entertaining hearts to leading the state… some journeys are truly extraordinary. It was an honour to greet our Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru C. Joseph Vijay sir.\" Sivakarthikeyan, recalling earlier times when he had worked and interacted with Vijay, wrote, \"From Rasigan Express, to the Vijay Awards stage, to sharing the screen in GOAT… and now, this moment with you, sir. This will always be the most special.\" He concluded the post saying, \"The brotherhood. The bond. It continues…\"  News of Sivakarthikeyan's meeting with Vijay comes on a day when the makers of ‘Jana Nayagan’, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's final film, announced its release date. The film is now scheduled to hit screens worldwide on July 23, 2026. The film marks a landmark moment in Chief Minister Vijay’s illustrious cinematic journey, and is one of the most awaited films of Indian cinema. The film promises to be a fitting tribute to a career that has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, Jana Nayagan brings together a stellar creative team to deliver a grand cinematic experience for audiences worldwide. Jana Nayagan's producer Venkat K. Narayana said, “There are very few moments in cinema that feel truly historic, and Jana Nayagan is one such moment. As Thalapathy Vijay prepares for his final outing on the big screen, we are honoured to be a part of this journey and to bring this special film to his fans across the world”. He further mentioned, “It has been remarkable to witness a journey that began with cinema and went on to inspire millions, ultimately leading him to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a testament to the extraordinary connection he shares with the people. We are confident that Jana Nayagan will be a memorable theatrical experience and a fitting tribute to a phenomenal career.\""},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0fxb1YIfj0CFFnah_SKVIJAY.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C19%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T15:52:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"sk-vijay-reaffirm-their-bond"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","two"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Rajamouli's Next Masterstroke?"},"content":{"text":"Ace filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli is currently focused on his much-awaited globe-trotting action adventure Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu. The film is progressing at a brisk pace, with production entering its final phase after the latest shooting schedule resumed in Hyderabad. Most of the high-octane action sequences and key portions have already been wrapped up, while the remaining scenes are expected to be completed by October this year. The makers are reportedly targeting a grand worldwide release on April 7 next year, with plans for a record-breaking international rollout, making it one of the biggest Indian releases ever. Even as Varanasi nears completion, speculation has already shifted to Rajamouli's next project. According to the latest industry buzz, the celebrated director is likely to team up with Tamil superstar Suriya for a mega-budget film, which is expected to mark the actor's landmark 50th movie. Although there has been no official confirmation from either side, the rumor has generated tremendous excitement among fans. Rajamouli has previously expressed his desire to collaborate with Suriya, admitting that he had missed opportunities to work with him in the past. If the reports prove true, the long-awaited Rajamouli–Suriya combination could become one of the most anticipated pan-Indian projects in the coming years."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aRW7h7pReVYa4bIW_rajamouli.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T12:27:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rajamoulis-next-masterstroke"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"‘Jana Nayagan’ to release on July 23, 2026"},"content":{"text":"The makers of the upcoming film ‘Jana Nayagan’ starring Thalapathy Vijay, have announced the film’s release date. The film, which is set to be the final cinematic venture of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, will release in theatres worldwide on July 23, 2026. The film marks a landmark moment in Thalapathy Vijay’s illustrious cinematic journey, and is one of the most awaited films of Indian cinema. The film promises to be a fitting tribute to a career that has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, Jana Nayagan brings together a stellar creative team to deliver a grand cinematic experience for audiences worldwide. Speaking about the announcement, producer Venkat K. Narayana said, “There are very few moments in cinema that feel truly historic, and Jana Nayagan is one such moment. As Thalapathy Vijay prepares for his final outing on the big screen, we are honoured to be a part of this journey and to bring this special film to his fans across the world”. He further mentioned, “It has been remarkable to witness a journey that began with cinema and went on to inspire millions, ultimately leading him to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a testament to the extraordinary connection he shares with the people. We are confident that Jana Nayagan will be a memorable theatrical experience and a fitting tribute to a phenomenal career”. The release date announcement sets the stage for what is expected to be one of the biggest theatrical events of the year, with fans and moviegoers gearing up to celebrate Thalapathy Vijay’s final chapter as a leading man on the silver screen."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ZWOUt2faI28E0zun_JN.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T10:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"jana-nayagan-to-release-on-july-23-2026"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","four"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"RGV: Censor should be banned"},"content":{"text":"Stating that censoring films was actually an insult to audiences, well known film director Ram Gopal Varma on Wednesday called for a ban on censorship. Taking to his X timeline to pen his thoughts on why he thought censorship was unnecessary, Ram Gopal Varma said, \"Censoring films actually is an insult to the audiences. In an era of smartphones, global streaming, and access to infinite information, to pretend that a government appointed committee (What is the qualification of its members ?) can shield adults from the film makers' perspective of any truth is not only outdated, but it’s also idiotic.\" He went on to say, \"Here’s the fundamental hypocrisy… If an adult is mature enough to vote for the leader of the country, raise families, run businesses, why the hell can’t they decide for themselves what to watch?\" Pointing out that while on the one hand, the government was trusting adults with the ballot, which shapes the future of more than a billion people, it was at on the other hand, thinking that a scene in a film might spoil them. \"That’s not safeguarding society but infantilizing it…,\" the director observed and went on to add, \"An 18-year-old can choose the leader, but needs some random committee member to decide if hearing a cuss word or watching a shot is corruptive.\" Stating that a movie was dramatic storytelling from the perspective of a film maker and that it was the viewers prerogative to agree or disagree, Ram Gopal Varma said, \"Cutting a scene for theatrical release is laughable because the uncut version will hits torrents, Telegram, and all international platforms within hours.\" \"Case in point is the head banging scene in OBSESSION which after the censors cut it, must have been seen by 10 times more people on Insta reels than who actually watched the film in the theatres,\" he said.   Claiming that censorship doesn't hide content but that it actually creates more demand, Ram Gopal Varma said, in times of AI tools and borderless Internet, gatekeeping was a joke.  \"Forcing trims on language, sensuality, violence, or ideology turns cinema into a dishonest and hypocritical slop. When everyone including children can binge watch brutal news and unlimited online extremes, how come only cinematic moments trigger bans?,\" he asked.  Censorship wasn't about protecting values because cinema’s s job was also to reflect one’s perception of an issue, which is what created debate, the foundation of democracy, he said and added that censor ship primarily assumed that adults were children who needed to be parented by some government appointed committees. \"It’s not cuts what we need, but it’s to be clear what the film contains , and then have respect for the audience to decide for themselves to watch or not,\" he said.   \"I think all producers and directors should stop crawling on their knees before a non-thinking, uncreative agenda oriented bureaucracy that understands neither art nor audiences while they give arbitrary cuts,\" he opined. Stating that every time the industry accepted cuts, negotiated “compromises,” or did self censoring to avoid trouble, Ram Gopal Varma said they emboldened those so-called gatekeepers and weakened the entire ecosystem by making the entire industry a soft target. \"I think it’s time for the industry to come together to challenge the very existence of the censor board in its present form, both in courts and public discourses. Democracy demands free expression and in a connected world, isolating and mutilating cinema is not just being blind and deaf … it is actually suicidal for our growth. #BanTheCensor,\" he wrote."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/b91cbf88-243f-4d5f-8e01-418b0847af2d_RGV.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C313%2C5760%2C2840&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T09:10:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rgv-censor-should-be-banned"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"PK discharged from Mumbai hospital"},"content":{"text":"Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan was discharged from a Mumbai hospital, where he underwent surgery on his right shoulder, on Wednesday.  According to the Deputy Chief Minister’s office, he will be arriving in Hyderabad, where he will take rest at his residence. Physiotherapy will begin after three weeks as per doctors' advice. The Jana Sena chief underwent surgery on his right shoulder at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai on July 11. Doctors have advised him to start physiotherapy after three weeks. According to doctors, it will take four months for the operated shoulder to return to normal condition. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on July 12 visited Pawan Kalyan at the hospital and wished him a full and speedy recovery. “Doctors are advising that he needs to rest for three weeks, followed by physiotherapy. He is having a problem in the other shoulder, for which doctors are advising physiotherapy. After six months, they will evaluate and suggest a further course of action,\" Naidu had said. The hospital had said in a health bulletin that Pawan Kalyan was diagnosed with a right shoulder rotator cuff injury, comprising an extensive tear of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon with an associated avulsion fracture of the greater tuberosity bone. He underwent successful arthroscopic repair of the injury. According to the health bulletin, the surgery was performed by Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, Director-Arthroscopy & Shoulder Service. The surgery was uneventful, and he was comfortable and recovering well. “Following a period of rest and recovery, Mr Pawan Kalyan will undergo a structured shoulder rehabilitation programme, with an expected full recovery of shoulder function over the next four months,” added the bulletin. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited Pawan Kalyan at the hospital on July 13. He inquired about his health and wished him a speedy recovery."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/kcQhZtu-3r-qGq13_pawandischarged.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T10:15:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"pk-discharged-from-mumbai-hospital"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","three"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"'Peddi' Gets an OTT Reality Check"},"content":{"text":"Despite emerging as a massive blockbuster in theatres, Ram Charan's Peddi has failed to replicate its box office magic on OTT. The film, which grossed over ₹400 crore worldwide and became one of the year's biggest commercial successes, was expected to dominate streaming charts as well. However, its digital debut has turned out to be far more modest than anticipated. After premiering on Netflix on July 9, Peddi managed only 1.9 million views in its first four days, according to the platform's weekly viewing data, securing only the fifth spot in Netflix's Global Top 10 Non-English Movies list. The underwhelming start has surprised both fans and trade analysts, who had predicted a much stronger OTT performance given the film's theatrical popularity. While Peddi continues to enjoy a strong fan following, its initial streaming numbers suggest that the transition from the big screen to digital platforms has not been as seamless. Industry observers believe the opening falls short of expectations for a film mounted on such a grand scale and backed by immense pre-release hype. A key factor being discussed is Netflix's release strategy. Although the film was made available in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, the Hindi version was notably absent from the platform. As Hindi represents India's largest OTT audience, the decision significantly limited the film's digital reach. Many viewers had expected the Hindi-dubbed version to be available after its theatrical run, especially since it had underperformed in cinemas. Analysts believe the lack of a Hindi release may have cost Peddi millions of potential viewers, impacting its overall streaming performance during its crucial opening week."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/acY1nJGXnQHGZB18_peddipehelwan.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T03:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"peddi-gets-an-ott-reality-check"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Kiran Abbavaram's character in 'CLS' revealed!"},"content":{"text":"The makers of director Ravi Namburii's eagerly awaited Telugu romantic entertainer 'Chennai Love Story', featuring actor Kiran Abbavaram in the lead, on Wednesday revealed that actor Kiran Abbavaram plays a character called Steven Sankar in the film, much to the delight of fans and film buffs.   The revelation was made as part of the birthday celebrations of actor Kiran Abbavaram, who celebrates his birthday on Wednesday. Mass Movie Makers, the production house producing the film, took to its social media timelines to make the announcement. It wrote, \"Wishing our Hero @kiran_abbavaram a very Happy Birthday! Get ready to witness his memorable performance as STEVEN SANKAR, that’ll touch every heart & stay with you all forvever. See you in cinemas worldwide on July 24. #ChennaiLoveStoryOnJuly24\" For the unaware, Sri Gouri Priya plays the female lead in this film opposite Kiran Abbavaram. She shot to fame with her performance in the Tamil romantic drama 'Lover', which went on to emerge not just a superhit film. Lover not only set the cash registers ringing at the box office, it was also hailed by the critics for its content that dealt with toxic relationships. While Kiran Abbavaram plays a character called Steven Sankar in Chennai Love Story, Sri Gouri Priya plays a character called Nivi in the film. A teaser released by the makers earlier shows Steven Sankar and Nivi having a conversation at a beach. Nivi asks Steven Sankar if he has watched the film 'Baby' and praises the way they have portrayed first love in it. She says that if one's first love fails, life turns into hell. She says an individual's first love is pure and that there is an element of truth in it, seeking to suggest that all other love affairs that happen after it aren't as honest or pure. Steven Sankar responds to her argument saying, \"If first love is the only one that is pure and honest, shouldn't all our love stories stop with our mothers. For isn't every individual's first love his/her mother?\" Stating that there are several iconic love stories in history, Steven Sankar points out that for the protagonists of such stories, the love story for which they became famous wasn't their first love. He says that if one's first love fails for some reason, one's best love is about to start somewhere else. Apart from directing the film, Ravi Namburii has also penned its screenplay. The film's story is by Sai Rajesh, who is also one of the producers of the film. The film is being produced by SKN under the banners of Mass Movie Makers and Amrutha Productions. The film is being co-produced by Dheeraj Mogilineni. On the technical front, the film has music by Mani Sharma. Cinematography for the film is by the very capable Viswas Daniel while lyrics for the songs in the film are by Anantha Sriram. Bhaskar Mudavat is in charge of art direction while Santhosh Naidu has been assigned the responsibility of editing the film. Costumes are by Devi Parchuri and the film is being co-directed by Lucky Bezawada."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/yjZolOsY_7nVwHUW_chennailovestorykiran.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C136%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T03:53:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"kiran-abbavarams-character-in-cls-revealed"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Mudragada House Sees Family Drama"},"content":{"text":"There was tension and high drama at former Andhra Pradesh minister Mudragada Padmanabham’s house at Kirlampudi in Kakinada district on Wednesday as his family members and supporters stopped his daughter Barlapudi Kranthi from touching his body.  The Kapu leader, who passed away on Tuesday, had reportedly told his family members that his daughter should not be allowed at his funeral. Mudragada Padmanabham had serious differences with his daughter after she had openly supported Jana Sena leader Pawan Kalyan in the 2024 elections. Kranthi had called Pawan Kalyan the leader of the Kapu community and condemned her father’s statement that he would change his name to Padmanabham Reddy if he failed to defeat the Pawan Kalyan in Pithapuram Assembly constituency. He had also pledged to drive Pawan Kalyan out of Pithapuram. After failing to defeat Pawan Kalyan, Padmanabham had changed his name to Padmanabha Reddy but had told his family members that his daughter should not be allowed near him even after his death. The former minister, who had led the movement for reservation for the Kapu community, had joined YSR Congress Party a few months before the 2024 elections. The former minister passed away in Hyderabad on Tuesday, following a brief illness. His body was shifted to Kirlampudi last night. His family members and supporters had requested police not to allow Kranthi near the body in order to honour the wishes of the late leader. Police stopped cars carrying Kranthi and her supporters at Prathipadu on Wednesday morning. Following her request that she be allowed to see her father for the last time, police advised her to reduce the number of vehicles in the convoy and proceed to Kiralmpudi without her supporters. Police escorted Kranthi to her father’s house but this triggered strong protest by family members and followers of the late leader. They tried to stop her from entering the house and raised slogans against her. As the police provided the escort, she managed to reach the body amid pushing and jostling. Her mother also expressed anger over her visit and blamed her for his death. Kranthi was not allowed to touch the freezer coffin containing her father’s body. After spending two minutes there, she left the place. Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday decided to conduct the funeral with official honours. The last rites will be performed at Kirlampudi on Wednesday evening. The decision to conduct the funeral with official honours was taken following a telephonic conversation between Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. Noting that Mudragada Padmanabham had served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) four times, a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) once, and as a State Cabinet Minister, they decided to accord him a funeral with official honours and issued instructions to officials accordingly."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/_iPohczf0DK_uQIm_mudradaughter.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T06:36:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"mudragada-house-sees-family-drama"}},{"node":{"tags":["NRI"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Indian Consulate in Boston issues scam alert"},"content":{"text":"The Consulate General of India in Boston has issued a public advisory warning members of the Indian diaspora and other residents about a rise in fraudulent calls from scammers impersonating officials of Indian diplomatic missions and law enforcement agencies.  Sharing the advisory on X, the Consulate said: “Scam Alert! India in Boston has seen reports of fraudsters impersonating Indian Embassy/Consulate officials/ spoofing official telephone numbers! Please see the advisory below. ” The advisory cautioned that fraudsters are using fear and intimidation to deceive victims into sharing sensitive information or making payments. According to the Consulate, scammers may falsely claim that a person’s SIM card has been used for illegal activities in India, allege problems with passport, visa or immigration documents, or accuse individuals of involvement in hawala or money laundering cases while threatening arrest or legal action. The advisory further warned that fraudsters often “use fear tactics by demanding immediate action, insisting you remain isolated, or asking you to join video calls.” Victims may also be asked to share personal, financial or identity information, including copies of official identity documents, which can later be misused for fraud, identity theft or blackmail. The Consulate stressed that its officials never seek payments or sensitive personal information over the phone. It stated: “The Consulate General Of India, Boston Will Never: Demand payment or financial information over the phone. Threaten arrest, legal action, deportation, or other adverse consequences. Ask you to join a video call or share identity documents for verification. Ask you to visit the Consulate to resolve an alleged legal matter in India.” The advisory also clarified that “All official communications from the Consulate are made through official email only.” Highlighting the modus operandi of fraudsters, the Consulate noted that genuine Indian law enforcement agencies do not conduct investigations through phone or video calls. It emphasised: “Indian Law Enforcement Officials [CBI/ED/Police/Customs] Do NOT: Make a telephone/Video call for purported crimes in India. Conduct a digital arrest. Seek a money transfer via Digital or Crypto means.” The mission urged anyone receiving such calls not to panic or comply with the callers’ demands. Instead, recipients were advised not to share any personal, financial or identity information, not to join video calls, and not to make any payment. The Consulate advised the public to “Hang up immediately” if they receive a suspected fraudulent call and report the incident to local law enforcement as well as the Consulate at cons.boston@mea.gov.in. The advisory comes amid increasing reports of sophisticated impersonation scams targeting members of the Indian community overseas, with fraudsters using spoofed official telephone numbers and fabricated legal threats to coerce victims into revealing confidential information or transferring money. The Consulate urged the public to remain vigilant and rely only on official channels for any communication concerning consular or legal matters."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/2ac57fd6-9ff8-4c05-b658-df0a510e76d2_cyber+attacks.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T03:50:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"indian-consulate-in-boston-issues-scam-alert"}},{"node":{"tags":["NRI"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Indian-Origin Astronaut Docks at ISS"},"content":{"text":"Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon arrived safely at the International Space Station (ISS) after launching aboard Russia's Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft, beginning his first spaceflight on an eight-month mission focused on scientific research and technology demonstrations.  Menon, along with Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina, reached the orbiting laboratory after the Soyuz spacecraft docked with the ISS's Prichal module at 1:52 p.m. EDT, following a three-hour, two-orbit journey from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The trio had lifted off earlier at 10:47 a.m. EDT (7:47 p.m. local time) aboard the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft. Their arrival increases the station's crew to 10 for about the next two weeks. Before launch, Menon posted on X: \"Proud to serve the United States Space Force and fly to the International Space Station today in support of NASA and our international partners!\" In another message ahead of liftoff, he wrote: \"Excited to launch aboard Soyuz MS-29 from Kazakhstan and begin an eight-month mission supporting NASA and Expedition 74/75. Grateful for the NASA community, friends, family, and loved ones and excited for tomorrow.\" Following the scheduled hatch opening, the new arrivals were to be welcomed aboard by Expedition 74 crew members: NASA astronauts Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway and Chris Williams; European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot; and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, Sergei Mikaev and Andrey Fedyaev. NASA said Menon, Dubrov and Kikina will remain aboard the orbital laboratory until April 2027. This is Menon's first journey into space and the second mission for both Dubrov and Kikina. During his stay aboard the ISS, Menon will conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations aimed at advancing human space exploration and benefiting life on Earth. His work will include refining the in-space production of semiconductor crystals to enable the large-scale manufacturing of components needed for high-performance computers, artificial intelligence systems and improved medical devices. He also will perform ultrasound using augmented reality and artificial intelligence methods that could eliminate the need for medical support from Earth on future space missions. NASA said Menon will also serve as a test subject in studies examining how blood flow changes in space and will test bioprinting vascular constructs in microgravity to improve understanding of the ageing process and advance therapeutic developments. NASA said Expedition 75 is scheduled to begin on July 26 following the departure of Williams, Kud-Sverchkov and Mikaev after completing their eight-month science mission aboard the orbital outpost. A change-of-command ceremony is scheduled for July 25, when station command will transfer from Kud-Sverchkov to Meir. Menon's mission drew congratulatory messages from several organisations and supporters. The American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM), where Menon is a board-certified emergency physician, also congratulated him on \"a successful launch to the International Space Station\" and wished the crew \"a safe and successful mission.\" The International Space Station has maintained a continuous human presence for more than 25 years, serving as a unique laboratory for research that cannot be conducted on Earth because of microgravity. The scientific work carried out aboard the station supports advances in medicine, engineering, biology and materials science while helping prepare for future missions to the Moon and Mars."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/j9pt6ymfjbuLFR1M_anilmenon.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T01:35:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"indian-origin-astronaut-docks-at-iss"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"NCP Hit by Twin Battles"},"content":{"text":"The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is weathering a severe, potentially fatal existential storm. Following the tragic demise of its paramount leader and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in January 2026, the party's internal cohesion has completely shattered. The transition of leadership to Ajit Pawar's widow, Sunetra Pawar, has not brought stability; instead, it has triggered deep systemic fault lines.  