{"data":{"all":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","two"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Rashmika's 30 birthday was all about revising her roots"},"content":{"text":"Actress Rashmika Mandanna celebrated her 30th birthday on April 5 with husband Vijay Deverakonda and her family members.  Making her first birthday after marriage even more special, Rashmika and Vijay decided to visit the hometown of the 'Pushpa' actress, Coorg. Reliving some fond memories from her childhood, Rashmika offered prayers at the temple she had grown up visiting, and even saw her school from outside. The 'Animal' actress further used the opportunity to meet the family members who were unable to attend the wedding festivities in Udaipur. She reconnected with her school friends, who have been an integral part of her journey. Sharing a couple of photographs from her birthday celebration on her social media handle, Rashmika wrote, \"My 30th birthday was kinda different this time. Went back home after a while. Went to the temple I’ve grown up going to.. Went to my school and saw it from outside (because of time constraints ) and revisited childhood for a quick bit.. Cut the cake amongst the people who are the reason for my being today to the people who are going to be my forever.  Met my families who couldn’t be there in the wedding in a small dinner gathering.. the people who’ve blessed me from the day I was born till today My girls from school who have been a part of my everything till today to my friends who are more like my family today than my friends (sic).\" Expressing her gratitude for a blessed birthday, Rashmika concluded the post with, \" I feel like everything in life happens for a good reason and this is the reason! Everything feels worth it!\" For the unaware, after successfully keeping their relationship under wraps for a long time, Rashmika and Vijay finally tied the knot on February 26 in a traditional ceremony in Udaipur."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adfeZJ1ZCF7ETC6z_ravi.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C268%2C449%2C221&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T15:14:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rashmikas-30-birthday-was-all-about-revising-her-roots"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment","featured","four"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Vanga Hits Out at Fraternity Over Dhurandhar 2"},"content":{"text":"Amidst the overwhelming success of \"Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge\", filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has shared his views on the movie through his latest social media post. Calling out the section of the film fraternity who termed \"Dhurandhar\" as \"propaganda\", the 'Animal' maker penned on his official X (Previously known as Twitter) handle, \"Writers & actors built careers on propaganda, and the industry stayed quiet like cats. Now the same clan mock Dhurandhar. You don’t get to call yourself liberal if your first instinct is to Mock. Don’t know when truth started getting labeled as propaganda...... strange times. (sic)\" Sandeep Reddy Vanga also had some serious advice for filmmaker Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh on how to deal with haters. \"COMING TO THE POINT..... I want to tell @AdityaDharFilms & @RanveerOfficial yeh kaala drishti aise nahi jaayega... Muthi bhar ke laal mirch se kaam nahi chalega.... poora khet jalana padega Watched #Dhurandhar2‌TheRevenge last night.... Outstanding film,\" he went on to share. Appreciating the encouraging words of the 'Arjun Reddy' maker, Aditya Dhar reciprocated the love in the comment section, saying, \"Mere Pyaare Sandeep, I genuinely love the way you stand your ground and give it back when it matters. There’s a real honesty and belief in that and it’s something I truly respect. I’ve always looked up to how you back your cinema without any doubt or noise. That kind of conviction reminds all of us to trust our voice and just go for it. Give my love to the Legend Prabhas sir! Big love and all the best for Spirit. Really looking forward to it. And if there’s ever anything I can do, I’d genuinely love to help a brother. Thanks. again! (sic)\" In the meantime, Sandeep Reddy Vanga is presently busy with his much-talked-about next \"Spirit\", with Prabhas as the lead."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aDXnUidWJ-7kSl43_vanga.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T14:05:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"vanga-hits-out-at-fraternity-over-dhurandhar-2"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics","featured","three"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"KTR invites Jeevan Reddy to join BRS "},"content":{"text":"Bharat Rashtra Samithi working president K.T. Rama Rao on Thursday invited former minister Jeevan Reddy to join BRS.  Jeevan Reddy recently resigned from the Congress party. Rama Rao visited the residence of senior leader Jeevan Reddy in Jagtial to invite him to join the BRS on behalf of party president K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR). Several party leaders and public representatives accompanied him during the visit. Speaking to the media, KTR stated that Jeevan Reddy responded positively to the invitation. He said that Jeevan Reddy acknowledged his long-standing personal association with KCR and expressed happiness over the visit, adding that he would meet KCR soon and announce his decision within a couple of days. KTR emphasised that for farmers and the poor in the state to regain stability and happiness, KCR must return as Chief Minister. He said experienced leaders like Jeevan Reddy are essential for rebuilding Telangana’s growth trajectory. Highlighting Jeevan Reddy’s political journey, KTR noted that he has served the Congress party for over four decades with commitment. He also recalled that KCR had invited him to join BRS even before the 2014 elections, but he continued in Congress at the time due to his loyalty to the party. KTR elaborated on the long-standing personal bond between KCR and Jeevan Reddy, built over four decades of mutual respect. He recalled that during KCR’s first official tour of Karimnagar district as Chief Minister in 2014, development works requested by Jeevan Reddy, despite being in the opposition, were immediately sanctioned—reflecting statesmanship beyond party lines. He also highlighted Jeevan Reddy’s strong advocacy for farmers in the Assembly and his consistent fight on issues like Nizam Sugars. KTR recalled that KCR had even offered to support the revival of the sugar factory under a cooperative model, inspired by Maharashtra, with financial backing and leadership responsibility to Jeevan Reddy if he wished. KTR thanked the Jagtial district leadership for proactively supporting the initiative and inviting Jeevan Reddy into the party fold. He appreciated their commitment to strengthening the party and working towards bringing BRS back to power, stating that Jeevan Reddy’s entry would significantly strengthen the party. KTR launched a strong attack on the Congress government, stating that over the past two and a half years, it has failed in governance and is resorting to diversionary politics to hide its inefficiencies. He alleged that the government defaulted on the Rythu Bandhu scheme three times, accumulating dues of Rs 27,000 crore to farmers, while misleading them in the name of loan waivers. He said this has led to widespread anger among farmers. KTR strongly condemned the remarks made by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, stating that such comments were inappropriate and unbecoming of a person holding the highest office in the state. He accused the Chief Minister of using language that insults the dignity of women and goes against Telangana’s cultural values. He further accused the government of betraying youth by failing to deliver on its promise of providing two lakh jobs, leading to frustration and anger among unemployed youth. KTR said none of the six guarantees promised by the Congress party has been fully implemented and accused the leadership of deceiving the public after claiming full awareness of the state’s financial position before elections. He also stated that dissatisfaction is growing within the Congress party itself, with even party workers expressing a desire for BRS to return to power. He accused Congress leadership of insulting its own senior leaders and undermining their self-respect. Jeevan Reddy expressed gratitude to KTR for visiting his residence and inviting him into BRS on KCR’s behalf. He said resigning from the Congress party was an emotional decision, but expressed happiness at joining BRS. Jeevan Reddy stated that he endured humiliation over the past 20 months with patience and added that, having seen many governments, he believes the present government is moving in a regressive direction. He said his decision was based on public opinion and expressed happiness at the opportunity to work under KCR’s leadership."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adfBQp1ZCF7ETCly_ktrjeevan.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T13:35:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"ktr-invites-jeevan-reddy-to-join-brs"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Is Anil Kapoor back with new season of 24?"},"content":{"text":"Actor Anil Kapoor's latest social media post has piqued the interest of the movie buffs. The 'Animal' actor has shared a warning for the OTT platform Jio Hotstar.  He took to his official Instagram account and wrote, \"Jio Hotstar, you have 24 hours (sic).\" Taking things a little further, he added the caption, \"Or else I’ll take matters into my own hands (sic).\" While Anil has not mentioned anything clearly, it seems like he is gearing up for the new season of his popular action thriller series, \"24,\" which has already delivered 2 successful seasons. The users are also of the same opinion, which is evident from the comment section. One of the netizens wrote, \"Is 24 coming back after ages.\" Another one penned, \"Is 24hrs coming back? Excited...if it's true, loved that show tbh\". \"One of my fav series before OTTs,\" read the third comment. A cybercitizen commented, \"24 show aa raha h...what a marketing\". Based on the American series of the same name, the first season of \"24\" aired from 4 October 2013 till 21 December 2013, with season 2 reaching the audience between 23 July 2016 and 9 October 2016. Now, after a decade, the makers are likely to be back with the third season of the beloved drama. Penned by Rensil D'Silva and Bhavani Iyer, the show has been created by Joel Surnow, along with Robert Cochran. Backed by Ramesh Deo Productions and 20th Century Fox Television, both seasons enjoy a stellar cast with Neil Bhoopalam, Raaghav Chanana, Anita Raj, Tisca Chopra, Mandira Bedi, Madhurima Tuli, Yuri Suri, Pooja Ruparel, Shivani Tanksale, Adhir Bhatt, Ajinkya Deo, Sapna Pabbi, Akshay Ajit Singh, Rahul Singh, Priyansh Jora, Sakshi Tanwar, Angad Bedi, Sikander Kher, Karanvir Sharma, Sudhanshu Pandey, Ashish Vidyarthi, Naveen Polishetty, Amruta Khanvilkar, and Sumit Kaul in significant roles, along with others."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ade_gZ1ZCF7ETCkH_anil.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T13:02:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"is-anil-kapoor-back-with-new-season-of-24"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Robot in Saree Welcomes Voters at Poll Booth"},"content":{"text":"An elector-friendly robot, sporting a saree, welcomed visitors to the polling station for Puducherry Assembly elections on Thursday, said the ECI, while highlighting its tech initiatives for voter convenience and attracting young voters. In a social media statement, the Election Commission of India (ECI) attached a video of the saree-clad robot and said, “Welcome with swag. A robot is welcoming electors at a polling station in #Puducherry!! It’s a day of duty and responsibility, let’s go vote!” In the video, the robot can be seen holding a tray in its hands, with its red eyes searching for approaching visitors and its roller feet keeping it mobile. The ECI’s experiment with the welcome robot in Puducherry came on a day when the Union Territory’s electors cast their votes to pick a new 30-member Assembly. The result will be declared on May 4. The robot-led demonstration of technology by the ECI coincided with an ongoing visit of 43 delegates from 23 countries, including representatives from five Foreign Missions in Delhi, to Puducherry, along with other states, as part of the first phase of the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP), 2026. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Tuesday inaugurated the IEVP 2026, paving the way for foreign delegates to learn from the Assembly elections in five States/UTs. Inaugurating the IEVP at the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), CEC Gyanesh Kumar said that in the second phase, the delegates will visit West Bengal and Tamil Nadu from April 20 onwards. Describing elections in India as festivals of democracy, Gyanesh Kumar called upon the IEVP participants to enjoy their visit to states, learn, see and experience the diversity of India. The delegates were given a demonstration of the EVM at the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), Delhi, and they undertook a mock poll using the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to get a hands-on experience of the voting process, the statement said. The delegates evinced keen interest in the technological interventions and administrative safeguards in the election process in India and had an interactive session with the experts, clarifying their doubts/queries, it said."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ade-c51ZCF7ETCjd_robo.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T11:58:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"robot-in-saree-welcomes-voters-at-poll-booth"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"CBN: Glad Jagan Didn’t Suggest Vatican Too"},"content":{"text":"Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Thursday mocked YSR Congress Party President, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, over his ‘MAVIGUN’ proposal and also took a swipe stating \"good that he didn’t suggest Vatican as the state capital.\"   For the uninitiated, Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy and is the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church. Addressing a public meeting in Bapatla district, the Chief Minister lashed out at the former Chief Minister for mooting ‘MAVIGUN (Machilipatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur) corridor as the state capital. He made it clear that Amaravati will be developed as the only and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh. “Amaravati will not stop even if 1,000 psychos like you try to stop it,” said the Chief Minister. He said 49 parties in the Parliament supported the bill to give statutory recognition to Amaravati as the sole and permanent state capital. He said not just NDA partners but other parties also supported it. Chandrababu Naidu said YSRCP was the only one party to oppose the Bill. “We use to call a leader a psycho but the entire party has become psycho,” he remarked. The Chief Minister said YSRCP was talking about women’s dignity and recalled that the same party insulted Amaravati women and indulged in their character assassination. He said they also abused his wife in the Assembly. “A rowdy batch exhibiting psychotic behaviour, is engaging in perverse arguments. They are attacking a newspaper without any provocation. They have harassed women. This psycho party is in no position to provide an explanation for such behaviour,” he said. Alleging that attempts are being made to destroy the state, he called up on people to unitedly defeat such attempts. “The state has already suffered immense losses due to its bifurcation and the actions of previous rulers. We have just began the process of rebuilding it,” he said. Stating terrorists lurking in forests launch attacks and then flee, he remarked that this individual is no different as he operates from a distance, spreads malicious propaganda, and runs away. “We are prepared to respond to constructive criticism but they are spreading falsehoods by claiming that Rs. 2 lakh crore are being spent on Amaravati. The fact is that Amaravati is self-financed project,” he said. He said the YSRCP keep mentioning Vijayawada, Guntur, and Machilipatnam, apparently unaware that this entire area constitutes the CRDA (Capital Region Development Authority) region. “Out of an aversion to even uttering the name Amaravati, they are attempting to create chaos and cause distress to the public. It would take me mere moments to have individuals of this nature arrested but the law will be allowed to take its own course,” he said. “If individuals intent on creating destruction are allowed to roam free, can the people, particularly the women of this state ever truly feel safe,” he asked. Chandrababu Naidu stated that is in the best interest of the people to simply forget about such parties and individuals."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aXihgAIvOtkhB-hm_cbnysj.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T11:32:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"cbn-glad-jagan-didnt-suggest-vatican-too"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Dhurandhar 2 Struggles After Record Start"},"content":{"text":"In a dramatic turn of events at the box office, Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' has witnessed a notable decline in its earnings, dipping below the Rs 10 crore mark on Day 21 after an unprecedented two-week run. As per preliminary estimates, the film garnered approximately Rs 7.90 crore, with a gross total of around Rs 9.46 crore, marking its lowest daily collection to date. Despite surpassing the Rs 1,000 crore net milestone in India and solidifying its place among the Top 10 Highest-Grossing Films of 2026, the trajectory of its success seems to have hit a plateau, raising questions about its sustainability amidst a competitive cinematic landscape. 'Dhurandhar 2' entered the box office fray with striking momentum, accumulating a staggering Rs 674.17 crore in its debut week, followed by Rs 263.65 crore in its second week. Now, as it navigates its third week, the total has reached approximately Rs 103.45 crore. However, a stark comparison with its predecessor, 'Dhurandhar,' reveals a concerning trend; the original film's Day 21 earnings soared to Rs 25 crore, and its third-week total was significantly higher at Rs 172 crore. This juxtaposition accentuates the challenges facing the sequel, as it struggles to replicate the blockbuster status of its forerunner. Contextualizing the film's current performance requires an understanding of the broader box office dynamics. 'Dhurandhar 2' has achieved remarkable milestones, including becoming the highest-grossing Indian film in history with a net collection of Rs 1,041.27 crore in India, and a worldwide gross of Rs 1,653.67 crore. This achievement has positioned it at the forefront of the industry, yet it remains shy of surpassing the record set by 'Pushpa 2,' which boasts lifetime collections of Rs 1,234.10 crore net and Rs 1,471.10 crore gross. Additionally, the film's performance in overseas markets has been commendable, earning over Rs 400 crore and solidifying its status as the highest-grossing Indian film outside of India, excluding China. As 'Dhurandhar 2' continues its theatrical journey, it faces increasing pressure from upcoming releases, notably Akshay Kumar's 'Bhoot Bangla,' set to debut on April 16. This impending competition could further complicate its efforts to sustain momentum in a rapidly evolving box office environment. Trade analysts remain skeptical about whether 'Dhurandhar 2' will eclipse the global totals of iconic films such as 'Dangal,' 'Baahubali 2,' and 'Pushpa 2,' as the industry braces for intense rivalries that could reshape the current box office landscape."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aPCqlp5xUNkB2Bd0_ranveersingh.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T10:48:07+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"box-office-power-shift-dhurandhar-2-struggles-after-record-breaking-start-mnrcsrd8"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Sabarimala: Centre Upholds Age-Old Restrictions"},"content":{"text":"In a contentious reaffirmation of traditional practices, the Indian government has publicly endorsed the Sabarimala temple's prohibitions on women of menstruating age, arguing that the 2018 Supreme Court ruling reflects a misguided view of gender superiority. The Centre's position, articulated by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, asserts that the restrictions stem from deeply rooted religious beliefs rather than outright gender discrimination. This stance has reignited a fierce legal and societal debate about the intersection of faith, gender rights, and constitutional freedoms in India. The ongoing discussions are taking place before a nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, which is tasked with examining several petitions challenging discriminatory practices against women in religious sites, including Sabarimala. During recent hearings, Mehta emphasized that public morality, rather than constitutional morality, should dictate religious practices, suggesting a divergence from the high court's previous interpretations. His argument references various instances in Indian religious customs where men, too, face restrictions, thereby framing the Sabarimala case as part of a broader tapestry of complex gender dynamics in religious observances. The historical context of the Sabarimala temple prohibition dates back generations, entrenched in the temple's lore and traditions, which designate it as a space dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and traditionally barred women from entry during their reproductive years. In 2018, a landmark decision by a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court had attempted to dismantle these barriers, declaring the ban unconstitutional. However, the issue was subsequently referred to a larger bench for further deliberation, recognizing the need for a nuanced examination of religious freedoms amid competing claims of gender equality. Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj has also weighed in on the debate, reiterating that the standards of public morality are paramount in religious contexts. The complexity of the issue is further illustrated by the Kottankulangara Sree Devi Temple's annual Chamayavilakku festival, where men don women's attire in homage to the goddess, highlighting the multifaceted nature of gender roles within Indian religious practices. As the Supreme Court grapples with these deep-rooted traditions and modern interpretations of equality, the path forward remains fraught with tension and uncertainty."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aMvlHWGNHVfTPXAg_sabarigold.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T10:48:04+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"sabarimala-controversy-reignites-centre-upholds-age-old-restrictions-on-women-mnrcsox6"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Shruti Haasan channels her inner cook"},"content":{"text":"Aside from being a talented actor and singer, the multifaceted Shruti Haasan also keeps trying her hands at cooking from time to time. Most recently, the 'Saalar' actress once again decided to channel her inner cook and made some yummy Ambur Biryani, along with Kathrika curry. Publishing a photo of her latest culinary triumph on social media, Shruti wrote on her Instagram Stories, \"Homemade ambur Biryani and Kathrika curry...cooking me is back (sic).\" In March, the 'Coolie' actress tried a fun snack recipe on her day off from shoot. For the recipe, Shruti added some dates to the vanilla Greek yoghurt and topped it off with flaky salt and some olive oil. She also disclosed that for her, a day off means reading scripts, while taking doom-scrolling breaks in between. Treating the netizens with the video of making the appetizing snack, Shruti wrote on her Instagram, \"Day off means catching up reading my script whilst taking doom scrolling breaks - saw this snack recipe tried it and I’m so so obsessed (red heart emojis) dates - vanilla Greek yoghurt - flaky salt - olive oil = DELICIOUS.\" Coming to her work commitments, Shruti will next be seen as the leading lady in “Salaar Part 2: Shouryanga Parvam,” co-starring Prabhas. The primary installment in the popular franchise, “Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire,” reached the audience in 2023.  Made under the direction of Prashanth Neel, the film saw Prabhas in the titular role, along with Prithviraj Sukumaran, Jagapathi Babu, Bobby Simha, Sriya Reddy, Ramachandra Raju, John Vijay, Easwari Rao, Tinnu Anand, Devaraj, Brahmaji, and Mime Gopi as the supporting cast. Just like part 1, “Salaar Part 2: Shouryanga Parvam,” is also being helmed by Prashanth Neel and backed under the prestigious banner of Hombale Films."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/3b97f685-1047-4c04-8e05-6f857ed6d7e3_shruthi+Hassan.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T10:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"shruti-haasan-channels-her-inner-cook"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"When women teacher tied to tree in Sangareddy"},"content":{"text":"Five persons were arrested in Telangana's Sangareddy district on Thursday for tying an Anganwadi teacher to a tree over the alleged financial cheating by her husband, police said.  The shocking incident took place in Rasole village in Kangti mandal on Wednesday. Few villagers tied Vasanta Kumari to a tree with a rope and humiliated her as her husband, Prabhakar, had allegedly cheated them in the name of a finance company. Prabhakar had collected money from some villagers in Ramaragidda village under \"HBM Finance\" and fled. Angered over this, some villagers went to Rasole, where Vasanta Kumari was attending duty. They caught hold of the Anganwadi teacher and tied her to a tree. Later, they released her following the intervention of some village elders. Later, Vasanta Kumari lodged a complaint with the police. Taking serious note of the incident, police launched an investigation. Five persons involved in the incident have been identified and arrested. Meanwhile, an MLA in Telangana fell victim to cyber fraudsters. Palla Rajeshwar Reddy, the MLA of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) from Jangaon constituency, lost Rs 1 lakh to the fraudsters. The fraudsters cheated the MLA under the guise of the \"Vikasit Bharat\" scheme. The accused allegedly promised Rs 10 lakh loans upon submission of the eligibility list. They collected Rs 1 lakh as processing fees. Palla Rajeshwar Reddy transferred funds via PhonePe. The MLA grew suspicious when the accused demanded more money. He lodged a complaint with Jubilee Hills Police Station in Hyderabad. Last month, a member of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly lost Rs 12 lakh in an online fraud. Cybercriminals allegedly duped Chirri Balaraju, the MLA from Polavaram. The legislator belonging to the Jana Sena Party (JSP) received a WhatsApp message containing a link in the name of a Road Transport Authority (RTA) challan. The amount was reportedly withdrawn from his bank account after he clicked on the link. On realising that he had fallen victim to cyber fraud, the MLA lodged a complaint with the police. A case was registered at Jeelugumilli Police Station. Police said the investigation is underway to trace the accused and recover the amount."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adeB451ZCF7ETBHE_anganvaaditeacher.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T10:20:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"anganwadi-teacher-tied-to-tree-in-sangareddy"}},{"node":{"tags":["Health"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Alaya takes 150 attempt to get a pose right"},"content":{"text":"Actress Alaya F loves to stay on top of her fitness game. Through her latest social media post, the 'Jawaani Jaaneman' actress shared that she took 150 attempts to get a pose she saw on Instagram right. Posting a clip of herself attempting the post, Alaya revealed that the exercise left her with peeled elbows and nausea. \"Here’s a short glimpse of some of the 150+ attempts, peeled elbows and no stop nausea it took me to successfully do a pose I saw on Instagram (sic)\", she captioned the post. The 'Freddy' actress further stressed that she is not encouraging anyone to push their physical limit beyond the necessary point. Alaya said that it is always crucial to listen to one's body. \"PS: this is not me advocating for pushing your body even when it feels completely done. It’s always super important to listen to your body because everyone is different! so please be rest assured, I know how much to push myself and when to stop but out of all the things my teachers call me, ‘stubborn’ is my favourite Thank you for always making sure than my stubbornness is never at the cost of my safety haha @sunpreet_sing\", she went on to write. Talking about her professional commitments, Alaya will soon be a part of Hrithik Roshan-produced thriller series \"Storm\".  The much-discussed drama will have Parvathy Thiruvothu, Srishti Shrivastava, Rrama Sharma, and Saba Azad playing key characters, along with others. Suvinder Pal Vicky, Ashish Vidyarthi, Rajit Kapur, Ashok Pathak, Gautam Rode, Priyanka Setia, and Ranjan Raj have also been roped in as the ancillary cast. Talking about his next, Hrithik had shared, “What drew me to ‘Storm’ was the compelling world that Ajitpal has created. The story is raw, layered, and powerful, with unforgettable characters which will be essayed by incredibly talented actors.\""},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/add-kZ1ZCF7ETBBJ_aliaf.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T09:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"alaya-takes-150-attempt-to-get-a-pose-right"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Babar Rejects Kohli Comparisons"},"content":{"text":"Babar Azam found himself at the centre of a heated moment off the field after dismissing comparisons with Virat Kohli during a post-match press conference in the Pakistan Super League 2026.  