Sunetra Pawar's presidency is legally contested, senior leader Praful Patel has publicly signalled dissent by demanding \"corrective steps,\" and the rapidly centralising influence of her son, Rajya Sabha MP Parth Pawar, is fueling acute unrest among the rank and file. Without the towering, politically astute, and resource-rich personality of Ajit Pawar, the NCP risks swift political obsolescence. Unlike the rival NCP (SP) faction led by patriarch Sharad Pawar, this faction cannot easily leverage a narrative of victimhood or deep-rooted emotional legacy. If the NCP is to survive, it will have to immediately transition from a regime of family decrees to a strategy of institutional stabilisation and collaborative leadership. The primary challenge to the new guard is structural. A legal notice filed by former National Secretary Sachchidanand Singh has placed a massive question mark over Sunetra Pawar’s election as National President on February 26, 2026. The core arguments of the legal challenge expose severe procedural vulnerabilities. The notice argues that mandatory constitutional processes — including appointing an independent election authority, issuing proper notifications, and laying out an official election calendar — were entirely skipped. Singh has served notice to Sunetra Pawar, Praful Patel, and former general secretary Brijmohan Shrivastav seeking a reply within 15 days. While Patel and State Unit President Sunil Tatkare have publicly dismissed the notice, claiming the election was perfectly legal, a major crisis looms if Singh approaches the Supreme Court. The apex court has yet to settle the foundational dispute with the NCP(SP) over who the \"real\" NCP is, meaning further litigation could freeze the party's operational legitimacy. Party insiders insist that public denials will not suffice. The party must proactively address these constitutional loopholes. Behind the scenes, the struggle for control is bitter. Internal communications reveal that immediately after Ajit Pawar's death, senior leaders attempted to consolidate power under Praful Patel's role as Working President. Sunetra Pawar retaliated aggressively, writing to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to nullify decisions taken during the transition period. This friction has already compromised the party's external bargaining power. The NCP’s inability to reclaim the crucial Finance portfolio (previously held by Ajit Pawar) — despite high-level meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah — indicates a sharp decline in their leverage within the ruling coalition. When Praful Patel publicly acknowledges that \"corrective measures\" are needed to fill the vacuum left by Ajit Pawar, he is giving voice to seasoned politicians who feel sidelined by the family. At the heart of the grassroots unrest is the meteoric ascent of Parth Pawar. Since entering the Rajya Sabha, Parth has been acting as the de facto decision-maker on behalf of his mother. Senior MLAs and ground-level workers deeply resent taking directives from a young leader with a limited electoral track record. Under Ajit Pawar, legislators enjoyed immediate, decisive access to power. Under the new guard, a severe lack of communication from Sunetra Pawar and Parth's perceived reluctance to engage directly with the public have alienated the party's legislative wing. As a close aide to the late Ajit Pawar notes: “Parth Pawar has to earn his political stripes rather than inheriting them through decree. Instead of acting as an intermediary from closed rooms, he must build mass contact, travel across Maharashtra, and earn the respect of the cadres.” The NCP's legislators are highly pragmatic. If the veteran leaders (Patel, Tatkare) and the Pawar family continue to work at cross-purposes, MLAs will inevitably begin migrating to safer political outfits — whether the Shinde faction, BJP, or back to the Sharad Pawar camp — to secure their own futures. To survive this turbulent transition, the political observers suggest the leadership must implement a two-pronged strategy. The core committee, comprising veteran leaders, must be empowered to make all major political and legislative decisions. Appointments must be vetted through this committee rather than issued unilaterally by the family. Regular meetings of the legislative party must be held. Furthermore, Sunetra Pawar must leverage her position as Deputy Chief Minister to actively resolve constituency-level issues for her MLAs, replicating the hands-on, accessible style that made her late husband Ajit Pawar fiercely popular."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ZTgqZZcbiHezVnzi_NCPbattle.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C449%2C221&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T06:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"ncp-hit-by-twin-battles"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Sameera can’t believe her daughter is 'taking her to court'"},"content":{"text":"Actress Sameera Reddy shared a fun and unexpected moment from her personal life. In her recent playful post, she revealed that her daughter Nyra is taking her to court. The ‘Musafir’ actress expressed her surprise over the playful situation. On Wednesday, Sameera took to her Instagram handle and shared a video where she is heard saying, “Where do your kids take you to? In PTA meetings? Principal's office? Annual day functions definitely! To their friend's birthday party? Guess where my Naira is taking me? To the court! “This was the only thing left to see. Stay tuned!” For the caption, she simply wrote, “Still can’t believe what’s happening! Smh.” Sameera Reddy and her husband Akshai Varde are parents to two children—a daughter, Nyra, who was born on July 12, 2019, and a son, Hans, who was born in 2015. The couple, who got married in 2014, often shares glimpses of their family moments and Sameera’s journey through motherhood on social media. The ‘De Dana Dan’ actress has been vocal about embracing the realities of motherhood. Sameera often shares her personal experiences with postpartum depression, body image struggles, and the challenges of post-pregnancy weight changes. Through her candid social media posts, she encourages mothers to practice self-acceptance, and embrace their imperfections with confidence. On the professional front, Sameera Reddy is preparing for the release of her upcoming horror thriller “Chimni,” where she will be seen portraying the character of Kali. The film revolves around a grieving mother who finds herself in a haunted Chanderi palace, where a sinister spirit takes control of her daughter. The project also marks her acting comeback after 13 years. Directed by Gagan Puri, the film is uniquely inspired by the rare medical condition fetus in fetu. The project also stars Prachi Thakur, Shardul Rana, Aditya Kumar, Preeti Chaudhary, and Saurabh Agnihotri."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/7116a9c2-a780-4328-bc7d-4bb07047da11_sameera+reddy.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T07:26:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"sameera-cant-believe-her-daughter-is-taking-her-to"}},{"node":{"tags":["Editorial","featured","one"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Global Sheriff or Modern Hafta Boss?"},"content":{"text":"\"If a neighborhood protection racket is organized crime at its smoothest, then war-making and government-building—which do the exact same thing with the law on their side—are simply the largest protection rackets in human history” This timeless insight from political scientist Charles Tilly captures a truth often hidden behind diplomatic jargon. When a government deliberately creates a threat and then charges a premium to fix it, the line between formal statecraft and an illegal racket completely blurs. In the 1980s, India witnessed this theory in its rawest form, stretching from the chaotic underbelly of old Mumbai to the glittering corridors of Bollywood. This exact dynamic is brilliantly captured in the Bollywood comedy classic Welcome, where the eccentric gangster Majnu Bhai operates a flawless extortion blueprint. He sets fire to a merchant's shop, triggers widespread panic, and then politely offers his own crew as security guards to \"protect\" the owner from future fires, for a hefty fee. The terrified merchant gratefully pays, completely ignoring the fact that Majnu Bhai is the one holding the matchstick. It is the definitive Hafta racket: engineering a crisis, monopolizing the solution, and charging a premium to save you from your own savior. Today, this exact dynamic seems to be playing out in the troubled waters of the Strait of Hormuz. The leadership of the world's superpower appears to be contemplating a leaf straight out of Majnu Bhai’s playbook, enacting a very familiar modus operandi on the global stage. The theater for this geopolitical shift is an iconic mansion in Washington, a building brilliantly white on the outside, but hiding a dark underbelly of strategic minds scheming complex global maneuvers. Stepping onto the world stage, the administration announced that the U.S. Navy would become the self-appointed \"Guardian of the Hormuz Strait, with a rider of a proposed 20% security fee on all commercial cargo attempting to cross the world's most vital maritime chokepoint. The operational logic behind this maritime toll mirrored Majnu Bhai’s classic street-level transaction with fascinating precision. First, heightened geopolitical friction and military strikes successfully turned a critical trade route into a high-risk zone. Next, terrified international shipping lines, watching insurance rates and oil prices spike, desperately called out for safe passage. Finally, the White House stepped forward to solve the very crisis it engineered, framing a massive 20% surcharge as a matter of \"fairness\" to cover the immense operational costs of providing safety. To global merchant fleets, the message was unmistakable: navigating these waters without purchasing the designated security package would remain a highly dangerous gamble. The proposal quickly hit a wall of international friction. Maritime governing bodies and global allies pointed out that imposing a direct tariff on peaceful global shipping lanes felt less like traditional diplomacy and more like a forced transaction. Recognizing that running a literal toll booth in international waters was a step too far, Washington executed a swift strategic pivot. The White House occupants announced a retraction of the 20% cargo fee. However, the core objective of the strategy remained intact; the extortion simply received a high-finance corporate makeover. Instead of immediate cash tolls, the administration negotiated a new arrangement: Gulf states will now offset the security costs by routing massive trade and investment deals directly into the U.S. economy. What began as a street-level racket ultimately evolved into a sophisticated exercise in global leverage. By utilizing regional instability to establish a security monopoly, Washington successfully converted political friction into long-term domestic investments. In the corporate vocabulary of modern international relations, this is sanitized as \"transactional diplomacy\" or strategic alignment. Yet, underneath the polished economic terminology, the fundamental principle remains unchanged: providing protection, at a premium, from a volatile environment you helped shape. This Hormuz maneuver marks a definitive historical turn, signaling the twilight of America’s era as a benevolent \"Global Sheriff.\" For decades, Washington absorbed the staggering costs of policing international shipping lanes for free, using its naval dominance to buy global goodwill and project stability. Today, that grand strategy has been replaced by a raw, transactional doctrine. By leveraging regional instability to extract economic premiums, the U.S. has effectively rewritten the rules of diplomacy. No longer securing the global commons out of a sense of duty, the superpower now treats its military as a revenue-generating tool. Ultimately, the line between a global peacekeeper and a corporate Hafta vasooli has officially blurred into a new age of pay-to-play hegemony."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/qCgNGTmF9KQ3pxms_harmuz.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T08:11:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"global-sheriff-or-modern-hafta-boss"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"RR has no dual voter entry, clarifies election officer"},"content":{"text":"The District Election Officer of Nagarkurnool district in Telangana has clarified that there is no case of double voting or dual voter enrolment involving Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. Collector and District Election Officer (DEO) of Nagarkurnool issued a clarification denying false social media claims regarding the Chief Minister’s voter registration. The DEO stated that Revanth Reddy is not registered as a voter in Achampet Assembly Constituency or anywhere else in Nagarkurnool district as of July 14, 2026. In a statement, the DEO said it had come to his notice that false information was circulating on social media regarding the Chief Minister's voter status in Nagarkurnool district. \"As the voter enrolment is not there, the question of Enumeration Form printing and distribution in the process of Special Intensive Revision does not arise,\" the statement read. The DEO requested citizens not to believe or spread baseless rumours. A section of the media reported that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy was enrolled as a voter in two Assembly constituencies, each falling under a different Parliamentary constituency. According to those reports, the electoral rolls listed Revanth Reddy as a voter in the Kodangal Assembly constituency under the Mahabubnagar Parliamentary constituency. His name also appeared in the Achampet Assembly constituency under the Nagarkurnool Parliamentary constituency. Both entries carried the same EPIC number. Following these reports, 'FactCheck_Telangana', the official handle of the state government's initiative on X, issued a clarification. According to the official statement posted on its handle on Tuesday, the Election Commission clarified that the appearance of the Chief Minister’s name in two electoral rolls with the same EPIC number was an \"electoral roll anomaly\" that was being addressed through the ongoing SIR exercise. The statement said the correction would be carried out by the DEO concerned in accordance with the Election Commission of India’s prescribed procedures. It also said electoral authorities had clarified that the presence of the same EPIC number in two electoral rolls did not, by itself, establish that a person was entitled to vote in two constituencies. \"The Chief Minister’s family has informed the electoral authorities that they wish to retain the voter registration in Kodangal constituency. They have requested deletion of the entry from the Kondareddypally electoral roll,\" the statement maintained. Following criticism in some quarters over the clarification issued by the state government instead of the election authorities, the post was deleted from the 'FactCheck Telangana' handle. A clarification was issued by Nagarkurnool DEO on Tuesday night, denying dual enrolment."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ZgVSPst2UUcvBP-2_rrcastvote.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-14T18:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rr-has-no-dual-voter-entry-clarifies-election-offi"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Cinema is Rani's greatest teacher"},"content":{"text":"elbourne (IFFM), credits cinema as the greatest teacher in her life’s journey.  Rani said in a statement: “I am deeply humbled to receive this Honorary Doctor of Letters from La Trobe University. Cinema has been my greatest teacher in my life’s journey and I have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire empathy, spark conversations and bring about positive change.” The honorary degree will be presented at a special ceremony on 14 August 2026 at Federation Square in Melbourne, as part of the festival celebrations. The recognition honours Rani contribution to Indian cinema, along with her longstanding commitment to social causes supporting women, children and marginalised communities. Talking about the honour, Rani said: “To receive this honour during the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, which has consistently celebrated Indian cinema on a global stage, makes it even more special. I am grateful to La Trobe University and to IFFM for this incredible recognition.” She calls herself “fortunate” to have been able to do so many inspiring movies that have allowed her to tell stories of “resilience, passion and undying courage of human beings to rise against all odds.” “Human stories have always moved me and I’m grateful that I have lived so many lives because of cinema. I dedicate this special honour from Australia and IFFM to my motherland India and to everyone around the world whose love has empowered me to be an actor and made me live such a full life.” The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, which will take place from 13 to 23 August 2026. La Trobe University Chancellor, The Hon John Brumby AO, said, “Rani Mukerji’s remarkable body of work has transcended entertainment to spark important conversations around social justice, equality and inclusion.” “Her enduring impact on cinema, coupled with her unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes, makes her an exceptional recipient of this honorary doctorate. We are delighted to recognise her achievements and welcome her into the La Trobe University community.” Mitu Bhowmick Lange, Festival Director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, said, “Rani Mukerji is one of the finest actors of her generation, someone whose performances have consistently combined artistic excellence with powerful storytelling. We are honoured that this recognition from La Trobe University will be presented during IFFM.”"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/7615df2e-b99a-4834-b36d-7f432f6d2f7d_rani+mukherjee.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T04:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"inema-is-ranis-greatest-teacher"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Adani Group fastest to enter India’s top 10 brands"},"content":{"text":"The Adani Group has become the fastest brand to enter India's ‘Top 10 Most Valuable Brands’ for the first time, while Adani Power became the country's top energy brand in the 'Brand Finance India 100 Report 2026', it was announced on Tuesday.  The Adani Group secured eighth rank, up from 13 last year, thus becoming the fastest company to break into India's ‘Top 10’ in just three years, according to leading independent brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance. The report valued the Adani Group at $8.48 billion (net of approximately $500 million relating to Adani Wilmar and associated consumer-facing brands), up from $6.46 billion a year ago. According to the findings, the 31.3 per cent uptick is the highest among India's ‘Top 20’ brands, making the Adani Group the country's third-most valuable conglomerate. The Group has also recorded the steepest three-year climb among India's ‘Top 25’ most valuable brands, advancing 15 positions during the period. Over the past year alone, it has added $2.02 billion in brand value — more than its entire valuation in 2022. Meanwhile, Adani Power emerged as India's most valuable energy brand, with its brand value surging 152 per cent to $1.8 billion. Adani Green Energy and Adani Energy Solutions also feature among India's ‘Top Five’ energy brands, while Adani Total Gas further strengthens the Group's presence in the rankings. “The Adani Group's entry into India's top 10 most valuable brands reflects the strength of a business that has become deeply embedded in India's growth story. Through its expanding presence across infrastructure, logistics and energy, the Group has built a powerful portfolio of brands supporting some of the country's most important economic priorities,” said Alex Haigh, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Brand Finance. The Adani Group's Brand Strength Index (BSI) also climbed 3.6 points to 84, lifting the Group eight places to ‘Rank 18’. Among India's ‘Top 20’ companies, the Adani Group recorded the fastest gain in Brand Strength, placing the diversified conglomerate alongside some of India's most established consumer and retail brands — a reflection of growing familiarity, trust and stakeholder confidence, said the report."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/555a0227-209b-4628-87ee-813af49bbab8_adani.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-14T12:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"adani-group-fastest-to-enter-indias-top-10-brands"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"'Lenin' Success: Akhil Keeps His Feet on Ground"},"content":{"text":"Akhil Akkineni's most recent release 'Lenin' might have been a resounding success, but the actor says that while he is full of gratitude, he has got his feet firmly on the ground and is not jumping in the air yet. In an exclusive interview to media, actor Akhil Akkineni opened up on his most recent film, 'Lenin', going on to emerge a huge success. The film has grossed over an impressive Rs 61 crore within the first three days of its release and is well on its way to emerging a blockbuster. When asked if there were special words from his dad Nagarjuna after it became evident that the film was a success, Akhil replied, \"No, I think there were no special words. It was just one special hug that was exchanged.\" But that should have made all that trouble worth it? The actor replied, \"Absolutely. It's always worth it. As long as your honest attempt is appreciated -- See, we work for the audience. We work for them to digest our content, enjoy our content. So, at the end of it, when they have, what else can I ask for? It's the ideal scenario for me. I'm full of gratitude, but no, I'm not jumping in the air yet. I have a long way to go.\" Akhil is happy that the film is well on its way to becoming a blockbuster what has pleased the actor more is the fact that his film's distributors have broken even within the first three days of the film's release.  Says Akhil, \"I'm sure we'll get there (the 100 crore mark) with the way things are going. Yes, But before that, I got the most beautiful messages this morning from my distributor saying,'Sir, I have broken even. Even I'm into profits from today.' Just after three days. I cannot tell you how unbelievably rewarding and empowering that makes me feel. The first weekend, all my boys are in profits and I am sitting today happily with my family. They are happy in their house with their family. It just gives me a lot of contentment. I really mean this.\"  For the unaware, director Murali Kishor Abburu’s Telugu film ‘Lenin’, featuring actors Akhil Akkineni and Bhagyashri Borse in the lead, released on July 10 this year."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/VYqUE8LfiSD6rZbg_akhil.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-14T13:10:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"lenin-success-akhil-keeps-his-feet-on-ground"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Vijayashanti targets own government"},"content":{"text":"Congress MLC Vijayashanti has sparked political debate after expressing serious concerns over the safety of women in Telangana under the current government. Speaking about a recent incident involving a POCSO case accused, she alleged that police negligence played a crucial role in the accused securing bail. Vijayashanti claimed she was shocked by reports suggesting that the accused was allegedly helped through corrupt practices, adding that such lapses within the system can have devastating consequences. Referring to the tragic killings allegedly committed by the accused after his release, Vijayashanti said the incident exposed major failures in law enforcement. She questioned how an individual facing such serious charges was able to obtain relief and stressed that the government must ensure accountability at every level. According to her, any officials found guilty of negligence or misconduct should face strict legal action to prevent similar incidents in the future. The senior leader urged the state government to treat the matter with the utmost seriousness and take concrete steps to strengthen women's safety and public security. Her remarks have attracted significant political attention, particularly because they came from a leader belonging to the ruling party. Meanwhile, opposition parties and several public groups have also demanded stronger policing, greater accountability, and tougher measures to restore public confidence in the state's law and order system."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/EFT5umefvzEmspg7_vijayashanthi.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-14T11:11:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"vijayashanti-targets-own-government"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"S Janaki's granddaughter breaks her silence"},"content":{"text":"Pointing out that her grandmother, the legendary playback singer S Janaki amma, had taught her to understand that love does not end when a life does, Apsara Vydyula, the grand daughter of the iconic singer has asked people not to measure her love for her grandmother by the tears they did or did not see. Taking to her Instagram page to pen a heartfelt post about how some people were judging her over the past few days, the great singer's granddaughter wrote, \"My grandmother’s favourite person in the world was my elder sister, Varsha. They were so alike. They understood each other in a way that words could never fully explain. They were, in every sense, made for each other.\" She went on to say, \"I don’t want the world to forget that Varsha is the one who should have been standing where I am today, taking care of our grandmother and doing everything that now falls upon me. She passed away in August 2023, and our family will never truly recover from that loss. Grief doesn’t disappear. It simply becomes something you learn to carry for the rest of your life. The only comfort I find is knowing that they are together again.\" Apsara then said, \"Over the past few days, I have seen people question my grief because they do not see tears in my eyes. Please don’t measure my love for my grandmother by the tears you do or do not see. We were taught, especially by her, to understand death from a deeply spiritual place. She taught us that love does not end when a life does. My experiences have made me stronger than I ever wished I had to be. Grief is not always loud. Sometimes it is quiet, steady and deeply personal.\" Stating that being in the public eye often meant living with rumours, speculation and stories that others created about one's life, Apsara said, \"It can be painful to watch people form opinions about a family they have never truly known. I want people to know who my grandmother really was. She was gentle, kind, deeply humble and completely free of judgement. She saw the good in everyone. Varsha was exactly the same.\" She added, \"What they shared, more than anything else, was an infectious childlike spirit. They carried wonder into every room they entered, and almost everyone who met them loved them instantly. They are together now.And somehow, that thought brings me peace.\""},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/zRFTptYOFdhqxtgz_janakiapsara.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-14T05:44:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"s-janakis-granddaughter-breaks-her-silence"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Mudragada Padmanabham passes away"},"content":{"text":"Former Andhra Pradesh minister and YSR Congress Party leader Mudragada Padmanabham passed away on Tuesday, following brief illness. He was 73. A prominent leader of the Kapu community, the former MP breathed his last at a private hospital in Hyderabad on Tuesday evening. Born in Kirlampudi in the combined East Godavari district on January 22, 1953, he entered active politics in 1977 and was elected to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly in 1978 from Prathipadu on a Jana Party ticket. Mudragada joined the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) when it was floated by actor-turned politician N. T. Rama Rao (NTR) in 1982. He was elected as MLA in 1983, 1985 and 1989. He served as a minister in the Cabinet of N. T. Rama Rao between 1985 and 1988. Later, he resigned as the minister and also quit the TDP and floated Praja Rakshana Samithi. He had also founded the Telugu Nadu Party. After rejoining TDP, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Kakinada in 1999. He led the movement for reservation for the Kapu community and also undertook a hunger strike, demanding Backward Class status for the community. The former minister joined the YSR Congress Party before the 2024 elections. Leaders cutting across party lines in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have condoled the demise of Mudragada. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed their condolences. Pawan Kalyan noted that elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for the first time in 1978, he went on to represent the people in the Legislative Assembly four times and was elected to the Lok Sabha once from the Kakinada constituency. Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed profound grief over the sudden demise of senior leader Mudragada Padmanabham. Speaking to his son, Giribabu, over the phone, Y.S. Jagan conveyed his heartfelt condolences and said the news of Mudragada Padmanabham's passing had deeply saddened and shocked him. He urged Giribabu and the bereaved family to remain strong during this difficult time. Y.S. Jagan said Mudragada Padmanabham's dedicated service to the people would always be remembered and that his contributions would remain an enduring legacy. He prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace and extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved family during this hour of grief."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/WH72fAs8g84uSbyF_mudragada.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-14T14:14:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"mudragada-padmanabham-passes-away"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Vietnam Tragedy: Bodies of 3 Telugu Tourists Arrive"},"content":{"text":"Mortal remains of three persons from Andhra Pradesh who were killed in a boat tragedy in Vietnam arrived at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport’s cargo terminal here on Tuesday.  Andhra Pradesh Minister Kondapalli Srinivas received the bodies and consoled the family members. Earlier, the bodies of Mudiam Sreedhar (Kadapa), Gelli Jayalakshmi (Machilipatnam), and Ravi Teja (Hindupur) reached the Mumbai Airport. After completing all legal formalities in Mumbai, the mortal remains were handed over directly to the family members. The bodies were brought to Hyderabad from Mumbai by an IndiGo flight on Tuesday morning. After meeting the bereaved families at the Hyderabad Airport, Minister Kondapalli Srinivas personally oversaw the arrangements to send the mortal remains to their respective hometowns. The minister expressed deep condolences to the families and offered words of comfort and strength to the relatives and close associates. Andhra Pradesh government arranged free ambulances to transport the mortal remains from Hyderabad to the victims' native villages. The mortal remains of the three deceased Telugu tourists arrived at the Mumbai International Air Cargo Terminal at 9:35 p.m. on Monday (July 13). All medical, customs, immigration, and cargo clearance formalities were completed expeditiously through seamless inter-agency coordination. According to a release issued by the Andhra Pradesh government, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Embassy of India in Vietnam, Andhra Pradesh Bhavan, and other stakeholders made arrangements for the transportation of the mortal remains.  Three persons from Andhra Pradesh were among 15 Indians who died in the accident that occurred during a leisure trip organised by a mobile phone company for the families of its cell phone distributors from India.  One of the tourist boats carrying the group met with an accident near Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, on Saturday (July 11). The boat was carrying 32 passengers, of whom 15 lost their lives.  Gelli Kishore, husband of the deceased Gelli Jayalaksmi, was injured in the incident, and he has been undergoing treatment at a hospital in Vietnam. All other Telugu tourists affected by the Vietnam boat tragedy had safely reached their respective destinations on Sunday night."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/8_5lN0MAdl1o2ieF_vietnamtragedy.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-14T15:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"vietnam-tragedy-bodies-of-3-telugu-tourists-arrive"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Vanga: Watch “Rao Bahadur”"},"content":{"text":"Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has urged \"every genuine film lover\" to watch “Rao Bahadur”, calling it a rare cinematic experience that deserves time, patience and applause. He wrote on X: “Just watched RAO BAHADUR. This is one of those rare, rich films that reminds you why we fell in love with cinema in the first place. I have one request to every genuine film lover... give this film three hours of your life. It deserves your attention, your patience, and your applause.” “Venkatesh Maha has crafted it so precisely within the financial metrics and it requires guts & absolute conviction. SatyaDEV is sensational. No noise. No shortcuts. Just pure filmmaking.Congratulations to the entire team. Films like these deserve to be celebrated.” The film stars Satyadev in the titular role alongside Vikas Muppala and Deepa Thomas. It is set against the backdrop of a fading aristocracy that blends elements of suspense, dark comedy, and magical realism. The film follows Ramappa Rao Bahadur, a fading aristocrat diagnosed with terminal cancer. Set between 1968 and 1991, the film explores themes of guilt, lineage, and social conditioning as the protagonist navigates a deteriorating mind and a family legacy. "},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Hea1ZySyTZKULtNm_sandeepreddyvanga.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-14T05:09:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"vangas-appeal-to-film-lovers"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Trump vows to control Hormuz Strait"},"content":{"text":"US President Donald Trump has said the United States will intensify military operations against Iran, seek control of the Strait of Hormuz and keep striking Iranian military targets while leaving the door open for negotiations if Tehran agrees to a deal.  Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office after signing executive orders on Utah national monuments and later in an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump said Iran had backed away from an agreement reached only days earlier, forcing Washington to resume military action. \"We're attacking them tonight and we're taking out all of their capability for anything having to do with the strait, with the Hormuz Strait. And I think in the end, we will end up just controlling the whole thing,\" Trump said. He added that the US would restore what he called a blockade on Iran. \"We're putting the blockade back and it's a blockade, not for anybody but Iran. In other words, anybody doing business with Iran can't go through. Everyone else will be able to go through. So it's a blockade. It's a very strong blockade. The blockade was probably more effective even than hitting them. But I think the combination is the thing that -- that really does it.\" Trump said an agreement with Tehran had appeared close before collapsing. \"We had a deal yesterday or the day before yesterday, it was all done and then they broke up that deal immediately because they found out there was something in the deal they didn't like.\" Despite the renewed military campaign, Trump insisted diplomacy remained an option. \"Yeah, I think a deal is possible. Sure, I do.\" In the Hewitt interview, Trump disclosed that another Iranian nuclear-related facility remained under close watch. \"They don't have it because we have eyes, you know, with the -- with Space Force and everything else, we have a lot of eyes on it. But Pickaxe is possible, you know, a possible target for a nice, big, fat shot right in the front door.\" He added: \"No, it is on the list. We're watching it closely. We see no activity there. They're not doing well with their nuclear situation. Every time we hear about it, we blow it up... We'll probably give Pickaxe a shot relatively soon.\" Trump also described Iran's leadership as \"stone-cold, crazy people\" and accused Tehran of repeatedly abandoning negotiated agreements. \"We had a deal where we won everything and they basically break the deals. You know, they make deals and, to them, deals are made to be broken. They are extremely unreliable people.\"The President argued that months of US operations had severely weakened Iran's armed forces. \"We knocked out their Navy in a period of one month. We knocked out their air force. Their air force is nonexistent. We knocked out most of their missiles, most of their drones.\" He repeated that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remained the central US objective. \"Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.\" Trump also said Gulf partners benefiting from US military protection should help bear the financial burden. \"I want to be reimbursed because we're protecting a very rich portion of the world.\" Naming Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, he said the United States was protecting its regional allies despite no longer depending on Middle Eastern oil for its own energy needs. "},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ac9z3JGXnQHGZPiF_hormuz.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-14T01:53:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"trump-vows-to-control-hormuz-strait"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Jr NTR Team Clears Air on ‘RAW NTR’ Buzz"},"content":{"text":"The office of Jr NTR has issued a strong clarification distancing the actor from an organisation operating under the name 'RAW NTR'. In an official statement, the team made it clear that neither the actor nor his office has any connection, affiliation, authorisation, or involvement with the organisation or any of its activities. The clarification comes amid growing discussions linking the actor's name to the group's initiatives. The statement further stressed that the organisation has no right to represent Jr NTR or use his name for announcements, public events, social initiatives, or any other activities. It also reiterated that all official updates related to the actor, including charitable initiatives and public communications, will only be released through Jr NTR or his authorised team. Fans, media organisations, and the general public have been urged not to rely on claims made by unauthorised individuals or groups. The clarification follows widespread speculation after the 'RAW NTR' organisation reportedly launched social service programmes while rumours surfaced suggesting that Jr NTR was preparing to enter politics through the platform. Putting an end to the speculation, the actor's office described this as its final clarification on the issue and appealed to mainstream media, digital platforms, and fans to verify information only through official sources. The team also thanked supporters for their continued trust and requested everyone to avoid spreading unverified reports."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ZhghKjjCgu4jzw14_JrNTR.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-14T08:37:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"jr-ntr-team-clears-air-on-raw-ntr-buzz"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Byju Loses Singapore Court Battle"},"content":{"text":"The High Court of Singapore has rejected a plea by Byju's founder Byju Raveendran to suspend a six-month jail sentence for contempt, dealing another legal setback to the embattled edtech entrepreneur and effectively preventing him from returning to the city-state unless he is prepared to serve the prison term.  According to reports, the Singapore High Court has dismissed Raveendran's application to stay the sentence. The jail term was originally imposed in May for contempt of court, with a temporary stay granted last month pending his appeal. With the latest ruling, Raveendran will be unable to enter Singapore without facing the six-month sentence unless he secures further legal relief. Responding to the decision, J. Michael McNutt, a lawyer at Lazareff Le Bars representing Raveendran, said his client continues to deny violating any court order. \"Raveendran maintains that he did not breach any court order, intentionally or otherwise, and will continue to pursue every lawful remedy through the proper legal process,\" McNutt said in a statement. The ruling marks the latest setback for Raveendran. Earlier in May, a Singapore court had sentenced Raveendran to six months in jail for allegedly failing to comply with multiple court orders related to disclosure of his assets. The court had also directed him to surrender to authorities, pay legal costs of S$90,000 and furnish documents establishing his ownership of Beeaar Investco Pte, a corporate entity that held shares in a related company. The legal proceedings in Singapore were initiated by a subsidiary of the Qatar Investment Authority, which had invested in Byju's during a period when the company was undergoing restructuring and large-scale layoffs. Qatar Holdings was represented by law firm Drew & Napier, while Byju's Investments was represented by Fervent Chambers. The Singapore case is one of several legal battles involving Raveendran across jurisdictions. In the US, creditors have been pursuing claims linked to a defaulted $1.2 billion term loan, while investors have raised concerns over the company's financial management and governance. However, Raveendran had secured some relief in December 2025 when the Delaware Court reversed its earlier $1 billion judgment against him after considering fresh submissions. The court held that damages had not been properly determined and ordered a fresh phase of proceedings to assess whether any compensation was payable. Raveendran's legal team has alleged that GLAS Trust and certain lenders withheld or misrepresented key information during the US proceedings, claims they say contributed to the collapse of the edtech company and destruction of its enterprise value."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/c0c739db-d9b4-4369-859e-2c33aa42f071_Byjus+Ravichandran.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-14T08:55:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"byju-loses-singapore-court-battle"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"'Dhamaal 4' breaks box office records"},"content":{"text":"he latest installment of the beloved comedy franchise, 'Dhamaal 4', has achieved a remarkable milestone, recording an extraordinary opening weekend gross of Rs. 64.35 crore. This figure not only eclipses the previous record held by 'Total Dhamaal' but also solidifies the franchise's status as a heavyweight in Bollywood's comedy genre. The film's performance underscores the continued appetite for its unique blend of humor and chaos, appealing to families and comedy lovers alike across the country. The trajectory of the 'Dhamaal' franchise over nearly two decades tells a compelling story of growth and audience engagement. The original 'Dhamaal', which debuted with a modest opening of Rs. 8 crores, eventually became a sleeper hit, creating a solid foundation for future sequels. Each subsequent film witnessed significant increases in box office performance. For instance, Double Dhamaal marked a leap to Rs. 22.78 crores, while 'Total Dhamaal' surged to Rs. 62.40 crores, showcasing the franchise's ability to cultivate a dedicated viewership eager for its light-hearted antics. The evolution of box office receipts within the 'Dhamaal' series highlights an impressive trend, particularly as the franchise adapts to changing audience preferences. With 'Dhamaal 4' achieving an opening weekend that reflects a nearly Rs. 2 crore increase over 'Total Dhamaal', it reinforces the brand's staying power in a fiercely competitive cinematic landscape. The film introduces a larger ensemble cast and higher production values, yet it remains true to its roots of slapstick humor and outrageous situations that fans have come to love. Analysts point to the franchise's consistent ability to attract family audiences as a key driver of its success. The comedic formula, characterized by its ensemble cast and chaotic plots, resonates strongly in a market where family-oriented films are increasingly sought after. As 'Dhamaal 4' basks in the glow of its record-breaking opening, industry watchers are keen to see whether it can sustain this momentum in the coming weekdays, which will be crucial in determining the film's long-term viability at the box office."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/QVTQotH9wnUzLDZ__dhamaal4.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-14T09:35:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"dhamaal-4-breaks-box-office-records"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Adivi Sesh's Cinema Mantra"},"content":{"text":"Actor-writer Adivi Sesh has shared his thoughts on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, stating that the dream should be to create films that belong to the country, not just one language market Sesh feels that the focus should shift from language labels to storytelling. Speaking about the subject, Sesh said in a statement: “I find it interesting that we still call films ‘Hindi films’, ‘Telugu films’, ‘Tamil films’, and then separately use the term ‘pan-India film.’\" \"If a film can emotionally connect with audiences across the country, why should language restrict its identity in the first place? The moment we stop looking at stories through linguistic boundaries and start embracing them as Indian stories, that’s when pan-India cinema will truly exist.” Sesh talked about how the continued categorisation of films based on language reflects an invisible barrier that Indian cinema has yet to overcome. He added: “Language should be a medium of expression, not a limitation. Audiences today are far more open than ever before. They are watching great stories regardless of where they come from. I think the industry needs to catch up with the audience mindset.” “As creators, our responsibility is to tell authentic stories and make them accessible to everyone. The dream should be to create films that belong to the entire country, not just one language market.” Sesh’s latest is Dacoit: A Love Story, a romantic action drama film directed by Shaneil Deo in his directorial debut. The film also stars Mrunal Thakur in the lead roles, with Anurag Kashyap, Prakash Raj, Sunil, Zayn Marie Khan, and Atul Kulkarni in supporting roles. He will next be seen in G2, a spy action thriller film directed by Vinay Kumar Sirigineedi in his directorial debut. It is a sequel to Goodachari , with Sesh reprising his role. The film also stars Emraan Hashmi, Wamiqa Gabbi and Madhu Shalini."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aR2qQWGnmrmGqBhu_adaviseshJ.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-14T04:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"adivi-seshs-cinema-mantra"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"India's Data Boom Fuels 1 Lakh Eng. Jobs By 2030"},"content":{"text":"India's rapidly expanding data centre industry is emerging as one of the country's biggest employment generators, with demand for nearly one lakh skilled professionals by 2030, a report said on Tuesday.   The data compiled by NLB Services showed that India's installed data centre capacity is projected to grow from around 1.5 GW currently to nearly 6.5 GW by the end of the decade, while the market is expected to exceed $22 billion. Cumulative investment commitments in the sector have already crossed $126 billion, making it one of the fastest-growing infrastructure segments in the country, the report added. However, industry experts warn that a widening skills gap could threaten the sector's ambitious growth plans unless education, industry and policymakers work together to prepare a future-ready workforce. Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services, said that the country’s data centre and AI infrastructure expansion represents far more than an infrastructure story -- it is a nation-building opportunity for our young workforce. “As the country accelerates its digital transformation, the sector is creating demand for a new generation of professionals with expertise spanning AI infrastructure, cloud operations, automation, power systems, and critical facilities management,” he stated. “This is not simply about filling jobs; it is about building a workforce capable of powering India's digital economy for decades to come,” Alug added. On the digital side, the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence is driving demand for professionals skilled in AI infrastructure engineering, cloud operations, platform engineering, DevOps, MLOps and data centre automation. With AI workloads expected to account for nearly 30 per cent of India's total data centre capacity, AI infrastructure literacy is becoming an increasingly important competency for engineers entering the industry, the report noted. At the same time, the physical infrastructure segment is witnessing growing demand for specialised professionals such as AI Infrastructure Operations Engineers, Liquid Cooling Engineers, Energy Optimisation Specialists, Critical Facilities Engineers and Power Systems Experts. These roles are becoming increasingly important as next-generation AI-enabled data centres require advanced cooling, energy management and critical infrastructure capabilities."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/6cc5f947-8f57-43e6-a749-f5c4ac791fa1_data+centre.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-14T07:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"indias-data-boom-fuels-1-lakh-eng.-jobs-by-2030"}}]},"featured":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"RGV: Censor should be banned"},"content":{"text":"Stating that censoring films was actually an insult to audiences, well known film director Ram Gopal Varma on Wednesday called for a ban on censorship. Taking to his X timeline to pen his thoughts on why he thought censorship was unnecessary, Ram Gopal Varma said, \"Censoring films actually is an insult to the audiences. In an era of smartphones, global streaming, and access to infinite information, to pretend that a government appointed committee (What is the qualification of its members ?) can shield adults from the film makers' perspective of any truth is not only outdated, but it’s also idiotic.\" He went on to say, \"Here’s the fundamental hypocrisy… If an adult is mature enough to vote for the leader of the country, raise families, run businesses, why the hell can’t they decide for themselves what to watch?\" Pointing out that while on the one hand, the government was trusting adults with the ballot, which shapes the future of more than a billion people, it was at on the other hand, thinking that a scene in a film might spoil them. \"That’s not safeguarding society but infantilizing it…,\" the director observed and went on to add, \"An 18-year-old can choose the leader, but needs some random committee member to decide if hearing a cuss word or watching a shot is corruptive.\" Stating that a movie was dramatic storytelling from the perspective of a film maker and that it was the viewers prerogative to agree or disagree, Ram Gopal Varma said, \"Cutting a scene for theatrical release is laughable because the uncut version will hits torrents, Telegram, and all international platforms within hours.\" \"Case in point is the head banging scene in OBSESSION which after the censors cut it, must have been seen by 10 times more people on Insta reels than who actually watched the film in the theatres,\" he said.   Claiming that censorship doesn't hide content but that it actually creates more demand, Ram Gopal Varma said, in times of AI tools and borderless Internet, gatekeeping was a joke.  \"Forcing trims on language, sensuality, violence, or ideology turns cinema into a dishonest and hypocritical slop. When everyone including children can binge watch brutal news and unlimited online extremes, how come only cinematic moments trigger bans?,\" he asked.  Censorship wasn't about protecting values because cinema’s s job was also to reflect one’s perception of an issue, which is what created debate, the foundation of democracy, he said and added that censor ship primarily assumed that adults were children who needed to be parented by some government appointed committees. \"It’s not cuts what we need, but it’s to be clear what the film contains , and then have respect for the audience to decide for themselves to watch or not,\" he said.   \"I think all producers and directors should stop crawling on their knees before a non-thinking, uncreative agenda oriented bureaucracy that understands neither art nor audiences while they give arbitrary cuts,\" he opined. Stating that every time the industry accepted cuts, negotiated “compromises,” or did self censoring to avoid trouble, Ram Gopal Varma said they emboldened those so-called gatekeepers and weakened the entire ecosystem by making the entire industry a soft target. \"I think it’s time for the industry to come together to challenge the very existence of the censor board in its present form, both in courts and public discourses. Democracy demands free expression and in a connected world, isolating and mutilating cinema is not just being blind and deaf … it is actually suicidal for our growth. #BanTheCensor,\" he wrote."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/b91cbf88-243f-4d5f-8e01-418b0847af2d_RGV.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C313%2C5760%2C2840&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T09:10:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rgv-censor-should-be-banned"}}]},"politics":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"TVK functionary caught in bribery row"},"content":{"text":"Hours after the Tamil Nadu government launched a dedicated WhatsApp helpline to encourage the public to report bribery complaints against government officials, a video purportedly showing a TVK functionary accepting cash from a contractor surfaced on social media, triggering political controversy and renewed debate over corruption in local bodies. The video, whose authenticity has not been independently verified, purportedly shows N.V. Veera, president of the Mambakkam panchayat and Chengalpattu East district joint secretary of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), receiving Rs 30,000 in cash from a contractor. During the conversation, another individual is allegedly heard saying that Rs 1 lakh had already been transferred. The footage appears to have been secretly recorded by the contractor. According to the visuals circulating online, the payment was allegedly linked to the clearance of a contractor's pending bill after the completion of road works. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the circumstances under which the money was exchanged, and no formal complaint has yet been publicly announced in connection with the video. Authorities have also not confirmed whether any preliminary inquiry has been initiated. The development assumes significance as it came on the very day the state government stepped up its anti-corruption campaign by directing all government offices, district collectorates, local bodies and public sector undertakings to prominently display bilingual awareness boards carrying the message, \"Bribe giving and receiving is an offence,\" along with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) WhatsApp helpline number 94981 80936. The Chief Secretary instructed all government departments, district collectors and heads of public sector undertakings to ensure the awareness boards are displayed in both Tamil and English at prominent locations. The initiative is intended to encourage citizens to report incidents of bribery and corruption directly to the DVAC through the newly introduced WhatsApp platform, enabling quicker reporting and follow-up. The viral video has since sparked widespread discussion on social media, with opposition parties and several users questioning the government's anti-corruption claims and calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations. As of now, neither the Tamil Nadu government nor the TVK leadership has issued an official statement on the authenticity of the video or whether any legal, departmental or disciplinary action will be initiated against the party functionary. The incident has drawn considerable public attention, particularly because it coincided with the government's latest anti-graft initiative."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/dca4c7f3-786c-4df0-b6d0-279fab09fe63_bribe.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T12:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"tvk-functionary-caught-in-bribery-row"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"PK discharged from Mumbai hospital"},"content":{"text":"Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan was discharged from a Mumbai hospital, where he underwent surgery on his right shoulder, on Wednesday.  According to the Deputy Chief Minister’s office, he will be arriving in Hyderabad, where he will take rest at his residence. Physiotherapy will begin after three weeks as per doctors' advice. The Jana Sena chief underwent surgery on his right shoulder at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai on July 11. Doctors have advised him to start physiotherapy after three weeks. According to doctors, it will take four months for the operated shoulder to return to normal condition. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on July 12 visited Pawan Kalyan at the hospital and wished him a full and speedy recovery. “Doctors are advising that he needs to rest for three weeks, followed by physiotherapy. He is having a problem in the other shoulder, for which doctors are advising physiotherapy. After six months, they will evaluate and suggest a further course of action,\" Naidu had said. The hospital had said in a health bulletin that Pawan Kalyan was diagnosed with a right shoulder rotator cuff injury, comprising an extensive tear of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon with an associated avulsion fracture of the greater tuberosity bone. He underwent successful arthroscopic repair of the injury. According to the health bulletin, the surgery was performed by Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, Director-Arthroscopy & Shoulder Service. The surgery was uneventful, and he was comfortable and recovering well. “Following a period of rest and recovery, Mr Pawan Kalyan will undergo a structured shoulder rehabilitation programme, with an expected full recovery of shoulder function over the next four months,” added the bulletin. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited Pawan Kalyan at the hospital on July 13. He inquired about his health and wished him a speedy recovery."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/kcQhZtu-3r-qGq13_pawandischarged.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T10:15:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"pk-discharged-from-mumbai-hospital"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Mudragada House Sees Family Drama"},"content":{"text":"There was tension and high drama at former Andhra Pradesh minister Mudragada Padmanabham’s house at Kirlampudi in Kakinada district on Wednesday as his family members and supporters stopped his daughter Barlapudi Kranthi from touching his body.  The Kapu leader, who passed away on Tuesday, had reportedly told his family members that his daughter should not be allowed at his funeral. Mudragada Padmanabham had serious differences with his daughter after she had openly supported Jana Sena leader Pawan Kalyan in the 2024 elections. Kranthi had called Pawan Kalyan the leader of the Kapu community and condemned her father’s statement that he would change his name to Padmanabham Reddy if he failed to defeat the Pawan Kalyan in Pithapuram Assembly constituency. He had also pledged to drive Pawan Kalyan out of Pithapuram. After failing to defeat Pawan Kalyan, Padmanabham had changed his name to Padmanabha Reddy but had told his family members that his daughter should not be allowed near him even after his death. The former minister, who had led the movement for reservation for the Kapu community, had joined YSR Congress Party a few months before the 2024 elections. The former minister passed away in Hyderabad on Tuesday, following a brief illness. His body was shifted to Kirlampudi last night. His family members and supporters had requested police not to allow Kranthi near the body in order to honour the wishes of the late leader. Police stopped cars carrying Kranthi and her supporters at Prathipadu on Wednesday morning. Following her request that she be allowed to see her father for the last time, police advised her to reduce the number of vehicles in the convoy and proceed to Kiralmpudi without her supporters. Police escorted Kranthi to her father’s house but this triggered strong protest by family members and followers of the late leader. They tried to stop her from entering the house and raised slogans against her. As the police provided the escort, she managed to reach the body amid pushing and jostling. Her mother also expressed anger over her visit and blamed her for his death. Kranthi was not allowed to touch the freezer coffin containing her father’s body. After spending two minutes there, she left the place. Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday decided to conduct the funeral with official honours. The last rites will be performed at Kirlampudi on Wednesday evening. The decision to conduct the funeral with official honours was taken following a telephonic conversation between Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. Noting that Mudragada Padmanabham had served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) four times, a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) once, and as a State Cabinet Minister, they decided to accord him a funeral with official honours and issued instructions to officials accordingly."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/_iPohczf0DK_uQIm_mudradaughter.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T06:36:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"mudragada-house-sees-family-drama"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"NCP Hit by Twin Battles"},"content":{"text":"The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is weathering a severe, potentially fatal existential storm. Following the tragic demise of its paramount leader and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in January 2026, the party's internal cohesion has completely shattered. The transition of leadership to Ajit Pawar's widow, Sunetra Pawar, has not brought stability; instead, it has triggered deep systemic fault lines.  Sunetra Pawar's presidency is legally contested, senior leader Praful Patel has publicly signalled dissent by demanding \"corrective steps,\" and the rapidly centralising influence of her son, Rajya Sabha MP Parth Pawar, is fueling acute unrest among the rank and file. Without the towering, politically astute, and resource-rich personality of Ajit Pawar, the NCP risks swift political obsolescence. Unlike the rival NCP (SP) faction led by patriarch Sharad Pawar, this faction cannot easily leverage a narrative of victimhood or deep-rooted emotional legacy. If the NCP is to survive, it will have to immediately transition from a regime of family decrees to a strategy of institutional stabilisation and collaborative leadership. The primary challenge to the new guard is structural. A legal notice filed by former National Secretary Sachchidanand Singh has placed a massive question mark over Sunetra Pawar’s election as National President on February 26, 2026. The core arguments of the legal challenge expose severe procedural vulnerabilities. The notice argues that mandatory constitutional processes — including appointing an independent election authority, issuing proper notifications, and laying out an official election calendar — were entirely skipped. Singh has served notice to Sunetra Pawar, Praful Patel, and former general secretary Brijmohan Shrivastav seeking a reply within 15 days. While Patel and State Unit President Sunil Tatkare have publicly dismissed the notice, claiming the election was perfectly legal, a major crisis looms if Singh approaches the Supreme Court. The apex court has yet to settle the foundational dispute with the NCP(SP) over who the \"real\" NCP is, meaning further litigation could freeze the party's operational legitimacy. Party insiders insist that public denials will not suffice. The party must proactively address these constitutional loopholes. Behind the scenes, the struggle for control is bitter. Internal communications reveal that immediately after Ajit Pawar's death, senior leaders attempted to consolidate power under Praful Patel's role as Working President. Sunetra Pawar retaliated aggressively, writing to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to nullify decisions taken during the transition period. This friction has already compromised the party's external bargaining power. The NCP’s inability to reclaim the crucial Finance portfolio (previously held by Ajit Pawar) — despite high-level meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah — indicates a sharp decline in their leverage within the ruling coalition. When Praful Patel publicly acknowledges that \"corrective measures\" are needed to fill the vacuum left by Ajit Pawar, he is giving voice to seasoned politicians who feel sidelined by the family. At the heart of the grassroots unrest is the meteoric ascent of Parth Pawar. Since entering the Rajya Sabha, Parth has been acting as the de facto decision-maker on behalf of his mother. Senior MLAs and ground-level workers deeply resent taking directives from a young leader with a limited electoral track record. Under Ajit Pawar, legislators enjoyed immediate, decisive access to power. Under the new guard, a severe lack of communication from Sunetra Pawar and Parth's perceived reluctance to engage directly with the public have alienated the party's legislative wing. As a close aide to the late Ajit Pawar notes: “Parth Pawar has to earn his political stripes rather than inheriting them through decree. Instead of acting as an intermediary from closed rooms, he must build mass contact, travel across Maharashtra, and earn the respect of the cadres.” The NCP's legislators are highly pragmatic. If the veteran leaders (Patel, Tatkare) and the Pawar family continue to work at cross-purposes, MLAs will inevitably begin migrating to safer political outfits — whether the Shinde faction, BJP, or back to the Sharad Pawar camp — to secure their own futures. To survive this turbulent transition, the political observers suggest the leadership must implement a two-pronged strategy. The core committee, comprising veteran leaders, must be empowered to make all major political and legislative decisions. Appointments must be vetted through this committee rather than issued unilaterally by the family. Regular meetings of the legislative party must be held. Furthermore, Sunetra Pawar must leverage her position as Deputy Chief Minister to actively resolve constituency-level issues for her MLAs, replicating the hands-on, accessible style that made her late husband Ajit Pawar fiercely popular."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ZTgqZZcbiHezVnzi_NCPbattle.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C449%2C221&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T06:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"ncp-hit-by-twin-battles"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"RR has no dual voter entry, clarifies election officer"},"content":{"text":"The District Election Officer of Nagarkurnool district in Telangana has clarified that there is no case of double voting or dual voter enrolment involving Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. Collector and District Election Officer (DEO) of Nagarkurnool issued a clarification denying false social media claims regarding the Chief Minister’s voter registration. The DEO stated that Revanth Reddy is not registered as a voter in Achampet Assembly Constituency or anywhere else in Nagarkurnool district as of July 14, 2026. In a statement, the DEO said it had come to his notice that false information was circulating on social media regarding the Chief Minister's voter status in Nagarkurnool district. \"As the voter enrolment is not there, the question of Enumeration Form printing and distribution in the process of Special Intensive Revision does not arise,\" the statement read. The DEO requested citizens not to believe or spread baseless rumours. A section of the media reported that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy was enrolled as a voter in two Assembly constituencies, each falling under a different Parliamentary constituency. According to those reports, the electoral rolls listed Revanth Reddy as a voter in the Kodangal Assembly constituency under the Mahabubnagar Parliamentary constituency. His name also appeared in the Achampet Assembly constituency under the Nagarkurnool Parliamentary constituency. Both entries carried the same EPIC number. Following these reports, 'FactCheck_Telangana', the official handle of the state government's initiative on X, issued a clarification. According to the official statement posted on its handle on Tuesday, the Election Commission clarified that the appearance of the Chief Minister’s name in two electoral rolls with the same EPIC number was an \"electoral roll anomaly\" that was being addressed through the ongoing SIR exercise. The statement said the correction would be carried out by the DEO concerned in accordance with the Election Commission of India’s prescribed procedures. It also said electoral authorities had clarified that the presence of the same EPIC number in two electoral rolls did not, by itself, establish that a person was entitled to vote in two constituencies. \"The Chief Minister’s family has informed the electoral authorities that they wish to retain the voter registration in Kodangal constituency. They have requested deletion of the entry from the Kondareddypally electoral roll,\" the statement maintained. Following criticism in some quarters over the clarification issued by the state government instead of the election authorities, the post was deleted from the 'FactCheck Telangana' handle. A clarification was issued by Nagarkurnool DEO on Tuesday night, denying dual enrolment."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ZgVSPst2UUcvBP-2_rrcastvote.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-14T18:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rr-has-no-dual-voter-entry-clarifies-election-offi"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Adani Group fastest to enter India’s top 10 brands"},"content":{"text":"The Adani Group has become the fastest brand to enter India's ‘Top 10 Most Valuable Brands’ for the first time, while Adani Power became the country's top energy brand in the 'Brand Finance India 100 Report 2026', it was announced on Tuesday.  The Adani Group secured eighth rank, up from 13 last year, thus becoming the fastest company to break into India's ‘Top 10’ in just three years, according to leading independent brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance. The report valued the Adani Group at $8.48 billion (net of approximately $500 million relating to Adani Wilmar and associated consumer-facing brands), up from $6.46 billion a year ago. According to the findings, the 31.3 per cent uptick is the highest among India's ‘Top 20’ brands, making the Adani Group the country's third-most valuable conglomerate. The Group has also recorded the steepest three-year climb among India's ‘Top 25’ most valuable brands, advancing 15 positions during the period. Over the past year alone, it has added $2.02 billion in brand value — more than its entire valuation in 2022. Meanwhile, Adani Power emerged as India's most valuable energy brand, with its brand value surging 152 per cent to $1.8 billion. Adani Green Energy and Adani Energy Solutions also feature among India's ‘Top Five’ energy brands, while Adani Total Gas further strengthens the Group's presence in the rankings. “The Adani Group's entry into India's top 10 most valuable brands reflects the strength of a business that has become deeply embedded in India's growth story. Through its expanding presence across infrastructure, logistics and energy, the Group has built a powerful portfolio of brands supporting some of the country's most important economic priorities,” said Alex Haigh, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Brand Finance. The Adani Group's Brand Strength Index (BSI) also climbed 3.6 points to 84, lifting the Group eight places to ‘Rank 18’. Among India's ‘Top 20’ companies, the Adani Group recorded the fastest gain in Brand Strength, placing the diversified conglomerate alongside some of India's most established consumer and retail brands — a reflection of growing familiarity, trust and stakeholder confidence, said the report."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/555a0227-209b-4628-87ee-813af49bbab8_adani.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-14T12:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"adani-group-fastest-to-enter-indias-top-10-brands"}}]},"entertainment":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Samantha's Thai Wellness Journey"},"content":{"text":"Mom-to-be Samantha Ruth Prabhu has offered fans a glimpse into her peaceful wellness retreat with husband and filmmaker Raj Nidimoru.  The actress took to her social media account to share a carousel of pictures and videos from the vacation, accompanied by the caption, 'Wellness has always been my favourite kind of travel.' The post captures Samantha soaking in the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of the luxury retreat. In one picture, the actress is seen sitting by a dining table, gazing at a bird perched just outside the glass window. Another picture features a wholesome breakfast spread, while in another picture, Samantha is seen posing in a breezy white co-ord outfit against a lush green backdrop. The carousel also includes candid moments with her filmmaker husband Raj Nidimoru. Another glimpse shows the actress unwinding during a yoga and stretching session. She is also seen enjoying the resort's peaceful ambience. For the uninitiated, a few weeks ago, the actress sparked speculation after she was spotted in a fitted white bodycon outfit that many fans believed highlighted her baby bump. While Samantha has not directly addressed the pregnancy rumours, at a recent press conference, she spoke about taking a maternity break soon. Samantha married filmmaker Raj Nidimoru, one half of the acclaimed director duo Raj & DK, in an intimate ceremony last year in December. The couple reportedly grew close while working together in projects directed by Raj featuring the actress, including The Family Man 2 and Citadel: Honey Bunny. The actress is currently basking in the glory of her recent successful movie, 'Maa Inti Bangaram' which has become the first female-led Telugu film to gross a whopping Rs 100 crores worldwide. The action enterainer, which hit screens on June 19, featured Samantha Ruth Prabhu in the lead and was directed by Nandini Reddy. Samantha, just before the release of the film, had disclosed how she had taken quite a few blows while performing the action sequences in the film and how she had even bled while performing the stunts in the film."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/EL5BhfmhvzOAa4fW_sam.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T10:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"samanthas-thai-wellness-journey"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"SK, Vijay Reaffirm Their Bond"},"content":{"text":"Actor and producer Sivakarthikeyan, who called on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday, has said that the brotherhood and the bond between them continues.  Taking to his social media timelines to post pictures of his meeting with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, Sivakarthikeyan wrote, \" From entertaining hearts to leading the state… some journeys are truly extraordinary. It was an honour to greet our Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru C. Joseph Vijay sir.\" Sivakarthikeyan, recalling earlier times when he had worked and interacted with Vijay, wrote, \"From Rasigan Express, to the Vijay Awards stage, to sharing the screen in GOAT… and now, this moment with you, sir. This will always be the most special.\" He concluded the post saying, \"The brotherhood. The bond. It continues…\"  News of Sivakarthikeyan's meeting with Vijay comes on a day when the makers of ‘Jana Nayagan’, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's final film, announced its release date. The film is now scheduled to hit screens worldwide on July 23, 2026. The film marks a landmark moment in Chief Minister Vijay’s illustrious cinematic journey, and is one of the most awaited films of Indian cinema. The film promises to be a fitting tribute to a career that has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, Jana Nayagan brings together a stellar creative team to deliver a grand cinematic experience for audiences worldwide. Jana Nayagan's producer Venkat K. Narayana said, “There are very few moments in cinema that feel truly historic, and Jana Nayagan is one such moment. As Thalapathy Vijay prepares for his final outing on the big screen, we are honoured to be a part of this journey and to bring this special film to his fans across the world”. He further mentioned, “It has been remarkable to witness a journey that began with cinema and went on to inspire millions, ultimately leading him to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a testament to the extraordinary connection he shares with the people. We are confident that Jana Nayagan will be a memorable theatrical experience and a fitting tribute to a phenomenal career.\""},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/0fxb1YIfj0CFFnah_SKVIJAY.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C19%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T15:52:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"sk-vijay-reaffirm-their-bond"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Rajamouli's Next Masterstroke?"},"content":{"text":"Ace filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli is currently focused on his much-awaited globe-trotting action adventure Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu. The film is progressing at a brisk pace, with production entering its final phase after the latest shooting schedule resumed in Hyderabad. Most of the high-octane action sequences and key portions have already been wrapped up, while the remaining scenes are expected to be completed by October this year. The makers are reportedly targeting a grand worldwide release on April 7 next year, with plans for a record-breaking international rollout, making it one of the biggest Indian releases ever. Even as Varanasi nears completion, speculation has already shifted to Rajamouli's next project. According to the latest industry buzz, the celebrated director is likely to team up with Tamil superstar Suriya for a mega-budget film, which is expected to mark the actor's landmark 50th movie. Although there has been no official confirmation from either side, the rumor has generated tremendous excitement among fans. Rajamouli has previously expressed his desire to collaborate with Suriya, admitting that he had missed opportunities to work with him in the past. If the reports prove true, the long-awaited Rajamouli–Suriya combination could become one of the most anticipated pan-Indian projects in the coming years."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aRW7h7pReVYa4bIW_rajamouli.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T12:27:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rajamoulis-next-masterstroke"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"‘Jana Nayagan’ to release on July 23, 2026"},"content":{"text":"The makers of the upcoming film ‘Jana Nayagan’ starring Thalapathy Vijay, have announced the film’s release date. The film, which is set to be the final cinematic venture of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, will release in theatres worldwide on July 23, 2026. The film marks a landmark moment in Thalapathy Vijay’s illustrious cinematic journey, and is one of the most awaited films of Indian cinema. The film promises to be a fitting tribute to a career that has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, Jana Nayagan brings together a stellar creative team to deliver a grand cinematic experience for audiences worldwide. Speaking about the announcement, producer Venkat K. Narayana said, “There are very few moments in cinema that feel truly historic, and Jana Nayagan is one such moment. As Thalapathy Vijay prepares for his final outing on the big screen, we are honoured to be a part of this journey and to bring this special film to his fans across the world”. He further mentioned, “It has been remarkable to witness a journey that began with cinema and went on to inspire millions, ultimately leading him to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a testament to the extraordinary connection he shares with the people. We are confident that Jana Nayagan will be a memorable theatrical experience and a fitting tribute to a phenomenal career”. The release date announcement sets the stage for what is expected to be one of the biggest theatrical events of the year, with fans and moviegoers gearing up to celebrate Thalapathy Vijay’s final chapter as a leading man on the silver screen."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ZWOUt2faI28E0zun_JN.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T10:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"jana-nayagan-to-release-on-july-23-2026"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"RGV: Censor should be banned"},"content":{"text":"Stating that censoring films was actually an insult to audiences, well known film director Ram Gopal Varma on Wednesday called for a ban on censorship. Taking to his X timeline to pen his thoughts on why he thought censorship was unnecessary, Ram Gopal Varma said, \"Censoring films actually is an insult to the audiences. In an era of smartphones, global streaming, and access to infinite information, to pretend that a government appointed committee (What is the qualification of its members ?) can shield adults from the film makers' perspective of any truth is not only outdated, but it’s also idiotic.\" He went on to say, \"Here’s the fundamental hypocrisy… If an adult is mature enough to vote for the leader of the country, raise families, run businesses, why the hell can’t they decide for themselves what to watch?\" Pointing out that while on the one hand, the government was trusting adults with the ballot, which shapes the future of more than a billion people, it was at on the other hand, thinking that a scene in a film might spoil them. \"That’s not safeguarding society but infantilizing it…,\" the director observed and went on to add, \"An 18-year-old can choose the leader, but needs some random committee member to decide if hearing a cuss word or watching a shot is corruptive.\" Stating that a movie was dramatic storytelling from the perspective of a film maker and that it was the viewers prerogative to agree or disagree, Ram Gopal Varma said, \"Cutting a scene for theatrical release is laughable because the uncut version will hits torrents, Telegram, and all international platforms within hours.\" \"Case in point is the head banging scene in OBSESSION which after the censors cut it, must have been seen by 10 times more people on Insta reels than who actually watched the film in the theatres,\" he said.   Claiming that censorship doesn't hide content but that it actually creates more demand, Ram Gopal Varma said, in times of AI tools and borderless Internet, gatekeeping was a joke.  \"Forcing trims on language, sensuality, violence, or ideology turns cinema into a dishonest and hypocritical slop. When everyone including children can binge watch brutal news and unlimited online extremes, how come only cinematic moments trigger bans?,\" he asked.  Censorship wasn't about protecting values because cinema’s s job was also to reflect one’s perception of an issue, which is what created debate, the foundation of democracy, he said and added that censor ship primarily assumed that adults were children who needed to be parented by some government appointed committees. \"It’s not cuts what we need, but it’s to be clear what the film contains , and then have respect for the audience to decide for themselves to watch or not,\" he said.   \"I think all producers and directors should stop crawling on their knees before a non-thinking, uncreative agenda oriented bureaucracy that understands neither art nor audiences while they give arbitrary cuts,\" he opined. Stating that every time the industry accepted cuts, negotiated “compromises,” or did self censoring to avoid trouble, Ram Gopal Varma said they emboldened those so-called gatekeepers and weakened the entire ecosystem by making the entire industry a soft target. \"I think it’s time for the industry to come together to challenge the very existence of the censor board in its present form, both in courts and public discourses. Democracy demands free expression and in a connected world, isolating and mutilating cinema is not just being blind and deaf … it is actually suicidal for our growth. #BanTheCensor,\" he wrote."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/b91cbf88-243f-4d5f-8e01-418b0847af2d_RGV.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C313%2C5760%2C2840&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T09:10:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rgv-censor-should-be-banned"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Peddi' Gets an OTT Reality Check"},"content":{"text":"Despite emerging as a massive blockbuster in theatres, Ram Charan's Peddi has failed to replicate its box office magic on OTT. The film, which grossed over ₹400 crore worldwide and became one of the year's biggest commercial successes, was expected to dominate streaming charts as well. However, its digital debut has turned out to be far more modest than anticipated. After premiering on Netflix on July 9, Peddi managed only 1.9 million views in its first four days, according to the platform's weekly viewing data, securing only the fifth spot in Netflix's Global Top 10 Non-English Movies list. The underwhelming start has surprised both fans and trade analysts, who had predicted a much stronger OTT performance given the film's theatrical popularity. While Peddi continues to enjoy a strong fan following, its initial streaming numbers suggest that the transition from the big screen to digital platforms has not been as seamless. Industry observers believe the opening falls short of expectations for a film mounted on such a grand scale and backed by immense pre-release hype. A key factor being discussed is Netflix's release strategy. Although the film was made available in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, the Hindi version was notably absent from the platform. As Hindi represents India's largest OTT audience, the decision significantly limited the film's digital reach. Many viewers had expected the Hindi-dubbed version to be available after its theatrical run, especially since it had underperformed in cinemas. Analysts believe the lack of a Hindi release may have cost Peddi millions of potential viewers, impacting its overall streaming performance during its crucial opening week."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/acY1nJGXnQHGZB18_peddipehelwan.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T03:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"peddi-gets-an-ott-reality-check"}}]},"tech":{"edges":[]},"fashion":{"edges":[]},"business":{"edges":[]},"health":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"How Smoking Hurts Pregnancy!"},"content":{"text":"When planning to start a family, many couples focus on preparing for pregnancy by discussing nursery plans and choosing baby names. However, what often goes unnoticed is the detrimental impact of smoking on fertility and pregnancy. Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can damage reproductive cells in both men and women, making it harder to conceive and increasing the risk of pregnancy complications and poor outcomes for babies.  Dr. Vandana Bhatia, a Senior Fertility Specialist, emphasizes that smoking silently affects fertility, pregnancy, and the long-term development of the child. Both partners play a crucial role in protecting fertility as smoking can reduce sperm count, affect sperm movement, and damage egg quality, hormone levels, and ovarian reserve. Additionally, passive smoking also poses risks to fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Quitting smoking as a couple not only improves motivation and emotional support but also encourages healthier habits, leading to improved fertility and overall health.  The quality of eggs and sperm before conception significantly influences the health of the future child, making it essential for both parents to quit smoking before starting a family. Dr. Bhatia recommends practical steps for quitting smoking together, emphasizing that healthy choices are crucial in building a healthy family. Parenthood begins with the quiet promise of choosing health together, even before the first heartbeat is heard on an ultrasound."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/akDOG1bRV8_Qf8Cd_smokefertility.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-27T19:33:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"how-smoking-hurts-pregnancy"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Even 1% Sleep Loss Could Heighten Dementia Risk"},"content":{"text":"A recent study published in JAMA Neurology has shed light on the potential link between minimal sleep loss and an increased risk of dementia. The research suggests that as little as a 1% reduction in deep sleep per year for individuals over 60 could translate to a 27% elevated risk of developing dementia. Deep sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep, plays a crucial role in the body's repair processes and the clearance of toxic proteins associated with dementia.  Associate Professor Matthew Pase from Monash University's Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health emphasized the significance of deep sleep in supporting the aging brain and facilitating the removal of metabolic waste, including proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease. The study, which drew from the Framingham Heart Study, examined 346 participants over 60 years of age, tracking their sleep patterns and dementia development over a 17-year period. Even after adjusting for various factors, including age, genetic predisposition, and medication use, the findings consistently pointed to a 27% increased dementia risk for each percentage decrease in deep sleep annually.  It's important to note that the natural decline in deep sleep with age is gradual, peaking between 75 and 80 years old and then stabilizing. However, the cumulative effect of a 27% increase per percentage-point decrease underscores the long-term impact on dementia risk. While there's no straightforward solution to preserving deep sleep, maintaining consistent sleep schedules, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, creating a conducive sleep environment, and addressing conditions like sleep apnea can potentially support better sleep quality. Additionally, regular exercise has been linked to improved slow-wave sleep in older adults. Although these measures aren't a guarantee, the study highlights the importance of prioritizing deep sleep for brain health as individuals age."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/50a54145-f24c-4c83-80b9-e6d19ba52027_sleep.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-25T06:59:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"even-1-sleep-loss-could-heighten-dementia-risk"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Is Your Soda Habit Causing Hair Loss?"},"content":{"text":"Are your beloved sodas harming your hair? While soft drinks have long been criticized for their impact on weight, diabetes, and heart health, a new concern has emerged regarding their potential effects on hair. The discussion gained traction after hair transplant surgeon Dr. Abhishek Pilani highlighted the issue on Raj Shamani's Figuring Out podcast.  According to Dr. Pilani, regular consumption of sugary cold drinks may create conditions within the body that are not conducive to healthy hair growth. While consuming one soda is unlikely to cause sudden hair loss, a study published in the journal Nutrients in 2023 found a link between higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and male-pattern hair loss in young men. However, it's essential to note that the study established a correlation, not causation. The potential connection between soft drinks and hair health lies in the impact of high-sugar beverages on overall health.  Excessive sugar consumption can lead to repeated spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, potentially contributing to inflammation and metabolic issues that affect the body, including hair growth. However, hair loss is rarely attributed to a single factor and is typically the result of various elements accumulating over time, including genetics, hormones, nutrition, lifestyle, and overall health. Healthy hair growth relies on a balanced intake of nutrients such as iron, protein, zinc, vitamin D, and B vitamins. While soft drinks don't directly deplete these nutrients, excessive consumption may lead to healthier options being replaced.  The concern lies in long-term habits rather than occasional consumption. The normal range of daily hair loss is between 50 and 100 strands, but concerns arise when lost hairs aren't adequately replaced. While soft drinks may not directly cause hair loss, their impact on overall health could potentially affect hair growth. Instead of fixating on individual cans of soda, experts emphasize the importance of considering overall lifestyle factors such as sleep, stress management, balanced nutrition, and reduced sugar intake. Ultimately, addressing concerns about hair health may begin with dietary and lifestyle adjustments."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aDbfAydWJ-7kSniS_jucessoda.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-11T18:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"is-your-soda-habit-causing-hair-loss"}},{"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"}}]},"nri":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Indian Consulate in Boston issues scam alert"},"content":{"text":"The Consulate General of India in Boston has issued a public advisory warning members of the Indian diaspora and other residents about a rise in fraudulent calls from scammers impersonating officials of Indian diplomatic missions and law enforcement agencies.  Sharing the advisory on X, the Consulate said: “Scam Alert! India in Boston has seen reports of fraudsters impersonating Indian Embassy/Consulate officials/ spoofing official telephone numbers! Please see the advisory below. ” The advisory cautioned that fraudsters are using fear and intimidation to deceive victims into sharing sensitive information or making payments. According to the Consulate, scammers may falsely claim that a person’s SIM card has been used for illegal activities in India, allege problems with passport, visa or immigration documents, or accuse individuals of involvement in hawala or money laundering cases while threatening arrest or legal action. The advisory further warned that fraudsters often “use fear tactics by demanding immediate action, insisting you remain isolated, or asking you to join video calls.” Victims may also be asked to share personal, financial or identity information, including copies of official identity documents, which can later be misused for fraud, identity theft or blackmail. The Consulate stressed that its officials never seek payments or sensitive personal information over the phone. It stated: “The Consulate General Of India, Boston Will Never: Demand payment or financial information over the phone. Threaten arrest, legal action, deportation, or other adverse consequences. Ask you to join a video call or share identity documents for verification. Ask you to visit the Consulate to resolve an alleged legal matter in India.” The advisory also clarified that “All official communications from the Consulate are made through official email only.” Highlighting the modus operandi of fraudsters, the Consulate noted that genuine Indian law enforcement agencies do not conduct investigations through phone or video calls. It emphasised: “Indian Law Enforcement Officials [CBI/ED/Police/Customs] Do NOT: Make a telephone/Video call for purported crimes in India. Conduct a digital arrest. Seek a money transfer via Digital or Crypto means.” The mission urged anyone receiving such calls not to panic or comply with the callers’ demands. Instead, recipients were advised not to share any personal, financial or identity information, not to join video calls, and not to make any payment. The Consulate advised the public to “Hang up immediately” if they receive a suspected fraudulent call and report the incident to local law enforcement as well as the Consulate at cons.boston@mea.gov.in. The advisory comes amid increasing reports of sophisticated impersonation scams targeting members of the Indian community overseas, with fraudsters using spoofed official telephone numbers and fabricated legal threats to coerce victims into revealing confidential information or transferring money. The Consulate urged the public to remain vigilant and rely only on official channels for any communication concerning consular or legal matters."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/2ac57fd6-9ff8-4c05-b658-df0a510e76d2_cyber+attacks.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T03:50:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"indian-consulate-in-boston-issues-scam-alert"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Indian-Origin Astronaut Docks at ISS"},"content":{"text":"Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon arrived safely at the International Space Station (ISS) after launching aboard Russia's Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft, beginning his first spaceflight on an eight-month mission focused on scientific research and technology demonstrations.  Menon, along with Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina, reached the orbiting laboratory after the Soyuz spacecraft docked with the ISS's Prichal module at 1:52 p.m. EDT, following a three-hour, two-orbit journey from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The trio had lifted off earlier at 10:47 a.m. EDT (7:47 p.m. local time) aboard the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft. Their arrival increases the station's crew to 10 for about the next two weeks. Before launch, Menon posted on X: \"Proud to serve the United States Space Force and fly to the International Space Station today in support of NASA and our international partners!\" In another message ahead of liftoff, he wrote: \"Excited to launch aboard Soyuz MS-29 from Kazakhstan and begin an eight-month mission supporting NASA and Expedition 74/75. Grateful for the NASA community, friends, family, and loved ones and excited for tomorrow.\" Following the scheduled hatch opening, the new arrivals were to be welcomed aboard by Expedition 74 crew members: NASA astronauts Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway and Chris Williams; European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot; and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, Sergei Mikaev and Andrey Fedyaev. NASA said Menon, Dubrov and Kikina will remain aboard the orbital laboratory until April 2027. This is Menon's first journey into space and the second mission for both Dubrov and Kikina. During his stay aboard the ISS, Menon will conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations aimed at advancing human space exploration and benefiting life on Earth. His work will include refining the in-space production of semiconductor crystals to enable the large-scale manufacturing of components needed for high-performance computers, artificial intelligence systems and improved medical devices. He also will perform ultrasound using augmented reality and artificial intelligence methods that could eliminate the need for medical support from Earth on future space missions. NASA said Menon will also serve as a test subject in studies examining how blood flow changes in space and will test bioprinting vascular constructs in microgravity to improve understanding of the ageing process and advance therapeutic developments. NASA said Expedition 75 is scheduled to begin on July 26 following the departure of Williams, Kud-Sverchkov and Mikaev after completing their eight-month science mission aboard the orbital outpost. A change-of-command ceremony is scheduled for July 25, when station command will transfer from Kud-Sverchkov to Meir. Menon's mission drew congratulatory messages from several organisations and supporters. The American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM), where Menon is a board-certified emergency physician, also congratulated him on \"a successful launch to the International Space Station\" and wished the crew \"a safe and successful mission.\" The International Space Station has maintained a continuous human presence for more than 25 years, serving as a unique laboratory for research that cannot be conducted on Earth because of microgravity. The scientific work carried out aboard the station supports advances in medicine, engineering, biology and materials science while helping prepare for future missions to the Moon and Mars."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/j9pt6ymfjbuLFR1M_anilmenon.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T01:35:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"indian-origin-astronaut-docks-at-iss"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Hyd Student's Mysterious Death in Finland"},"content":{"text":"What began as a desperate search filled with hope has ended in unimaginable heartbreak for a Hyderabad family. Eighteen-year-old Manideep Reddy Gujja, who went missing in Finland over two months ago, has been officially declared dead by Finland's National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). While Finnish authorities say there is no evidence of foul play, his grieving family refuses to believe that the tragedy was merely an accident and is demanding an independent investigation. Manideep, a student at Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, disappeared on May 4, triggering an extensive search. On July 9, the family received the devastating news that an unidentified body recovered from the sea near the area where he was last seen had been identified as Manideep through fingerprint analysis and his Finnish identity card. Authorities also informed the family that his wallet, containing his mother's credit card and about ₹500 in Indian currency, had been recovered. The mystery surrounding his final days has only deepened the family's anguish. Just before he vanished, Manideep had called his mother requesting ₹6,000. Although the money was transferred immediately, it remained untouched. Investigators were also unable to trace his movements after he travelled nearly 100 kilometres away from his accommodation. While a forensic autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death, the family says too many questions remain unanswered. They have appealed to India's Ministry of External Affairs to intervene and ensure a thorough investigation, hoping the truth behind the young student's tragic death will finally come to light."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2Ff26aef8f-eca6-406c-ba1a-75529bd5155e_suicide.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,54,1200,592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-12T16:32:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"hyd-students-mysterious-death-in-finland"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Hindu groups join WH faith dialogue"},"content":{"text":"Representatives of two prominent Hindu organisations in the United States participated in a White House Faith Office dialogue, joining faith leaders from across the country for discussions on issues affecting religious communities.  The event, hosted by the White House Faith Office, brought together representatives from diverse faith traditions for a briefing and dialogue on matters important to faith communities. According to posts shared by the participating organisations, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS USA) and BAPS Public Affairs represented Hindu Americans at the gathering. \"HSS USA thanks the White House Faith Office for convening a dialogue on issues important to faith communities and for the opportunity to represent Hindu Americans,\" the organisation said in a statement. \"It was heartwarming to join in diverse faith traditions of prayer while sharing the same aspiration—the wellbeing of all Americans and the welfare of our nation,\" it added. BAPS Public Affairs also welcomed the engagement with the administration. \"BAPS joined faith leaders from across the country for a briefing hosted by the White House Faith Office on matters important to faith communities,\" it said. \"As a representative of many Hindu Americans nationwide, BAPS welcomed the opportunity to contribute to this important and ongoing dialogue.\" In a brief video message released after the meeting, White House Faith Office Director Jennifer Korn thanked participants. \"Hi, I'm Jenny Corn with the White House Faith Office and I'm here with Bindu (from HSS) and we just spent about two hours together talking about religious freedom and we're so grateful for all of you and God bless you and we welcome all faith here at the White House,\" Korn said. The White House Faith Office has described its mission as engaging religious communities and ensuring that people of faith have a voice on issues affecting them. A White House document marking the office's first anniversary says it was established to \"be a voice for people of faith and ensure faith is protected and respected in America.\" "},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/8afc5116-d2cf-4eff-8d5c-2494b51cf860_wgite+house.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,6,1600,789&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-12T10:53:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"hindu-groups-join-wh-faith-dialogue"}}]},"videos":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Korean Kanakaraju Teaser"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aW4Y_AIvOtkhBtEC_koreankanakaraju.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-13T14:15:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"korean-kanakaraju-teaser"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Oh Sukumari' Movie Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ai5rjY1P9HI4UdQP_ohsukumari.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-10T12:45:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"oh-sukumari-movie-trailer"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Vadala' Movie Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/6ui925_N6cbCnzOH_vadala.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-09T07:25:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"vadala-movie-trailer"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"GDN's first single 'The Rise of GDN'"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/AEjUZPKBSqUxpWvj_GDN.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-08T13:20:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"gdns-first-single-the-rise-of-gdn"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Toxic Movie: Tabaahi Song"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/-rJBIT1SVp9-szmD_tabaahi.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-08T06:30:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"toxic-movie-tabaahi-song"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Nag Speech at Lenin Grand Pre-Release"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/XvBh3TK3w8IcgRgr_nagspeech.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-05T18:30:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"nag-speech-at-lenin-grand-pre-release"}}]},"editorial":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Global Sheriff or Modern Hafta Boss?"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/qCgNGTmF9KQ3pxms_harmuz.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T08:11:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"global-sheriff-or-modern-hafta-boss"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Powering Your Vehicle With Patriotic Vibes?"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/VfE50-k7E8bTVoWZ_e20english.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-14T06:52:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"powering-your-vehicle-with-patriotic-vibes"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"\"The Silencing Of Online Dissent?\""},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/FDF3p8Nhf11ftFKW_APcabinet.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-11T06:45:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"the-silencing-of-online-dissent"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"AP: Will CBN's Deputy Become His Liability?"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/GDqJuG6kix8wMYYd_cbnpk.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-09T06:45:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"ap-will-cbns-deputy-become-his-liability"}}]},"gallery":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-06-27T18:04:47+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Aakankshaa Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Aakankshaa Glam Stills"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aj-0fFbRV8_Qf7sW_aakankshaa.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"aakankshaa-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-06-27T18:04:47+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Anasuya Bharadwaj Saree Pics"},"content":{"text":"Anasuya Bharadwaj is an Indian television presenter and actress who works in Telugu films and television. She has received two SIIMA Awards, an IIFA Utsavam Award and a Filmfare Award South for her performances in Kshanam and Rangasthalam."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aj-3gFbRV8_Qf7se_anasuya2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"anasuya-bharadwaj-saree-pics"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-05-02T12:20:57+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Kajal Aggarwal Stunning Stills"},"content":{"text":"Kajal A Kitchlu, known professionally as Kajal Aggarwal, is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi films. Aggarwal is considered one of the highest paid actresses of South Indian cinema. She is a recipient of three SIIMA Awards and a Filmfare Award."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/afXrHcBOoF08xjQk_kajal2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"kajal-aggarwal-stunning-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-04-14T10:45:57+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Janhvi Kapoor Radiant Look Stills "},"content":{"text":"Janhvi Kapoor is an Indian actress who works predominantly in Hindi films. Born to film actress Sridevi and producer Boney Kapoor, she made her acting debut in 2018 with the romantic drama Dhadak, which was a commercial success."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ad3-7Z1ZCF7ETKag_janhvi2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"janhvi-kapoor-radiant-look-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-04-02T15:03:07+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Nabha Natesh Glam Pics"},"content":{"text":"Nabha Natesh is an Indian actress and model who primarily appears in Telugu films. She made her debut with Kannada film Vajrakaya and later in Telugu with Nannu Dochukunduvate. She had her breakthrough with iSmart Shankar in 2019 due to which she is popularly referred as \"Ismart Beauty\" in the media."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ac6Er5GXnQHGZNWp_nabha2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"nabha-natesh-glam-pics"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-29T11:03:07+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Nidhhi Agerwal Royal Blue Sari Stills"},"content":{"text":"Nidhhi Agerwal is an Indian actress who primarily works in Telugu and Tamil films. After participating in Miss Diva Universe 2014, Agerwal made her acting debut with the Hindi film Munna Michael, for which she received Zee Cine Award for Best Female Debut."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ackGR5GXnQHGZEvS_nidhhi2028.jpg?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"nidhhi-agerwal-royal-blue-sari-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-29T07:22:02+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Rakul New Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Rakul Preet Singh is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Telugu, Hindi and Tamil films. She has won a South Indian International Movie Award, in addition to four nominations at the Filmfare Awards South. Singh made her acting debut with the Kannada film Gilli."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/acjShZGXnQHGZErj_RPS2028.jpg?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"rakul-new-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-17T09:44:26+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Rashi Khanna New Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Rashii Khanna (born 30 November 1990) is an Indian actress and playback singer who predominantly works in Telugu and Tamil film industries. She made her acting debut in a supporting role with the Hindi film Madras Cafe (2013) and subsequently made her debut as female lead with Telugu film Oohalu Gusagusalade (2014), in Tamil with Imaikkaa Nodigal (2018) and Malayalam with Villain (2017)."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/abkhxbbci2UF6Gme_rashikhanna.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"rashi-khanna-new-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-12T18:30:32+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Meenakshi Chaudhary Red Bold Stills"},"content":{"text":"Meenakshi Chaudhary is an Indian actress and beauty pageant titleholder who works predominantly in Telugu and Tamil films. She represented the state of Haryana at the Femina Miss India 2018 pageant, where she was crowned as Femina Miss India Grand International 2018."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/abMFmVxvIZEnjoQC_meenakshi2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"meenakshi-chaudhary-red-bold-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-10T18:35:00+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Shruti Haasan Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Shruti Haasan is an Indian actress and singer who works in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi films. She is the recipient of various accolades, including two Filmfare Award South and seven South Indian International Movie Awards. Haasan has appeared in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list of 2015 and 2016."