The Peshawar Zalmi skipper, who guided his side to a tense last-ball victory over the Hyderabad Kingsmen, appeared visibly displeased when questioned about his ability to finish games in comparison to Kohli. While Babar contributed a measured 43 off 37 balls in the chase of 146, he was not at the crease at the end, prompting the query. Responding in a seemingly frustrated manner, Babar brushed aside the suggestion and urged the journalist to move on from such debates. \"Finish these things. Keep these things to yourself. End the comparison and move on. It's your misconception that I have not finished matches,” he said. The exchange quickly gained traction, once again highlighting the scrutiny surrounding cross-border comparisons between leading cricketers. Widely regarded as Pakistan’s premier batter, Babar has often been praised for his consistency, though his approach in T20 cricket has drawn criticism, particularly around strike rate and finishing ability."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/909a79af-8d0c-4815-a745-371891127f5e_kohli.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T07:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"babar-rejects-kohli-comparisons"}},{"node":{"tags":["Editorial","featured","one"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"The US Has Picked It's Prefered Broker, Why Cringe?"},"content":{"text":"\"To see what is right and not do it is the worst cowardice”- Confucius, Chinese Philosopher In today’s geopolitical context, one might say: “To see what is right and not to call it so is no “responsible journalism”. While the world celebrates a break from the brink of war, our newsrooms are too busy manufacturing skepticism to acknowledge a simple truth: the guns have stopped firing, regardless of who delivered the message. “Give credit where it’s due, even if it is to your enemy” is the wisdom that seems to be missing from the current Indian media landscape. While the international community welcomes the fragile ceasefire in West Asia, however temporary it may be, India's corporate media and cultural elite are following a much different script. Indian newsrooms are struggling to reconcile their long-standing image of Pakistan as a \"terrorist state\" with its sudden emergence as a \"peace therapist.\" To much of the world, Islamabad has successfully acted as a mediator. However, for Indian TV anchors, Pakistan’s new diplomatic role, backed by China, Turkey, Egypt and the Gulf, is being treated like a \"local subscription\" error, a glitch that the rest of the world accidentally signed up for and forgot to cancel. Even those who view Pakistan as a \"rogue nation\" are not ignoring the harsh truth that whether its role was that of a high-level mediator or simply a \"Dalal\" (messenger), the result provided the world with a much-needed sigh of relief, at least, for now, from a potential global disaster. Rather than acknowledging this contribution, many news anchors, acting more like a \"war council\" than journalists, are working overtime to cast doubt. Instead of reporting the facts of the truce, they are actively pushing panelists to maintain a skeptical and hostile stance toward Pakistan’s involvement in the peace process. By labeling the mediators as mere \"Dalals\" (brokers), they are actively casting doubt on the peace process and appearing to prioritize their own propaganda  over the evolving global reality. The current television narrative reflects a blend of insecurity and strategic worry. There is an evident fear that if this ceasefire leads to lasting peace, Pakistan will parlay its success into a permanent diplomatic stronghold in West Asia, a development that underscores India’s absence from the negotiation table as a major strategic failure. Rather than investigating why the U.S. and Israel chose a China-backed Pakistan to broker the ceasefire, the media is prioritizing a negative narrative against Islamabad. Islamabad was chosen as the primary mediator over other allies due to a mix of geographic necessity, established diplomatic channels, and strong personal ties between key leaders. This choice reflects a practical diplomatic reality: Pakistan fills a specific, functional role that both Washington and Tehran found essential during this crisis. The media's intense focus on discrediting Pakistan appears to be a strategic move to mask India’s own diplomatic absence. Despite its \"Vishwa Guru\" aspirations and claims of global leadership, New Delhi was unable to seize this critical moment to act as a primary peacemaker, leaving it sidelined while its neighbors took the lead. This highlights a critical disconnect between international diplomatic recognition and domestic narrative-building. It is a narrative that tries to frame the successful mediators as illegitimate to counter the perception of India being sidelined in a region where it has deep energy and diaspora interests. The fact that President Trump explicitly credited the \"Pakistan-China axis\" sends a clear signal: Washington and Tehran have already picked their preferred brokers. At this stage, no amount of negative media coverage aimed at Pakistan can change the reality of who is actually sitting at the negotiating table. It’s the irony of the situation: that in the high-stakes game of stopping a global war, the international community appears willing to let a “Rogue Nation” play the role of a holy peacemaker, even if it leaves regional rivals feeling strategically \"out of the loop.\" It is a striking paradox: a nation often labeled \"rogue\" is now positioning itself as the savior preventing a global disaster. Meanwhile, the traditional regional power, which long aspired to be the \"Vishwa Guru\", is left watching from the sidelines, seemingly relying on its media to mask its diplomatic discomfort. Whether the peace talks ultimately lead to a lasting solution or fall apart later is a separate issue entirely. For now, it makes more sense to stop cringing over the \"rogue nation’s\" role, if one cannot bring themselves to appreciate the result, they should at least acknowledge the reality of it."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adeGXJ1ZCF7ETBKc_USPAK.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T07:35:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"the-us-has-picked-its-prefered-broker-why-cringe"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Sonakshi's husband suffers injury"},"content":{"text":"Actor Zaheer Iqbal, husband of actress Sonakshi Sinha, seems to have injured himself during a game of Padel. Zaheer shared a picture of himself on a social media account wherein he was seen having an injury on his head. A small bandage is seen placed above his left eyebrow, indicating an injury. The actor, sharing the picture on his social media account, wrote, “First Padel Injury.” Talking about Zaheer, the actor is in the fitness league and openly shares many videos and photos of himself engrossed in his workout sessions. Apart from being an actor and a fitness freak Zaheer is also a heavy ‘prankster’. The actor is often seen pranking his own wife and actress Sonakshi Sinha. Sonakshi and Zaheer who are touted as one of the most chaotic duos of Bollywood, never miss even a single opportunity to pull pranks on one another. Apart from pulling pranks at each other's expense, Sonakshi and Zaheer also flaunt their romantic side on social media."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adeDyZ1ZCF7ETBIE_zaheeriqbal.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T06:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"zaheer-iqbal-suffers-injury"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Raghav Chadha Cheers Sanjay Dutt"},"content":{"text":"Raghav Chadha hosted Sabhay Dutt at his home. The Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha member heaped praise on the Bollywood star’s latest performance in the blockbuster duology “Dhurandhar” and said that he is always rooting for him.  Raghav took to Instagram, where he shared a string of pictures from Sanjay’s visit to his abode. The politician shared that Sanjay’s the “warmest” person he knows. “Had the pleasure of hosting at my place, some time ago, one of the warmest people I know, Sanjay Dutt,” wrote Raghav, who is married to Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra, in the caption section. Heaping praise on his performance as SP Aslam in the Aditya Dhar’s directorial, which also stars Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Danish Pandor, Gaurav Gera and Sara Arjun. “So good to see all the love coming your way for ‘Dhurandhar’. The aura remains the same, and so does the admiration people have for you through every era. Couldn’t be more deserved. Always rooting for you!”"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/addzZ51ZCF7ETAux_RaghavChada.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C4%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T06:03:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"raghav-chadha-cheers-sanjay-dutt"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Mamta Slams ‘Zero Health Conscious’ Mindset"},"content":{"text":"Actress Mamta Kulkarni has opened up about her perspective on how she feels that Indian families, especially the women in Indian families, do not take care of their health and are absolutely zero health conscious.  In a video shared by her on her own social media account, Mamta also said that the lives of most Indian women revolve around their families and taking care of their husbands and children, which is why they do not focus on their own health, stating that is absolutely wrong. “I have noticed that some Indian families, especially women often do not focus on workouts. They dedicate their lives to their children and husbands, which sometimes leads to poor health. The same applies to men and children,they are often not very health conscious.” The actress also stated that she has seen even men and children in India coming to health clubs but just chit chat and do nothing about their health. Further, she was seen expressing how important it is for each one to take care of their health. Citing example of citizens of other countries, Mamta said that from kids to elders, everybody is very health conscious. From vitamin D to gymming, everybody takes care of their health, which is why they are so well built and fitter than Indians. “Our body needs everything, including vitamin D. People often laugh at foreigners wearing bikinis, but they don’t realise how much vitamin D they are getting. That contributes to better growth and fitness. You will notice that many of them are taller and remain active even in their 80s, running in gyms and staying fit. Even small children are active,they swim, dive, and play.” She also cited her own example and said how she takes care of herself. “I now make it a point to spend time near the sea at least once or twice a week, usually on Saturdays, Sundays, or Mondays. This has been my process for many years, both physically and spiritually. Our body is made up of five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and sky.” She added, “I visit the beach once a week or once in two weeks. What do I do there? I walk barefoot on the sand. It is believed that walking barefoot on the beach can help cure many ailments. When I cannot go to the beach, I visit the health club instead. I go to the pool two to three times a week. I usually go around 2 pm, swim for an hour, and then spend at least another hour or two sunbathing.” She added, “I take sunbaths for two to three hours. I also swim, chat, and spend two to three hours here, sometimes from 1 pm to 5:30 or 6 pm. I also take steam and then, if possible, walk barefoot on the beach. When I was in Dubai, I used to walk barefoot on JBR beach. On Fridays or Saturdays, I would spend time there and walk on the sand for an hour under the sun.” Speaking about the benefits of walking bare feet on sand, Mamta said, “It is believed that the salt in the sand draws out impurities from the body. Some even say that people with paralysis can benefit from this practice if done consistently for a few months.” She concluded, “You should spend time in the sun and in nature to stay healthy. Breathe deeply as I am doing now and meditate. I often meditate while looking at the sun for hours. Come closer to nature, enjoy your food and life, but remember: if you are healthy, you are truly alive. You are your world. Jai Maa Bhavani.”"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Z2PpFZbqstJ98qod_mamatakulkarni.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T06:00:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"mamta-slams-zero-health-conscious-mindset"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Akshay Reveals His School Struggles"},"content":{"text":"In a rare and unfiltered moment, Bollywood superstar and quiz reality show Wheel of Fortune host Akshay Kumar introduced his childhood best friend from his school days who was seated in the live audience. Akshay took a trip down memory lane to his days at school, further revealing that before he was the superstar of Bollywood, he was a backbencher who struggled to clear his exams, and that he had failed thrice in school. While interacting with the contestants, Akshay pointed out his friend Jinesh in the audience, revealing that their bond dates back to kindergarten. The superstar shocked the audience by admitting “Hum log KG se saath mein hain aur KG se 9th grade ke beech mein hum log teen-teen baar fail hue hain”. When Akshay playfully grilled Jinesh on why he kept on failing, his friend had a quick defence to it and responded to the audience by saying “Main aapke saath time spend karta tha, uski wajah se!.” The banter escalated when Akshay revealed Jinesh’s childhood hobby which was to ride his cycle around the town just to catch a glimpse of girls. Not one to take it lying down, Jinesh pointed right at Akshay and asked the audience “Kya lagta hain, main dekhta tha ya yeh.” Akshay has always stated that he is in touch with all of his good friends from his childhood days.  A few years ago on the comedy show The Kapil Sharma Show, Akshay Kumar had invited his friends from the same residential society that he stayed in while growing up. The actor who was raised in Mumbai, is also a martial art professional and also has worked as a chef in Thailand.  The actor returned to Mumbai to fulfill his dream of becoming an actor and over a span of 30 years of efforts, has attained superstardom. "},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Zknelyol0Zci9Q9L_akshayforvote.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T03:15:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"akshay-reveals-his-school-struggles"}},{"node":{"tags":["NRI"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Iran to Prioritize Care for Indian Nationals"},"content":{"text":"Iran's Representative in India, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, expressed his commitment to prioritizing the well-being of Indian citizens. He emphasized that Iran had worked closely with the Indian embassy in Tehran to support students and visitors during heightened conflict. Additionally, Iran and the United States are scheduled to engage in direct talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, aiming to alleviate recent hostilities.  Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court addressed certain tweets by journalist Rana Ayyub, deeming them derogatory, inflammatory, and communal. In response to the recent ceasefire between the United States and Iran, India's Ministry of External Affairs expressed hope for lasting peace in West Asia. The ceasefire announcement led to a significant drop in crude oil prices and a rally in global markets, resulting in a sharp rise in India's equity benchmark indices.  Furthermore, Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, asserted that the United States and Israel's aggressive attack on Iran resulted in a resounding defeat. Telcos are anticipated to face challenges due to rising smartphone prices and the transition of subscribers in the Indian market. Lastly, Israeli Opposition leader described the Iran ceasefire as a political disaster. These developments underscore the significance of international relations and their impact on various sectors."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/1036340e-8ea8-499b-ac83-859efb80353e_NRI.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C20%2C1280%2C631&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-08T17:30:42+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"iranian-representative-in-india-vows-to-prioritize-care-for-indian-nationals-mnqbqmqa"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Deepika Challenges Celebrity Relationship"},"content":{"text":"In a striking move that has reverberated through the corridors of Bollywood, Deepika Padukone has taken a firm stand against the pervasive culture of public validation in celebrity relationships. Her recent commentary, in response to criticism for not publicly celebrating her husband Ranveer Singh's latest film, *Dhurandhar 2*, underscores a growing discontent with the expectation that love and support must be showcased online. As social media continues to dictate the terms of public engagement, Padukone’s decisive rebuttal—'I watched it way before any of you did'—serves as a powerful reminder that private affection should not require the endorsement of public applause. The scrutiny surrounding Padukone's social media silence illuminates a troubling trend within the realm of celebrity culture, where the absence of a post is often misconstrued as a sign of relationship distress. In an age where the emotional lives of stars are meticulously monitored and analyzed, a missing Instagram update has morphed into a barometer for marital health. Fans and industry insiders alike have begun interpreting this digital reticence as a reflection of alleged discord, thereby transforming personal relationships into a spectacle for public consumption. This shift from genuine curiosity to a quasi-judicial assessment of celebrity partnerships raises critical questions about our collective obsession with their online personas. Historically, the relationship between celebrities and their audiences has evolved dramatically. Once, the private lives of stars were largely off-limits, granting them a semblance of autonomy. However, the rise of social media has blurred these boundaries, with fans increasingly demanding insights into the emotional dynamics of their favorite couples. As Padukone’s case illustrates, the expectation for public declarations of loyalty and support has become a new normal, often leading to a toxic environment where silence is misconstrued as scandalous. The implications of this phenomenon extend beyond individual relationships, hinting at a culture that fosters emotional surveillance and breeds insecurity among stars. Padukone’s succinct yet impactful response has ignited a broader dialogue about the societal expectations placed on women in the entertainment industry. While male counterparts often enjoy the luxury of privacy without scrutiny, female stars are frequently subjected to harsh judgment for their perceived failures in public displays of affection. The disparity in how social media behavior is interpreted based on gender reveals an uncomfortable truth: women are expected to perform emotional labor for public consumption. As Padukone boldly asserts her right to define the terms of her relationship, she challenges not only the status quo but also the very framework through which we engage with celebrity culture, urging a reevaluation of our expectations and the narratives we construct around them."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/b902b3d3-f507-4778-abfb-4bec206e7bbe_deepika.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-08T17:30:40+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"deepika-padukone-challenges-celebrity-relationship-norms-with-bold-statement-mnqbqkuh"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Iran's Leadership Crisis: Khamenei  Unconscious!"},"content":{"text":"In a startling development for Iran’s political landscape, Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly appointed Supreme Leader, is reportedly unconscious and receiving urgent medical treatment in Qom. This revelation, first reported by The Times UK, emerged from a diplomatic memo grounded in intelligence assessments shared among the United States, Israel, and their Gulf allies. The memo indicates that Khamenei's condition is severe enough to render him incapable of participating in the regime's decision-making processes, raising significant concerns over the stability of Iran's leadership amidst ongoing regional tensions. The Times has indicated that this disclosure marks the first confirmation of Khamenei's whereabouts, heightening speculation regarding the implications of his health on Iran's future. The reported severity of his condition could destabilize the already precarious governance structure within the Islamic Republic, which has faced significant internal and external pressures. As the leader remains out of sight, Iranian state media continues to circulate messages allegedly from him, potentially undermining the credibility of any communications issued during his incapacitation. This incident unfolds against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly since the onset of conflict in West Asia. Analysts point to the critical state of the Iranian regime, where the elder Khamenei's declining health raises questions about succession and the continuity of policy. The situation is further complicated by the backdrop of U.S. President Trump's recent ultimatum to Iran, demanding a resolution to ongoing conflicts by a specified deadline. Trump's remarks, delivered at the White House, emphasized a sense of urgency, warning that failure to comply could lead to devastating impacts on Iran's infrastructure. Additionally, reports indicate preparations for the elder Khamenei's burial, as concerns about a potential vacuum of power in Iran grow more pronounced. Such a shift in leadership, coupled with Trump's aggressive posture towards Iran, could have far-reaching implications for the region and beyond. The dynamics surrounding this critical juncture are likely to be closely monitored by international observers, as they seek to understand the potential consequences of a weakened Iranian leadership amidst an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adaRyJ1ZCF7ES_OJ_Khamenei.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C51%2C1200%2C592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-08T17:30:37+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"irans-leadership-crisis-deepens-as-mojtaba-khamenei-reportedly-unconscious-mnqbqj2h"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"'Setback to India’s diplomacy'"},"content":{"text":"The Congress on Wednesday welcomed the interim cessation of hostilities in West Asia but launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi government, accusing it of diplomatic missteps that allowed Pakistan to emerge as a key mediator in the US-Iran ceasefire deal.  In a detailed statement issued by its Foreign Affairs Department, the Congress described the temporary ceasefire as \"a vital step towards de-escalation, renewed diplomacy and constructive dialogue\" and hoped it would lead to lasting peace anchored in the United Nations Charter, particularly Articles 2(4) and 2(7), which prohibit the threat or use of force against territorial integrity and bar intervention in domestic matters. The party, however, criticised the Modi government’s approach, stating that its \"missteps, partisan alignment, and cowardly silence\" have compromised India’s energy security, strained relationships in the extended neighbourhood, and weakened India’s standing as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. \"Pakistan playing a role in mediating between the warring parties, despite India being better placed to serve as a credible interlocutor. This not only undermines the sustained efforts of successive Indian governments to diplomatically isolate Pakistan, but also affords Islamabad room to rehabilitate itself on the world stage, and thereby whitewash its track record of fomenting regional instability through support for cross-border terrorism targeting India, Afghanistan, and Iran,\" senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid said, echoing the party’s official statement. The Congress highlighted tangible costs to India, including shortages of cooking gas, fertilisers and essential commodities affecting millions, disruption to diaspora Indians in West Asia, and new strategic vulnerabilities. It alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s \"partisan support for a far-right government on the eve of a war and national elections\" and \"ideological internationalism\" contravened India’s traditional foreign policy consensus. The statement urged the government to take the Opposition into confidence and adopt a unified national approach to restore India’s historic role as a \"principled, proactive, and credible voice for peace and a just international order\". The two-week ceasefire between the US, Israel and Iran was announced recently, with initial talks scheduled in Islamabad — a development that has drawn attention to Pakistan’s mediation efforts amid the recent escalation involving strikes and threats over the Strait of Hormuz. The Congress statement reflects growing political debate in India over the government’s handling of the volatile West Asia situation, which has direct implications for India’s energy imports, expatriate workers, and regional influence."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aaV1QcFoBIGEg-hn_modisilent.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-08T17:27:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"setback-to-indias-diplomacy"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Salman's Tribute to an Unsung Hero"},"content":{"text":"As *Lucky - No Time For Love* celebrates its 21st anniversary, a poignant story has resurfaced, illuminating the compassionate side of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. In an exclusive interview, directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru recounted a touching incident that unfolded while filming in Russia. The narrative revolves around an elderly costume assistant who, despite her advancing years, dedicated herself to ensuring Khan's attire was impeccable, even if it meant scolding him daily for his casual attitude towards his clothing. This unexpected dynamic between star and assistant not only reflects Khan's character but also the often-overlooked stories of those who work behind the scenes in the film industry. Delving into the specifics of the encounter, Rao and Sapru detailed how the elderly woman was relentless in her pursuit of perfection, meticulously brushing off dust from Khan's clothing before each shot. Unfazed by his celebrity status, she maintained a no-nonsense approach, demanding nothing less than the best from the actor. The culmination of this unique relationship occurred on the last day of shooting, when Khan surprised her with a thick envelope filled with money—a gesture that left her in tears. Her astonishment was evident as she expressed disbelief, stating that the sum was enough to sustain her for several years without the need to work. This heartfelt act underscores a deeper narrative about the often unrecognized contributions of countless individuals in the film industry. The anecdote highlights the stark contrast to the public persona often portrayed in the media. Reports and gossip swirl around celebrity antics, yet this story showcases a side of Khan that is rarely highlighted—his capacity for kindness and gratitude. Rao and Sapru lamented the absence of recorded moments of their assistant scolding Khan, noting that her frequent reprimands were a source of amusement for the crew, a testament to the camaraderie that can blossom in the film industry’s demanding environments. While the glamour of Bollywood often captures headlines, it is the unsung heroes like the elderly costume assistant who play crucial roles behind the scenes. Their dedication and hard work are what help bring cinematic visions to life. In recounting this experience, Rao and Sapru remind us that acts of compassion and recognition can transcend the boundaries of fame, creating lasting impressions on those who dedicate their lives to the craft of filmmaking. It is within these stories that the true spirit of the industry emerges, revealing the human connections that thrive beneath the spotlight."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F59ec9cd0-f60e-421e-87b9-af3c9bd12a85_salman+khan.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C1200%2C592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-08T16:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"salman-khans-heartfelt-gesture-a-touching-tribute-to-an-unsung-hero-on-set-mnqbqgyc"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Viral Love: Varun & Mrunal Trend Big"},"content":{"text":"After raising the excitement with the first look of his next \"Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai\" with Pooja Hegde, Varun Dhawan has now treated the movie buffs with another glimpse from the much-awaited romantic comedy, alongside Mrunal Thakur.  In the latest still from the movie dropped by Varun on his official social media handle, he is seen embracing Mrunal from behind, sparking a fiery chemistry between the co-stars. “Lekin jawani mein ishq baar baar hota hain,“ read the caption of the joint post by Varun and Mrunal. Expressing their excitement about the new Bollywood pair, one of the users penned in the comment section, “Can't wait to witness Mrunal and Varun!”. Another one commented, “The chemistry is serving\". \"Good luck @varundvn and @mrunalthakur for this upcoming and exciting movie\", read the third comment. While Mrunal is posing in a short black dress with golden embellishments, Varun accompanies her in a faded brown jacket with complementary trousers. On Tuesday, Varun unveiled the primary look from the movie on social media in which he was seen enjoying a cosy pose with Pooja Hegde on the bank of a river. “Ishq sirf ek baar hota hain!!! #haijawaanitohishqhonahai,” Varun wrote along with the photo. Made under the direction of David Dhawan, \"Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai\" enjoys an ensemble cast with Mouni Roy, Chunky Panday, Maniesh Paul, Jimmy Shergill, Rakesh Bedi, and Ali Asgar in crucial roles, along with others.  For the unaware, the project marks the fourth collaboration between Varun and his father, David Dhawan. Before this, they joined forces for \"Main Tera Hero\" (2014), \"Judwaa 2\" (2017), and \"Coolie No. 1\" (2020).  Backed by Ramesh Taurani under the banner of TIPS, \"Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai\" is expected to reach the cinema halls on 12th June."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adZpHZ1ZCF7ES-gd_Mrunal.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C105%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-08T14:41:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"viral-love-varun--mrunal-trend-big"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Stylish Star @44: Mega Wishes Flood in"},"content":{"text":"As Tollywood heartthrob Allu Arjun celebrated his 44th birthday on Wednesday, many bigwigs from the entertainment industry penned lovely birthday wishes for the 'Stylish Star' on social media. Megastar Chiranjeevi, who also happens to be AA's uncle, shared on his official X (Earlier known as Twitter) handle, \"Happy birthday dear @alluarjun God bless you!\" Pushpa actor's cousin, Ram Charan, penned, \"Happy Birthday Bunny @alluarjun Always wishing the best for you… have a blast and an amazing year ahead!\" Jr NTR also wrote on the micro-blogging site, \"Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Bava @alluarjun. Have a fantastic day today and an even bigger year ahead. Sending you lots of love!\" 'Pushpa' maker Sukumar compiled a lovely wish for Allu Arjun, saying, \"Happy Birthday, my love @alluarjunonline...Working with you has never felt like just cinema…It has been a journey of trust, madness, and magic.The day you were born, somewhere along the way, my path found its most important companion.You believed in me, stood by me, and brought to life dreams I could never have achieved alone.\" \"Note: Some bonds aren’t written… they’re lived. Ours is one of them…!\", the filmmaker added. Allu Arjun's 'Pushpa' co-star Rashmika Mandanna's wish went like this, \"Happy Birthdayy @alluarjunonline. I hope you are partying hard and eating lots of cakesss!\" Venkatesh Daggubati added, \"Happy birthday dear @alluarjun! Wishing you love, laughter and the best year ahead...Looking fierce in #RAAKA\". Actress Kajal Aggarwal wrote, \"Happiest birthday dearest Bugs, it's always amazing catching up with you, regardless the passage of time! Here's wishing you a lot more success, growth, passion, work/ life balance and a phenomenal birthday. Oh and looking like you're 2O, forever! @alluarjun\" Rakul Preet Singh penned, \"Happy birthday to my absolute fav. Wishing you more power, more success, and everything you truly desire because you deserve it all @alluarjunonline\"."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F072e4e21-4463-4ae6-8887-e128b0c1e63b_allu+arjun.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,4,1200,592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-08T14:31:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"stylish-star-44-mega-wishes-flood-in"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Botsa Alleges ₹20K Cr Borrowing Mismatch"},"content":{"text":"Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council, Botcha Satyanarayana has written to Governor S. Abdul Nazeer that the State Finance Department presented incorrect and incomplete information on government borrowings for 2024-25 and 2025-26 in the Council.  In his letter, Botcha Satyanarayana said the reply given by the Principal Finance Secretary to a starred question in the February 2026 session understated the actual borrowings and omitted key components. He requested the Governor to intervene and impress upon the government the need to provide accurate and complete data to the legislature “The Finance Department stated that total borrowings for 2024-25 were Rs. 60,485 crore. However, the CAG audited Finance Accounts clearly show that the actual net liabilities are about Rs. 81,082 crore. This leaves a gap of more than Rs. 20,500 crore which is not justifiable,” he said. The YSR Congress Party on Wednesday released a copy of Botch's letter to the media. Explaining the discrepancy, Botcha pointed out that three major components were possibly excluded. “Borrowings under Ways and Means Advances from RBI were not included, even though they are classified as internal debt in official records. Net liabilities under Public Account such as deposits and reserve funds were also ignored, despite them being used to bridge the fiscal deficit. Adjustments related to GST compensation loans were reduced without valid justification,” he said. He wrote that when the fiscal deficit itself is over Rs. 81,000 crore, presenting a much lower borrowing figure gives a misleading picture of the State’s finances. “Such omissions create a false impression that the government’s debt burden is lower than it actually is,” he said. Botcha also stated that the government’s claim that there were no off-budget borrowings in 2025-26 is incorrect. “Government backed corporations like MARKFED and Civil Supplies Corporation have been allowed to raise loans with state guarantees. These entities depend entirely on government support and such borrowings clearly fall under off budget liabilities as per Government of India guidelines,” he said. He also highlighted inconsistency in the Finance Department’s approach. “When details were sought for borrowings from 2014-2024, both Public Debt and Public Account were included. But for 2024-25 and 2025-26, Public Account was excluded. This change in approach raises serious concerns,” he said. Botcha stressed that providing incorrect or incomplete information to the Legislature undermines accountability. “Officials are expected to present facts transparently. Any deviation from this principle affects the credibility of the Finance Department and weakens public trust,” he said. He requested the Governor to intervene and ensure corrective action. “The reply should be withdrawn and replaced with accurate figures that are consistent with CAG audited accounts. Responsibility must also be fixed for the discrepancies,” he said. “The Legislature represents the people, and any misleading information placed before it amounts to misleading the public. It is essential that transparency and integrity are upheld in matters of public finance,” Botcha added."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2F80776bdf-21bc-41e1-bc9b-901fafe48283_botsa+satyanarayana.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,54,1200,592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-08T09:40:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"botsa-alleges-20k-cr-borrowing-mismatch"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Pain Didn’t Stop Anu—She Kept Shooting!"},"content":{"text":"Actress Anu Aggarwal has opened up about how she was back on set despite major accident, followed by getting injected in a wrong nerve, making her collapse yet again. The actress shared a few stills of herself from a movie of hers, and penned about her accident followed by all the details of it. The actress started, “But I didn’t die. I was in the hospital. And even there, a wrong injection hit a nerve—I screamed, collapsed again. The next day, I was back on set. My leg was injured. Bandaged.” The costume had a slit on that side—so they stitched it and moved the slit to the other side. And we shot. Hundreds of dancers. A palace set. Days of production.” She highlighted that she knew everything was at stake - from the producer’s money to everybody's time. “The producer’s money. Time. Everything at stake. I couldn’t let that suffer because of me.” She mentioned that after Aashiqui she started meditating and made it a lifestyle. “After Aashiqui, I had started meditating—twice a day, no matter where I was. That discipline stayed with me. So I showed up. Fully. Later, they said I was extremely professional #OnSetAccident #ActorLife #Professionalism #Meditation #anuaggarwal.” Anu’s post revisits the terrifying incident of her near-fatal car accident that she suffered in 1999. The accident, had reportedly left her in a coma for weeks and drastically changed her life. The accident, as stated by her in many of her earlier interviews, not only affected her physical appearance but also had a deep and negative impact on her overall health, including thatbof the mind, that further required years of recovery and rehabilitation. Talking about Anu Aggarwal, the actress was one of the most popular faces of the early 1990s, rising to fame with Mahesh Bhatt’s 1990 musical hit “Aashiqui.” The film’s humongous success earned her the title of the “Aashiqui girl,” making her an overnight sensation. She, later went on to feature in films such as “King Uncle,” “Khal-Naaikaa,” and “Return of Jewel Thief,” among others."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adYgx51ZCF7ES8_D_Anuagarwal.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C72%2C450%2C222&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-08T09:33:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"pain-didnt-stop-anushe-kept-shooting"}},{"node":{"tags":["Editorial"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Pakistan Ne War Rukwaadi, Abba!"},"content":{"text":"\"War is never truly averted; it is simply put on ice by middlemen who stand to profit most from the Time-out” After terrifying the planet with threats to \"end civilization,\" the world woke up this morning to find President Trump has reached a sudden \"monk-like serenity\" phase. It’s like the world narrowly escaped total chaos and has been invited straight into that peaceful, post-dinner ice cream state, trading threats of total war for a calm, a China- Pakistan, jointly brokered \"time-out. It’s quite the plot twist: he actually signed off on a 10-point peace plan from Iran that does the exact opposite of everything he originally went to war for. It’s the ultimate political \"U-turn\", trading his \"scorched earth\" objectives for a deal that basically tosses his original playbook out the window. Both the U.S. and Iran have issued their thank-you to Pakistan for playing peacemaker, while Trump, in a classic plot twist, gave a nod to China for being the muscle that actually pushed Iran to the table. It’s a rare moment of global teamwork, where even the usual \"villains\" are getting a pat on the back for helping everyone reach this temporary state of zen. While the world breathes a collective sigh of relief, Indian newsrooms are frantically stirring the pot. Anchors have been practically making efforts to manufacture opinion of the \"number one terrorist nation\" label of Pakistan to stick questions on how it was appropriate for a terrorist nation to play peacemaker, only for former US diplomats on the panel to rebut that Pakistan’s \"sinner\" status seems to be a local Indian subscription the rest of the world hasn't signed up for. When it comes to stopping a global war, the U.S. and Iran appear perfectly happy to let the neighbourhood \"bad boy\" play the holy peacemaker. The irony, however, remains thicker than enriched uranium. Pakistan, the same nation that allegedly used U.S. aircraft to help Iran with its nuclear \"homework\" in the 90s is now trying to keep them from \"graduating\". It has officially transitioned from being Iran’s \"nuclear delivery service\" to its self-appointed \"peace therapist.\" It’s the ultimate diplomatic \"oopsie\", using American wings to deliver the very nuclear blueprints that America is now threatening to vaporize. Setting aside this irony, whether Pakistan is a legitimate mediator or a mere Dalal (broker), the million-petro-dollar question is how this Islamabad-Beijing axis impacts India. New Delhi has maintained a strategic silence under the banner of \"responsible statecraft,\" but experts warn of a significant challenge. A successful mediation by its primary rivals could see India sidelined in West Asia, where it has deep energy and diaspora interests. For India, the risk is the \"broker identity\" of the mediators. A Pakistan-led success boosts Islamabad’s international legitimacy and allows China to cement itself as the new security guarantor of the Orient. While a ceasefire might stabilize oil prices, it could leave India navigating a regional map where the diplomatic rules might increasingly be written by its neighbours. The present development highlights the danger of India's \"responsible statecraft.\" If war is merely postponed, being the only major player not at the mediation table means the eventual \"advantage\" belongs entirely to your neighbours. For, now, Pakistani leadership is well within its bragging rights to produce a video with a caption “Pakistan ne War Rukwaadi, Abba”."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adYq6p1ZCF7ES9M3_warstopped.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-08T09:16:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"pakistan-ne-war-rukwaadi-abba"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Adani wins US court hearing"},"content":{"text":"A US judge has granted a request from Billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani to schedule a hearing to dismiss a US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) case of alleged fraud. The plea states that the case represents an impermissible extraterritorial application of US law and that the SEC has failed to establish actionable claims under US securities laws.  \"The court has received Defendants' letter requesting a pre-motion conference on their anticipated motion to dismiss the Complaint. The court grants that request and directs the parties to schedule the pre-motion conference,” the Eastern District Court of New York has stated in its order. While Gautam Adani is the chairman of the Adani Group, Sagar Adani is executive director at Adani Green Energy. The court's decision to grant a hearing allows the Adanis’ to argue that the regulator's complaint should be thrown out at an early stage, potentially avoiding a protracted discovery process and trial. The case brought by SEC in November 2024 alongside a criminal complaint by the US Department of Justice, alleges that the Adanis sought to pay over $250 million in bribes to Indian officials to secure solar energy contracts and concealed the scheme from US investors and banks when they raised funds. The counsels for Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar stated in court that there was no credible evidence supporting the alleged bribery scheme. They pointed out that the SEC lacked necessary jurisdiction over the two men and that the alleged misstatements underpinning the case weren't actionable. The Adani Group has denied all allegations, stating that none of its entities or executives have been charged under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and that Adani Green Energy -- the renewable energy arm that raised the funds -- is not a party to the proceedings. In filings, Adani's legal team has argued that the case lacks sufficient jurisdictional basis and fails to establish actionable claims under US securities laws. The plea also argues that the SEC’s claims over a 2021 bond sale by the Group’s renewable energy arm Adani Green Energy are legally flawed on multiple grounds. The $750-million bond sale was conducted outside the United States under Rule 144A and Regulation S exemptions, with securities sold to non-US underwriters and only later resold in part to qualified institutional buyers, they said. The Adanis argued that the SEC lacked personal jurisdiction, saying neither of them had sufficient contacts with the US or direct involvement in the bond offering. The plea filed by the lawyers added that the complaint does not allege that Gautam Adani approved the issuance, attended key meetings, or directed any activity at US investors. The plea also highlights that the \"SEC does not allege that there were any investor losses, and there were none. The bonds have matured, and Adani Green repaid all principal and interest in full to investors in 2024,\" it added. The filing also contends the SEC's case is impermissibly extraterritorial, noting the securities were not listed in the United States, the issuer is Indian, and the alleged misconduct occurred entirely in India. Citing US Supreme Court precedent, Adanis said the SEC failed to show any \"domestic transaction\", a requirement for applying US securities laws. The plea further states that the SEC charges against Adanis say nothing about where irrevocable liability was incurred and the mere fact, taken as true, that some downstream investors were located in the US is irrelevant to the case. \"The SEC's claims here solely involve Indian Defendants, an Indian issuer, securities not registered with the SEC and not traded on any US exchange, and underlying conduct alleged to have occurred exclusively in India,\" it said. \"This case is thus conclusively beyond the reach of the US securities laws.\" The defendants also said the SEC does not allege any investor losses, adding that the bonds matured and were fully repaid with interest in 2024. They also disputed the underlying bribery allegations, saying there is no credible evidence supporting such claims. \"The alleged bribery scheme relates to a solar energy project in India for the provision of renewable power in India. There is no allegation that any US company bid on the project, or that any US customer purchased energy in the project. In fact, there was no such US involvement,\" the plea said."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/555a0227-209b-4628-87ee-813af49bbab8_adani.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-04-08T08:35:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"adani-wins-us-court-hearing-for-plea-to-dismiss-sec-suit"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Musk: Remove OpenAI CEO Altman"},"content":{"text":"Elon Musk -- who was a co-founder of OpenAI -- has sought the removal of current CEO Sam Altman and President Greg Brockman as part of his legal challenge to the Artificial Intelligence firm’s shift to a for-profit structure, according to reports.  In a court filing on Tuesday, Musk said his lawsuit aims to reverse OpenAI’s restructuring and restore its status as a non-profit research organisation, they said. He also requested that any damages awarded in the case be directed to OpenAI’s charitable arm, stating that the legal action is intended to prevent a public charity from being subordinated to private, for-profit interests. Musk has sued OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging that the company deviated from its founding mission after taking billions of dollars in funding and pursuing a for-profit model. He had earlier indicated he may seek damages of up to $134 billion. However, OpenAI rejected the allegations, describing the lawsuit as a “harassment campaign” driven by “ego and jealousy” and aimed at slowing down a competitor. The development comes amid escalating tensions between Musk and OpenAI leadership. A day earlier, the company’s Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon had urged attorneys general in California and Delaware to investigate Musk for alleged anti-competitive behaviour. Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but left its board in 2018. He later launched rival AI venture xAI in 2023. Earlier this year, OpenAI rejected Musk’s unsolicited $97.4 billion bid to acquire assets of the non-profit that controls the company. The AI firm has since proceeded with its restructuring plans to raise more capital and potentially go public. Separately, a report said China’s AI models are rapidly gaining global traction, raising concerns among US policymakers over potential risks to national security, supply chains and economic competitiveness. The report noted that Chinese AI systems, which accounted for just 1 per cent of global workloads in late 2024, surged to nearly 30 per cent by the end of 2025."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/Z5Hj7pbqstJ99xKD_musktom.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,2,2018,995&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-08T06:48:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"musk-remove-openai-ceo-altman"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Allu Arjun's first look of ‘Raaka’ unveiled"},"content":{"text":"On superstar Allu Arjun’s 44th birthday on Wednesday, the makers of his next, which was tentatively titled as #AA22xA6, revealed that the film has been christened  “Raaka” and even shared the first look of the actor from the upcoming movie.  Production banner Sun Pictures, along with Arjun and director Atlee, took to Instagram in a collaborative post to unveil the first look and the title of the upcoming film, which also stars Deepika Padukone. The first look featured an intense close-up of a bald Arjun’s rugged face. His face is partially hidden by a wolf like claw. In the image, the star’s one eye is sharply in focus, staring forward with a predatory intensity. The entire picture adds a primal, warrior-like aesthetic. “#AA22xA6 is now #Raaka Prepare yourself for a vision beyond limits @alluarjunonline @atlee47 @deepikapadukone,” the caption read. The film is the first collaboration between Arjun and Deepika. On Tuesday, the production house Sun Pictures announced the title poster release date and time, writing: \"Brace for the BlAAst Title Poster – Tomorrow @ 11 AM @alluarjun @Atlee_dir @deepikapadukone #AA22xA6 (sic).\" Arjun was last seen in Pushpa 2: The Rule directed by Sukumar. A sequel to Pushpa: The Rise, it is the second installment in the Pushpa film series. The film stars Allu Arjun in the titular role, alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, Sunil and Rao Ramesh. It follows Pushpa Raj, a labourer-turned-red sandalwood smuggler, as he faces growing threats from his enemies, including SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat. It is among the most expensive Indian films ever produced. Talking about Atlee, he made his directorial debut with the film Raja Rani. He wrote and directed Theri, Mersal, and Bigil, all featuring Vijay. He made his debut in Hindi cinema with Jawan starring Shah Rukh Khan."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adYcdp1ZCF7ES85C_alluarjunRAAKA.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-04-08T05:55:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"allu-arjuns-first-look-of-raaka-unveiled"}}]},"featured":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"The US Has Picked It's Prefered Broker, Why Cringe?"},"content":{"text":"\"To see what is right and not do it is the worst cowardice”- Confucius, Chinese Philosopher In today’s geopolitical context, one might say: “To see what is right and not to call it so is no “responsible journalism”. While the world celebrates a break from the brink of war, our newsrooms are too busy manufacturing skepticism to acknowledge a simple truth: the guns have stopped firing, regardless of who delivered the message. “Give credit where it’s due, even if it is to your enemy” is the wisdom that seems to be missing from the current Indian media landscape. While the international community welcomes the fragile ceasefire in West Asia, however temporary it may be, India's corporate media and cultural elite are following a much different script. Indian newsrooms are struggling to reconcile their long-standing image of Pakistan as a \"terrorist state\" with its sudden emergence as a \"peace therapist.\" To much of the world, Islamabad has successfully acted as a mediator. However, for Indian TV anchors, Pakistan’s new diplomatic role, backed by China, Turkey, Egypt and the Gulf, is being treated like a \"local subscription\" error, a glitch that the rest of the world accidentally signed up for and forgot to cancel. Even those who view Pakistan as a \"rogue nation\" are not ignoring the harsh truth that whether its role was that of a high-level mediator or simply a \"Dalal\" (messenger), the result provided the world with a much-needed sigh of relief, at least, for now, from a potential global disaster. Rather than acknowledging this contribution, many news anchors, acting more like a \"war council\" than journalists, are working overtime to cast doubt. Instead of reporting the facts of the truce, they are actively pushing panelists to maintain a skeptical and hostile stance toward Pakistan’s involvement in the peace process. By labeling the mediators as mere \"Dalals\" (brokers), they are actively casting doubt on the peace process and appearing to prioritize their own propaganda  over the evolving global reality. The current television narrative reflects a blend of insecurity and strategic worry. There is an evident fear that if this ceasefire leads to lasting peace, Pakistan will parlay its success into a permanent diplomatic stronghold in West Asia, a development that underscores India’s absence from the negotiation table as a major strategic failure. Rather than investigating why the U.S. and Israel chose a China-backed Pakistan to broker the ceasefire, the media is prioritizing a negative narrative against Islamabad. Islamabad was chosen as the primary mediator over other allies due to a mix of geographic necessity, established diplomatic channels, and strong personal ties between key leaders. This choice reflects a practical diplomatic reality: Pakistan fills a specific, functional role that both Washington and Tehran found essential during this crisis. The media's intense focus on discrediting Pakistan appears to be a strategic move to mask India’s own diplomatic absence. Despite its \"Vishwa Guru\" aspirations and claims of global leadership, New Delhi was unable to seize this critical moment to act as a primary peacemaker, leaving it sidelined while its neighbors took the lead. This highlights a critical disconnect between international diplomatic recognition and domestic narrative-building. It is a narrative that tries to frame the successful mediators as illegitimate to counter the perception of India being sidelined in a region where it has deep energy and diaspora interests. The fact that President Trump explicitly credited the \"Pakistan-China axis\" sends a clear signal: Washington and Tehran have already picked their preferred brokers. At this stage, no amount of negative media coverage aimed at Pakistan can change the reality of who is actually sitting at the negotiating table. It’s the irony of the situation: that in the high-stakes game of stopping a global war, the international community appears willing to let a “Rogue Nation” play the role of a holy peacemaker, even if it leaves regional rivals feeling strategically \"out of the loop.\" It is a striking paradox: a nation often labeled \"rogue\" is now positioning itself as the savior preventing a global disaster. Meanwhile, the traditional regional power, which long aspired to be the \"Vishwa Guru\", is left watching from the sidelines, seemingly relying on its media to mask its diplomatic discomfort. Whether the peace talks ultimately lead to a lasting solution or fall apart later is a separate issue entirely. For now, it makes more sense to stop cringing over the \"rogue nation’s\" role, if one cannot bring themselves to appreciate the result, they should at least acknowledge the reality of it."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adeGXJ1ZCF7ETBKc_USPAK.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T07:35:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"the-us-has-picked-its-prefered-broker-why-cringe"}}]},"politics":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"KTR invites Jeevan Reddy to join BRS "},"content":{"text":"Bharat Rashtra Samithi working president K.T. Rama Rao on Thursday invited former minister Jeevan Reddy to join BRS.  Jeevan Reddy recently resigned from the Congress party. Rama Rao visited the residence of senior leader Jeevan Reddy in Jagtial to invite him to join the BRS on behalf of party president K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR). Several party leaders and public representatives accompanied him during the visit. Speaking to the media, KTR stated that Jeevan Reddy responded positively to the invitation. He said that Jeevan Reddy acknowledged his long-standing personal association with KCR and expressed happiness over the visit, adding that he would meet KCR soon and announce his decision within a couple of days. KTR emphasised that for farmers and the poor in the state to regain stability and happiness, KCR must return as Chief Minister. He said experienced leaders like Jeevan Reddy are essential for rebuilding Telangana’s growth trajectory. Highlighting Jeevan Reddy’s political journey, KTR noted that he has served the Congress party for over four decades with commitment. He also recalled that KCR had invited him to join BRS even before the 2014 elections, but he continued in Congress at the time due to his loyalty to the party. KTR elaborated on the long-standing personal bond between KCR and Jeevan Reddy, built over four decades of mutual respect. He recalled that during KCR’s first official tour of Karimnagar district as Chief Minister in 2014, development works requested by Jeevan Reddy, despite being in the opposition, were immediately sanctioned—reflecting statesmanship beyond party lines. He also highlighted Jeevan Reddy’s strong advocacy for farmers in the Assembly and his consistent fight on issues like Nizam Sugars. KTR recalled that KCR had even offered to support the revival of the sugar factory under a cooperative model, inspired by Maharashtra, with financial backing and leadership responsibility to Jeevan Reddy if he wished. KTR thanked the Jagtial district leadership for proactively supporting the initiative and inviting Jeevan Reddy into the party fold. He appreciated their commitment to strengthening the party and working towards bringing BRS back to power, stating that Jeevan Reddy’s entry would significantly strengthen the party. KTR launched a strong attack on the Congress government, stating that over the past two and a half years, it has failed in governance and is resorting to diversionary politics to hide its inefficiencies. He alleged that the government defaulted on the Rythu Bandhu scheme three times, accumulating dues of Rs 27,000 crore to farmers, while misleading them in the name of loan waivers. He said this has led to widespread anger among farmers. KTR strongly condemned the remarks made by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, stating that such comments were inappropriate and unbecoming of a person holding the highest office in the state. He accused the Chief Minister of using language that insults the dignity of women and goes against Telangana’s cultural values. He further accused the government of betraying youth by failing to deliver on its promise of providing two lakh jobs, leading to frustration and anger among unemployed youth. KTR said none of the six guarantees promised by the Congress party has been fully implemented and accused the leadership of deceiving the public after claiming full awareness of the state’s financial position before elections. He also stated that dissatisfaction is growing within the Congress party itself, with even party workers expressing a desire for BRS to return to power. He accused Congress leadership of insulting its own senior leaders and undermining their self-respect. Jeevan Reddy expressed gratitude to KTR for visiting his residence and inviting him into BRS on KCR’s behalf. He said resigning from the Congress party was an emotional decision, but expressed happiness at joining BRS. Jeevan Reddy stated that he endured humiliation over the past 20 months with patience and added that, having seen many governments, he believes the present government is moving in a regressive direction. He said his decision was based on public opinion and expressed happiness at the opportunity to work under KCR’s leadership."