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aa__a1xvIZEnjhl8_shruthi2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"shruti-haasan-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-03T18:03:05+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Bhagyashri Borse New Stills"},"content":{"text":"Bhagyashri Borse is an Indian actress who appears primarily in South films. After doing cameo appearances in Hindi films Yaariyan 2 and Chandu Champion, she made her lead debut in South with the Telugu film Mr. Bachchan for which she has won the SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut – Telugu."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aachiFxvIZEnjSV9_bhagya2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"bhagyashri-borse-new-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-02-27T11:14:55+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"ViRosh Wedding Stills"},"content":{"text":"ViRosh Wedding Stills"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aaF4t8FoBIGEg6zW_virosh.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"virosh-wedding-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-02-21T12:37:04+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Niharika Konidela New Stills"},"content":{"text":"Niharika Konidela is an Indian actress and producer who predominantly works in Telugu films. She made her debut with the film Oka Manasu. She produces films and web series under her banner. "},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aZmdKsFoBIGEgndO_niharika2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"niharika-konidela-new-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-02-01T18:21:28+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Rashmi Gautam Red Hot Sills"},"content":{"text":"Rashmi Gautam is an Indian actress and television presenter who appears in Telugu-language films and TV. She hosts the Telugu television comedy show Extra Jabardasth and is a conceptual team leader in reality dance show Dhee."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aX-WA90YXLCxVPdl_rashmi2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"rashmi-gautam-red-hot-sills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-01-29T19:41:55+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Rithu Chowdary Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Rithu Chowdary is an Indian actress and anchor known for her work in Telugu television and films. She began her career as an anchor on Star Maa Music and gained popularity through reality shows like Pelli Choopulu (2018). She debuted in Telugu TV with the serial Gorintaku (2019) and later appeared in Suryavamsam and Inti Guttu. Her film debut was in Mouname Ishtam (2019), followed by a role in Uppena (2021). Rithu is also a regular on comedy shows like Jabardasth and Sridevi Drama Company, known for her comedic timing and charm. In 2021, she launched her YouTube channel, Rithu Chowdhary, with over 70,000 subscribers. She participated in Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 (2024)."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aXu3QAIvOtkhCGJU_rithuchoudhary.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"rithu-chowdary-glam-stills"}},{"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":"2025-12-06T17:46:28+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"}}]},"one":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Global Sheriff or Modern Hafta Boss?"},"content":{"text":"\"If a neighborhood protection racket is organized crime at its smoothest, then war-making and government-building—which do the exact same thing with the law on their side—are simply the largest protection rackets in human history” This timeless insight from political scientist Charles Tilly captures a truth often hidden behind diplomatic jargon. When a government deliberately creates a threat and then charges a premium to fix it, the line between formal statecraft and an illegal racket completely blurs. In the 1980s, India witnessed this theory in its rawest form, stretching from the chaotic underbelly of old Mumbai to the glittering corridors of Bollywood. This exact dynamic is brilliantly captured in the Bollywood comedy classic Welcome, where the eccentric gangster Majnu Bhai operates a flawless extortion blueprint. He sets fire to a merchant's shop, triggers widespread panic, and then politely offers his own crew as security guards to \"protect\" the owner from future fires, for a hefty fee. The terrified merchant gratefully pays, completely ignoring the fact that Majnu Bhai is the one holding the matchstick. It is the definitive Hafta racket: engineering a crisis, monopolizing the solution, and charging a premium to save you from your own savior. Today, this exact dynamic seems to be playing out in the troubled waters of the Strait of Hormuz. The leadership of the world's superpower appears to be contemplating a leaf straight out of Majnu Bhai’s playbook, enacting a very familiar modus operandi on the global stage. The theater for this geopolitical shift is an iconic mansion in Washington, a building brilliantly white on the outside, but hiding a dark underbelly of strategic minds scheming complex global maneuvers. Stepping onto the world stage, the administration announced that the U.S. Navy would become the self-appointed \"Guardian of the Hormuz Strait, with a rider of a proposed 20% security fee on all commercial cargo attempting to cross the world's most vital maritime chokepoint. The operational logic behind this maritime toll mirrored Majnu Bhai’s classic street-level transaction with fascinating precision. First, heightened geopolitical friction and military strikes successfully turned a critical trade route into a high-risk zone. Next, terrified international shipping lines, watching insurance rates and oil prices spike, desperately called out for safe passage. Finally, the White House stepped forward to solve the very crisis it engineered, framing a massive 20% surcharge as a matter of \"fairness\" to cover the immense operational costs of providing safety. To global merchant fleets, the message was unmistakable: navigating these waters without purchasing the designated security package would remain a highly dangerous gamble. The proposal quickly hit a wall of international friction. Maritime governing bodies and global allies pointed out that imposing a direct tariff on peaceful global shipping lanes felt less like traditional diplomacy and more like a forced transaction. Recognizing that running a literal toll booth in international waters was a step too far, Washington executed a swift strategic pivot. The White House occupants announced a retraction of the 20% cargo fee. However, the core objective of the strategy remained intact; the extortion simply received a high-finance corporate makeover. Instead of immediate cash tolls, the administration negotiated a new arrangement: Gulf states will now offset the security costs by routing massive trade and investment deals directly into the U.S. economy. What began as a street-level racket ultimately evolved into a sophisticated exercise in global leverage. By utilizing regional instability to establish a security monopoly, Washington successfully converted political friction into long-term domestic investments. In the corporate vocabulary of modern international relations, this is sanitized as \"transactional diplomacy\" or strategic alignment. Yet, underneath the polished economic terminology, the fundamental principle remains unchanged: providing protection, at a premium, from a volatile environment you helped shape. This Hormuz maneuver marks a definitive historical turn, signaling the twilight of America’s era as a benevolent \"Global Sheriff.\" For decades, Washington absorbed the staggering costs of policing international shipping lanes for free, using its naval dominance to buy global goodwill and project stability. Today, that grand strategy has been replaced by a raw, transactional doctrine. By leveraging regional instability to extract economic premiums, the U.S. has effectively rewritten the rules of diplomacy. No longer securing the global commons out of a sense of duty, the superpower now treats its military as a revenue-generating tool. Ultimately, the line between a global peacekeeper and a corporate Hafta vasooli has officially blurred into a new age of pay-to-play hegemony."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/qCgNGTmF9KQ3pxms_harmuz.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T08:11:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"global-sheriff-or-modern-hafta-boss"}}]},"two":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Rajamouli's Next Masterstroke?"},"content":{"text":"Ace filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli is currently focused on his much-awaited globe-trotting action adventure Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu. The film is progressing at a brisk pace, with production entering its final phase after the latest shooting schedule resumed in Hyderabad. Most of the high-octane action sequences and key portions have already been wrapped up, while the remaining scenes are expected to be completed by October this year. The makers are reportedly targeting a grand worldwide release on April 7 next year, with plans for a record-breaking international rollout, making it one of the biggest Indian releases ever. Even as Varanasi nears completion, speculation has already shifted to Rajamouli's next project. According to the latest industry buzz, the celebrated director is likely to team up with Tamil superstar Suriya for a mega-budget film, which is expected to mark the actor's landmark 50th movie. Although there has been no official confirmation from either side, the rumor has generated tremendous excitement among fans. Rajamouli has previously expressed his desire to collaborate with Suriya, admitting that he had missed opportunities to work with him in the past. If the reports prove true, the long-awaited Rajamouli–Suriya combination could become one of the most anticipated pan-Indian projects in the coming years."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aRW7h7pReVYa4bIW_rajamouli.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T12:27:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rajamoulis-next-masterstroke"}}]},"three":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"'Peddi' Gets an OTT Reality Check"},"content":{"text":"Despite emerging as a massive blockbuster in theatres, Ram Charan's Peddi has failed to replicate its box office magic on OTT. The film, which grossed over ₹400 crore worldwide and became one of the year's biggest commercial successes, was expected to dominate streaming charts as well. However, its digital debut has turned out to be far more modest than anticipated. After premiering on Netflix on July 9, Peddi managed only 1.9 million views in its first four days, according to the platform's weekly viewing data, securing only the fifth spot in Netflix's Global Top 10 Non-English Movies list. The underwhelming start has surprised both fans and trade analysts, who had predicted a much stronger OTT performance given the film's theatrical popularity. While Peddi continues to enjoy a strong fan following, its initial streaming numbers suggest that the transition from the big screen to digital platforms has not been as seamless. Industry observers believe the opening falls short of expectations for a film mounted on such a grand scale and backed by immense pre-release hype. A key factor being discussed is Netflix's release strategy. Although the film was made available in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, the Hindi version was notably absent from the platform. As Hindi represents India's largest OTT audience, the decision significantly limited the film's digital reach. Many viewers had expected the Hindi-dubbed version to be available after its theatrical run, especially since it had underperformed in cinemas. Analysts believe the lack of a Hindi release may have cost Peddi millions of potential viewers, impacting its overall streaming performance during its crucial opening week."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/acY1nJGXnQHGZB18_peddipehelwan.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T03:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"peddi-gets-an-ott-reality-check"}}]},"four":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"RGV: Censor should be banned"},"content":{"text":"Stating that censoring films was actually an insult to audiences, well known film director Ram Gopal Varma on Wednesday called for a ban on censorship. Taking to his X timeline to pen his thoughts on why he thought censorship was unnecessary, Ram Gopal Varma said, \"Censoring films actually is an insult to the audiences. In an era of smartphones, global streaming, and access to infinite information, to pretend that a government appointed committee (What is the qualification of its members ?) can shield adults from the film makers' perspective of any truth is not only outdated, but it’s also idiotic.\" He went on to say, \"Here’s the fundamental hypocrisy… If an adult is mature enough to vote for the leader of the country, raise families, run businesses, why the hell can’t they decide for themselves what to watch?\" Pointing out that while on the one hand, the government was trusting adults with the ballot, which shapes the future of more than a billion people, it was at on the other hand, thinking that a scene in a film might spoil them. \"That’s not safeguarding society but infantilizing it…,\" the director observed and went on to add, \"An 18-year-old can choose the leader, but needs some random committee member to decide if hearing a cuss word or watching a shot is corruptive.\" Stating that a movie was dramatic storytelling from the perspective of a film maker and that it was the viewers prerogative to agree or disagree, Ram Gopal Varma said, \"Cutting a scene for theatrical release is laughable because the uncut version will hits torrents, Telegram, and all international platforms within hours.\" \"Case in point is the head banging scene in OBSESSION which after the censors cut it, must have been seen by 10 times more people on Insta reels than who actually watched the film in the theatres,\" he said.   Claiming that censorship doesn't hide content but that it actually creates more demand, Ram Gopal Varma said, in times of AI tools and borderless Internet, gatekeeping was a joke.  \"Forcing trims on language, sensuality, violence, or ideology turns cinema into a dishonest and hypocritical slop. When everyone including children can binge watch brutal news and unlimited online extremes, how come only cinematic moments trigger bans?,\" he asked.  Censorship wasn't about protecting values because cinema’s s job was also to reflect one’s perception of an issue, which is what created debate, the foundation of democracy, he said and added that censor ship primarily assumed that adults were children who needed to be parented by some government appointed committees. \"It’s not cuts what we need, but it’s to be clear what the film contains , and then have respect for the audience to decide for themselves to watch or not,\" he said.   \"I think all producers and directors should stop crawling on their knees before a non-thinking, uncreative agenda oriented bureaucracy that understands neither art nor audiences while they give arbitrary cuts,\" he opined. Stating that every time the industry accepted cuts, negotiated “compromises,” or did self censoring to avoid trouble, Ram Gopal Varma said they emboldened those so-called gatekeepers and weakened the entire ecosystem by making the entire industry a soft target. \"I think it’s time for the industry to come together to challenge the very existence of the censor board in its present form, both in courts and public discourses. Democracy demands free expression and in a connected world, isolating and mutilating cinema is not just being blind and deaf … it is actually suicidal for our growth. #BanTheCensor,\" he wrote."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/b91cbf88-243f-4d5f-8e01-418b0847af2d_RGV.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C313%2C5760%2C2840&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-15T09:10:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rgv-censor-should-be-banned"}}]},"five":{"edges":[]},"review":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Dhamaal 4'"},"content":{"text":"STORY: Over the years, the Dhamaal franchise has carved out a unique, bulletproof space in Bollywood, one built entirely on unapologetic, leave-your-brain-at-home comedy. Director Indra Kumar returns to this signature comfort zone scaling up the adventure with itns fourth installment. This time, the chaos revolves around a massive 100-year-old hidden treasure belonging to the legendary Shaitaan Singh. The key to its location is locked away in the faulty memory of Prithvi (Upendra Limaye). When the secret slips out, it triggers a wild, breathless race to a mysterious island marked by a giant \"M.\" Every character is out to outsmart the other to reach the khazana first, paving the way for endless confusion, wrong clues, and frantic chases. SITUATIONAL COMEDY: Chaos at Its Peak What makes Dhamaal 4 work so effectively is its reliance on situational comedy. The film throws a massive ensemble of eccentric, greedy, and hilariously unlucky individuals into bizarre environments, from wild jungle disasters to unexpected pirate encounters. The script doesn’t ask you to look for logic; instead, it invites you to surrender to the sheer ridiculousness of the situations. The first half is exceptionally fast-paced, packed with clever nods to older films in the franchise that will keep longtime fans chuckling. ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCES: The Ultimate Laughter Brigade The true strength of the film lies in its stellar ensemble cast, where Ajay Devgn leads the pack with absolute swagger alongside Sanjay Mishra, whose iconic comic timing results in sharp laugh-out-loud moments. The heartbeat of the franchise, Arshad Warsi and Jaaved Jaaferi, return with their signature electric chemistry, beautifully joined by Sanjeeda Shaikh who adds great charm to their chaotic dynamic. Riteish Deshmukh delivers a thoroughly entertaining performance with his desi flavor alongside Anjali Anand, who plays his wife Paro with a hilarious domestic touch. Stealing scenes effortlessly, Ravi Kishan brings a fresh wave of comedy as the quirky pirate leader Adhoora. Finally, Upendra Limaye is fantastic as the main catalyst of the plot with his high-energy performance, while Esha Gupta brings a wonderful charm and flair to the screen. DIRECTION, SCREENPLAY, AND MUSIC Indra Kumar proves yet again that he is a master at delivering high-energy situational comedies. The engaging screenplay keeps the audience hooked with a constant stream of rapid-fire jokes and entertaining jungle and island survival sequences. On the technical side, the massive scale of the film looks stunning on the big screen, making it a true theatrical spectacle. The music seamlessly fits this energetic narrative, with tracks like Chatni and Qeher keeping the mood light, and celebratory throughout. THE VERDICT: The Perfect Family Entertainer Dhamaal 4 is a fun-filled joyride that is tailor-made for the big screen. It effortlessly delivers on its promise of pure, non-stop entertainment from start to finish. It stands out as an excellent, wholesome entertainer that will easily appeal to all age groups, from grandparents to little kids, who will absolutely love the comedy and thrilling pirate adventures. If you are looking to share a hearty laugh with your entire family this weekend, Dhamaal 4 is a highly recommended watch! Director: Indra Kumar Cast: Ajay Devgn, Arshd Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, Jaaved Jaaferi, Sanjay Mishra, Ravi Kishan, Upendra Limaye, Anjali Anand, Esha Gupta and Sanjeeda Shaikh"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/51qvs_NXLgg3Shrm_dhamaal3.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-10T04:00:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-dhamaal-4"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Lenin'"},"content":{"text":"Years have passed since Akhil made his debut as a hero from the Akkineni family, yet he has not managed to achieve commercial success. Consequently, fans' confidence in him has been waning. At this juncture, Akhil has worked hard on the movie 'Lenin' with great hope. Let us see how the movie fares in this review. Story: The story unfolds in a remote village in Andhra Pradesh. Lenin (Akhil) arrives as an orphan in a village named Sriramapuram. A woman, who is the village head, takes him under her wing and raises him just like her own son. Her son, Vasanth, and Lenin become best friends. While Vasanth pursues his studies and becomes a doctor, Lenin stays back in the village and becomes an integral part of everyone's lives. It has become a tradition for the village's prestigious 18-day festival to be conducted under Lenin's supervision every year. During one such festival, Lenin sees Bharati (Bhagyashree) and falls in love with her. This romance marks a turning point in the entire story. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Vasanth is compelled to marry Bharathi. Meanwhile, Lenin ends up in prison. The story revolves around why Lenin went to jail and whether Vasanth actually marries Bharathi. Performances: As has been noted from the start, it is evident on screen that Akhil has put in a great deal of effort for this film. There is no doubt that this is a distinctively different role compared to the characters he has played previously. Furthermore, he successfully molded himself to fit the character, displaying impressive range and variations in his acting. He also adopted a fresh style of dialogue delivery for this movie. Visually, he is impressive, and in the action sequences, he comes across as a high-voltage action hero; he delivers exactly what fans desire. Beyond the action, he also impresses in the romantic scenes. The heroine, Bhagyashree, charms the audience with her beauty—something she has done in several previous films. However, in this movie, she also impresses with her acting prowess where the script demands it. She certainly leaves a mark on the role assigned to her, though one cannot help but feel that her character could have been written with more depth.  The supporting cast also delivers impressive performances within the scope of their roles; Eswari Rao, Pramod, and Brahmaji, in particular, stand out with their acting.  Technical: The director needed to work a bit more on the story, though he did try to make an impact with the screenplay. He succeeded in engaging the audience during the opening 10–15 minutes, effectively building suspense and sparking curiosity about what would unfold next. However, the dialogues could have been sharper. Thaman delivered a decent musical score, as always; however, there were certain scenes where one felt he could have done more with the background music. The cinematography is impressive—crucial for a film set against a village backdrop. There are minor flaws in the editing, but the production values ​​are good. Plus points: Akhil Akkineni, Jathara (fair) scenes The plot twist Minus points: Some dragged-out scenes Background score Story and screenplay Analysis: There is no doubt that the film lived up to the high expectations of Akkineni fans. However, it remains to be seen how well the general audience will receive it. Akhil had stated from the beginning that he worked very hard for this film, and that effort is clearly visible on screen. The director aimed to present something fresh;...yet, the film would have been even better with more work on the story and a tighter screenplay. It must be noted that there was a lack of sufficient commercial elements to appeal to all sections of the audience, not just the fans. The music also felt a bit underwhelming. Akhil fulfilled his role with 100% commitment; however, the director failed to craft a strong screenplay for the supporting characters, leaving them with little scope to showcase their true acting potential. Overall, this village-based drama manages to engage the audience and appeals to fans. Final verdict: Akhil Akkineni impresses the fans Banner: Sithara Entertainments, Manam Enterprises Producers: Suryadevara Naga Vamsi, Akkineni Nagarjuna Director: Murali Kishore Music: Thaman Cast: Akhil, Bhagyashree, Eeshwari Rao, Pramod, Brahmaji, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/SNyf-1iLls6NrA-j_lenin.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-07-10T07:34:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-lenin"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Rao Bahadur'"},"content":{"text":"Satyadev has carved a unique niche for himself as an actor by choosing diverse films. Meanwhile, director Venkatesh Maha has already earned a strong reputation for delivering distinctive movies. Expectations soared when a superstar like Mahesh Babu stepped forward to present this collaboration between the two. Let us see in this review whether the film lives up to those expectations. Story: Bhuvanam Ramappa Rao Bahadur (Satyadev), a man of royal lineage, grapples with severe mental turmoil in his old age. He harbors suspicions regarding his younger son, Kusumappa—who passed away in childhood—doubting whether the boy was truly his biological son. Driven by this doubt, he clings to life for years despite suffering from cancer. Ramappa’s wife, Renuka, is also confined to a single room. The story unfolds by exploring the reasons behind Ramappa’s condition and Renuka’s confinement, as well as how it was ultimately confirmed that Kusumappa was indeed Ramappa’s son. Performances: A notable aspect of the film is that, apart from Satyadev, the entire cast consists of newcomers. It is commendable that Satyadev committed to such a role; not every actor could pull off a character like this. He delivered a brilliant performance, nailing the makeover, expressions, and body language. Satyadev truly embodied the persona of a scion of the Rao Bahadur lineage. He impressed everyone with a look that perfectly captured the persona of an elderly king. Furthermore, Satyadev deserves full marks for his acting and dialogue delivery. Generally, young heroes are reluctant to take on such roles, but Satyadev put in immense effort to breathe life into this character. It was revealed that the makeup process took four hours; seeing the 'Ramappa' character on screen, one feels that the actual time spent on makeup might have been even longer. Deepa Thomas, playing the female lead, impressed with her distinctive look. There is a growing opinion that she might secure good opportunities in Tollywood in the future. Vikas Muppala also impressed with his acting, and the supporting cast performed well within the scope of their roles. Venkatesh Maha, appearing in a guest role, also made a strong impression. Technical: Director Venkatesh Maha presented a completely fresh concept to the audience. However, the narrative pacing felt somewhat tedious. The first half moved slowly. While he attempted to pick up the pace in the second half, the twists introduced towards the end felt unintentionally funny. He failed in the attempt to blend humor into what otherwise seemed like a serious story. Some of the dialogues were good. The cinematography was impressive; it effectively brought the atmosphere of the 1960s and 1990s to life. The music was also decent. The songs failed to impress, but the background score was certainly impressive. The production values ​​are good; it is truly commendable that such a significant budget was allocated for an experimental story like this. There are flaws in the editing; some scenes in the first half should have been trimmed. Overall, the film would have benefited from a runtime reduction of 20 to 25 minutes. Analysis: Director Venkatesh attempted an experiment by utilizing a talented actor like Satyadev. Satyadev deserves praise for agreeing to be part of this experimental project. The story revolves around the consequences arising from a suspicion harbored by an elderly man. In an era where films generally achieve commercial success only with compelling storylines and narratives, Director Venkatesh brought this film to the audience without worrying about how such an experiment would be received. He attempted to drive the film using screenplay wizardry. Although the story itself is simple, his execution deserves appreciation. However, the inclusion of more thrilling elements would have improved the film; the first half, in particular, is somewhat underwhelming. The climax manages to generate interest, though the final twist lacks a sense of realism. Ultimately, instead of leaving the audience with the impression of having watched a serious film, the movie ends up feeling more like a comedy.  