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adfBQp1ZCF7ETCly_ktrjeevan.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T13:35:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"ktr-invites-jeevan-reddy-to-join-brs"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Robot in Saree Welcomes Voters at Poll Booth"},"content":{"text":"An elector-friendly robot, sporting a saree, welcomed visitors to the polling station for Puducherry Assembly elections on Thursday, said the ECI, while highlighting its tech initiatives for voter convenience and attracting young voters. In a social media statement, the Election Commission of India (ECI) attached a video of the saree-clad robot and said, “Welcome with swag. A robot is welcoming electors at a polling station in #Puducherry!! It’s a day of duty and responsibility, let’s go vote!” In the video, the robot can be seen holding a tray in its hands, with its red eyes searching for approaching visitors and its roller feet keeping it mobile. The ECI’s experiment with the welcome robot in Puducherry came on a day when the Union Territory’s electors cast their votes to pick a new 30-member Assembly. The result will be declared on May 4. The robot-led demonstration of technology by the ECI coincided with an ongoing visit of 43 delegates from 23 countries, including representatives from five Foreign Missions in Delhi, to Puducherry, along with other states, as part of the first phase of the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP), 2026. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Tuesday inaugurated the IEVP 2026, paving the way for foreign delegates to learn from the Assembly elections in five States/UTs. Inaugurating the IEVP at the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), CEC Gyanesh Kumar said that in the second phase, the delegates will visit West Bengal and Tamil Nadu from April 20 onwards. Describing elections in India as festivals of democracy, Gyanesh Kumar called upon the IEVP participants to enjoy their visit to states, learn, see and experience the diversity of India. The delegates were given a demonstration of the EVM at the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), Delhi, and they undertook a mock poll using the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to get a hands-on experience of the voting process, the statement said. The delegates evinced keen interest in the technological interventions and administrative safeguards in the election process in India and had an interactive session with the experts, clarifying their doubts/queries, it said."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ade-c51ZCF7ETCjd_robo.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T11:58:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"robot-in-saree-welcomes-voters-at-poll-booth"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"CBN: Glad Jagan Didn’t Suggest Vatican Too"},"content":{"text":"Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Thursday mocked YSR Congress Party President, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, over his ‘MAVIGUN’ proposal and also took a swipe stating \"good that he didn’t suggest Vatican as the state capital.\"   For the uninitiated, Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy and is the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church. Addressing a public meeting in Bapatla district, the Chief Minister lashed out at the former Chief Minister for mooting ‘MAVIGUN (Machilipatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur) corridor as the state capital. He made it clear that Amaravati will be developed as the only and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh. “Amaravati will not stop even if 1,000 psychos like you try to stop it,” said the Chief Minister. He said 49 parties in the Parliament supported the bill to give statutory recognition to Amaravati as the sole and permanent state capital. He said not just NDA partners but other parties also supported it. Chandrababu Naidu said YSRCP was the only one party to oppose the Bill. “We use to call a leader a psycho but the entire party has become psycho,” he remarked. The Chief Minister said YSRCP was talking about women’s dignity and recalled that the same party insulted Amaravati women and indulged in their character assassination. He said they also abused his wife in the Assembly. “A rowdy batch exhibiting psychotic behaviour, is engaging in perverse arguments. They are attacking a newspaper without any provocation. They have harassed women. This psycho party is in no position to provide an explanation for such behaviour,” he said. Alleging that attempts are being made to destroy the state, he called up on people to unitedly defeat such attempts. “The state has already suffered immense losses due to its bifurcation and the actions of previous rulers. We have just began the process of rebuilding it,” he said. Stating terrorists lurking in forests launch attacks and then flee, he remarked that this individual is no different as he operates from a distance, spreads malicious propaganda, and runs away. “We are prepared to respond to constructive criticism but they are spreading falsehoods by claiming that Rs. 2 lakh crore are being spent on Amaravati. The fact is that Amaravati is self-financed project,” he said. He said the YSRCP keep mentioning Vijayawada, Guntur, and Machilipatnam, apparently unaware that this entire area constitutes the CRDA (Capital Region Development Authority) region. “Out of an aversion to even uttering the name Amaravati, they are attempting to create chaos and cause distress to the public. It would take me mere moments to have individuals of this nature arrested but the law will be allowed to take its own course,” he said. “If individuals intent on creating destruction are allowed to roam free, can the people, particularly the women of this state ever truly feel safe,” he asked. Chandrababu Naidu stated that is in the best interest of the people to simply forget about such parties and individuals."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aXihgAIvOtkhB-hm_cbnysj.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T11:32:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"cbn-glad-jagan-didnt-suggest-vatican-too"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Sabarimala: Centre Upholds Age-Old Restrictions"},"content":{"text":"In a contentious reaffirmation of traditional practices, the Indian government has publicly endorsed the Sabarimala temple's prohibitions on women of menstruating age, arguing that the 2018 Supreme Court ruling reflects a misguided view of gender superiority. The Centre's position, articulated by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, asserts that the restrictions stem from deeply rooted religious beliefs rather than outright gender discrimination. This stance has reignited a fierce legal and societal debate about the intersection of faith, gender rights, and constitutional freedoms in India. The ongoing discussions are taking place before a nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, which is tasked with examining several petitions challenging discriminatory practices against women in religious sites, including Sabarimala. During recent hearings, Mehta emphasized that public morality, rather than constitutional morality, should dictate religious practices, suggesting a divergence from the high court's previous interpretations. His argument references various instances in Indian religious customs where men, too, face restrictions, thereby framing the Sabarimala case as part of a broader tapestry of complex gender dynamics in religious observances. The historical context of the Sabarimala temple prohibition dates back generations, entrenched in the temple's lore and traditions, which designate it as a space dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and traditionally barred women from entry during their reproductive years. In 2018, a landmark decision by a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court had attempted to dismantle these barriers, declaring the ban unconstitutional. However, the issue was subsequently referred to a larger bench for further deliberation, recognizing the need for a nuanced examination of religious freedoms amid competing claims of gender equality. Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj has also weighed in on the debate, reiterating that the standards of public morality are paramount in religious contexts. The complexity of the issue is further illustrated by the Kottankulangara Sree Devi Temple's annual Chamayavilakku festival, where men don women's attire in homage to the goddess, highlighting the multifaceted nature of gender roles within Indian religious practices. As the Supreme Court grapples with these deep-rooted traditions and modern interpretations of equality, the path forward remains fraught with tension and uncertainty."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aMvlHWGNHVfTPXAg_sabarigold.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T10:48:04+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"sabarimala-controversy-reignites-centre-upholds-age-old-restrictions-on-women-mnrcsox6"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"When women teacher tied to tree in Sangareddy"},"content":{"text":"Five persons were arrested in Telangana's Sangareddy district on Thursday for tying an Anganwadi teacher to a tree over the alleged financial cheating by her husband, police said.  The shocking incident took place in Rasole village in Kangti mandal on Wednesday. Few villagers tied Vasanta Kumari to a tree with a rope and humiliated her as her husband, Prabhakar, had allegedly cheated them in the name of a finance company. Prabhakar had collected money from some villagers in Ramaragidda village under \"HBM Finance\" and fled. Angered over this, some villagers went to Rasole, where Vasanta Kumari was attending duty. They caught hold of the Anganwadi teacher and tied her to a tree. Later, they released her following the intervention of some village elders. Later, Vasanta Kumari lodged a complaint with the police. Taking serious note of the incident, police launched an investigation. Five persons involved in the incident have been identified and arrested. Meanwhile, an MLA in Telangana fell victim to cyber fraudsters. Palla Rajeshwar Reddy, the MLA of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) from Jangaon constituency, lost Rs 1 lakh to the fraudsters. The fraudsters cheated the MLA under the guise of the \"Vikasit Bharat\" scheme. The accused allegedly promised Rs 10 lakh loans upon submission of the eligibility list. They collected Rs 1 lakh as processing fees. Palla Rajeshwar Reddy transferred funds via PhonePe. The MLA grew suspicious when the accused demanded more money. He lodged a complaint with Jubilee Hills Police Station in Hyderabad. Last month, a member of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly lost Rs 12 lakh in an online fraud. Cybercriminals allegedly duped Chirri Balaraju, the MLA from Polavaram. The legislator belonging to the Jana Sena Party (JSP) received a WhatsApp message containing a link in the name of a Road Transport Authority (RTA) challan. The amount was reportedly withdrawn from his bank account after he clicked on the link. On realising that he had fallen victim to cyber fraud, the MLA lodged a complaint with the police. A case was registered at Jeelugumilli Police Station. Police said the investigation is underway to trace the accused and recover the amount."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adeB451ZCF7ETBHE_anganvaaditeacher.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T10:20:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"anganwadi-teacher-tied-to-tree-in-sangareddy"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Babar Rejects Kohli Comparisons"},"content":{"text":"Babar Azam found himself at the centre of a heated moment off the field after dismissing comparisons with Virat Kohli during a post-match press conference in the Pakistan Super League 2026.  The Peshawar Zalmi skipper, who guided his side to a tense last-ball victory over the Hyderabad Kingsmen, appeared visibly displeased when questioned about his ability to finish games in comparison to Kohli. While Babar contributed a measured 43 off 37 balls in the chase of 146, he was not at the crease at the end, prompting the query. Responding in a seemingly frustrated manner, Babar brushed aside the suggestion and urged the journalist to move on from such debates. \"Finish these things. Keep these things to yourself. End the comparison and move on. It's your misconception that I have not finished matches,” he said. The exchange quickly gained traction, once again highlighting the scrutiny surrounding cross-border comparisons between leading cricketers. Widely regarded as Pakistan’s premier batter, Babar has often been praised for his consistency, though his approach in T20 cricket has drawn criticism, particularly around strike rate and finishing ability."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/909a79af-8d0c-4815-a745-371891127f5e_kohli.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T07:45:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"babar-rejects-kohli-comparisons"}}]},"entertainment":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Rashmika's 30 birthday was all about revising her roots"},"content":{"text":"Actress Rashmika Mandanna celebrated her 30th birthday on April 5 with husband Vijay Deverakonda and her family members.  Making her first birthday after marriage even more special, Rashmika and Vijay decided to visit the hometown of the 'Pushpa' actress, Coorg. Reliving some fond memories from her childhood, Rashmika offered prayers at the temple she had grown up visiting, and even saw her school from outside. The 'Animal' actress further used the opportunity to meet the family members who were unable to attend the wedding festivities in Udaipur. She reconnected with her school friends, who have been an integral part of her journey. Sharing a couple of photographs from her birthday celebration on her social media handle, Rashmika wrote, \"My 30th birthday was kinda different this time. Went back home after a while. Went to the temple I’ve grown up going to.. Went to my school and saw it from outside (because of time constraints ) and revisited childhood for a quick bit.. Cut the cake amongst the people who are the reason for my being today to the people who are going to be my forever.  Met my families who couldn’t be there in the wedding in a small dinner gathering.. the people who’ve blessed me from the day I was born till today My girls from school who have been a part of my everything till today to my friends who are more like my family today than my friends (sic).\" Expressing her gratitude for a blessed birthday, Rashmika concluded the post with, \" I feel like everything in life happens for a good reason and this is the reason! Everything feels worth it!\" For the unaware, after successfully keeping their relationship under wraps for a long time, Rashmika and Vijay finally tied the knot on February 26 in a traditional ceremony in Udaipur."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adfeZJ1ZCF7ETC6z_ravi.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C268%2C449%2C221&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T15:14:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rashmikas-30-birthday-was-all-about-revising-her-roots"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Vanga Hits Out at Fraternity Over Dhurandhar 2"},"content":{"text":"Amidst the overwhelming success of \"Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge\", filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has shared his views on the movie through his latest social media post. Calling out the section of the film fraternity who termed \"Dhurandhar\" as \"propaganda\", the 'Animal' maker penned on his official X (Previously known as Twitter) handle, \"Writers & actors built careers on propaganda, and the industry stayed quiet like cats. Now the same clan mock Dhurandhar. You don’t get to call yourself liberal if your first instinct is to Mock. Don’t know when truth started getting labeled as propaganda...... strange times. (sic)\" Sandeep Reddy Vanga also had some serious advice for filmmaker Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh on how to deal with haters. \"COMING TO THE POINT..... I want to tell @AdityaDharFilms & @RanveerOfficial yeh kaala drishti aise nahi jaayega... Muthi bhar ke laal mirch se kaam nahi chalega.... poora khet jalana padega Watched #Dhurandhar2‌TheRevenge last night.... Outstanding film,\" he went on to share. Appreciating the encouraging words of the 'Arjun Reddy' maker, Aditya Dhar reciprocated the love in the comment section, saying, \"Mere Pyaare Sandeep, I genuinely love the way you stand your ground and give it back when it matters. There’s a real honesty and belief in that and it’s something I truly respect. I’ve always looked up to how you back your cinema without any doubt or noise. That kind of conviction reminds all of us to trust our voice and just go for it. Give my love to the Legend Prabhas sir! Big love and all the best for Spirit. Really looking forward to it. And if there’s ever anything I can do, I’d genuinely love to help a brother. Thanks. again! (sic)\" In the meantime, Sandeep Reddy Vanga is presently busy with his much-talked-about next \"Spirit\", with Prabhas as the lead."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aDXnUidWJ-7kSl43_vanga.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T14:05:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"vanga-hits-out-at-fraternity-over-dhurandhar-2"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Is Anil Kapoor back with new season of 24?"},"content":{"text":"Actor Anil Kapoor's latest social media post has piqued the interest of the movie buffs. The 'Animal' actor has shared a warning for the OTT platform Jio Hotstar.  He took to his official Instagram account and wrote, \"Jio Hotstar, you have 24 hours (sic).\" Taking things a little further, he added the caption, \"Or else I’ll take matters into my own hands (sic).\" While Anil has not mentioned anything clearly, it seems like he is gearing up for the new season of his popular action thriller series, \"24,\" which has already delivered 2 successful seasons. The users are also of the same opinion, which is evident from the comment section. One of the netizens wrote, \"Is 24 coming back after ages.\" Another one penned, \"Is 24hrs coming back? Excited...if it's true, loved that show tbh\". \"One of my fav series before OTTs,\" read the third comment. A cybercitizen commented, \"24 show aa raha h...what a marketing\". Based on the American series of the same name, the first season of \"24\" aired from 4 October 2013 till 21 December 2013, with season 2 reaching the audience between 23 July 2016 and 9 October 2016. Now, after a decade, the makers are likely to be back with the third season of the beloved drama. Penned by Rensil D'Silva and Bhavani Iyer, the show has been created by Joel Surnow, along with Robert Cochran. Backed by Ramesh Deo Productions and 20th Century Fox Television, both seasons enjoy a stellar cast with Neil Bhoopalam, Raaghav Chanana, Anita Raj, Tisca Chopra, Mandira Bedi, Madhurima Tuli, Yuri Suri, Pooja Ruparel, Shivani Tanksale, Adhir Bhatt, Ajinkya Deo, Sapna Pabbi, Akshay Ajit Singh, Rahul Singh, Priyansh Jora, Sakshi Tanwar, Angad Bedi, Sikander Kher, Karanvir Sharma, Sudhanshu Pandey, Ashish Vidyarthi, Naveen Polishetty, Amruta Khanvilkar, and Sumit Kaul in significant roles, along with others."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ade_gZ1ZCF7ETCkH_anil.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T13:02:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"is-anil-kapoor-back-with-new-season-of-24"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Dhurandhar 2 Struggles After Record Start"},"content":{"text":"In a dramatic turn of events at the box office, Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' has witnessed a notable decline in its earnings, dipping below the Rs 10 crore mark on Day 21 after an unprecedented two-week run. As per preliminary estimates, the film garnered approximately Rs 7.90 crore, with a gross total of around Rs 9.46 crore, marking its lowest daily collection to date. Despite surpassing the Rs 1,000 crore net milestone in India and solidifying its place among the Top 10 Highest-Grossing Films of 2026, the trajectory of its success seems to have hit a plateau, raising questions about its sustainability amidst a competitive cinematic landscape. 'Dhurandhar 2' entered the box office fray with striking momentum, accumulating a staggering Rs 674.17 crore in its debut week, followed by Rs 263.65 crore in its second week. Now, as it navigates its third week, the total has reached approximately Rs 103.45 crore. However, a stark comparison with its predecessor, 'Dhurandhar,' reveals a concerning trend; the original film's Day 21 earnings soared to Rs 25 crore, and its third-week total was significantly higher at Rs 172 crore. This juxtaposition accentuates the challenges facing the sequel, as it struggles to replicate the blockbuster status of its forerunner. Contextualizing the film's current performance requires an understanding of the broader box office dynamics. 'Dhurandhar 2' has achieved remarkable milestones, including becoming the highest-grossing Indian film in history with a net collection of Rs 1,041.27 crore in India, and a worldwide gross of Rs 1,653.67 crore. This achievement has positioned it at the forefront of the industry, yet it remains shy of surpassing the record set by 'Pushpa 2,' which boasts lifetime collections of Rs 1,234.10 crore net and Rs 1,471.10 crore gross. Additionally, the film's performance in overseas markets has been commendable, earning over Rs 400 crore and solidifying its status as the highest-grossing Indian film outside of India, excluding China. As 'Dhurandhar 2' continues its theatrical journey, it faces increasing pressure from upcoming releases, notably Akshay Kumar's 'Bhoot Bangla,' set to debut on April 16. This impending competition could further complicate its efforts to sustain momentum in a rapidly evolving box office environment. Trade analysts remain skeptical about whether 'Dhurandhar 2' will eclipse the global totals of iconic films such as 'Dangal,' 'Baahubali 2,' and 'Pushpa 2,' as the industry braces for intense rivalries that could reshape the current box office landscape."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aPCqlp5xUNkB2Bd0_ranveersingh.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T10:48:07+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"box-office-power-shift-dhurandhar-2-struggles-after-record-breaking-start-mnrcsrd8"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Shruti Haasan channels her inner cook"},"content":{"text":"Aside from being a talented actor and singer, the multifaceted Shruti Haasan also keeps trying her hands at cooking from time to time. Most recently, the 'Saalar' actress once again decided to channel her inner cook and made some yummy Ambur Biryani, along with Kathrika curry. Publishing a photo of her latest culinary triumph on social media, Shruti wrote on her Instagram Stories, \"Homemade ambur Biryani and Kathrika curry...cooking me is back (sic).\" In March, the 'Coolie' actress tried a fun snack recipe on her day off from shoot. For the recipe, Shruti added some dates to the vanilla Greek yoghurt and topped it off with flaky salt and some olive oil. She also disclosed that for her, a day off means reading scripts, while taking doom-scrolling breaks in between. Treating the netizens with the video of making the appetizing snack, Shruti wrote on her Instagram, \"Day off means catching up reading my script whilst taking doom scrolling breaks - saw this snack recipe tried it and I’m so so obsessed (red heart emojis) dates - vanilla Greek yoghurt - flaky salt - olive oil = DELICIOUS.\" Coming to her work commitments, Shruti will next be seen as the leading lady in “Salaar Part 2: Shouryanga Parvam,” co-starring Prabhas. The primary installment in the popular franchise, “Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire,” reached the audience in 2023.  Made under the direction of Prashanth Neel, the film saw Prabhas in the titular role, along with Prithviraj Sukumaran, Jagapathi Babu, Bobby Simha, Sriya Reddy, Ramachandra Raju, John Vijay, Easwari Rao, Tinnu Anand, Devaraj, Brahmaji, and Mime Gopi as the supporting cast. Just like part 1, “Salaar Part 2: Shouryanga Parvam,” is also being helmed by Prashanth Neel and backed under the prestigious banner of Hombale Films."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/3b97f685-1047-4c04-8e05-6f857ed6d7e3_shruthi+Hassan.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T10:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"shruti-haasan-channels-her-inner-cook"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Sonakshi's husband suffers injury"},"content":{"text":"Actor Zaheer Iqbal, husband of actress Sonakshi Sinha, seems to have injured himself during a game of Padel. Zaheer shared a picture of himself on a social media account wherein he was seen having an injury on his head. A small bandage is seen placed above his left eyebrow, indicating an injury. The actor, sharing the picture on his social media account, wrote, “First Padel Injury.” Talking about Zaheer, the actor is in the fitness league and openly shares many videos and photos of himself engrossed in his workout sessions. Apart from being an actor and a fitness freak Zaheer is also a heavy ‘prankster’. The actor is often seen pranking his own wife and actress Sonakshi Sinha. Sonakshi and Zaheer who are touted as one of the most chaotic duos of Bollywood, never miss even a single opportunity to pull pranks on one another. Apart from pulling pranks at each other's expense, Sonakshi and Zaheer also flaunt their romantic side on social media."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adeDyZ1ZCF7ETBIE_zaheeriqbal.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T06:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"zaheer-iqbal-suffers-injury"}}]},"tech":{"edges":[]},"fashion":{"edges":[]},"business":{"edges":[]},"health":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Alaya takes 150 attempt to get a pose right"},"content":{"text":"Actress Alaya F loves to stay on top of her fitness game. Through her latest social media post, the 'Jawaani Jaaneman' actress shared that she took 150 attempts to get a pose she saw on Instagram right. Posting a clip of herself attempting the post, Alaya revealed that the exercise left her with peeled elbows and nausea. \"Here’s a short glimpse of some of the 150+ attempts, peeled elbows and no stop nausea it took me to successfully do a pose I saw on Instagram (sic)\", she captioned the post. The 'Freddy' actress further stressed that she is not encouraging anyone to push their physical limit beyond the necessary point. Alaya said that it is always crucial to listen to one's body. \"PS: this is not me advocating for pushing your body even when it feels completely done. It’s always super important to listen to your body because everyone is different! so please be rest assured, I know how much to push myself and when to stop but out of all the things my teachers call me, ‘stubborn’ is my favourite Thank you for always making sure than my stubbornness is never at the cost of my safety haha @sunpreet_sing\", she went on to write. Talking about her professional commitments, Alaya will soon be a part of Hrithik Roshan-produced thriller series \"Storm\".  The much-discussed drama will have Parvathy Thiruvothu, Srishti Shrivastava, Rrama Sharma, and Saba Azad playing key characters, along with others. Suvinder Pal Vicky, Ashish Vidyarthi, Rajit Kapur, Ashok Pathak, Gautam Rode, Priyanka Setia, and Ranjan Raj have also been roped in as the ancillary cast. Talking about his next, Hrithik had shared, “What drew me to ‘Storm’ was the compelling world that Ajitpal has created. The story is raw, layered, and powerful, with unforgettable characters which will be essayed by incredibly talented actors.\""},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/add-kZ1ZCF7ETBBJ_aliaf.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T09:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"alaya-takes-150-attempt-to-get-a-pose-right"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Are Milk Mixes and Gummies Really Essential for Kids?"},"content":{"text":"In light of World Health Day's theme 'Together For Health. Stand With Science', concerns have been raised by doctors over the promotion of milk/energy mixes and multivitamin gummies for children's growth by 'mom influencers' on social media. These products are being endorsed without scientific backing, leading to potential risks.  Health experts caution that many milk mixes are sugary, ultra-processed powders, while multivitamin supplements should only be given when prescribed, preferably in syrup or chewable tablet form. Gummies, often promoted as supplements, pose a higher risk of dental decay.  Dr. L Swapna, head of Neonatology at Niloufer Hospital, emphasized that these products are misleading parents about children's nutritional needs. She highlighted the risk of dental cavities and early-onset obesity associated with these products. Additionally, gummies are seen as candy-like supplements that can contribute to tooth decay and unhealthy eating habits, offering little beyond a balanced diet.  Dr. Swapna stressed the importance of using multivitamins only for specific deficiencies under a doctor's guidance, as over-reliance can lead to dietary limitations. She also emphasized the misleading claims about the need for extra protein in children's diets, stating that a balanced diet consisting of natural, home-cooked foods is sufficient. Paediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh echoed the need for stricter regulation of marketing practices for such products. Overall, the emphasis remains on the importance of a balanced diet rooted in evidence-based choices, rather than succumbing to influencer-driven trends."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adVECezlhpBNhbBY_milkmixes.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-07T14:41:19+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"are-milk-mixes-and-gummies-really-essential-for-kids-expert-doctors-weigh-in-mnoq8y9d"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"How Sleep Deprivation and Stress Elevate Seizure Risks"},"content":{"text":"Recent revelations from the medical community underscore a critical yet often overlooked correlation between sleep deprivation, stress, and the heightened risk of seizures. Experts assert that inadequate sleep and chronic stress do not merely detract from overall wellbeing; they actively destabilize the brain's electrical activity, making seizures more likely. This alarming relationship calls for a reevaluation of how individuals living with epilepsy manage their conditions, highlighting the importance of lifestyle factors that often go unrecognized in traditional treatment plans. The mechanics behind this connection are becoming clearer as researchers delve deeper into the brain's complex functioning. Sleep is not just a passive state; it is a period of vital restoration during which the brain recalibrates its electrical impulses and chemical balances. Dr. Vivek Barun emphasizes that insufficient rest increases neuronal excitability, thereby lowering the seizure threshold. Groundbreaking studies, including those from the National Institutes of Health, demonstrate that even a single night of poor sleep can significantly elevate the propensity for seizures, particularly in conditions like Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, where disrupted sleep is often followed by morning seizures. Stress, frequently underestimated as a seizure trigger, compounds the issue and exacerbates the effects of sleep loss. Elevated cortisol levels, resulting from daily pressures, disrupt normal sleep patterns and can alter neurotransmitter balances in the brain. Dr. Praveen Gupta points out that chronic stress can create a feedback loop where poor sleep increases stress, and heightened stress impairs sleep, further destabilizing the individual’s neurological state. The cumulative effect of these factors often slips under the radar, as they manifest not through overt symptoms but rather through subtle shifts in daily habits and health. Moreover, the spectrum of seizure triggers extends beyond the obvious, masking themselves in seemingly benign daily activities. Habits such as late-night screen time, erratic meal schedules, and emotional fatigue contribute to a deteriorating health landscape that can lead to increased seizure activity. Dr. Gupta stresses the necessity of acknowledging these lifestyle components, asserting that effective epilepsy management must encompass both medical treatment and lifestyle modifications. By fostering a more comprehensive approach to managing health, patients can reclaim a sense of control over their conditions, moving beyond reliance on pharmacological interventions alone."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/360ab690-db05-40eb-851a-3a17c7a9b0a5_sleep.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-05T18:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"unseen-triggers-how-sleep-deprivation-and-stress-elevate-seizure-risks-mnn53iby"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Breathing easy: Unmasking the silent crisis in lung health"},"content":{"text":"Despite the instinctive nature of breathing, many individuals are blissfully unaware that their lungs may be underperforming. Even when breathing feels normal, hidden deficiencies often lurk beneath the surface, with symptoms such as unexplained fatigue and mild breathlessness acting as subtle indicators that lung health is compromised. According to Dr. Harish Verma, Associate Director of Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care at ShardaCare-Healthcity, the gap between merely breathing and breathing well can significantly impact overall health, energy levels, and immune function over time. This discrepancy serves as a crucial reminder that normalcy in respiration does not equate to optimal lung performance. The complexities of modern living exacerbate the challenge of maintaining lung health. Factors such as sedentary lifestyles, air pollution, and prolonged periods of inactivity can lead to a gradual decline in lung capacity and efficiency. Research from the National Institutes of Health has established a direct correlation between urban air pollution and diminished lung function across demographics, while the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has raised alarms about rising respiratory issues tied to poor air quality. This insidious decline often occurs without immediate symptoms, allowing individuals to unknowingly neglect their lungs until more serious conditions develop. Moreover, the body communicates its distress through subtle, often overlooked signs. Symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath during minor exertions, and persistent coughing do not typically register as urgent health concerns yet collectively suggest that lung function may be faltering. The modern lifestyle, characterized by indoor pollution, stress, and inadequate physical activity, further complicates lung health. As these factors contribute to chronic respiratory issues, awareness and proactive measures become imperative for individuals seeking to reclaim their respiratory well-being. Improving lung function may hinge on consistent lifestyle changes rather than reactive treatments. Simple yet effective practices such as regular physical activity, deep breathing exercises, and enhancing indoor air quality can lead to significant improvements in lung capacity. Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining cardiovascular health, as compromised heart function can further hinder respiratory efficiency. With a clear understanding of the intricate relationship between heart and lung health, individuals can better appreciate the nuanced signals their bodies provide, ensuring that attention to lung function becomes a central aspect of their overall wellness strategy."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/9b1e08c5-cb92-457a-aa25-c12819d24d17_lungs.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-04-02T12:37:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"breathing-easy-unmasking-the-silent-crisis-in-lung-health-mnhrcq7h"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Hidden Dangers of Kidney Damage"},"content":{"text":"Kidney disease represents a growing health crisis, often developing unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. Medical professionals emphasize that the kidneys can sustain substantial harm without presenting overt symptoms, making it crucial for individuals to remain vigilant about their renal health. Factors such as excessive salt intake, a diet high in processed foods, and the misuse of over-the-counter painkillers can exacerbate the risk, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Experts warn that the lack of noticeable signs can lull many into a false sense of security, allowing the disease to progress unchecked. Dr. Sumiran Mahajan, a consultant nephrologist at KIMS Hospitals, highlights that preventive measures play a vital role in kidney health. Routine medical check-ups often reveal kidney issues before patients are aware of any problems. He notes that even seemingly minor habits, like excessive consumption of salty foods, can significantly strain these vital organs. The absence of symptoms in the early stages makes routine screenings and blood pressure and sugar level monitoring essential tools in combating this silent threat to health. The insidious nature of kidney disease is compounded by lifestyle choices and genetic predispositions. Dr. Nikhil Bhasin, a consultant nephrologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, explains that kidney damage can progress quietly due to the organ's remarkable ability to adapt, often until irreversible harm has occurred. Symptoms such as mild swelling in the extremities, fatigue, or changes in urination patterns may eventually arise, but are frequently dismissed as inconsequential. This unawareness extends to individuals with a family history of kidney problems, who may be at heightened risk yet remain uninformed of the implications. Health check-ups, including simple urine and blood tests, are imperative for early detection and intervention. These assessments can reveal potential issues long before severe damage occurs, allowing for timely lifestyle modifications and medical treatments. By prioritizing awareness and health monitoring, individuals can mitigate risks, but it requires a collective effort to educate the public about the silent yet significant dangers posed by kidney disease and the critical steps necessary for prevention."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/368e3acb-6528-4189-a652-46a6508305db_kidneys.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-03-31T17:23:13+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"the-silent-epidemic-unveiling-the-hidden-dangers-of-kidney-damage-mnevy6wz"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Before You Try Fasting, Read This Truth"},"content":{"text":"Intermittent fasting is often seen as a popular weight loss method, but many individuals find themselves not shedding pounds despite skipping meals. Contrary to common belief, this approach can actually hinder weight loss efforts. When meals are skipped, the body enters a survival mode, causing a slowdown in metabolism and instability in blood sugar levels, leading to overeating later. Additionally, hormonal shifts and loss of muscle mass can further impede weight loss progress.  The body interprets skipped meals as a signal of scarcity, prompting it to conserve energy and reduce the rate at which calories are burned, ultimately lowering the resting metabolic rate. As a result, consuming very little food does not always lead to weight loss, as the body becomes more efficient at holding onto fat. Furthermore, irregular eating patterns can disrupt glucose control and appetite signals, leading to overeating and potentially negating any calorie deficit.  Hormones also play a significant role in weight loss, with skipped meals causing an increase in the hunger hormone ghrelin, elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and reduced effectiveness of the fullness signal leptin. This combination promotes fat storage, particularly around the abdomen, while intensifying hunger. Notably, inadequate fuel intake not only leads to fat breakdown but also muscle loss, further slowing metabolism. Moreover, skipping meals disrupts the digestive system's rhythm, resulting in bloating, sluggish digestion, and poor nutrient absorption. To reset metabolism and achieve sustainable weight loss, it is crucial to establish regular eating intervals, incorporate protein and fiber in each meal, maintain adequate hydration, prioritize quality sleep, and engage in light physical activity.  Ultimately, the key to successful weight management lies in consistent, balanced eating patterns that foster trust and safety within the body."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/e6bc1887-82d2-42c7-ae3a-6c728b916016_keto+diet.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-03-29T19:00:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"the-surprising-truth-about-intermittent-fasting-and-weight-loss-how-to-avoid-met-mnd2u98p"}}]},"nri":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Iran to Prioritize Care for Indian Nationals"},"content":{"text":"Iran's Representative in India, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, expressed his commitment to prioritizing the well-being of Indian citizens. He emphasized that Iran had worked closely with the Indian embassy in Tehran to support students and visitors during heightened conflict. Additionally, Iran and the United States are scheduled to engage in direct talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, aiming to alleviate recent hostilities.  Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court addressed certain tweets by journalist Rana Ayyub, deeming them derogatory, inflammatory, and communal. In response to the recent ceasefire between the United States and Iran, India's Ministry of External Affairs expressed hope for lasting peace in West Asia. The ceasefire announcement led to a significant drop in crude oil prices and a rally in global markets, resulting in a sharp rise in India's equity benchmark indices.  Furthermore, Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, asserted that the United States and Israel's aggressive attack on Iran resulted in a resounding defeat. Telcos are anticipated to face challenges due to rising smartphone prices and the transition of subscribers in the Indian market. Lastly, Israeli Opposition leader described the Iran ceasefire as a political disaster. These developments underscore the significance of international relations and their impact on various sectors."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/1036340e-8ea8-499b-ac83-859efb80353e_NRI.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C20%2C1280%2C631&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-08T17:30:42+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"iranian-representative-in-india-vows-to-prioritize-care-for-indian-nationals-mnqbqmqa"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Indian American makes Washington DC mayor ballot"},"content":{"text":"Rini Sampath, a Tamil Nadu-born candidate, has become the first South Asian person to secure a place on the ballot for Mayor of Washington, DC, marking a milestone in the city’s political history.  Sampath, who was born in Theni in India and moved to the United States at the age of seven, said the moment carried personal and broader community significance. “It’s so meaningful to me to be the first South Asian person to make the ballot for DC Mayor. I moved to the United States when I was seven years old in pursuit of the American dream, and I’m in this race to make sure that dream actually works for DC residents,” she said. Her campaign confirmed that more than 4,500 people signed her petition to qualify for the ballot. “I’m thrilled to have had over 4,500 people sign my petition to get me on the ballot for DC Mayor. South Asians contribute so much to our economy but see very little representation in government. I hope my candidacy inspires others to run and do good for their neighbours, and I hope you’ll join our campaign,” Sampath said. According to campaign material, Sampath is a 31-year-old government contractor who has lived in the US capital for over a decade. She has positioned her campaign around basic civic services and governance reforms. “As Mayor, my priority will be to make sure our city lives up to its basic commitments to our residents: Fill the potholes. Stop the catastrophic wastewater spill in the Potomac. Lower prices. Improve 911 wait times,” she said, outlining her agenda. Her campaign slogan underscores this focus, emphasising fixing basic services, strengthening neighbourhoods, and lowering the cost of living. In her campaign messaging, Sampath draws a contrast with what she describes as entrenched leadership in City Hall. “Why would you give a promotion to someone who has failed at the basic functions of their job?” she said, referring to the “current front runners in the DC Mayors race” as “political insiders who have served on the city council for years.” She added, “We all know DC government is broken,” pointing to recent snowstorms that left “streets and sidewalks… unpassable and dangerous,” with “trash piled up” and “waterlines burst because of aging infrastructure.” Sampath has also framed her candidacy as that of an outsider. “I’m not a politician. I’m not backed by any special interest groups. I’m a federal contractor who spent my career improving government programs and citizen services,” she said. “We need someone new. We need to go back to basics and fix our roads and sidewalks and city services.” Her personal story features prominently in her campaign narrative. Born in Tamil Nadu, she describes her roots as central to her public service motivation. “My grandfather has always been a driving force for me and a source of inspiration,” she said. She also credited her father’s decision to move the family to the United States, saying it shaped her outlook on opportunity and responsibility. Washington, DC operates under a mayor-council system, where the mayor serves as the chief executive of the District. The Democratic primary is often decisive in the city, given the party’s strong voter base. Sampath’s entry into the race reflects a broader trend of increasing political participation by Indian Americans and other South Asian communities in US local and national politics. While representation at higher levels has grown in recent years, including in Congress and state offices, mayoral races in major US cities have seen fewer candidates from the community."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adDYk5GXnQHGZQ_P_ranisampath.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-04T02:23:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"indian-american-makes-washington-dc-mayor-ballot"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"US citizenship case worries H-1B families"},"content":{"text":"A US Supreme Court case on birthright citizenship has raised concerns among Indian professionals on H-1B visas and other temporary permits.  The Trump administration told the court that children born to “temporary visitors” may not automatically be US citizens. Solicitor General John Sauer said the Constitution requires “direct and immediate allegiance” to the United States, not just birth on its soil. He argued that children of people on temporary visas do not meet that test. That position could affect thousands of Indian families. Indians form the largest group of H-1B visa holders in the US. Many live in the country for years while waiting for green cards. They build careers and raise families. Their children are often born in the US and treated as citizens under the current law. The government’s argument challenges that long-standing practice. Sauer said the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” should be read as requiring allegiance tied to lawful residence. He said the rule should not apply to those who are in the country only temporarily. Several justices questioned how such a policy would work. They asked how officials would determine a child’s citizenship at birth. They also asked if parents’ immigration status would need to be checked in each case. The government said the system would rely on “objectively verifiable” immigration data. That suggests visa status could decide whether a child is a citizen. Lawyers opposing the administration warned that the move would overturn settled law. They pointed to the 1898 ruling in United States v. Wong Kim Ark. That case held that most children born in the US are citizens, regardless of their parents’ status. They said the Constitution creates a clear rule. “Everyone born here is a citizen alike,” counsel told the court. For Indian families, the stakes are high. H-1B visa holders often face long delays in getting permanent residency. During that time, their US-born children enjoy full citizenship rights. A change in the law could create uncertainty. It could affect access to education, jobs and government benefits. The court also discussed whether any ruling would apply only in the future. The government said its policy would be prospective. But challengers warned that the logic could put the status of many people in doubt. The case comes as immigration remains a key political issue in the US. The administration argued that current rules act as a “pull factor” for illegal immigration. The 14th Amendment, adopted in 1868, grants citizenship to all persons born in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction. It was meant to ensure citizenship for freed slaves after the Civil War. For more than a century, the US has followed a broad birthright citizenship rule. The court’s decision could reshape that principle and have direct consequences for Indian professionals and their families."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/9706436b-2277-4f44-ba60-6cc43c85127f_USCIS.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-04-02T02:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"us-citizenship-case-worries-h-1b-families"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Trump's visa curbs hit India hard"},"content":{"text":"Legal immigration to the United States has dropped sharply in the first eight months of 2025, with India and China among the hardest hit as the Trump administration tightened visa policies, The Washington Post reported.  The State Department issued about 250,000 fewer visas from January to August 2025 than during the same period in 2024, according to the report. Overall approvals for permanent resident and temporary visas fell by 11 per cent, based on official data released in early March, the daily said. The decline covers visas for students, workers, and family members of US citizens and legal residents. Tourist visas also dropped during the same period. India and China saw some of the steepest declines. Visas for their nationals fell by about 84,000, the report said. The drop was driven largely by fewer student, worker, and family-related visas, The Washington Post said. International students were among the worst affected. Student visas fell by more than 30 per cent in the first eight months of 2025. Exchange visitor visas also declined sharply, dropping by nearly 30,000. Visa approvals for permanent residency, or green cards, also decreased. The largest declines were seen in visas for workers, certain relatives, and nationals from countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq. Officials and analysts linked the decline to a combination of policy changes and administrative factors. These include a travel ban on 19 countries, a temporary pause on student visa interviews, and expanded vetting requirements, including social media checks, the daily said. Staffing cuts at the State Department also reduced processing capacity. Fewer consular appointments and longer wait times were reported at several high-demand locations. “A visa is a privilege, not a right. Unlike the Biden administration, President Trump is not willing to compromise the safety of American citizens to allow mass migration of unvetted foreign nationals into our country,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said, according to the report. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said, “President Trump was elected with a resounding mandate to put American citizens first, and every policy decision he’s made has reflected that priority.” Analysts said both policy and demand factors may be driving the decline. “We don’t have a separation of how much of this decline is caused by demand and how much is caused by policy, and they’re obviously both putting downward pressure on the number of visas that are issued,” said Cecilia Esterline of the Niskanen Center. Critics argue the restrictions risk harming the US economy and global competitiveness. “There’s no policy more important to the present and future of the US economy than immigration,” said Jason Furman of Harvard University. “When we restrict immigration, we don’t just shortchange labor force growth today, we also reduce innovation and productivity growth in the future.”"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad%2Fc8ca36a7-3775-4d07-91ef-ef2592306a21_visa.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C1200%2C592&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-03-23T03:10:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"trumps-visa-curbs-hit-india-hard"}}]},"videos":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Bhooth Bangla' Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adORJZGXnQHGZR_Y_bb.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-06T08:56:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"bhooth-bangla-trailer"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Dacoit' Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aUPnHXNYClf9oY_O_dacoit.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,2,2020,996&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-05T18:49:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"dacoit-trailer"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"'Biker' Movie Making Video"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ac1WBZGXnQHGZLUI_bikermovie.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-04-01T15:29:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"biker-movie-making-video"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Ramayana Trailer"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ac48yZGXnQHGZMlc_raneerRAMA.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-01T07:48:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"ramayana-trailer"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Peddi Pehelwan Glimpse"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/acY1nJGXnQHGZB18_peddipehelwan.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-03-27T04:45:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"peddi-pehelwan-glimpse"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Dethadi - TEASER"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/acOoNpGXnQHGY8au_Dethadi.png?auto=format,compress&rect=0,204,449,221&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-03-24T18:30:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"dethadi---special-teaser"}}]},"editorial":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"The US Has Picked It's Prefered Broker, Why Cringe?"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adeGXJ1ZCF7ETBKc_USPAK.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T07:35:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"the-us-has-picked-its-prefered-broker-why-cringe"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Pakistan Ne War Rukwaadi, Abba!"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adYq6p1ZCF7ES9M3_warstopped.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-08T09:16:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"pakistan-ne-war-rukwaadi-abba"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Amaravati: AP's Forever-Project Or It's Biggest Political Prop?"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adONfZGXnQHGZR-z_jagancbnamaravati.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-04-06T09:11:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"amaravati-andhras-forever-project-or-its-biggest-political-prop"}},{"node":{"data":{"title":{"text":"Hormuz Block: The Great Bystanders Club"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ac9z3JGXnQHGZPiF_hormuz.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-04-03T08:01:00+0000","third_party_url":null},"uid":"hormuz-block-the-great-bystanders-club"}}]},"gallery":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-04-02T15:03:07+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Nabha Natesh Glam Pics"},"content":{"text":"Nabha Natesh is an Indian actress and model who primarily appears in Telugu films. She made her debut with Kannada film Vajrakaya and later in Telugu with Nannu Dochukunduvate. She had her breakthrough with iSmart Shankar in 2019 due to which she is popularly referred as \"Ismart Beauty\" in the media."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ac6Er5GXnQHGZNWp_nabha2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"nabha-natesh-glam-pics"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-29T11:03:07+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Nidhhi Agerwal Royal Blue Sari Stills"},"content":{"text":"Nidhhi Agerwal is an Indian actress who primarily works in Telugu and Tamil films. After participating in Miss Diva Universe 2014, Agerwal made her acting debut with the Hindi film Munna Michael, for which she received Zee Cine Award for Best Female Debut."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ackGR5GXnQHGZEvS_nidhhi2028.jpg?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"nidhhi-agerwal-royal-blue-sari-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-29T07:22:02+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Rakul New Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Rakul Preet Singh is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Telugu, Hindi and Tamil films. She has won a South Indian International Movie Award, in addition to four nominations at the Filmfare Awards South. Singh made her acting debut with the Kannada film Gilli."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/acjShZGXnQHGZErj_RPS2028.jpg?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"rakul-new-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-17T09:44:26+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Rashi Khanna New Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Rashii Khanna (born 30 November 1990) is an Indian actress and playback singer who predominantly works in Telugu and Tamil film industries. She made her acting debut in a supporting role with the Hindi film Madras Cafe (2013) and subsequently made her debut as female lead with Telugu film Oohalu Gusagusalade (2014), in Tamil with Imaikkaa Nodigal (2018) and Malayalam with Villain (2017)."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/abkhxbbci2UF6Gme_rashikhanna.