Plus Points: Satyadev Background music, cinematography Second half, climax Minus Points: Boring first half Illogical scenes Climax twist Verdict: 'Rao Bahadur' is for those looking to watch a thriller rather than a regular commercial movie. Banner: Sree Chakras Entertainments, Mahayana Motion Pictures Producers: Anurag Reddy, Sharath Chandra, Chinta Gopalakrishna Reddy, Eswaran Vijayaraghavan Directior: Venkatesh Maha Music: Smaran Sai Cast: Satyadev, Deepa Thomas, Vikas Muppala, Bala Parasar, Kunal Kaushik, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ruDZrQh1uyTKyATR_RaoBahadur.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-03T09:26:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-rao-bahadur"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Nagabandham' "},"content":{"text":"South makers have done wonders once again. At a time when audiences are craving larger-than-life cinematic experiences rooted in Indian culture and mythology, Nagabandham arrives as an ambitious spectacle that blends mystery, mythology, fantasy and adventure into an engrossing big-screen entertainer. Foremost credit goes to the producers Nishitha Nagireddy and Kishore Annapureddy, the duo under the banners of NIK Studios and Abhishek Pictures, have given the film the scale, craft and budget it demands. The budget, the scale and the vision of the film is at par in comparison with some of the biggies. Mounted on a lavish scale, the film starts on a very intriguing note and right from the first frame it captures you into the world, the drama. As it progresses it continues to impresses with its visual ambition, the character introduction, immersive world-building and sincere storytelling, making it one of the most ambitious pan-India releases of the year. Without wasting any single time the film sticks to the subject. The unfolding of mysterious universe where ancient secrets, divine legends and hidden treasures shape the narrative. Rather than rushing through its mythology, the film gradually builds intrigue around the ancients and what 'Nagabandham' is. This measured approach keeps the audience invested while continuously expanding the film's rich cinematic universe. The film begins with the impresive introduction of Rishabh Sawhney who is olayiytge main antagonist in the film and then transports us to the drama that is very interesting. Director Abhishek Nama deserves appreciation for attempting a genre that demands conviction and imagination. His vision remains consistent throughout, balancing mythology with fantasy while ensuring the emotional core never gets lost beneath the visual grandeur. The screenplay unfolds like an adventure, introducing fresh mysteries at regular intervals and maintaining curiosity until the very end. Visuals are Nagabandham's undoubtedly the biggest strengths. Every frame reflects meticulous craftsmanship, from magnificent temple architecture and ancient kingdoms to breathtaking action sequences and mystical landscapes. The production values are first-rate, while the VFX complement the storytelling without overwhelming it. The film consistently feels designed for the biggest screens. Virat Karrna, who is essaying the main protoganist delivers a confident performance, carrying the narrative with sincerity and intensity. Nabha Natesh lends grace and emotional depth to her character, while Rishabh Sawhney leaves a strong impression with his commanding screen presence in the character of the main antagonist. Mahesh Manjrekar stands out in a pivotal role of saint ,adding gravitas whenever he appears. Daksha Nagarkar and the supporting cast contribute effectively, making the expansive world feel believable. The action choreography especially the Interval block and CLIMAX deserves special mention. Instead of relying solely on spectacle, the action sequences are integrated into the mythology, making every confrontation feel purposeful. Several moments involving serpents, ancient rituals and large-scale battles generate genuine goosebumps and showcase the makers' ambition. Technically, Nagabandham is polished across departments. The cinematography captures both the grandeur and mysticism beautifully, while the background score elevates the emotional and adventurous moments. The editing keeps the narrative engaging despite the film's expansive scale, and the sound design enhances the theatrical experience. One of the film's biggest achievements is how it respects Indian mythology while presenting it through an entertaining fantasy-adventure lens. Rather than merely recreating familiar legends, it creates its own mythology-inspired universe that feels fresh and cinematic. If there is one area where the film occasionally slows down, it is during portions dedicated to explaining the mythology, which may slightly affect the pace. However, the narrative quickly regains momentum with compelling twists, visually stunning sequences and emotionally satisfying payoffs. With Nagabandham, South filmmakers once again demonstrate why they continue to lead the way in creating ambitious, pan-India cinematic spectacles. The film combines mythology, fantasy, adventure and emotion into an entertaining package that is tailor-made for the theatrical experience. For audiences looking for a grand visual adventure filled with mystery, ancient legends, spectacular action and impressive world-building, Nagabandham is a rewarding watch. Banner: NIK Studios, Abhishek Pictures Producer: Nishitha Nagireddy, Kishore Annapureddy Director: Abhishek Nama Cast: John Vijay, Nabha Natesh, Iswarya Menon, Mahesh Manjrekar and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/S_t-IVjB2yqa78-Q_nagabandham.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-07-02T16:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-nagabandham-"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Welcome To The Jungle'"},"content":{"text":"There was a time when Bollywood regularly produced big, unapologetic comedy entertainers that families could watch together. Films weren't trying to preach, surprise audiences with complicated twists or leave behind social messages. They existed for one simple reason—to make people laugh. Welcome To The Jungle embraces exactly that philosophy, and that's what makes it work. Director Ahmed Khan doesn't try to reinvent the Welcome franchise. Instead, he understands its DNA and amplifies it. The laughs are bigger, the cast is bigger, the scale is grander and the madness is turned up several notches. The result is a film that knows exactly what it wants to be—and rarely loses sight of it. The story itself is delightfully ridiculous. A billionaire comes up with an absurd plan to convert his black money into losses by deliberately producing a flop film. To execute this bizarre mission, he assembles a film full of struggling stars, forgotten heroes and eccentric personalities. Among them are Yeda Anna (Suniel Shetty), the brother of Anna from the Welcome universe, and Romeo (Arshad Warsi), Majnu's equally eccentric brother. Just when the production begins, an Income Tax raid wipes out the financier's money, forcing the crew to abandon the expensive setup and continue the shoot in a remote village with real people—while the actors remain blissfully convinced that everything happening around them is part of the script. From there, the film spirals into complete comic chaos involving mistaken identities, fake heroics, terrorists, villagers and nonstop confusion. If there is one actor who reminds audiences why he has ruled Bollywood comedy for decades, it is Akshay Kumar. This is comfortably one of his strongest comic performances in recent years. His expressions, dialogue delivery, body language and effortless timing hold the enormous ensemble together without trying to dominate it. He lets the humour breathe and trusts the situations to generate laughs. Suniel Shetty is undoubtedly one of the film's biggest surprises. His Yeda Anna is wonderfully eccentric and consistently entertaining, delivering several laugh-out-loud moments. Arshad Warsi slips into the franchise's familiar madness with ease, while Lara Dutta, as the Army trainer preparing the clueless actors, adds another enjoyable layer to the comedy. The supporting cast is where the film truly shines. Veterans like Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever and Rajpal Yadav prove once again why they remain among Hindi cinema's finest comic performers. But the film's biggest scene-stealers are undoubtedly Farida Jalal and Kiran Kumar. Every single time they appear on screen, the theatre erupts in laughter. Farida Jalal's delightfully confused character, speaking in her own hilarious gibberish language, becomes one of the film's biggest highlights. Kiran Kumar matches her brilliantly with his exaggerated, heavily Urdu-laced dialogues delivered with complete conviction. Their chemistry, impeccable comic timing and effortless performances produce some of the loudest laughs in the film. There's another emotional layer that longtime Bollywood lovers will instantly appreciate. Watching Akshay Kumar reunite with Suniel Shetty and Raveena Tandon brings back memories of an era when entertainers were built around fun rather than formulas. Thankfully, these reunions never feel forced. They blend naturally into the narrative while allowing the film to create its own identity instead of living entirely on nostalgia. Managing such a massive ensemble is never easy, yet Ahmed Khan deserves credit for ensuring almost every actor gets at least one memorable moment. Despite featuring dozens of familiar faces, the screenplay rarely feels overcrowded. The humour constantly shifts between situational comedy, visual gags, witty one-liners, misunderstandings and complete comic mayhem, ensuring the energy rarely drops. The adventure angle also gives the franchise a refreshing twist. Instead of repeating the exact template of the earlier films, Welcome To The Jungle expands its canvas with larger action set pieces and a more adventurous narrative while still retaining the flavour that fans associate with the franchise. Visually, the film looks colourful and vibrant. The production design suits the exaggerated world perfectly, while the songs arrive naturally without disturbing the pace. The background score effectively enhances both the comic situations and the action sequences. What deserves appreciation is that the film never pretends to be more intelligent than it is. It doesn't chase awards, social commentary or emotional manipulation. It simply focuses on entertaining its audience for over two hours—and judging by the laughter echoing through the auditorium, it succeeds. Welcome To The Jungle is designed for the big-screen experience. Many jokes become funnier because they are enjoyed collectively. The whistles, applause and laughter inside a packed theatre become an extension of the film itself. That's something no OTT platform can replicate. Directed by Ahmed Khan, the film boasts one of the biggest ensemble casts in recent Hindi cinema, featuring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Farida Jalal, Johnny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Aftab Shivdasani, Mukesh Tiwari, Yashpal Sharma, Kiran Kumar, Zakir Hussain, Vindu Dara Singh, Urvashi Rautela, Hemant Pandey, Brijendra Kala, Feroze Khan (Arjun), Late Pankaj Dheer, Puneet Issar, Sudesh Berry, Jeetu Verma, Vrihi Kodvara, Adityaa Singgh and Bhagya Bhanushali. Presented by A.A. Nadiadwala, Cape of Good Films and Star Studios in association with Seeta Films and Rakesh Dang, the film is a Base Industries Group production produced by Rakesh Dang and Vedant Vikaas Baali, and produced by Firoz A. Nadiadwala. If your expectation is meaningful cinema, look elsewhere. But if you simply want to laugh, switch off your brain and enjoy a grand Bollywood entertainer with your family, Welcome To The Jungle delivers exactly what it promises. Sometimes, that's more than enough. Director : Ahmed Khan, Producer : Firoz A Nadiadwala Cast : Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aj1hFVbRV8_Qf44R_welcometothejungle.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-25T15:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-welcome-to-the-jungle"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Cocktail 2'"},"content":{"text":"Some relationships don’t end because people stop loving each other. They end because love alone isn’t always enough. Backed by Maddock Films and producer Dinesh Vijan, a banner known for delivering some of the most memorable entertainers and relationship dramas in recent years, Cocktail 2 is yet another winner. Directed by Homi Adajania, the film explores modern relationships with warmth, maturity and emotional honesty, resulting in a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. While the original film thrived on youthful chaos, Cocktail 2 takes a more mature route. It examines what happens when comfort begins to replace excitement, when commitment feels heavier than romance, and when life forces people to question whether the relationship they’ve built is still the one they truly want. The Story: Kunal (Shahid Kapoor) and Diya (Rashmika Mandanna) have been together for years. What started as a college romance has survived distance, changing priorities and the challenges of adulthood. Their relationship is comfortable, familiar and seemingly stable, but beneath the surface, cracks have begun to appear. Diya finds herself grappling with expectations around marriage and commitment, while Kunal continues holding on to a version of their relationship that may no longer exist. Their lives take an unexpected turn during a trip to Sicily, where they meet Ally (Kriti Sanon), a free spirited woman who lives entirely on her own terms. As the three grow closer, the film gradually unfolds into something far more complex than a traditional love triangle. Friendships blur into emotional attachments, loyalties are tested and difficult questions emerge about love, compatibility and personal happiness. What makes the narrative work is that it never reduces its characters to heroes or villains. Everyone is flawed, everyone makes mistakes and that honesty gives the film its emotional weight. Performances: Shahid Kapoor delivers one of his most mature performances in recent years. Kunal is a character filled with contradictions and Shahid captures every shade beautifully. Whether he’s expressing quiet heartbreak, frustration or vulnerability, he keeps the audience invested throughout. Rashmika Mandanna brings warmth and authenticity to Diya. Many of her moments feel incredibly relatable, particularly when she navigates the pressures placed on women regarding relationships and life choices. She handles both the lighter and emotionally intense scenes with confidence and restraint. Kriti Sanon is exceptional as Ally. What initially appears to be a carefree and impulsive character slowly reveals surprising emotional depth. Kriti balances Ally’s charm, unpredictability and vulnerability effortlessly, creating one of the film’s most memorable performances. Together, the trio share terrific chemistry. Their interactions feel natural and lived-in, making every friendship, confrontation and emotional conflict feel genuine. Kriti and Rashmika also share some thoroughly entertaining moments, adding another engaging layer to the film’s relationship dynamics. Writing, Dialogues and Relationships: One of the film’s biggest strengths is its writing. The relationships feel layered and believable, with conversations that reflect how people actually communicate rather than how movie characters are expected to speak. The dialogues are sharp, mature and emotionally effective. Several confrontations land with impact because they come from a place of truth rather than melodrama. The film consistently keeps you invested in its characters and the choices they make, while balancing romance, friendship and self-discovery with remarkable ease. Music and Visuals: Pritam’s music blends seamlessly into the storytelling, elevating both the emotional and romantic moments. The songs never interrupt the narrative and instead become a natural extension of it. Visually, the film is stunning. Sicily provides a breathtaking backdrop, with every frame looking postcard worthy without ever feeling excessive. The cinematography, fashion and overall production design add tremendous richness to the viewing experience, making the film as beautiful to look at as it is emotionally engaging. What Could Have Worked Better: A few emotional stretches in the latter half could have been slightly more concise. The Verdict: Cocktail 2 is a beautifully crafted film about love, friendship, self discovery and the difficult choices that come with growing up. It doesn’t offer easy answers and that’s precisely what makes it work. Produced by Maddock Films and Luv Films, backed by outstanding performances from Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, thoughtful writing, gorgeous visuals and strong emotional payoffs, the film delivers a deeply satisfying experience. A heartfelt, visually stunning and emotionally resonant drama that reminds us that sometimes the hardest part of love isn’t finding it, it’s understanding what to do with it once you have it. The result is a relationship drama that stays with you long after the credits roll. Banner: Maddock Films and Luv Films Producer: Dinesh Vijan Director: Homi Adajania Music: Pritam Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Kriti Sanon and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ah7YRgeQX7-eWjSA_cocktail2.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-19T04:48:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-cocktail-2"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Maa Inti Bangaram'"},"content":{"text":"At a time when it was widely assumed Samantha had limited her career to Bollywood, all eyes are on this Telugu film she has undertaken. It is well known that Samantha has previously worked under Nandini Reddy's direction; their collaboration naturally generates positive buzz. Furthermore, expectations have soared because the film is produced by Raj Nidimoru. Let us see in this review whether the movie lives up to those expectations. Story: Swarna (Samantha), who entered into a love marriage with Anirudh (Diganth Manchale), steps into her in-laws' home after a long time due to certain circumstances. She struggles to fit into the joint family environment. Despite the difficulties, she makes earnest efforts to bond with the family members and win their approval. Swarna carries a past—a flashback—associated with her love marriage. This flashback becomes the source of emerging problems within her in-laws' household.  What are these problems? What exactly is Swarna's flashback? To find out what Swarna did at her in-laws' house, one simply has to watch the movie. Performances: Samantha’s acting needs no special introduction. The action sequences she performed in this film are impressive; seeing her execute action scenes while dressed in a traditional saree felt fresh and novel. She delivered a performance that felt distinct—and even better—than her work in previous films. Beyond action, she also showcased her acting prowess in emotional and dramatic scenes. It is evident that she poured her experience into the role, truly doing justice to the character of Swarna. Her appearance seemed slightly different compared to the past, but that change suited the character perfectly.  Overall, Samantha succeeded in fully justifying the role she chose. The supporting cast performed well within the scope of their roles; Gulshan Devaiah, in particular, stood out, and his portrayal of the villain was impressive. Gautami had limited screen time but made a good impression within that scope. Sreemukhi also impressed with a different look. Technical: Director Nandini Reddy has once again presented a unique concept to the audience, and her direction is impressive. The storytelling and screenplay could have benefited from a bit more detail. Some of the dialogues are excellent, particularly those in the emotional scenes, which are truly touching. The music is decent; one or two songs have already gained popularity among the audience, though there isn't much else to highlight regarding the soundtrack beyond those tracks.  However, the background score was impressive. The cinematography was good; Om Prakash’s work made the action scenes appear quite realistic, ensuring the film remained engaging. The cinematography also deserves praise for how it presented Samantha’s look. The production values ​​align well with the story. Apart from minor editing flaws, everything else was solid. Analysis: The mere mention of a Samantha film generates audience interest comparable to that of movies starring big male stars. Director Nandini Reddy lived up to this expectation by weaving the story around a massive flashback sequence, much like those seen in big-star films. However, there are some illogical scenes. More care could have been taken with the dramatic elements; specifically, the portrayal of the new daughter-in-law's conduct in her in-laws' home didn't feel quite right.  Additionally, there were some issues in seamlessly connecting the flashback episode to the present-day narrative. An effort was made to deliver good entertainment. Overall, the film appeals to the average viewer, particularly family audiences. If one overlooks a few illogical scenes, the movie is enjoyable. It is a must-watch for Samantha’s fans and serves as a good \"time-pass\" movie for general audiences. Plus Points: Samantha, Flashback scenes, Action sequences.  Minus Points: Some illogical scenes, Boring moments here and there, Lack of mass elements. Verdict: A film that Samantha's fans will appreciate Banner: Tralala Moving Pictures Producers: Samantha, Raj Nidimoru, Himank Reddy Duvvuru Director: B.V. Nandini Reddy Music: Santhosh Narayanan Cast: Samantha, Sreemukhi, Gulshan Devaiah, Diganth Manchale, Gautami, Srinivas Gavireddy, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ajUbm41P9HI4UuRN_MIB.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-19T07:36:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-maa-inti-bangaram"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai'"},"content":{"text":"Some films are designed to make you think. Others are designed to make you laugh till your cheeks hurt. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, directed by David Dhawan, proudly belongs to the latter category. Loaded with misunderstandings, larger-than-life characters, romance, family drama and non-stop comedy, the film embraces the classic Bollywood entertainer template and delivers exactly what it promises. Written by David Dhawan with screenplay by Yunus Sajawal and dialogues by Farhad Samji, the film thrives on its energetic storytelling and unapologetically chaotic humour. The Story: At the heart of the film is Jass, a lovable and impulsive man whose life takes an unexpected turn when personal relationships, family expectations and a series of unfortunate circumstances collide at the same time. Without revealing too much, the story follows Jass as he finds himself caught in an increasingly complicated situation involving his estranged wife Baani and Preet, a woman who unexpectedly enters his life. What begins as a relationship drama soon snowballs into a full-fledged comedy of errors, leading to a chain of misunderstandings, secrets and hilarious situations. The narrative constantly throws Jass from one problem into another, ensuring there is never a dull moment. While the premise is outrageous, the film fully commits to its madness, making the ride entertaining from start to finish. Performances: Varun Dhawan is in his element as Jass. His comic timing, boundless energy and natural screen presence carry the film effortlessly. He understands the rhythm of David Dhawan's brand of comedy and delivers a performance that is both charming and consistently entertaining. Mrunal Thakur brings warmth and emotional depth to Baani, ensuring that the character remains relatable amidst the chaos unfolding around her. She balances the film's emotional moments effectively and shares a comfortable chemistry with Varun. Pooja Hegde lights up the screen as Preet. Confident, glamorous and full of spark, she adds freshness to the narrative and keeps the momentum alive whenever she appears. Among the supporting cast, Maniesh Paul is a scene stealer, delivering several laugh-out-loud moments with effortless ease. Jimmy Sheirgill, Chunky Pandey, Kubbra Sait, Rakesh Bedi and Mouni Roy contribute well to the ensemble, each adding their own flavour to the madness. Dialogues and Humour: Farhad Samji's dialogues play a major role in keeping the entertainment quotient high. The punchlines land well, the situational comedy works and several one-liners are likely to draw applause from audiences in packed theatres. The film embraces old-school Bollywood comedy while updating it for contemporary viewers, creating a blend that feels familiar yet accessible. Music and Technical Aspects: The music complements the film's upbeat tone, while the vibrant visuals and colourful production design add to its festive appeal. David Dhawan keeps the pace brisk for most parts, ensuring the narrative rarely loses momentum. What Could Have Worked Better: Some comedic stretches feel slightly overextended and a few situations require audiences to completely suspend disbelief. However, these are minor concerns in a film that is more interested in entertaining than being realistic. Final Word: Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is a quintessential David Dhawan entertainer that embraces confusion, comedy and chaos with complete conviction. Powered by Varun Dhawan's infectious energy, solid support from Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, the film delivers a thoroughly enjoyable big-screen experience. If you're looking for logic, this may not be your destination. If you're looking for laughter, fun and a dose of classic Bollywood masala, this film delivers in abundance."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aiKZMAeQX7-eW1yO_HaiJawaniTohIshqHonaHai.jpg?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-06-05T03:39:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-hai-jawani-toh-ishq-hona-hai"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Peddi'"},"content":{"text":"Buchi Babu grabbed everyone's attention with his debut film, 'Uppena'. Having grossed over 100 crores with his very first movie, he caught the eye of several star heroes. Even NTR expressed interest in working with him. A project with NTR was confirmed; however, for various reasons, it never materialized.  Buchi Babu subsequently spent the last two years collaborating closely with Ram Charan to bring this film to life. Given the massive hype surrounding it, let's see how the movie actually turned out in this review. Story: The story of 'Peddi' revolves around the journey of a 'sports laborer'—a man named Peddi (Ram Charan)—who is driven by an unwavering determination to showcase the existence of his village to the world. Hailing from a village that doesn't even have a name, Peddi earns his livelihood as a sports laborer. While he has built a good reputation as a cricketer, he eventually comes to believe that true recognition for his village can be achieved not through cricket, but through wrestling. However, recognition for the village does not come through wrestling either. So, how did the entire world eventually come to talk about this nameless village—exactly as 'Peddi' had wished? What daring feat did 'Peddi' undertake to make that happen? That forms the crux of the story.  Performances: Ram Charan’s performance is magnificent. Throughout the entire first half of the film, he captivates the audience in his role as a cricketer. He appears to execute spectacular shots, just like a professional cricketer would; indeed, one feels as though they are watching a genuine cricketer in Ram Charan. It is often said that Ram Charan naturally excels in emotional scenes, and there is absolutely no doubt that he truly lived the emotional moments leading up to the interval and during the film's climax. Furthermore, he elevated the musical numbers to extraordinary heights through his dancing—going above and beyond what was expected. Ram Charan showcases his absolute best dancing skills in this movie. He also impresses equally in both the action sequences and the sports-centric scenes. As for the female lead, Janhvi Kapoor—while she is credited as the heroine, she has very little scope to perform and is not an integral part of the core narrative. Moreover, her screen presence is shockingly brief. Janhvi Kapoor practically disappears entirely during the second half of the film. However, it must be noted that she did manage to grab some attention in the first half by flaunting her physique.  