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"rashi-khanna-new-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-12T18:30:32+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Meenakshi Chaudhary Red Bold Stills"},"content":{"text":"Meenakshi Chaudhary is an Indian actress and beauty pageant titleholder who works predominantly in Telugu and Tamil films. She represented the state of Haryana at the Femina Miss India 2018 pageant, where she was crowned as Femina Miss India Grand International 2018."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/abMFmVxvIZEnjoQC_meenakshi2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"meenakshi-chaudhary-red-bold-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-10T18:35:00+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Shruti Haasan Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Shruti Haasan is an Indian actress and singer who works in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi films. She is the recipient of various accolades, including two Filmfare Award South and seven South Indian International Movie Awards. Haasan has appeared in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list of 2015 and 2016."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aa__a1xvIZEnjhl8_shruthi2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"shruti-haasan-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-03-03T18:03:05+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Bhagyashri Borse New Stills"},"content":{"text":"Bhagyashri Borse is an Indian actress who appears primarily in South films. After doing cameo appearances in Hindi films Yaariyan 2 and Chandu Champion, she made her lead debut in South with the Telugu film Mr. Bachchan for which she has won the SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut – Telugu."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aachiFxvIZEnjSV9_bhagya2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"bhagyashri-borse-new-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-02-27T11:14:55+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"ViRosh Wedding Stills"},"content":{"text":"ViRosh Wedding Stills"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aaF4t8FoBIGEg6zW_virosh.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"virosh-wedding-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-02-21T12:37:04+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Niharika Konidela New Stills"},"content":{"text":"Niharika Konidela is an Indian actress and producer who predominantly works in Telugu films. She made her debut with the film Oka Manasu. She produces films and web series under her banner. "},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aZmdKsFoBIGEgndO_niharika2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"niharika-konidela-new-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-02-01T18:21:28+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Rashmi Gautam Red Hot Sills"},"content":{"text":"Rashmi Gautam is an Indian actress and television presenter who appears in Telugu-language films and TV. She hosts the Telugu television comedy show Extra Jabardasth and is a conceptual team leader in reality dance show Dhee."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aX-WA90YXLCxVPdl_rashmi2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"rashmi-gautam-red-hot-sills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2026-01-29T19:41:55+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Rithu Chowdary Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Rithu Chowdary is an Indian actress and anchor known for her work in Telugu television and films. She began her career as an anchor on Star Maa Music and gained popularity through reality shows like Pelli Choopulu (2018). She debuted in Telugu TV with the serial Gorintaku (2019) and later appeared in Suryavamsam and Inti Guttu. Her film debut was in Mouname Ishtam (2019), followed by a role in Uppena (2021). Rithu is also a regular on comedy shows like Jabardasth and Sridevi Drama Company, known for her comedic timing and charm. In 2021, she launched her YouTube channel, Rithu Chowdhary, with over 70,000 subscribers. She participated in Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 (2024)."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aXu3QAIvOtkhCGJU_rithuchoudhary.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"rithu-chowdary-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2025-12-16T17:05:55+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Shriya Saran Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Shriya Saran Bhatnagar is an Indian actress who primarily works in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films. Although Saran aspired to become a well-known dancer, she became an actress and made her film debut with the Telugu film Ishtam. Saran had her first commercial success with Santosham."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aUGQvnNYClf9oSUB_shriya2028.jpg?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"shriya-saran-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2025-12-16T17:05:55+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Anasuya Bharadwaj Saree Pics"},"content":{"text":"Anasuya Bharadwaj is an Indian television presenter and actress who works in Telugu films and television. She has received two SIIMA Awards, an IIFA Utsavam Award and a Filmfare Award South for her performances in Kshanam and Rangasthalam."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aUGPy3NYClf9oSS3_ansuya2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"anasuya-bharadwaj-saree-pics"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2025-12-06T17:46:28+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Guess This Heroine"},"content":{"text":"guess this heroine"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aTLHu3NYClf9n2n7_gs1.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"guess-this-heroine"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2025-09-23T11:53:49+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Priya Prakash Varrier New Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Priya Prakash Varrier is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Malayalam films. Her wink in the film Oru Adaar Love went viral, making her the most searched-for personality through Google in India in 2018."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aNJDd55xUNkB1AGF_priyapvarrier2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"priya-prakash-varrier-new-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2025-09-20T17:01:37+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Disha Patani Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Disha Patani is an Indian actress who primarily work in Hindi films. Patani began her acting career with the Telugu film Loafer, and had her first Hindi film release with the biopic M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, for which she won the IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aM7X1J5xUNkB07Ue_disha2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"disha-patani-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2025-08-27T16:52:16+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Raai Laxmi Hot Bikini Stills"},"content":{"text":"Lakshmi Rai, professionally credited as Raai Laxmi is an Indian actress and model who predominantly works in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi languages."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aK8262GNHVfTOYIc_raailakshmi2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"raai-laxmi-hot-bikini-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2025-08-15T11:03:15+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Nora Fatehi Glam Stills"},"content":{"text":"Nora Fatehi is a Canadian dancer and actress based in India. She has appeared in Hindi, Telugu and Malayalam films. Fatehi made her acting debut with the Hindi film Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aJ8R_aTt2nPbaW3o_nora2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"nora-fatehi-glam-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2025-07-26T17:32:57+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Priyanka Jawalkar Spicy Stills"},"content":{"text":"Priyanka Jawalkar is an Indian actress and model who works in Telugu cinema. She made her acting debut with Kala Varam Aaye. She then appeared in Taxiwala and Thimmarusu. Jawalkar received Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu nomination for her performance in Gamanam."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aIT6gFGsbswqTR74_priya2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"priyanka-jawalkar-spicy-stills"}},{"node":{"tags":["gallery"],"last_publication_date":"2025-07-15T10:41:36+0000","data":{"title":{"text":"Shraddha Das Spicy Black Pics"},"content":{"text":"Shraddha Das is an Indian actress and model who predominantly appears in Telugu, Hindi, Bengali, and Kannada language films. She made her acting debut in the 2008 Telugu film Siddu from Sikakulam, and since then has worked across six different film industries throughout her career."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aHYvrEMqNJQqH6cL_shradda2028.JPG?auto=format,compress"}},"uid":"shraddha-das-spicy-sari-pics"}}]},"one":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"The US Has Picked It's Prefered Broker, Why Cringe?"},"content":{"text":"\"To see what is right and not do it is the worst cowardice”- Confucius, Chinese Philosopher In today’s geopolitical context, one might say: “To see what is right and not to call it so is no “responsible journalism”. While the world celebrates a break from the brink of war, our newsrooms are too busy manufacturing skepticism to acknowledge a simple truth: the guns have stopped firing, regardless of who delivered the message. “Give credit where it’s due, even if it is to your enemy” is the wisdom that seems to be missing from the current Indian media landscape. While the international community welcomes the fragile ceasefire in West Asia, however temporary it may be, India's corporate media and cultural elite are following a much different script. Indian newsrooms are struggling to reconcile their long-standing image of Pakistan as a \"terrorist state\" with its sudden emergence as a \"peace therapist.\" To much of the world, Islamabad has successfully acted as a mediator. However, for Indian TV anchors, Pakistan’s new diplomatic role, backed by China, Turkey, Egypt and the Gulf, is being treated like a \"local subscription\" error, a glitch that the rest of the world accidentally signed up for and forgot to cancel. Even those who view Pakistan as a \"rogue nation\" are not ignoring the harsh truth that whether its role was that of a high-level mediator or simply a \"Dalal\" (messenger), the result provided the world with a much-needed sigh of relief, at least, for now, from a potential global disaster. Rather than acknowledging this contribution, many news anchors, acting more like a \"war council\" than journalists, are working overtime to cast doubt. Instead of reporting the facts of the truce, they are actively pushing panelists to maintain a skeptical and hostile stance toward Pakistan’s involvement in the peace process. By labeling the mediators as mere \"Dalals\" (brokers), they are actively casting doubt on the peace process and appearing to prioritize their own propaganda  over the evolving global reality. The current television narrative reflects a blend of insecurity and strategic worry. There is an evident fear that if this ceasefire leads to lasting peace, Pakistan will parlay its success into a permanent diplomatic stronghold in West Asia, a development that underscores India’s absence from the negotiation table as a major strategic failure. Rather than investigating why the U.S. and Israel chose a China-backed Pakistan to broker the ceasefire, the media is prioritizing a negative narrative against Islamabad. Islamabad was chosen as the primary mediator over other allies due to a mix of geographic necessity, established diplomatic channels, and strong personal ties between key leaders. This choice reflects a practical diplomatic reality: Pakistan fills a specific, functional role that both Washington and Tehran found essential during this crisis. The media's intense focus on discrediting Pakistan appears to be a strategic move to mask India’s own diplomatic absence. Despite its \"Vishwa Guru\" aspirations and claims of global leadership, New Delhi was unable to seize this critical moment to act as a primary peacemaker, leaving it sidelined while its neighbors took the lead. This highlights a critical disconnect between international diplomatic recognition and domestic narrative-building. It is a narrative that tries to frame the successful mediators as illegitimate to counter the perception of India being sidelined in a region where it has deep energy and diaspora interests. The fact that President Trump explicitly credited the \"Pakistan-China axis\" sends a clear signal: Washington and Tehran have already picked their preferred brokers. At this stage, no amount of negative media coverage aimed at Pakistan can change the reality of who is actually sitting at the negotiating table. It’s the irony of the situation: that in the high-stakes game of stopping a global war, the international community appears willing to let a “Rogue Nation” play the role of a holy peacemaker, even if it leaves regional rivals feeling strategically \"out of the loop.\" It is a striking paradox: a nation often labeled \"rogue\" is now positioning itself as the savior preventing a global disaster. Meanwhile, the traditional regional power, which long aspired to be the \"Vishwa Guru\", is left watching from the sidelines, seemingly relying on its media to mask its diplomatic discomfort. Whether the peace talks ultimately lead to a lasting solution or fall apart later is a separate issue entirely. For now, it makes more sense to stop cringing over the \"rogue nation’s\" role, if one cannot bring themselves to appreciate the result, they should at least acknowledge the reality of it."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adeGXJ1ZCF7ETBKc_USPAK.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T07:35:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"the-us-has-picked-its-prefered-broker-why-cringe"}}]},"two":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Rashmika's 30 birthday was all about revising her roots"},"content":{"text":"Actress Rashmika Mandanna celebrated her 30th birthday on April 5 with husband Vijay Deverakonda and her family members.  Making her first birthday after marriage even more special, Rashmika and Vijay decided to visit the hometown of the 'Pushpa' actress, Coorg. Reliving some fond memories from her childhood, Rashmika offered prayers at the temple she had grown up visiting, and even saw her school from outside. The 'Animal' actress further used the opportunity to meet the family members who were unable to attend the wedding festivities in Udaipur. She reconnected with her school friends, who have been an integral part of her journey. Sharing a couple of photographs from her birthday celebration on her social media handle, Rashmika wrote, \"My 30th birthday was kinda different this time. Went back home after a while. Went to the temple I’ve grown up going to.. Went to my school and saw it from outside (because of time constraints ) and revisited childhood for a quick bit.. Cut the cake amongst the people who are the reason for my being today to the people who are going to be my forever.  Met my families who couldn’t be there in the wedding in a small dinner gathering.. the people who’ve blessed me from the day I was born till today My girls from school who have been a part of my everything till today to my friends who are more like my family today than my friends (sic).\" Expressing her gratitude for a blessed birthday, Rashmika concluded the post with, \" I feel like everything in life happens for a good reason and this is the reason! Everything feels worth it!\" For the unaware, after successfully keeping their relationship under wraps for a long time, Rashmika and Vijay finally tied the knot on February 26 in a traditional ceremony in Udaipur."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adfeZJ1ZCF7ETC6z_ravi.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C268%2C449%2C221&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T15:14:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"rashmikas-30-birthday-was-all-about-revising-her-roots"}}]},"three":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"KTR invites Jeevan Reddy to join BRS "},"content":{"text":"Bharat Rashtra Samithi working president K.T. Rama Rao on Thursday invited former minister Jeevan Reddy to join BRS.  Jeevan Reddy recently resigned from the Congress party. Rama Rao visited the residence of senior leader Jeevan Reddy in Jagtial to invite him to join the BRS on behalf of party president K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR). Several party leaders and public representatives accompanied him during the visit. Speaking to the media, KTR stated that Jeevan Reddy responded positively to the invitation. He said that Jeevan Reddy acknowledged his long-standing personal association with KCR and expressed happiness over the visit, adding that he would meet KCR soon and announce his decision within a couple of days. KTR emphasised that for farmers and the poor in the state to regain stability and happiness, KCR must return as Chief Minister. He said experienced leaders like Jeevan Reddy are essential for rebuilding Telangana’s growth trajectory. Highlighting Jeevan Reddy’s political journey, KTR noted that he has served the Congress party for over four decades with commitment. He also recalled that KCR had invited him to join BRS even before the 2014 elections, but he continued in Congress at the time due to his loyalty to the party. KTR elaborated on the long-standing personal bond between KCR and Jeevan Reddy, built over four decades of mutual respect. He recalled that during KCR’s first official tour of Karimnagar district as Chief Minister in 2014, development works requested by Jeevan Reddy, despite being in the opposition, were immediately sanctioned—reflecting statesmanship beyond party lines. He also highlighted Jeevan Reddy’s strong advocacy for farmers in the Assembly and his consistent fight on issues like Nizam Sugars. KTR recalled that KCR had even offered to support the revival of the sugar factory under a cooperative model, inspired by Maharashtra, with financial backing and leadership responsibility to Jeevan Reddy if he wished. KTR thanked the Jagtial district leadership for proactively supporting the initiative and inviting Jeevan Reddy into the party fold. He appreciated their commitment to strengthening the party and working towards bringing BRS back to power, stating that Jeevan Reddy’s entry would significantly strengthen the party. KTR launched a strong attack on the Congress government, stating that over the past two and a half years, it has failed in governance and is resorting to diversionary politics to hide its inefficiencies. He alleged that the government defaulted on the Rythu Bandhu scheme three times, accumulating dues of Rs 27,000 crore to farmers, while misleading them in the name of loan waivers. He said this has led to widespread anger among farmers. KTR strongly condemned the remarks made by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, stating that such comments were inappropriate and unbecoming of a person holding the highest office in the state. He accused the Chief Minister of using language that insults the dignity of women and goes against Telangana’s cultural values. He further accused the government of betraying youth by failing to deliver on its promise of providing two lakh jobs, leading to frustration and anger among unemployed youth. KTR said none of the six guarantees promised by the Congress party has been fully implemented and accused the leadership of deceiving the public after claiming full awareness of the state’s financial position before elections. He also stated that dissatisfaction is growing within the Congress party itself, with even party workers expressing a desire for BRS to return to power. He accused Congress leadership of insulting its own senior leaders and undermining their self-respect. Jeevan Reddy expressed gratitude to KTR for visiting his residence and inviting him into BRS on KCR’s behalf. He said resigning from the Congress party was an emotional decision, but expressed happiness at joining BRS. Jeevan Reddy stated that he endured humiliation over the past 20 months with patience and added that, having seen many governments, he believes the present government is moving in a regressive direction. He said his decision was based on public opinion and expressed happiness at the opportunity to work under KCR’s leadership."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/adfBQp1ZCF7ETCly_ktrjeevan.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T13:35:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"ktr-invites-jeevan-reddy-to-join-brs"}}]},"four":{"edges":[{"node":{"data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Vanga Hits Out at Fraternity Over Dhurandhar 2"},"content":{"text":"Amidst the overwhelming success of \"Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge\", filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has shared his views on the movie through his latest social media post. Calling out the section of the film fraternity who termed \"Dhurandhar\" as \"propaganda\", the 'Animal' maker penned on his official X (Previously known as Twitter) handle, \"Writers & actors built careers on propaganda, and the industry stayed quiet like cats. Now the same clan mock Dhurandhar. You don’t get to call yourself liberal if your first instinct is to Mock. Don’t know when truth started getting labeled as propaganda...... strange times. (sic)\" Sandeep Reddy Vanga also had some serious advice for filmmaker Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh on how to deal with haters. \"COMING TO THE POINT..... I want to tell @AdityaDharFilms & @RanveerOfficial yeh kaala drishti aise nahi jaayega... Muthi bhar ke laal mirch se kaam nahi chalega.... poora khet jalana padega Watched #Dhurandhar2‌TheRevenge last night.... Outstanding film,\" he went on to share. Appreciating the encouraging words of the 'Arjun Reddy' maker, Aditya Dhar reciprocated the love in the comment section, saying, \"Mere Pyaare Sandeep, I genuinely love the way you stand your ground and give it back when it matters. There’s a real honesty and belief in that and it’s something I truly respect. I’ve always looked up to how you back your cinema without any doubt or noise. That kind of conviction reminds all of us to trust our voice and just go for it. Give my love to the Legend Prabhas sir! Big love and all the best for Spirit. Really looking forward to it. And if there’s ever anything I can do, I’d genuinely love to help a brother. Thanks. again! (sic)\" In the meantime, Sandeep Reddy Vanga is presently busy with his much-talked-about next \"Spirit\", with Prabhas as the lead."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aDXnUidWJ-7kSl43_vanga.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-04-09T14:05:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"vanga-hits-out-at-fraternity-over-dhurandhar-2"}}]},"five":{"edges":[]},"review":{"edges":[{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Biker'"},"content":{"text":"It is a well-known fact that the summer season is crucial for Tollywood. This summer was originally scheduled to kick off with a major release starring Ram Charan; however, due to various reasons, that film was postponed. Stepping in to fill that void, Sharwanand has arrived before the audience today with his film, 'Biker.'  The filmmakers have consistently asserted that—until now—no full-fledged bike racing movie has ever graced the Indian screen, making this the very first of its kind. Having assured the public that the film would captivate audiences, let us see in this review whether 'Biker' lives up to those claims. Story: Vikas Narayan—known as Vicky (Sharwanand)—is a top-tier motocross racer who suddenly decides to quit the sport. While fully immersed in leading a family life, Vicky unexpectedly finds his interest and passion for racing reignited due to unforeseen circumstances. Consequently, he returns to his father and mentor, Sunil Narayan (Rajasekhar).  What events unfold during this reunion? Furthermore, what is the true nature of the bond shared between this father-son duo—Sunil and Vicky? The film's premise revolves around why Vicky gives up racing, only to return to the sport many years later. Although the storyline itself is quite simple, the film is driven primarily by its screenplay. Performances: Regardless of the film or the nature of the role, we consistently see Sharwanand impressing audiences with his acting prowess. In this latest outing, he once again poured his heart and soul into the character of Vicky. Sharwanand appears in two distinct age groups within the film, and he delivers a convincing performance tailored perfectly to each phase of the character's life.  Furthermore, Sharwanand earns high marks once again for his execution of both emotional and romantic scenes. As a biker, he makes a sincere effort to impress through his body language. His romantic scenes with the female lead are engaging. Overall, Sharwanand delivers a commendable performance as a biker. Rajasekhar makes a return to the silver screen after a long hiatus. He is cast in the role of Sharwanand's father—a character that, despite being a paternal figure, is accorded significant importance within the narrative. Rajasekhar effectively conveys the emotional depth of the role, bringing the character to life with great conviction. Rajasekhar's acting requires no special mention; he has once again proven his mettle as a performer.  Regarding the female lead, while her character holds significance within the story's plot, it must be noted that she does not receive the expected level of prominence in the actual screenplay. Nevertheless, she delivers a decent performance within the scope provided to her. There is not much to specifically discuss regarding the performances of the other supporting cast members.  Technical: Director Abhilash should have chosen a stronger storyline. It appears he intended to carry the film solely through his direction and screenplay. He really should have put more effort into refining the story itself. Such a thin storyline demands a robust screenplay; however, the director did not fully succeed in that regard either. There are flaws in the editing.  Some of the bike racing sequences occasionally feel tedious. While the film might appeal to racing enthusiasts, regular audiences are likely to wear expressions of exasperation, thinking, \"That's enough—please make it stop!\"  The cinematography is commendable; the camera work in certain racing sequences is particularly impressive. As for the music, there is nothing particularly noteworthy to mention, though it must be acknowledged that the music director did manage to succeed with the background score in a few isolated moments. The production values ​​are good. Analysis: It would have been more effective had the director first provided the audience with a foundational understanding of bike racing before immersing them in the narrative. As it stands, the film is truly engaging only for those who already possess prior knowledge of racing. Specifically, racing aficionados are the ones who will likely watch and enjoy this movie.  However, the average commercial audience is bound to be left bewildered—staring blankly and wondering, \"What exactly is this?\" While the audience may connect with a few of the emotional scenes scattered throughout the film, that connection often feels abruptly severed almost immediately. Overall, the director failed to craft a film that would truly resonate with the audience or leave a lasting impression on their hearts.  The director steered the film as if its sole purpose were to showcase bike racing. It remains unclear whether he simply forgot that a movie requires a blend of various elements, or if he naively assumed that the presence of emotion and racing sequences alone would suffice to bring everything else together. However, it must be stated that the average moviegoer is unlikely to enjoy 'Biker'.  Sharwanand put in a tremendous amount of effort. It was a wise decision to cast Rajasekhar in this role; the combination of these two actors held the potential to create something truly spectacular. Unfortunately, the director failed to effectively utilize their talents to deliver a hit film. Apart from those with a specific passion for bike racing, regular family audiences will find it difficult to connect with this movie. It is simply not possible to carry an entire film on the strength of just a few emotional scenes. Plus Points: Sharwanand Rajasekhar A few racing sequences Minus Points: Story and Screenplay Slow pacing in the first half Some racing sequences felt tedious Certain scenes were overly melodramatic Conclusion: While Sharwanand was impressive in his portrayal of a biker, the film ultimately failed to appeal to family audiences. Banner: UV Creations Producers: Vamsi, Pramod Direction: Abhilash Reddy Music: Ghibran Cast: Sharwanand, Rajasekhar, Malavika Nair, Atul Kulkarni, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ac96upGXnQHGZPjo_biker.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-04-03T06:31:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-biker---for-those-who-love-racing"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Ustaad Bhagat Singh'"},"content":{"text":"Everyone is well aware of the massive success achieved by Gabbar Singh—a film released many years ago, starring Pawan Kalyan as the lead and directed by Harish Shankar. Consequently, expectations for this film have soared to great heights. In this review, let us see whether Director Harish Shankar has managed to live up to those expectations. Story: A teacher (K.S. Ravikumar), who dedicates himself to supporting the education of tribal children, notices a particular young boy in the region who stands out as truly special. The teacher adopts the boy, raises him, and molds him into a police officer.  That officer is Ustaad Bhagat Singh (Pawan Kalyan)—a man who not only accomplishes whatever he sets his mind to but also stands at the forefront whenever and wherever corruption or injustice rears its head.  The story revolves around how Ustaad Bhagat Singh thwarts the schemes of an individual who seeks to seize power by assassinating the state's Chief Minister. Simply put, this is the story of a powerful police officer. Performances: There is no need to speak separately about Pawan Kalyan's performance; it speaks for itself. There is absolutely no doubt that he does complete justice to any role assigned to him. Pawan Kalyan has done full justice to the character of Ustaad Bhagat Singh as well. Delivering a powerful performance in a commanding role, he captivated the audience without ever compromising on his signature style of entertainment.  Furthermore, his impeccable comedic timing earned him the appreciation of his fans. Pawan Kalyan was equally impressive in the romantic sequences. He also delighted the audience by showcasing a few dance moves in the musical numbers.  Overall, Pawan Kalyan delivered a captivating performance that truly defined the concept of a \"one-man show.\" Typically, heroines do not play a very significant role in Pawan Kalyan's films; this trend continued in this movie as well. The character played by the lead actress, Sreeleela, lacked substantial importance. Nevertheless, she delivered a decent performance within the limited scope of her role. The other heroine, Raashi Khanna, was confined to a single song sequence. She did not feel integral to the plot; in fact, her absence from the film would not have made any significant difference to the narrative.  The supporting cast members performed adequately within the confines of their respective roles. Technical: It appeared that Director Harish Shankar focused his attention entirely on the screenplay and Pawan Kalyan's character, rather than on the core storyline itself. Several of his dialogues were crafted to deliver a definite \"kick\" to the fans. Moreover, the director clearly understood exactly how the fans wished to see Pawan Kalyan portrayed on screen, and he presented him in the film accordingly.  The director succeeded in crafting dialogues that perfectly complemented Pawan Kalyan's distinct body language. The screenplay was passable. The direction falls short, the storyline is weak, and the cinematography is merely passable.  The music provided by Devi Sri Prasad is decent, to a certain extent. The fact that the songs did not turn out to be blockbusters is a drawback; however, the background score provided by Thaman stands out as a major highlight of the film. The production values ​​are commendable, though there are occasional flaws in the editing. Analysis: Whenever a Pawan Kalyan film is announced, it captures the attention not only of his fans but of audiences from all walks of life. Speculations abound—regarding the kind of story he might choose or whether the film will live up to the stature he currently commands—and expectations inevitably soar. There is absolutely no doubt that meeting such high expectations is a monumental challenge for any director.  In this film, Director Harish Shankar presents Pawan Kalyan in a simple, straightforward manner—devoid of heavy-handed social messages or overly dramatic, \"powerful\" dialogues—while crafting his lines in a way that specifically appeals to his fan base. It has been proven once again that Harish Shankar possesses a keen understanding of exactly what fans expect from a Pawan Kalyan film. Director Harish Shankar knew that if Pawan Kalyan delivered the kind of high-energy entertainment reminiscent of Gabbar Singh, his fans would undoubtedly embrace it wholeheartedly. Consequently, he devised a strategy to focus exclusively on showcasing Pawan Kalyan's persona and delivering pure entertainment, without getting bogged down in the intricacies of the plot or other narrative elements.  While his approach certainly resonates with the fans, the general audience may be left feeling that something more is missing. Ultimately, the film feels as though it was crafted exclusively for the enjoyment of Pawan Kalyan's devoted fan base. Pawan Kalyan's previous film, OG, also felt as though it was made specifically for his fans. Once again, this movie appears to have been crafted solely to satisfy Pawan Kalyan's fan base. General audiences may choose to wait until the film becomes available on OTT platforms. Plus Points: Pawan Kalyan, Comedy Select scenes Minus Points: Story and Screenplay Roles of the Heroines Roles of the Villains Verdict: For Pawan Kalyan's fans..."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/abuyNrbci2UF6P_u_UBS.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-03-19T07:22:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":null}},"uid":"review-ustaad-bhagat-singh---treat-for-fans-only"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Vishnu Vinyasam' - Routine Entertainer"},"content":{"text":"This film, starring Sree Vishnu, who has acquired a special image by choosing different films, did not have much publicity from the beginning. But there was a bit of a rush during the release. The hype for this film increased in the wake of the publicity that two films starring Sree Vishnu were coming out at the same time. So how is this film? Let's see in this review whether the matter in this film is up to the increased hype. Story: Vishnu (Sree Vishnu) is a junior lecturer at Ongole Pragathi Junior College. He believes in Vastu a lot and pays a lot of attention to horoscopes. He believes a little too much in numerology. Manisha (Nayan Sarika) enters Vishnu's life. Manisha loves Vishnu at first sight. Manisha has a problem. Because of that problem, no one comes forward to marry her. But Manisha loves Vishnu without telling him about it.  After both of them fall deeply in love, Manisha tells Vishnu the real thing. Will Vishnu then say okay to marry Manisha? What is that problem that Manisha has so far? You have to watch the movie to know. Actors' performance: Sree Vishnu has been impressing in recent times as he has made a name for himself in comedy roles. He has already earned the reputation of playing confusing roles. Moreover, as expected, since this is a confusing role in this film, Srivishnu impressed. He acted in an impressive manner and impressed. His expressions make you laugh. Apart from that, he acted in a memorable way in his role.  The heroine Nayan Sarika impressed with her beauty. Even though she was mostly seen in a saree, she sparkled with beauty here and there. Along with her impressive beauty, she impressed with her acting. Her acting in some scenes was good. Especially in some scenes, her acting was the main attraction of the film.  The actors who played other roles impressed within the scope of their roles. Technical: Although the subject taken by director Yadunath Maruthirao is very routine, he impressed with the entertainment he handled. More care should have been taken in the screenplay. It seemed that some scenes were jumped. There are errors in editing. Especially some scenes are like front, back... back, front. That makes it confusing at times.  There is nothing much to say about the music. But in some scenes of the film, it seems that the background score is not important. The production values ​​are good. The cinematography is not important. Analysis: It seems that hero Srivishnu has accepted this film after seeing the support that entertainment films have been getting in recent times. The story is very routine. Recently, too, a film came out in which the hero had three beliefs. If you watch this film within a few months of its release, it has been proven once again that if this subject is handled with comedy, the audience will support it.  The director has handled this film in a completely entertaining way. But there are some errors in the screenplay. There is some confusion in the placement of scenes. The first half came out very well. After the entertaining first half, it must be said that the second half has decreased a bit. The director succeeded in revealing the twist. However, even though there is another twist in the climax, it did not work out well. Overall, the movie is a good entertainer, but you have to enjoy the magic without logic. Plus points: Sree Vishnu, Nayan Sarika Comedy, Satya, other comedians Minus points: Some scenes without logic, Some scenes in the second half, Music, editing. Finally.. It would be good if you enjoy the entertainment without looking at whether there is no logic or not. Banner: Sree Subrahmanyeshwara Cinemas Producer: Sumanth Naidu Director: Yadunath Maruthi Rao Music: Rathan Cast: Sree Vishnu, Nayan Sarika, Satya, Murali Sharma, Brahmaji and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aaFsmMFoBIGEg6rI_vishnuvinyasam.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-02-27T09:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkkMjnbLZHw"}},"uid":"review-vishnu-vinyasam---routine-entertainer"}},{"node":{"tags":["Entertainment"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'O’Romeo'"},"content":{"text":"Inspired by true events, Sajid Nadiadwala's O'Romeo encompasses layered elements of emotions, story and characters that are thoughtfully crafted. Starring Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Avinash Tiwary, Nana Patekar, Farida Jalal, followed by Disha Patani, Tamannaah Bhatia & Vikrant Massey in a special appearances O'Romeo is a visual treat. Vishal Bhardwaj's direction is seamlessly balanced between the mass and class appeal. His sharp attention to even the minute details truly yet again proves his eye for nuanced filmmaking. The jaw dropping action sequences performed by Shahid Kapoor, Avinash Tiwary is arresting and even Triptii Dimri impresses with her action skills making the hype and high anticipation around the film all worth it. The performances by each actor is refined, outstanding and in one word perfect.Shahid Kapoor as Ustara is mind boggling and O'Romeo surely stands as one of his finest roles. Triptii Dimri as Afshan has the innocence yet when required the zeal and fire for revenge. Avinash Tiwary as Jalal is unexpected and unrecognisable. The head tattoo adds to his menacing look and the ruthless character that he plays on screen. The chemistry between Shahid and Triptii feels fresh, intensely passionate and yet they never make you feel this is the first time they are sharing screen space together. Audiences are in for a visual treat with Farida Jalal's fiery dialogues and Nana Patekar's raw and unfiltered dialogue delivery and magnetic screen presence. The humour of the film is something that is strategically placed and doesn't disrupt the emotional intensity. Vishal Bhardwaj can never go wrong when it comes to music. Each music track is immensely soul stirring and melody that you will connect to. The dance numbers be it Aashiqon ki colony, paan ki dukaan has an unmatched energy and makes you want to shake a leg. What grabs your attention is also what a phenomenal dancer Shahid and Disha are and how beautifully they have been brought together in the popular tracks of the movie. Sajid Nadiadwala adds another impressive visionary movie to his legacy with O'Romeo after some of the most inspiring and milestone movies like Chhichhore, 83,Tamasha, Chandu Champion and more."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aY7_mFWLo0XkEfK7_ORomeo.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-02-13T06:15:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M4hKmuBzUU"}},"uid":"review-oromeo"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Anaganaga Oka Raju'"},"content":{"text":"Naveen Polishetty, who gained immense popularity overnight as a hero with the film Jathi Ratnalu, has been making films slowly and steadily without much fanfare. His film with Anushka, Miss Shetty Mr. Polishetty, was considered decent, but some felt it wasn't a film befitting Naveen's image. Naveen started this film with his own script. Even though the director changed, he took the lead in carrying the film forward. From the beginning of the film's production, they have been conducting promotions in a way that raised expectations. Let's see how the film is in this review.  Story: Raju (Naveen Polishetty), who belongs to a zamindar family, lives a respectable life in the village by invoking his ancestors' name, even though he has lost all his properties. Although he is a zamindar's heir in name, Raju faces financial difficulties. Even though he has lost all his fields and properties, he continues to be called a zamindar in the village by mentioning his grandfather's name. He thinks that to solve all his problems, he needs to marry a very wealthy girl. He looks at many prospective matches for this purpose. Finally, he meets Charulata (Meenakshi Chaudhary). Upon learning that she is the daughter of the very wealthy Bhupathi Raju (Rao Ramesh), he undertakes \"Operation Charulata\" to make her fall in love with him.  Charulata falls for his plan, and Raju and Charu get married in a grand ceremony. After the marriage, Raju learns some shocking things, and his situation becomes even worse than before the wedding. How does Raju get out of these circumstances? Does Raju manage to overcome his financial problems as he had hoped? What he does in response to that is the film's plot.  Actors' Performance: It's evident from watching the film that Naveen Polishetty carried the entire burden of the movie on his shoulders. Naveen impressed with his comedic timing. He captivated with his signature mannerisms and also impressed with his dialogues and dance. He also attracted everyone's attention by performing an action sequence. There is no doubt that Naveen's comedic timing is the main attraction of the film. He dominated the entire film with his acting and comedy. Even though the entire film revolved around Naveen, he acted with balance and restraint without going overboard anywhere.  The heroine, Meenakshi Chaudhary, looks very beautiful. She has already earned good marks in terms of her looks. Although she seemed to overact in one or two places, her overall performance was impressive. Rao Ramesh impressed in his limited role. The actors in other roles performed adequately. However, none of them got the scope to deliver a great performance.  Technical Aspects: The director tried to make the story completely entertaining. In that process, the comedy scenes he wrote were somewhat funny. However, every scene felt like something seen before, like something that had made people laugh before. The writing was particularly poor in the second half. It is known that Naveen is one of the writers of this film. It doesn't seem like he gave much importance to other characters except for his own.  There is nothing much to say about the music. While one song was somewhat decent, overall, the songs and background score were not great. The cinematography is good; the beauty of the village was captured well. There are many complaints regarding the editing. The second half, in particular, needed significant trimming. The production values ​​are in line with the story.  Analysis: The fact that Naveen Polishetty is releasing his film knowing that there are big films releasing for Sankranthi suggests he had a lot of confidence in his movie. His statements before the film's release also generated interest. He conducted promotional activities in a way that attracted everyone's attention. However, his complete control over the script and the lack of importance given to any character other than his own resulted in the entire film revolving around Naveen. Despite this, the first half felt decent and progressed with comedy.  However, despite a major problem in the second half, it's unclear why he's contesting in elections and making various attempts to win them. Only Naveen knows why a person from one village is contesting elections in another village. The entire second half proceeded illogically, like magic. While logic isn't always necessary for such entertainment films, assuming that the audience will accept and believe anything shown to them can backfire. That's what happened here. The illogical scenes and screenplay became excessive. The villain had no importance whatsoever; everyone stood before the hero like sheep. The audience won't stand for that. Therefore, it remains to be seen how well the audience will receive the king's entertainment.  Plus points: Naveen Polishetty Some comedy scenes First half.  Minus points: Second half Illogical scenes Routine climax Music  Conclusion... This entertainment is not enough for the Sankranthi competition, Raju.  Banner: Sithara Entertainments  Producers: Naga Vamsi, Sai Soujanya  Director: Mari  Music: Mickey J. Meyer  Cast: Naveen Polishetty, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Rao Ramesh, Tharak Ponnappa and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aWdkoQIvOtkhBfM4_AnaganagaOkaRaju.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-01-14T07:42:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSGVbEZHgSQ"}},"uid":"review-anaganaga-oka-raju"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi'"},"content":{"text":"Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja has been struggling with a series of flops. The recent film 'Mass Jathara' further disappointed his fans. Recovering quickly from that flop, Ravi Teja made this film at a very fast pace. Director Kishore Tirumala has crafted this film as a family entertainer. It was promoted as a good family entertainer for this Sankranthi season. Let's see in this review whether the film lives up to those expectations.  Story: Ram (Ravi Teja) and Balamani (Dimple Hayathi) are husband and wife. They lead a very harmonious life together. While their married life is going smoothly, due to some unexpected events, Ram unexpectedly meets Manasa Shetty (Ashika Ranganath) from Spain, and a physical relationship develops between them.  After returning from Spain, Ram is troubled by this incident. That's when Manasa comes to Hyderabad. This leads to more problems for Ram. Ram tries to tell Manasa that he is married. What happens in the end? How do the two women play games with Ram? That's the story of the film.  Actors' Performance: Ravi Teja, as always, impressed with his energetic performance. It has been proven once again that he can easily handle such roles. Although being caught between two women is a somewhat new subject for Ravi Teja, he was still captivating. With his trademark mannerisms, Ravi Teja was decent in creating humor through awkward situations and interactions between the two female leads. However, he failed to impress in the songs. In some scenes, his age was clearly visible. Overall, it must be said that Ravi Teja tried his best to deliver full-fledged entertainment.  Among the heroines, Dimple Hayathi deserves special mention. She played Ravi Teja's wife. Her character was portrayed as both traditional and beautiful. However, in some scenes, it feels like another actress would have been a better fit for this role than Dimple. There wasn't much scope for acting. Dimple was decent with what she had. Ashika impressed with her beauty. She played the role of a girl who takes revenge on the person who cheated her. Her character also had only moderate scope for acting. However, overall, Dimple Hayathi impressed in the role of Manasa that she was given.  Technical Aspects: Director Kishore Tirumala should have written a stronger story. He claimed to have managed with the screenplay despite the simple story. He tried to drive the narrative with entertainment. However, he should have presented the story in a more engaging way for the audience. Some dialogues were good, while others were very clichéd.  Bheems' music was average. The songs were not very impressive. The background score was also just average. The cinematography was average. The cinematography was good in some of the foreign location scenes. There were flaws in the editing. Some scenes in the second half feel dragged out. The production values ​​are in line with the story.  Analysis: From the beginning, the unit members have been saying that this film delivers the kind of entertainment that audiences expect from Ravi Teja. Many films have been made in the past about a man caught between two women. Director Kishore has tried to bring back the same story with a new backdrop. It must be said that the director has succeeded to a certain extent in making the film's screenplay entertaining.  Despite the routine story, he managed to evoke laughter in places with the screenplay he chose. He also kept the story moving forward without becoming boring. However, when there is a very strong family entertainer playing alongside it, this film needed to be even better. It needed to be a superior family entertainer. But since the film is only moderately entertaining, it remains to be seen how much the audience will support this film.  Plus Points: Some comedy scenes First half Serial song  Minus Points: Routine story Narrative Some scenes in the second half  Finally... A request to all husbands... A routine entertainer  Banner: SLV Cinemas  Producer: Sudhakar Cherukuri  Director: Kishore Tirumala  Music: Bheems Ceciroleo  Cast: Ravi Teja, Dimple Hayathi, Ashika Ranganath, Sunil, Tharak Ponnappa, Soni, Vennela Kishore, Satya, and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aWYRSgIvOtkhBbFi_BMW.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-01-13T08:33:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7PJpctfx3Q"}},"uid":"review-bhartha-mahasayulaku-wignyapthi"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Mana Shankaravaraprasad Garu'"},"content":{"text":"After delivering the biggest blockbuster with 'Sankranthi Ki Vastunnam' alongside Venkatesh for Sankranthi 2025, Anil Ravipudi is being called the 'Sankranthi Director'. In this context, ever since the announcement that Anil would be coming with a film starring the Megastar for Sankranthi, everyone has been eagerly waiting to see how it would turn out. Moreover, with Venkatesh also in the film and every song released becoming a hit, the expectations increased even further. Let's see in this review whether Anil Ravipudi lived up to the expectations, continued his Sankranthi sentiment, and delivered a hit.  Story: Shankaravaraprasad (Chiranjeevi) is a National Security Officer. Due to certain reasons, he divorces his wife Shashirekha (Nayanthara). At the time of the divorce, they have two children. Shashirekha, who is one of the wealthiest women in the country, takes precautions to prevent Shankaravaraprasad from even meeting his children. After a long time, Shankaravaraprasad gets the opportunity to see his children. At that time, realizing that his children are longing for their father's love, he decides to get closer to Shashirekha again.  What does Shankaravaraprasad do for this? A certain circumstance leads him to become a security officer at Shashirekha's house. What is that circumstance? What happened in the end? Will the divorced couple reunite? This is the storyline of the film.  Actors' Performance: No amount of praise is enough for Megastar Chiranjeevi's performance. From the beginning, fans eagerly awaited seeing Chiranjeevi's vintage comedy in this film. They got exactly what they hoped for from Chiranjeevi. He entertained with his unique mannerisms, just like he did in his brother's film and some other movies. He impressed in dance, action, drama, and everything else. He was particularly outstanding in some of the comedy scenes. The director fully utilized Chiranjeevi's potential. It felt like Chiranjeevi completely surrendered to the director's vision.  Venkatesh impressed in his role. His look and body language were captivating as always. Venkatesh excelled, especially in the scenes with Chiranjeevi. It must be said that the film's second half definitely picked up because of Venkatesh's presence. The story revolves around Nayanthara's character, but she didn't get much scope to perform. The director designed her character to be serious throughout. Except for one or two scenes, there isn't much to say about Nayanthara's performance. However, she impressed with her look. As Chiranjeevi's leading lady and playing the role of the richest woman in the country, Nayanthara fit perfectly into the character. The other actors also performed well within the scope of their respective roles.  Technical Aspects: There is no doubt that the film, which is releasing for Sankranthi, became a super hit because of its musical success. Everyone doubted whether Bheem could deliver such songs and music again. Even Mega fans commented that Bheems was unnecessary. But unexpectedly, Bheem delivered music perfectly suited to Megastar Chiranjeevi's body language and Anil Ravipudi's screenplay and writing. Bheem's music became the main attraction of the film. He deserves credit for elevating the film not only with the songs but also with the background score.  Director Anil Ravipudi once again worked his magic with his screenplay. The story is very simple, and the premise he chose is also very simple, but he impressed with the screenplay woven around it, his direction, dialogues, and writing. It has been proven once again that Anil Ravipudi can create a sensation with his comedy. The cinematography is average. It must be said that such comedy films don't require exceptional cinematography. The cinematography is adequate for the film. Some scenes in the second half could have been trimmed. The production values ​​are quite good, in line with the story.  Analysis: With five films releasing for Sankranthi, especially with a pan-India superstar like Prabhas's Raja Saab also releasing, some expressed doubts about what kind of result our Manasankaravaraprasad would achieve. However, those who had faith in Anil Ravipudi's content and his comedy expressed the opinion from the beginning that Manasankaravaraprasad had a strong chance of being a big hit. And as expected, Anil Ravipudi has once again proven his mettle with this film.  Except for one or two scenes in the second half, the entire film was a full-fledged entertainer. Especially the comedy in the first half and the vintage songs featuring the Venky-Chiru combo in the second half are undoubtedly the highlights of the film. If a little more care had been taken with the second half, it would have been on another level. Even now, without a doubt, this film stands as a full-length entertainer for this Sankranthi.  For the fans and audience who were waiting to see what kind of comedy Anil Ravipudi would deliver with a megastar like Chiranjeevi, it can be said that the film provided entertaining content without any disappointment. With a couple of sentimental scenes, some action sequences, and songs, the film is good in all aspects.  Plus Points: Comedy, Chiranjeevi, Venky, Music, First Half  Minus Points: Some scenes in the second half  Finally... Just like Sankranthi 2025, there is no doubt that Sankranthi 2026 will also belong to Anil's entertainment.  Banner: Shine Screens, Gold Box Entertainments  Producers: Sahu Garapati, Sushmita Konidela  Director: Anil Ravipudi  Music: Bheems Ceciroleo  Cast: Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh, Nayanthara, Catherine Tresa, Sachin Khedekar, Sharath Saxena, Harshavardhan, Abhinav Gomatam and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aWQCvAIvOtkhBRbE_MSVPG2.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-01-11T20:06:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4CbAkPb468"}},"uid":"review-mana-shankaravaraprasad-garu"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: The RajaSaab"},"content":{"text":"Ever since Baahubali made him a pan-India superstar, expectations around Prabhas have been sky-high. Naturally, fans expect every film of his to match that scale. At such a time, when it was announced that Prabhas would be doing a film with Maruthi, a director known mainly for small-budget entertainers, many fans openly opposed the combination. There were even protests urging Prabhas not to do the film. However, ignoring fan pressure, Prabhas listened to Maruthi’s story and went ahead with Raja Saab. So how did the film turn out? Did it live up to Maruthi’s claims, or did it end up being the disappointment fans feared? Let’s find out in this review. Story: Raju, aka Raja Saab (Prabhas), shares a deep emotional bond with his grandmother Gangadevi (Zarina Wahab). Though she belongs to a zamindar family, she chooses to live a simple life with her grandson. As age catches up with her, Gangadevi begins to suffer from health issues, particularly memory loss. She repeatedly tells Raju about her late husband Kanakaraju (Sanjay Dutt), who appears in her dreams, and asks him to find and bring him back. Raju’s search leads him to a deserted royal palace hidden deep inside the Narsapur forest. Once there, shocking events unfold. Raju realizes that Kanakaraju is trying to kill both Gangadevi and him. What is hidden inside the palace? Why would a man who is supposedly dead want to kill his own wife and grandson? These questions form the crux of the story. Performances: Prabhas shoulders the entire film. In recent times, he has faced criticism for weak screen presence and limited screen time in some films. However, in Raja Saab, Prabhas is present throughout and impresses with his comic timing. That said, his romantic scenes with the heroines feel underwhelming, as usual. He performs well in action sequences and especially shines in the emotional moments during the climax. After a long time, audiences get to see a somewhat fresh version of Prabhas. There was a lot of buzz around Sanjay Dutt’s role, but unfortunately, his character offers very little scope for performance. Zarina Wahab stands out in her key role and shares a good on-screen rapport with Prabhas. The comedy by Satya and Saptagiri works to an extent, while VTV Ganesh once again succeeds in making Telugu audiences laugh. However, many of these characters feel familiar, as if we’ve seen them in similar roles before. Technical Aspects: Director Maruthi seems to have completely lost grip on the story. In trying to present Prabhas in a comedy-oriented role, he fails to maintain control over the screenplay. Both the narration and direction lack clarity and consistency. Maruthi’s direction ends up being one of the biggest drawbacks. Thaman’s music is disappointing from the start. None of the songs released before the film made an impact. Fans who had high hopes for the background score will also be let down, as it works only in one or two scenes. Cinematography is average and not particularly noteworthy. The VFX are a major letdown—despite claims of heavy investment and long production time, the visuals do not reflect that effort. Production values, however, are decent. Analysis: Everyone knows Prabhas is no longer a small-time hero, but Raja Saab makes one wonder if Maruthi forgot that fact. Showing Prabhas’ comic side does not require reducing his stature. His star image doesn’t need to be compromised for comedy. Audiences expect to see him presented at his current level, but Maruthi seems to have completely missed the opportunity. It’s hard to understand why Prabhas agreed to this film and how he believed Maruthi could deliver a movie that matches his stature. If the sole intention was to make a comedy film, choosing Maruthi turns out to be a big mistake. The same errors Prabhas made with Radhe Shyam seem to have been repeated here. Films that don’t match his level or lack strong content will no longer be accepted by audiences. Despite being promoted as a horror-comedy, Raja Saab lacks both genuine horror and effective comedy. This film proves that such a genre may not suit Prabhas. Maruthi is likely to face heavy criticism. Prabhas, however, does his part, offering some consolation to fans. Those expecting Bujjigadu or Darling-level comedy will be disappointed, but die-hard fans may still enjoy a few entertaining moments. Plus Points: Prabhas One or two comedy scenes Thaman’s background score in a few scenes Minus Points: Story and screenplay Maruthi’s direction Weak VFX Film not matching Prabhas’ star image Final Verdict: This is not the kind of film that should be made with a pan-India star like Prabhas. Banner: People’s Media Factory\nProducer: T.G. Vishwa Prasad\nDirector: Maruthi\nMusic: Thaman\nCast: Prabhas, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Zarina Wahab, VTV Ganesh, Samuthirakani, Satya, Saptagiri, and others."