Jagapathi Babu, who appears in the first half, delivers a captivating performance in his emotional scenes. Meanwhile, Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar impresses in his role as a wrestling mentor; his mere look alone wins over half the audience, and his acting prowess requires no special mention. Finally, it must be stated that none of the other supporting characters were given any significant prominence. Technical: The film's music has been a prominent topic of discussion right from the very beginning. Director Buchi Babu made a deliberate and specific choice to enlist A.R. Rahman as the music director for the film. Consequently, everyone anticipated that 'Peddi' would capture the audience's attention primarily through its musical elements. True to expectations, the songs proved to be a resounding success. Furthermore, the background score was equally impressive; with the exception of one or two isolated moments, Rahman's background music was captivating throughout the rest of the film. The cinematography also earns high marks. A commendable effort was made to authentically depict the atmosphere and conditions of the 1990s era. The camera work was particularly effective in a few sequences—most notably during the sports scenes. The first half of the film felt somewhat dragged out, suggesting that the editing could have been tighter. The production values, however, were excellent. Director Buchi Babu selected a compelling core concept; yet, it felt as though he was unable to craft a screenplay that did full justice to that premise. Some of the dialogues were well-written. Analysis: Buchi Babu has garnered a strong reputation as a director who managed to achieve a ₹100-crore box office collection with his very first film. Moreover, since the outset, there has been considerable buzz suggesting that he is in no way inferior to his mentor, Sukumar. Reports have surfaced claiming that this particular story—which was originally penned with NTR in mind—was ultimately filmed with Ram Charan. Leaving aside the veracity of those reports, it appears that Ram Charan gave his approval to the project based solely on the strength of the story's core premise. However, watching the film makes it evident that a compelling premise alone is not sufficient to carry an entire movie. The narrative centers on the protagonist participating in three distinct sports to showcase the existence and identity of his hometown to the world. Given this premise, it was imperative that the portrayal of these specific sports be significantly elevated and given greater prominence within the film. Apart from cricket, no other sport was given significant prominence.  The first half dragged on in a boring manner. The second half was somewhat passable, barring a few emotional scenes. It must be said that Director Buchi Babu failed to effectively showcase the sports elements—which are absolutely crucial to the screenplay. With the exception of a few sequences, the majority of the film feels tedious. However, there is no doubt that this serves as a delightful treat for Ram Charan's fans. Viewed from a fan's perspective, the film earns high marks; yet, it must be acknowledged that for a regular moviegoer, it may not quite hit the mark. Plus Points: Ram Charan A few sports sequences The songs Minus Points: The slow pacing of the first half The screenplay The heroine's role The lack of prominence given to the villains Conclusion... The 'Peddi' games are boring. Banners: Vriddhi Cinemas, Mythri Movie Makers Producers: Venkata Satish Kilaru, Ishan Saxena Direction: Buchi Babu Music: A.R. Rahman Cast: Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, Divyendu, Boman Irani, Upendra, Satya, Chammak Chandra, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aiCF9AeQX7-eWrDe_peddi.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-03T19:52:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-peddi"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: Made in India – A Titan Story"},"content":{"text":"Rarely does a series manage to be both inspiring and cinematically gripping—but Made in India – A Titan Story achieves exactly that, and does it with remarkable finesse. The Story: Where Vision Meets Legacy   At its core, the series is a tribute to belief—the kind that builds institutions. It traces the journey of Xerxes Desai, a man driven by vision, and the unwavering faith J.R.D. Tata placed in him. What unfolds is not just the story of Titan Watches, but of an idea that refused to stay small. It is about ambition, risk, and the quiet power of trust that turns dreams into legacy. Performances That Stay With You   Jim Sarbh delivers one of his most layered performances to date. His portrayal of Xerxes Desai is controlled yet deeply emotional, capturing the vulnerability and determination of a man chasing something bigger than himself. Naseeruddin Shah, as J.R.D. Tata, is understated brilliance. Even with limited screen time, his presence defines the emotional spine of the series—commanding, graceful, and quietly powerful. The ensemble cast adds richness to the narrative. Each character feels lived-in and purposeful—whether it’s Namita Dubey’s sincerity, Lakshveer Saran’s emotional weight, or Kaveri Seth’s authenticity. Supporting performances from Vaibhav Tatwawadi, Paresh Ganatra, Ashwath Bhatt, Viraf Patel, Joy Sengupta, and Prateeksha Lonkar create a world that feels real and immersive. Craft, Scale, and Storytelling :  Director Robbie Grewal handles the material with precision and maturity, allowing the story to breathe while maintaining a steady narrative grip. The storytelling never feels rushed, yet never loses momentum. The writing by Karan Vyas is sharp and confident, with dialogues that feel organic yet impactful. Visually, the show carries a cinematic scale—elegant production design, carefully chosen locations, and a background score that subtly amplifies the emotional beats. The integration of classic music adds texture without overwhelming the narrative. Final Word: Backing a story like this requires both courage and conviction, and Almighty Motion Picture deserves credit for bringing it to life. Co-produced with T-Series Films, Made in India – A Titan Story is not just a series—it’s an experience that fills you with immense pride for India and reminds you of the power of vision, perseverance, and nation-building. Patriotism naturally seeps in as the story unfolds. It’s one of a kind story that inspires, engages, and stays with you long after it ends."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ah_UIAeQX7-eWo7C_madeinindia.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-06-03T05:14:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-made-in-india--a-titan-story"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Drishyam 3'"},"content":{"text":"This film serves as a sequel to 'Drishyam 1' (released in 2013) and 'Drishyam 2' (released in 2021). With the 'Drishyam' franchise, Jeethu Joseph garnered a nationwide fan base. Consequently, whenever a new 'Drishyam 3' installment is announced, it immediately sparks immense curiosity among audiences.  Venkatesh had previously remade the first two 'Drishyam' films, bringing them to the Telugu audience. However, for this third installment, Mohanlal himself has presented the film directly to the Telugu audience today. Despite being a dubbed film, the expectations and interest among the Telugu audience are exceptionally high. Let's see in this review whether the film lives up to those expectations. Story: George (Mohanlal) produces a feature film titled 'Drishyam', based on the actual events that unfolded in his own life. The movie receives a positive reception and garners massive box-office collections. Meanwhile, discussions regarding Varun's murder resurface once again. As the topic of Varun's murder gains traction on social media, George begins looking for suitable alliances to arrange the marriage of his eldest daughter, Anu.  In this sequence of events, Varun's father, Prabhakar (Siddique), devises a plan to reopen the Varun murder case and execute an arrest precisely on the day of Anu's wedding. However, George cleverly manages to evade capture. Nevertheless, George and his family members find themselves in deep trouble due to another plan orchestrated by Prabhakar.  What are these troubles? And how does George manage to protect his family from them? That forms the crux of the film's story. Performances: Just as he impressed audiences with his nuanced and understated acting in the first two installments, Mohanlal once again delivers a captivating performance in this film as a responsible and devoted father. In particular, the anguish he portrays in certain scenes makes him feel truly like a real-life father. There is absolutely no doubt that Mohanlal has delivered a stellar performance as an average father who constantly worries about the future of his two daughters—never going overboard, yet never holding back. There isn't much to say regarding Meena's role, as she was given very little scope to showcase her acting prowess. However, she was impressive in terms of her appearance in the role of a mother, and she performed aptly in accordance with the demands of a character who is a mother to two children. The actresses who played George's daughters were also impressive; their characters have been a continuous presence since the very first installment. Much like in the first two films, their acting and on-screen presence were captivating in this installment as well. However, it must be noted that in this particular film, their screen time and scope for acting were significantly limited. As for the actors playing the supporting roles, their performances were decent and adequate for their respective characters.  Technical: Music director Anil Johnson does not appear to have put in much effort. He relied heavily on the background score used in the first installment. During suspense sequences, the music felt formulaic and uninspired; it should have been composed in a manner that heightened the intrigue.  There are significant flaws in the editing; specifically, many scenes in the first half felt dragged out. Despite the first half being relatively short in duration, it still came across as boring. It appears that director Jeethu Joseph focused more on the protagonist's character and on maintaining the suspense than on the narrative itself this time around.  The production values, as always, remained modest and aligned with the requirements of the story. Analysis: For audiences who have previously watched both installments of the 'Drushyam' franchise in Telugu, watching the dubbed version this time around might feel somewhat unfamiliar. In other words, viewers accustomed to seeing Venkatesh and the other actors in those roles across the first two films may feel slightly disoriented upon seeing Mohanlal and the Malayalam cast. Many scenes also retain a distinct \"Malayalam flavor,\" placing the film quite far removed from a typical Telugu cultural context.  Consequently, it may not be particularly easy for Telugu audiences to fully connect with the story. Nevertheless, for those who enjoyed the previous two installments of the 'Drushyam' franchise, this film is worth a one-time watch. The first half unfolded very slowly and failed to effectively draw the audience into the narrative. Conversely, the second half felt rushed, as if hurrying to reach the climax. Some of the suspense sequences felt forced and shoehorned into the plot.  However, one or two of the twists introduced within the story were engaging. However, on the whole, it must be admitted that the film failed to captivate audiences in the way its predecessors did. Towards the end, a hint was dropped suggesting the possibility of a 'Drishyam 4'. It remains to be seen when that installment will arrive and what form it will take. Plus Points: Mohanlal's performance, The twists in the plot, The main storyline. Minus Points: Slow-paced screenplay in the first half, Editing, Lack of prominence given to characters other than George. Conclusion: This Malayalam 'Drishyam' sequel feels somewhat forced Banner: Aashirvad Cinemas Producer: Antony Perumbavoor Direction: Jeethu Joseph Music: Anil Johnson Cast: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Asha Sharath, Shanthi Mayadevi, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ag7UpaYofJOwHelj_Drushyam3.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-21T09:20:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-drishyam-3"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Aakhri Sawal'"},"content":{"text":"There are films that entertain, there are films that provoke, and then there are films like Aakhri Sawal that arrive like a storm and force an entire nation to confront the questions it has avoided for decades. Directed by Abhijeet Mohan Warang and Produced by Nikhil Nanda, this hard-hitting political drama is not designed to comfort the audience. It is designed to challenge them, disturb them, and leave them thinking long after the credits roll. At a time when mainstream cinema often plays safe, Aakhri Sawal chooses courage. The film openly touches upon some of the nation’s most controversial and emotionally charged subjects — from the demolition of the Babri Masjid to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi — and raises questions that generations have debated but never fully answered. What makes the film even more shocking is the unapologetic honesty with which these conversations are presented. The narrative dares to ask whether organizations like the RSS had deeper involvement in these historic events, and the way the film lays out its perspective and facts leaves the audience stunned. There are moments where the sheer boldness of the writing genuinely makes your jaw drop. Sanjay Dutt delivers what can easily be called one of the most intense performances of his career. This is not the larger-than-life Sanjay Dutt audiences are used to seeing. This is a restrained, wounded, fearless performer carrying the weight of history, anger, and truth in his eyes. Every dialogue lands with impact, and every silent moment speaks even louder. His performance elevates the film from being just politically relevant to emotionally unforgettable. The biggest surprise package, however, is Namashi Chakraborty. He emerges as the soul of the film and proves that he is far more than what audiences expected. His sincerity, emotional depth, and screen presence add an unpredictable energy to the narrative. Several scenes involving him leave a lasting impact and showcase an actor ready for much bigger recognition. One of the strongest aspects of Aakhri Sawal is its newsroom debate sequences. These portions are written with remarkable intensity and intelligence, constantly keeping the audience intrigued. The confrontations feel raw and real, almost like watching a nation argue with itself on screen. Some sequences are so emotionally charged and haunting that they genuinely stir your soul. Visually, the film maintains tension throughout. Every frame carries weight and purpose, ensuring that the audience remains invested till the very end. The storytelling never loses grip despite dealing with layered political and historical themes. Instead of becoming preachy, the film remains emotionally engaging and deeply human. The supporting cast including Amit Sadh, Sameera Reddy, Neetu Chandra and Tridha Choudhury deliver some of their most impactful performances ever, adding further strength to the film’s emotionally heavy narrative. Producer Nikhil Nanda deserves appreciation for backing a subject this fearless and uncompromising. Aakhri Sawal does not feel like just another film. It feels like a conversation India was never prepared to have openly. Bold, unsettling, emotional, and brutally honest, the film succeeds in doing what very few political dramas achieve it makes the audience uncomfortable while also keeping them completely engaged. This is courageous cinema in its purest form."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/agbLRqYofJOwHQ43_aakhrisawal.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-15T06:29:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-aakhri-sawal"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: Daadi Ki Shaadi"},"content":{"text":"The film revolves around Kapil, who is navigating an arranged marriage setup when he meets Sadia Khateeb, his prospective match. Just when things begin to settle into a traditional roka, the situation takes an unexpected turn, Sadia’s daadi announces her own decision to get married, completely shifting the emotional and social dynamics of the family. The story moves to Shimla, where the daadi (Neetu Kapoor) lives alone. Her two sons and daughter rush to Shimla after reading online about her decision to remarry at this age, especially as her phone is switched off, leaving them worried and unable to reach her. Caught in the middle of this chaos is Kapil, who is deeply in love with Sadia Khateeb. Even after his own roka is called off under the belief that his union cannot continue if the daadi is remarrying, he chooses to stay connected to Sadia. He eventually joins the family’s chaotic mission, though with a very different intent: to stop the daadi’s wedding and salvage his own love story in the process. What unfolds is a mix of emotional clashes, comedic misunderstandings, and generational conflict, eventually building towards a surprisingly heartfelt resolution that touches upon family, acceptance, and letting go. Performances: Neetu Kapoor is the undeniable anchor of the film, delivering a graceful yet fearless performance as the daadi. She brings warmth, dignity, and emotional unpredictability, making her character both endearing and impactful. Kapil Sharma balances humour and emotion with ease. His performance feels natural, especially as his character transitions from a hopeful groom to someone emotionally entangled in a much larger family conflict. Sadia Khateeb lends quiet strength to her role, portraying confusion, affection, and emotional restraint with sincerity. She remains the emotional bridge between the chaotic family dynamics. The supporting cast, playing the daadi’s children, effectively drives the central conflict, bringing in frustration, humour, and generational resistance that fuels the narrative. Direction and Writing: The film stands out for its emotional clarity and grounded storytelling, leaning into relatable family dynamics and human reactions. The writing is on point and effective, allowing situations to unfold naturally rather than forcefully. Ashish R Mohan’s direction is confident and patient, often letting silence, reactions, and awkward family exchanges carry as much weight as dialogue. This gives the film its authenticity and emotional depth. Music and Visuals: The music complements the narrative without overwhelming it, subtly enhancing emotional and light-hearted moments. Visually, the film maintains a warm, accessible tone, making the world feel familiar and lived-in. Verdict: A heartfelt, well-crafted family entertainer that blends generational conflict, humour, and emotion into a cohesive experience. It works because of its sincerity and its ability to find humour within emotional chaos. Final Word: Warm, chaotic, and deeply human, this is family cinema done right."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/af2G8qYofJOwG-KX_KapilDaadiKiShaadi.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C874%2C431&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-05-08T05:59:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"daadi-ki-shaadi-movie-review"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Raja Shivaji'"},"content":{"text":"Riteish Deshmukh returns to direction with Raja Shivaji, and the ambition here is immediately evident. Taking on the roles of actor, writer, and director, he reshapes the familiar historical biopic into something more reflective and immersive. Told through a chapter-based narrative in a bilingual format, the film unfolds less like a conventional drama and more like a carefully written manuscript, measured, deliberate, and emotionally layered. What stands out most is the film’s clear intent: this is not a story of war, but of a warrior. There are no overwhelming, large-scale battle sequences designed purely for spectacle. Instead, the narrative chooses to focus on the making of Shivaji Maharaj, his thoughts, his influences, and the journey that shaped him into a leader. This approach gives the film a quieter strength, allowing it to connect on a more personal level. A significant portion of the film is devoted to Shivaji’s early years and coming-of-age. It thoughtfully explores the lesser-known aspects of his upbringing, placing strong emphasis on the role of his mother, Jijabai. Her presence becomes the emotional anchor of the story, illustrating how values, vision, and resilience were instilled in him long before he became a legendary figure. The focus on family and formative relationships adds richness, making his evolution feel deeply human rather than mythic. At the center, Riteish Deshmukh delivers a restrained and composed performance. His portrayal avoids excessive grandeur, instead leaning into stillness and quiet intensity. As a filmmaker, he shows notable control allowing moments to breathe and trusting the material rather than overdramatizing it. Genelia Deshmukh’s involvement is felt in the film’s emotional texture. There’s a softness in how relationships are handled, a sensitivity that balances the larger historical canvas. This is especially evident in the film’s quieter passages, where personal moments are given as much importance as political developments. Young Rahyl Deshmukh brings a natural charm to the role of the young Shivaji, capturing innocence and curiosity in a way that makes the early chapters particularly engaging and heartfelt. Among the supporting cast, Vidya Balan as Badi Begam leaves a strong impression with a performance marked by subtlety and intelligence. She brings both emotional depth and political nuance without resorting to overt dramatics. Sanjay Dutt’s Afzal Khan is equally compelling - his portrayal carries an underlying tension, defined by cunning, cruelty, and a quiet, looming menace that makes him deeply unsettling.   Fardeen Khan’s Shah Jahan is defined by restraint. Much of his presence is built around observation and waiting particularly in moments linked to the completion of the Taj Mahal giving the character a composed, watchful quality rather than overt authority. Abhishek Bachchan, as Sambhaji, delivers one of the film’s more emotionally layered performances, reflecting the burden of legacy with quiet internal conflict. A brief but impactful cameo by Salman Khan as Jiva Mahala adds emotional weight. The moment resonates not because of scale, but because of the personal loyalty it represents. The supporting ensemble including Bhagyashree as Jijabai, Sachin Khedekar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Boman Irani, Jitendra Joshi, and Amole Gupte ensures that the world feels complete and intentional. Each character contributes meaningfully to the narrative’s emotional and political fabric. Visually, Santosh Sivan’s cinematography lends the film a grounded grandeur. The landscapes feel authentic, and even the action is staged with clarity rather than chaos. Ajay–Atul’s music further elevates the experience, maintaining an emotional rhythm that complements the storytelling without overwhelming it. The blend of Marathi and Hindi elements adds cultural authenticity. Backed by Jio Studios and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under Mumbai Film Company, the film maintains a fine balance between scale and discipline. Its ambition is evident, but it never loses control of its narrative focus. While Raja Shivaji is designed as a Pan-India film, it carries a special resonance for audiences in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Releasing around Maharashtra Day, it feels like more than just a cinematic event, it comes across as a heartfelt cultural tribute.  More than a tale of war, it stands as a lesson in leadership, resilience, and pride, one that deserves to be known and felt by every Indian. Director: Riteish Deshmukh,   Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amole Gupte, Genelia Deshmukh and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/afRcDsBOoF08xh7T_rajashivaji.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-05-01T06:54:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-raja-shivaji"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Decoit'"},"content":{"text":"Known for consistently choosing unique scripts and achieving back-to-back successes in his career, Adivi Sesh took a brief hiatus before making this film. Initially, Shruti Haasan was selected as the female lead; however, she stepped down due to various reasons. Subsequently, Mrunal Thakur was cast as the heroine. With Mrunal's inclusion, expectations surrounding the film soared even higher. Let's see in this review to what extent the film managed to live up to those expectations. Story:  Haridas (Adivi Sesh) and Saraswathi (Mrunal Thakur)—a couple who fell in love and got married—end up separating amidst a series of unexpected circumstances. Haridas lands in prison in connection with a murder case. It is due to Saraswathi that Haridas finds himself incarcerated for the murder. Consequently, he resolves to exact revenge upon her. After escaping from prison, Haridas hatches a plan to flee to Dubai.To facilitate this, he requires a certain amount of money. In the process of trying to acquire those funds, he crosses paths with Saraswathi—only to discover that she has since remarried.  While her husband suffers from a severe illness, Saraswathi faces immense hardships while raising their child. At this critical juncture, what steps does Haridas—who is intent on exacting revenge upon Saraswathi—take? Furthermore, why did Haridas and Saraswathi—who had fallen deeply in love and married—eventually part ways? And how did Haridas become entangled in a murder case? To uncover the answers to these questions, one must watch the film. Performances: It is a well-known fact that Adivi Sesh has repeatedly proven his mettle as an actor. Once again, he has impressed audiences with his performance. Rather than merely acting in the role of Haridas, one could say he truly lived the character; such was the caliber of Adivi Sesh's performance. He earns high praise, particularly for his work in several emotional and action sequences. He also captivated viewers with a look that perfectly suited the demands of the role. Additionally, Adivi Sesh impressed with his acting in the romantic scenes. Overall, although his character in this film is quite distinct from his previous roles, he adapted to it seamlessly and delivered a compelling performance. Mrunal Thakur’s character holds immense significance within the film's narrative. However, in terms of the screenplay, her role did not receive as much prominence as it deserved. It must be noted that there were no specific scenes that truly challenged her to deliver a tour-de-force performance. Mrunal’s acting in the romantic scenes was engaging, while her performance in some of the emotional sequences was merely passable.  Atul Kulkarni did complete justice to his role. As for Anurag Kashyap, he made a strong impression within the limited screen time he was allotted; however, his character certainly warranted greater prominence. The actors who played the supporting roles delivered decent performances. Technical: Director Shaniel Deo chose a unique premise for the story. However, it must be said that he failed to flesh it out into a cohesive narrative. He drove the plot forward using routine sequences; in particular, several scenes felt like rehashes of moments seen in countless other films. There is nothing particularly noteworthy to mention regarding the screenplay either.  As for the music provided by Bheems, there is little to discuss; only one song felt somewhat passable. Bheems failed to impress even with the background score. Although it felt adequate in a scene or two, the music ultimately proved to be a detriment to the film as a whole.  The cinematography was good in certain sequences—specifically, some shots effectively conveyed the sense of being transported back in time. The production values ​​were commendable. Analysis: Compared to Adivi Sesh's previous films, this movie stands out as a distinctly different kind of project. However, the outcome of this film implicitly suggests that if Adivi Sesh were to attempt a movie within a conventional, formulaic format, his dedicated fan base would likely reject it.  The director steered the film using a stereotypical story and narrative structure. Despite Adivi Sesh's undeniable talent, the lack of a strong grip on the screenplay rendered the entire effort futile—much like pouring precious perfume into the ashes. Rumors had already surfaced during the filming stage regarding creative differences over certain scenes.  It appears that, this time around, Adivi Sesh's judgment may have faltered. Mrunal Thakur did justice to her role; however, she should have been given a bit more prominence. The director ought to have exercised greater care regarding the screenplay. Plus Points: Adivi Sesh Cinematography Anurag Kashyap Minus Points: The Heroine's Role Music Story and Screenplay In Conclusion: A story and screenplay that fail to impress. Banner: Annapurna Studios, SS Creations Direction: Shaniyel Deo Producers: Supriya Yarlagadda, Sunil Narang Music: Bheems Ceciroleo Cast: Adivi Sesh, Mrunal Thakur, Atul Kulkarni, Vaibhav, Anurag Kashyap, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adjfdp1ZCF7ETENe_dacoit.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-10T06:31:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-decoit"}},{"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"}}]}},"pageContext":{"isCreatedByStatefulCreatePages":true}}