},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aWDKmQIvOtkhBMzr_RSB.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2026-01-09T09:31:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-8w5yDwukA"}},"uid":"review-the-rajasaab"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri'"},"content":{"text":"Young heartthrob Kartik Aaryan and hot and glamorous Ananya Panday starrer Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri has finally hit the theatres. Let’s find out how the film fares.  The story revolves around Rehaan (Kartik Aaryan) and Rumi (Ananya Panday), who meet during a trip journey. As the trip progresses, the bond between them grows stronger. Before they even realise it, this closeness turns into love. Rehaan eventually proposes marriage to Rumi, but Rumi is worried about her father, played by Jackie Shroff. She fears that if she marries Rehaan and moves to the US, who will stay with her father in India—especially since her younger sister is also set to move to Canada after her marriage. Will Rehaan and Rumi be able to get married or not? For that, you’ll have to watch the film.  Directed by Sameer Vidwans, the film is handled with great finesse. His direction is impressive, and the screenplay is well-structured. The cinematography is visually appealing and adds freshness to the narrative. The first half of the film is stronger and more engaging compared to the second half. The music album is another highlight—almost all the songs are melodious and look beautiful on screen as well. The dialogues are witty and genuinely funny, keeping the audience entertained.  Talking about performances, Kartik Aaryan delivers a solid act. He brings charm and depth to the character of Rehaan with his powerful performance. Ananya Panday also does a commendable job, especially in several emotional scenes where she surprises with her expressive acting. Neena Gupta shines as Kartik Aaryan’s mother and plays her role with warmth and conviction. Jackie Shroff leaves a mark with his restrained yet impactful performance. The supporting cast also does justice to their respective roles.  Overall, Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri is a delightful romantic comedy. The film conveys a beautiful message—that while parents always compromise for their children, it is equally important for children to make compromises for their parents. If you are a young couple who values love along with family emotions, this film is definitely worth watching.  Director: Sameer Vidwans,  Producers: Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Bhumika Tewari   Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Ananya Panday, Neena Gupta, Jackie Shroff and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aU12MHNYClf9opAS_tumerina.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2025-12-25T05:36:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jStzDYz2ajI"}},"uid":"review-tu-meri-main-tera-main-tera-tu-meri"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"'అఖండ 2' రివ్యూ... ఫ్యాన్స్‌కి పూనకాలు"},"content":{"text":"నందమూరి బాలకృష్ణ, బోయపాటి కాంబో మూవీ అనగానే ఫ్యాన్స్‌కి మాత్రమే కాకుండా అన్ని వర్గాల ప్రేక్షకులకు ఆసక్తి ఉండటం చాలా సహజం. ఎందుకంటే వీరి కాంబోలో ఇప్పటికే సింహా, లెజెండ్‌, అఖండ వంటి సూపర్‌ హిట్‌ సినిమాలు వచ్చాయి. మూడు సినిమాలు సూపర్‌ హిట్‌ కావడంతో పాటు, అఖండకు సీక్వెల్‌గా రూపొందిన సినిమా కావడంతో అఖండ 2 పై అంచనాలు భారీగా ఉన్నాయి. మరి ఆ అంచనాలకు ఈ సినిమా తగ్గట్లుగా ఉందా? ఈ కాంబోలో నాల్గవ హిట్‌ నమోదు అయిందా అనేది ఈ రివ్యూలో చూద్దాం.  కథ : సైనిక చర్య ద్వారా ఇండియాపై విజయాన్ని సొంతం చేసుకోలేక పోయిన శత్రు దేశంకు చెందిన దుర్మార్ఘులు కుట్రపూరితంగా ప్రవర్తించి, ఇండియాలోనే ఉంటూ అధికారం కోసం ఎంతకైనా తెగించే రాజకీయ నాయకుడి సహాయంతో వినాశనంకు ప్లాన్‌ చేస్తారు. అందుకు మహాకుంభమేళను ఎంపిక చేసుకుంటారు. వేలాది మంది ప్రాణాలు తీసేందుకు ఒక వైరస్‌ను క్రియేట్‌ చేస్తారు. దాంతో ఇండియా మొత్తం అల్లకల్లోలం అవుతుంది.  ఆ వైరస్‌కి వెంటనే వ్యాక్సిన్‌ను కనిపెట్టిన భారత శాస్త్రవేత్తలు దాన్ని జనాలకు ఇచ్చేందుకు ప్రయత్నం చేస్తారు. ఆ సమయంలో మరోసారి శత్రుదేశంకు చెందిన వారు దాడి చేస్తారు.  ఆ సమయంలో అఖండ(బాలకృష్ణ) ఆ వ్యాక్సిన్‌ను ఎలా రక్షించాడు? అసలు అఖండ ఏం చేస్తున్నాడు అనేది సినిమా కథాంశం.  నటీనటుల నటన : నందమూరి బాలకృష్ణ రెండు విభిన్నమైన పాత్రల్లో నటించి మెప్పించాడు. ముఖ్యంగా అఖండ పాత్రలో బాలయ్య లుక్ కి ఫ్యాన్స్ మతి పోవడం ఖాయం. గతంలోనే ఆయన అఖండ పాత్రలో అఘోరగా నటించి మెప్పించిన విషయం తెల్సిందే. ఇప్పుడు అంతకు మించి అన్నట్లుగా ఎక్కువ నిడివి ఉన్న పాత్రలో కనిపించాడు. బాలకృష్ణ అటువంటి గెటప్‌ లో కనిపించడమే గొప్ప విషయం అంటే, ఆ లుక్‌ తో చేసిన యాక్షన్‌ సీన్స్ నెవ్వర్‌ బిఫోర్‌ అన్నట్లుగా సాగాయి. మరో పాత్రలో ఫ్యామిలీ మ్యాన్‌ గా బాలకృష్ణ ఆకట్టుకున్నాడు. మొత్తంగా బాలకృష్ణ వన్‌మ్యాన్‌ షో అన్నట్లుగా నడిపించాడు.  హీరోయిన్‌ సంయుక్త మీనన్‌ ఒక్క పాటకే పరిమితం అయింది. ఒక యాక్షన్‌ సన్నివేశంలోనూ ఆమె కనిపించింది. అయితే ఆమె పాత్ర నిడివి కొంత మేరకు ఉండటం జరిగింది. అయితే ఉన్నంతలో గ్లామర్‌ తో అలరించింది. సినిమాలో మొదటి నుంచి కూడా హర్షాలి పాత్ర గురించి ప్రముఖంగా చెబుతూ వచ్చారు. అన్నట్లుగానే ఈ సినిమాలో ఆమె పాత్రకు వెయిట్‌ ఉంది. అయితే ఆమె స్క్రీన్‌ ప్రజెన్స్ ఎక్కువ సమయం ఏమీ లేదు. ఉన్నంతలో పర్వాలేదు అనిపించింది.  ఆది పినిశెట్టి విలన్‌గా ఆకట్టుకున్నాడు. సెకండ్‌ హాఫ్‌ లో వచ్చే అతడు క్రూరమైన మాయావిగా కనిపించి మెప్పించాడు. ఇతర పాత్రల్లో నటించిన వారు వారి పాత్రల పరిధిలో పర్వాలేదు అనిపించారు.  టెక్నికల్‌ : అఖండ సినిమా పేరు ఎత్తగానే ప్రతి ఒక్కరికీ ఆ సినిమా కోసం తమన్‌ ఇచ్చిన బ్యాక్ గ్రౌండ్ స్కోర్ గుర్తుకు వస్తుంది అనడంలో సందేహం లేదు. అందుకే అఖండ 2 సినిమాలో తమన్‌ ఇచ్చిన బ్యాక్‌గ్రౌండ్‌ స్కోర్ ఎలా ఉంటుందా అని అంతా ఆసక్తిగా ఎదురు చూశారు. సినిమా విడుదలకు ముందే టీజర్‌, గ్లిమ్స్‌, ట్రైలర్‌ లో తమన్‌ తన మ్యూజిక్‌ తో హైప్‌ క్రియేట్‌ చేయడంలో సక్సెస్‌ అయ్యాడు. అంతే కాకుండా ఒక పాటతోనూ మెప్పించాడు. బాలకృష్ణ మాస్ ఇమేజ్‌ కి తగ్గట్లుగా తమన్ బీజీఎం ఇవ్వడంతో సినిమా స్థాయి పెరిగింది. యాక్షన్ సన్నివేశాల్లో తమన్‌ మ్యూజిక్‌ కుర్చీ అంచున కూర్చోబెట్టింది అనడంలో సందేహం లేదు.  దర్శకుడు బోయపాటి శ్రీను ఈసారి కథ విషయంలో ఇంకాస్త ఎక్కువ శ్రద్ద పెట్టాల్సింది అనిపించింది. అఖండ 2 సినిమా కథ విషయంలో అసంతృప్తిగా ఉంది. ఇక స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లే విషయంలోనూ చాలా లోపాలు ఉన్నాయి. కథ చిన్న లైన్‌తోనే ఉన్నప్పటికీ స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లేను అందుకు తగ్గట్లుగా ఆకట్టుకునే విధంగా నడిపించాల్సిన అవసరం ఉంది. కానీ దర్శకుడు ఆ దిశగా కథను నడిపించడంలో విఫలం అయ్యాడు. వీఎఫ్‌ఎక్స్‌ మరీ పేలవంగా ఉంది. సినిమాటోగ్రఫీ బాగుంది. కొన్ని హిమాలయ షాట్స్ ను చక్కగా చూపించారు. నిర్మాణాత్మక విలువలు కథానుసారంగా బాగున్నాయి.  విశ్లేషణ : అనుకోని అవాంతరం కారణంగా ఆలస్యం అయిన అఖండ 2 సినిమా విషయంలో అభిమానులతో పాటు అన్ని వర్గాల వారు మొదటి నుంచి పాజిటివ్‌ హోప్‌ ను కలిగి ఉన్నారు. ఎప్పుడైతే అవాంతరాలు రావడం మొదలైందో అప్పటి నుంచే సినిమా పై అనుమానాలు వ్యక్తం అయ్యాయి. ఫలితం విషయంలో ఈసారి ఏమైనా తేడా కొట్టేనా అన్నట్లుగా కొందరు మాట్లాడుతూ వచ్చారు. అదే జరిగింది అనే అభిప్రాయం వ్యక్తం అవుతోంది. అభిమానులు బాలకృష్ణ కోసం అఖండ 2 సినిమాను చూసి ఎంజాయ్‌ చేయవచ్చు. కానీ రెగ్యులర్‌ ప్రేక్షకులు ఈ సినిమాను చూసి ఆనందించే ఎలిమెంట్స్ ఎక్కువగా లేవని చెప్పాలి. కథను సరిగ్గా చెప్పక పోవడంతో పాటు, స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లే విషయంలో నిరుత్సాహ పరిచారు.  తమన్‌ బ్యాక్‌ గ్రౌండ్‌ స్కోర్ బాగున్నా అందుకు తగ్గట్లుగా యాక్షన్ సీన్స్ పండలేదు. బాలయ్య యాక్షన్ సీన్స్ ను ఆయన అభిమానులు ఎంజాయ్‌ చేస్తారు, కానీ ఆయన మార్క్ డ్రామా, ఎమోషన్‌ సీన్స్ లేకపోవడంతో రెగ్యులర్‌ ప్రేక్షకులు బోర్‌ ఫీల్‌ అయ్యే అవకాశం ఉంది. ఒకటి రెండు సీన్స్ మినహా రెగ్యులర్‌ ఆడియన్స్ ను కట్టి పడేసే సీన్స్ లేవని చెప్పక తప్పదు. మరి థియేట్రికల్‌ రన్‌ లో ఫ్యాన్స్ తో పాటు ప్రేక్షకుల నుంచి ఎలాంటి స్పందన వస్తుందా అనేది చూడాలి.  ప్లస్ పాయింట్స్ :  బాలకృష్ణ,  తమన్ సంగీతం. కొన్ని యాక్షన్‌ సీన్స్‌. మైనస్ పాయింట్స్ :  కథ, కథనం, ఎమోషన్‌ లేకపోవడం, ఓవర్‌ స్టంట్స్‌. చివరగా... అఖండ 2 అభిమానుల వరకు మాత్రమే..! బ్యానర్ : 14 రీల్స్‌ ప్లస్‌ నిర్మాత : రామ్ ఆచంట, గోపీ ఆచంట దర్శకత్వం : బోయపాటి శ్రీను సంగీతం : తమన్‌ తారాగణం : బాలకృష్ణ, సంయుక్త మీనన్‌, హర్షాలి మల్హోత్ర, ఆది పినిశెట్టి, పూర్ణ, అయ్యప్ప పి శర్మ తదితరులు"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aTsrEXNYClf9oFJC_Akhanda2.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2025-12-13T04:32:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL3T1yJxisc"}},"uid":"akhanda-2-review....poonakaalu-for-fans"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'Dhurandhar‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌'"},"content":{"text":"Dhurandhar hits the audience like a cyclone—untamed, persistent, and spectacularly dhamakedaar. Aditya Dhar's latest triumph is far from just a movie; it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a cinematic event of the year that completely breaks the clutter of Indian espionage thrillers. With Indian heart and international standard, Dhar weaves a story full of human touch, intricacy, and spark, reaffirming that he belongs among the very few directors capable of conceiving on a grand scale while still keeping the story deeply character-driven.  Drawing inspiration from the IC-814 hijacking and the 2001 Parliament attack, the film sets the stage on a historic backdrop without wasting a moment. Dhar then skillfully expands the narrative to show the political tremors that pushed the Indian intelligence system beyond its limits. Madhavan as IB Chief Ajay Sanyal is the rock on which the story stands. His portrayal, full of precision and gravitas, earns seeti maar reactions in every scene. The dialogues are crisp, the energy is infectious, and the immersion into this high-stakes world is so real that it grips from the first frame.  One of the most striking elements is the use of archival footage, including 9/11 and other terror attacks, interspersed with chilling audio of attackers plotting against India. These sequences evoke patriotism without jingoism, reminding the audience of the stakes while highlighting India’s strategic resilience. It’s a cinematic call to awareness and courage that makes the story even more gripping.  Ranveer Singh delivers arguably his career-best performance—raw, gritty, massy, and explosively powerful. Hamza is hurt, angry, unpredictable, yet inexplicably charming. The transformation from a rage-driven youth to a cold, calculated underworld operative is executed with staggering emotional finesse. Ranveer doesn’t just perform; he literally “blows up” the screen, particularly in the latter half, becoming almost synonymous with the storyline—a 10/10 hardcore action avatar.  The supporting cast matches this energy brilliantly. Akshaye Khanna, as Rehman Dakait, is eerie, sparkling, and dreadful—a mind-is-the-weapon villain whose expressions and timing make him unforgettable. Sanjay Dutt is pure cannon fire as SP Chaudhary Aslam, “The Jinn,” bringing raw toughness to every frame. Arjun Rampal’s Major Iqbal commands attention with his silent menace, while Sara Arjun impresses in her star-studded debut. Every actor is fully into their character, creating a dangerously immersive atmosphere.  The film’s pace is relentless, thanks to Aditya Dhar’s mastery over tempo. And crucially, despite its 214-minute runtime, the length never feels distracting. Every scene is deliberate, every beat perfect, making the infiltration plan genuinely nerve-wracking. The background music is another major highlight—the BGM keeps the energy flowing continuously, never letting the audience feel a dull moment. The soundtrack is one of the strongest pillars of the film, arguably the album of the year or even the decade, turning tension, discovery, and climax into cinematic thunder.  Violence is used sparingly—just three sequences are truly explicit, each dramatically justified. The real intensity comes from the emotional stakes, character development, and political intrigue. The first half showcases masterful world-building, with the interval delivering pure goosebumps and doubling audience excitement. Post-interval, conspiracies intertwine, political power shifts, and Hamza consolidates the mafia core through strategy, betrayal, and even a calculated marriage, setting up a perfect stage for the explosive Part Two coming Eid 2026.  Jyoti Deshpande, Lokesh Dhar, and Aditya Dhar, backed by B62 Studios and Jio Studios, leave no stone unturned in creating a universe that is vast, real, and cinematically rich. Their unwavering support for large sets, hard action, bold storytelling, and a stellar ensemble cast shines in every frame, elevating Indian genre cinema to new heights.  Dhurandhar is a genre-defining spectacle that combines ferocious execution, meticulous craft, and unforgettable impact. With Aditya Dhar’s finest direction and Ranveer Singh’s career-best performance, it makes a solid case for being one of the boldest, most compelling thrillers of the year. The game is set, the pieces are moving, and the wait for Part Two is fervent—completely justified by the high stakes, breathtaking performances, and mind-blowing storytelling.  Cast: Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi and others  Director/Writer: Aditya Dhar"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aTK2Z3NYClf9n2ee_dhurandar.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2025-12-05T08:15:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKOVzHcjEIo"}},"uid":"review-dhurandhar"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"'ఆంధ్రాకింగ్‌ తాలూకా' రివ్యూ... ఫ్యాన్స్‌ మూవీ"},"content":{"text":"రామ్‌ వరుస విజయాలతో ఎనర్జిటిక్ స్టార్‌ ఇమేజ్‌ని సొంతం చేసుకుని కెరీర్‌ ఆరంభంలో అందరి దృష్టిని ఆకర్షించాడు. కానీ గత కొంత కాలంగా ఆయన పూర్తిగా గాడి తప్పినట్లుగా కనిపిస్తున్నాడు. ఏమాత్రం ఆకట్టుకోని కథ, కథనాలను, దర్శకులను ఎంపిక చేసుకోవడంతో ఆయనకు వరుస ఫ్లాప్‌లు తప్పలేదు. ఇస్మార్ట్‌ శంకర్ తర్వాత రామ్‌ ఒక మంచి హిట్‌ కోసం ఎదురు చూస్తున్నాడు. ఆ హిట్‌ ఈ సినిమాతో వచ్చిందా అనేది ఈ రివ్యూలో చూద్దాం.  కథ :  సూర్య(ఉపేంద్ర) తెలుగు సినిమా ఇండస్ట్రీలో స్టార్‌ హీరో. అభిమానులు ఆయన్ను ఆంధ్రా కింగ్‌ అనే బిరుదుతో పిలుచుకుంటూ ఉంటారు. వరుస విజయాలు దక్కించుకుంటూ వచ్చిన సూర్యకు వందవ సినిమాకు ముందు కెరీర్‌ పరంగా ఒడిదొడుకులు ఎదుర్కోవాల్సి వస్తుంది. వరుస ఫ్లాప్స్‌ పడటంతో సూర్య ను విమర్శించే వారు, తిట్టేవారు ఎక్కువ అవుతారు. ఆయన పనైపోయిందని విమర్శిస్తూ ఉంటారు. ఆ సమయంలో సూర్య 100వ సినిమాను మొదలు పెడతాడు.  సినిమాపై అంచనాలు లేకపోవడం, అసలు సూర్య సినిమాను ఎవరు చూస్తారు అని జనాలు అనుకుంటూ ఉండటంతో ఆ సినిమా ఆర్థిక సమస్యలు ఎదుర్కొంటుంది. సినిమా పూర్తి చేయడానికి రూ.3 కోట్లు అవసరం అవుతుంది. ఆ సమయంలో సూర్యను అమితంగా అభిమానించే సాగర్‌ (రామ్‌) ముందుకు వస్తాడు. తాను ఎంతో కష్టపడి సంపాదించిన ఆస్తిని అమ్మి, ఆ డబ్బును తన అభిమాన హీరో, ఆంధ్రాకింగ్‌ సూర్యకి చేరేలా చేస్తాడు.  తీవ్ర ఆర్థిక ఇబ్బందుల్లో ఉన్న సూర్య తన అకౌంట్‌లో పడ్డ రూ.3 కోట్లు చూసి షాక్‌ అవుతాడు. ఆ డబ్బును తన అభిమాని అయిన సాగర్‌ పంపించినట్లు తెలిసి షాక్‌ అవుతాడు. తన అభిమానిని కలుసుకునేందుకు సూర్య బయలుజేరుతాడు. ఆ క్రమంలో సాగర్‌ గురించి పలు విషయాలను సూర్య తెలుసుకుంటాడు. ఒక అభిమానిని స్టార్‌ హీరో ఎలా కలుసుకున్నాడు? ఆ తర్వాత ఏం జరిగింది? అనేది కథ. నటీనటుల నటన :  రామ్‌ మొత్తం బాధ్యత తన భుజాలపై వేసుకున్నాడు. ఎప్పటిలాగే ఈ సినిమాతో మరోసారి తన ఎనర్జిటిక్ పెర్ఫార్మెన్స్‌ను చూపించాడు. సాగర్‌ పాత్రకి రామ్‌ ఎంత వరకు చేయాలో అంతకు మించి చేసినట్లుగా అనిపించింది. ఒక పాత్రను చాలా నమ్మడం వల్లే రామ్‌ ఈ స్థాయిలో కష్టపడి ఉంటాడు అనిపించింది. అతడి లుక్‌, డైలాగ్‌ డెలివరీ, యాక్షన్‌ సీన్స్ లో ఆయన ప్రజెన్స్ ఇలా ప్రతి ఒక్క ఎలిమెంట్‌లోనూ రామ్‌ ఆకట్టుకున్నాడు. అందుకే అతడు ఒక ఫ్యాన్  గా సరిగ్గా సెట్‌ అయ్యి, సినిమాను మోశాడు. సూపర్‌ స్టార్‌గా నటించిన ఉపేంద్ర తన పాత్రకు న్యాయం చేశాడు. ఒక అభిమాని కోసం వెతుక్కుంటూ వెళ్తున్న సీన్స్ లో అతడి భావోద్వేగం కనిపించింది. సినిమా కోసం అతడు పడే తపన, అతడు పడే కష్టం తాలూక డిటైల్స్ ను ఉపేంద్ర చక్కగా చూపడం జరిగింది. హీరోయిన్‌గా నటించిన భాగ్యశ్రీ బోర్సేకి తన ప్రతిభ మొత్తం చూపించే అవకాశం దక్కలేదు. అయితే ఆమె ఉన్నంతలో అందంగా కనిపించడంతో పాటు, నటనతో ఆకట్టుకుంది. ఇతర నటీనటులు వారి పాత్రల పరిధిలో నటించారు.  టెక్నికల్‌ :  పాటల గురించి ప్రత్యేకంగా చర్చ జరిగింది. కొత్త సంగీత దర్శకులు కుమ్మేశారు అంటూ అంతా తెగ మాట్లాడారు. కానీ వారి నుంచి వచ్చిన సంగీతం కొత్తగా ఉంది కానీ ఆకట్టుకునే విధంగా మాత్రం లేదు. ఇలాంటి సినిమాలకు పాత సంగీత దర్శకులు అయితే న్యాయం చేసేవారు అనిపిస్తుంది. కాని రామ్‌ కి మాత్రం ఎందుకో వీరు నచ్చారు. ఆయన నిర్ణయం తప్పు అని తేలింది.  ఇక దర్శకుడు మహేష్‌ ఎంపిక చేసుకున్న కథ విషయంలో ఎలాంటి తప్పు లేదు. ముఖ్యంగా స్టోరీ లైన్ మంచి పాయింట్‌. కానీ దాన్ని మలచిన తీరు బాగాలేదు. ముఖ్యంగా స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లే విషయంలో సాగతీసినట్లుగా అనిపించింది. ఎడిటింగ్‌ కి ఇంకా చాలా స్కోప్ ఉంది. ఎందుకో చాలా సీన్స్‌ను అలాగే వదిలేశాడు. నిర్మాణాత్మక విలువలు బాగానే ఉన్నాయి. సినిమాటోగ్రాఫీ అప్పటి నేటివిటీకి దగ్గరగా ప్రేక్షకులను తీసుకు వెళ్లడంలో సక్సెస్ అయిందని చెప్పాలి.  విశ్లేషణ :  రామ్‌ దాదాపు ఏడాది  గ్యాప్ తీసుకుని, వందల కొద్ది కథలు విని, పదుల కొద్ది కథలు పక్కన పెట్టుకుని, చివరకు ఈ కథను ఎంపిక చేసుకున్నాడు అని ఆయన సన్నిహితులు అంటున్నారు. అయితే ఇలాంటి కథను ఆయన ఎలా ఒప్పుకున్నాడు అంటూ చాలా మంది ఆశ్చర్యం వ్యక్తం చేస్తున్నారు. స్టోరీ లైన్‌ బాగుంటే సరిపోతుందా, కథ, కథనం విషయంలో దీన్ని ఎంత వరకు ప్రేక్షకులకు ఆకట్టుకునే విధంగా తీసుకు రాగలరు అనే విషయంను ఆయన చూసుకోలేదు అనిపిస్తుంది.  రామ్‌ సాధారణంగానే ఎనర్జిటిక్‌ పెర్ఫార్మెన్స్‌ తో ఆకట్టుకుంటాడు. ఈ సినిమాలోనూ మరోసారి తన సత్తా చాటాడు. కానీ సినిమాలోని ఆయన పాత్ర ఉన్నంత పవర్‌ ఫుల్‌గా స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లే లేదు. గ్రామీన ప్రాంతంలో ఉండే ప్రేమ కథను చూపించే ప్రయత్నం చేశారు. ఆ కథను ఇంకాస్త ఎక్కువ చూపించినా బాగుండేది. హీరో, అభిమాని మధ్య ఉండే సీన్స్ చాలా తక్కువగా ఉన్నాయి. ప్రేక్షకులు ఆశించిన ఎలిమెంట్స్ ఈ సినిమాలో చాలా తక్కువగా ఉన్నాయి. అందుకే సినిమా రెగ్యులర్‌ ప్రేక్షకులను ఆకట్టుకోవడంలో విఫలం అవుతుంది. కానీ తమను తాము ఒక హీరోకు అభిమాని అని చెప్పుకునే వారికి మాత్రం తప్పకుండా ఈ సినిమా నచ్చుతుంది.  ప్లస్ పాయింట్స్ :  రామ్‌ నటన, స్టోరీలైన్‌, కొన్ని ఎమోషనల్‌ సీన్స్‌ మైనస్ పాయింట్స్ :  ఫస్ట్‌ హాఫ్‌ చాలా స్లోగా సాగింది స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లే, ప్రేమ కథ ఇంకాస్త ఉండాల్సింది. చివరగా... ఫ్యాన్‌గా ఆంధ్రాకింగ్‌ను ఆకట్టుకున్న సాగర్‌, ప్రేక్షకులను ఆకట్టుకోవడం కష్టమే. బ్యానర్ : మైత్రి మూవీ మేకర్స్‌ నిర్మాత : నవీన్‌ యెర్నేని, వై రవి శంకర్‌ దర్శకత్వం : మహేష్‌ బాబు పి సంగీతం : వివేక్‌-మెర్విన్‌ తారాగణం : రామ్‌ పోతినేని, భాగ్యశ్రీ బోర్సే, ఉపేంద్ర తదితరులు"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aSgr23NYClf9nheC_AKT1.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2025-11-27T08:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeY828c-AXo"}},"uid":"review-andhra-king-talooka---fans-movie"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: 'De De Pyaar De 2'"},"content":{"text":"It’s rare to find a film that makes you laugh, cry, and smile, all within the same heartbeat. De De Pyaar De 2 is that rare gem. The sequel not only lives up to the 2019 blockbuster but builds on it with heart, humour, and a story that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable. In a year full of thrillers and high-octane spectacles, De De Pyaar De 2 stands tall as the only true family entertainer of 2025. It’s a film about family — and one meant to be watched with family. Whether you’re a parent, a young adult, or a daughter who shares a special bond with her father, this one will speak to you in more ways than one. The film beautifully balances clap-and-whistle-worthy comedy with tear-jerking emotion, and even leaves you with a subtle but strong message about love, relationships, and what truly makes a man ‘man enough’ in today’s world. The protagonist Ajay Devgn is a delight, effortlessly switching between subtle humour and emotional restraint. His references to his own iconic films are a treat for fans and timed to perfection. It’s refreshing to see him return to a romantic-comedy space after a string of action-heavy roles. R. Madhavan, on the other hand, brings soul to the story. As a father navigating complex emotions, he’s a powerhouse of warmth and vulnerability. His scenes, especially with Ajay, are pure paisa vasool, seamlessly blending humour with heartfelt depth. Leading lady Rakul Preet Singh delivers her best performance yet, charming, confident, and absolutely radiant on screen. While Jaaved Jaffery leaves you rolling on the floor laughing everytime he comes on the screen, Meezaan’s entry in the second half is impactful; he looks effortlessly dashing and leaves a strong impression in a limited screen time. The supporting ensemble — Gautami, Ishita, and Suhasini Mulay, bring natural warmth and depth, rounding out the film’s emotional universe beautifully. Director Anshul Sharma infuses De De Pyaar De 2 with heart, humor, and a sense of effortless storytelling. His vision shines through every frame bringing together a powerhouse cast and allowing each performer to leave a lasting mark. Sharma orchestrates the film’s emotional beats and comic timing with remarkable finesse, blending warmth and wit in equal measure. With this film, he not only celebrates relationships and generations but also cements his place as a filmmaker who knows how to entertain while keeping the emotions genuine and grounded. Unlike many sequels that exist just to cash in on a franchise name, De De Pyaar De 2 feels like an organic continuation of the first. The callbacks are smart, not forced, and the story flows with sincerity and purpose. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the last 20–30 minutes hit you with one of the most emotionally satisfying climaxes seen in recent times, an absolute rollercoaster of emotions that will leave you walking out with a full heart and a huge smile. De De Pyaar De 2 is the ultimate big-screen entertainer, funny, emotional, meaningful, and refreshingly vulnerable. It proves that films about family, love, and connection can still move audiences when told with honesty and heart. Director: Anshul Sharma,  Cast: Ajay Devgn, R. Madhavan, Rakul Preet Singh, Jaaved Jaaferi, Meezaan, Gautami Kapoor, Ishita Dutta and others "},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aRb8GLpReVYa4eVc_dedepyaarde2.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2025-11-14T04:53:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59aIp7SfIIk"}},"uid":"review-de-de-pyaar-de-2"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: ‘Jatadhara’ - A spiritual thriller unfolds"},"content":{"text":"Zee Studios and Prerna Arora produced Jatadhara represents an ambitious and compelling effort by directors Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal as they create a supernatural mythological thriller, one that dares bridge the gap between science, faith, and mysticism of old. Against the mysterious backdrop of the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple and its treasures hidden within, the film is imbued with original Tantric rituals and chants enacted during filming-a rare thing in mainstream Indian cinema. The sense of dread and divinity pervades right from the first frame. The haunting visuals, the rhythmic chants, and symbolic imagery set off into a world where reality blends with the surreal. Credit goes to the two directors for knowing how to handle such a dense mythological theme with reverence and cinematic flair. Sudheer Babu plays Shiva, a skeptical ghost hunter whose journey from disbelief to spiritual awakening forms the emotional core of the story. His rugged screen presence, restrained intensity, and emotional range make this one of his most nuanced performances to date. The sequences where he confronts unseen forces — armed with both scientific logic and ritualistic tools — are genuinely gripping. Sonakshi Sinha, all set to mesmerize the Telugu audience for the first time, is just outstanding as Dhana Pisaachi, a vengeful spirit bound by greed and sorrow. With her commanding expressions, piercing gaze, and haunting poise, Sonakshi brings terror and tragedy on the screen. Her transformation into the demonic goddess is one of the talking points of the film and quite rightly so-she owns each frame. Divya Khossla carries grace throughout her role as Sitara, while Shilpa Shirodkar and Indira Krishna add depth and dignity to their key roles. The ensemble cast — Rajeev Kanakala, Ravi Prakash, and Subhalekha Sudhakar included — come together to add value to the narrative with realistic, down-to-earth performances. Written by Venkat Kalyan, the screenplay of Jatadhara weaves ancient lore with modern skepticism. The premise of the story-a forbidden ritual called Pisacha Bandhanam that ties spirits to guard lost treasures-is both fascinating and frightening. Kalyan ensures that every plot twist is rooted in belief systems familiar to Indian audiences, yet he approaches them with a contemporary lens. The dialogues by Sai Krishna Karne and Shyam Babu Meriga are sharp, spiritual, and thought-provoking. Lines like \"Faith is not what you see -- it's what you dare to feel\" stay with one long after the credits roll. They strike an even balance between philosophical weight and emotional immediacy to give the film a scriptural and cinematic hue at once. The biggest strength of Jatadhara is Sameer Kalyani's cinematography. The chiaroscuro lighting, the intricate interior of the temple, and aerial sweeps of the Kerala landscape infuse an otherworldly beauty upon this dark narrative. Every sequence of this ritual is framed like a painting-flickering lamps, swirling smoke, chanting shadows-pulling you into a hypnotic trance. The special effects should be applauded for delivering realistic supernatural imagery without excess. The scenes of Dhanapisachini’s manifestation are at once terrifying and beautiful, enhanced by practical effects that feel real and organic. The sound design amplifies the eeriness: low rumbles, faraway chants, and sudden silences are used to great effect to raise the tension. Composer Rajiv Raj manages an evocative score that fuses classical ragas with electronic undercurrents. His background music, particularly during the climactic confrontation, keeps the pulse racing. Despite the film's dark theme, music, and movement have been found in Jatadhara. “Shiva Stotram” and “Pallo Latke Again stand apart for their energy and depth. As the choreographer, Sandeep melds ritualistic movements with cinematic choreography, especially in the temple dance sequence featuring Divya Khossla, which radiates both devotion and intensity. The stunt choreography seamlessly integrates physical combat with supernatural powers, creating a dynamic action language that feels fresh. Sudheer Babu's ghost-hunting sequence, weapon combat scenes, and the final blood-drinking transformation sequence are all done with precision and conviction. The mix of martial arts and mystical symbolism makes these moments unforgettable. Jatadhara is a bold visual experiment in the form of a supernatural mythological thriller that refuses to play safe. It sincerely pursues faith versus reason, science versus ritual, and human will versus divine wrath with amazing scale. The outstanding visual brilliance of the film matches the strong performances and authentic spiritual texture. Co-directed by Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal, Jatadhara manages a fine balance between commercial spectacle and artistic expression. The result is that Jatadhara does what few films attempt; it turns mythology into a breathing, living cinematic experience, with its entrancing images, haunting music, and soulful performances that both thrill and leave one thoughtful. Director: Venkat Kalyan And Abhishek Jaiswal Starring : Sudheer Babu, Sonakshi Sinha, Divya Khossla, Shilpa Shirodkar, Indira Krishna, Rajeev Kanakala, Ravi Prakash, Rohit Pathak, Jhansi, Subhalekha Sudhakar"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aQx6sbpReVYa4H3__jathadara.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2025-11-06T09:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcZNCaE4qEM"}},"uid":"review-jatadhara---a-spiritual-thriller-unfolds"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"'మాస్‌ జాతర' రివ్యూ... రొటీన్‌ యాక్షన్‌ ఎంటర్‌టైనర్‌"},"content":{"text":"రవితేజ ఏదైనా సినిమా ప్రారంభిస్తే ఆరు నెలల్లోనే పూర్తి చేసి ప్రేక్షకుల ముందుకు తీసుకు రావడం మనం చూస్తూ ఉంటాం. కానీ ఈ సినిమా అనేక కారణాల వల్ల చాలా ఆలస్యం అయింది. ఈ ఏడాది సంక్రాంతికి రావాల్సిన సినిమా ఏడాది చివర్లో దీపావళి అయిన తర్వాత ప్రేక్షకుల ముందుకు వచ్చింది. సితార ఎంటర్‌టైన్‌మెంట్స్ బ్యానర్‌లో రూపొందిన సినిమా కావడంతో పాజిటివ్‌ బజ్ క్రియేట్‌ అయింది, అంతే కాకుండా రవితేజ ఈ సినిమాపై చాలా అంచనాలు పెంచే విధంగా ప్రచారం చేశాడు. మరి ఈ సినిమా ఎలా ఉంది అనేది ఈ రివ్యూలో చూద్దాం.  కథ : రైల్వే ఎస్‌ఐ అయిన లక్ష్మణ్‌(రవితేజ) ఎక్కడ ఉంటే అక్కడ రైల్వే విధులు మాత్రమే కాకుండా అన్ని రకాల కేసులను పరిస్కరిస్తూ ఉంటాడు. అలాంటి లక్ష్మణ్‌కి డ్రగ్స్‌ ఇష్టానుసారంగా పండిస్తూ, అదే జీవనాధారంగా జనాలు జీవిస్తున్న ఒక ప్రాంతంకు ట్రాన్స్‌ఫర్‌ అవుతుంది. అక్కడ శివుడు(నవీన్ చంద్ర) బలవంతంగా రైతులతో గంజాయి సాగు చేయిస్తూ దాన్ని కోల్‌కత్తాకు ట్రాన్స్‌పోర్ట్‌ చేస్తూ ఉంటాడు. శివుడు గంజాయి వ్యాపారంను నాశనం చేసేందుకు లక్ష్మణ్‌ సిద్దం అవుతాడు. శివుడు పెద్ద మొత్తంలో గంజాయిని కోల్‌కత్తా తరలించేందుకు సిద్ధం అయిన సమయంలో లక్ష్మణ్‌ దాన్ని దాచేస్తాడు. ఆ సరుకు కోసం శివుడు పిచ్చెక్కి పోతాడు. ఇద్దరి మధ్య పెద్ద యుద్దమే జరుగుతుంది. చివరకు ఏం జరిగింది అనేది సినిమా కథ.  నటీనటులు : రవితేజ ఎనర్జీ ఏమాత్రం తగ్గలేదు. అయితే ఆయన లుక్‌ విషయంలో మాత్రం కాస్త వయసు ఎక్కువ అయినట్లుగా అనిపించింది. వింటేజ్ రవితేజను చూస్తారు అంటూ పబ్లిసిటీ సమయంలో మేకర్స్ చెప్పారు. కానీ వింటేజ్ సీన్స్ పెద్దగా ఏమీ లేవు. ఒకటి రెండు నిమిషాలకే పరిమితం చేశారు. యాక్షన్‌ సీన్స్‌లో రవితేజ ఎనర్జీ కనిపించింది. అయితే డాన్స్‌ ల్లో శ్రీలీల ముందు రవితేజ ఆశించిన స్థాయిలో మెప్పించలేక పోయాడు అని చెప్పుకోక తప్పదు. ఓవరాల్‌గా మాస్‌ మహారాజా రవితేజ మాస్‌ జాతర తన భుజాలపై వేసుకుని నడిపించే ప్రయత్నం చేశాడు.  శ్రీలీల పాత్రకు పెద్దగా ప్రాధాన్యత లేదు. ఫస్ట్‌ హాఫ్‌ లో కొంత సమయం కనిపించినా, సెకండ్‌ హాఫ్‌ లో కొన్ని నిమిషాలు మాత్రమే ఆమె కనిపించింది. పాటలకు మాత్రమే పరిమితం అయిన పాత్ర అనిపించింది. ఉన్నంతలో మెప్పించింది. డాన్స్‌ల్లో తన ప్రతిభతో ఆకట్టుకుంది. రాజేంద్ర ప్రసాద్‌ తన పాత్రకు పూర్తి న్యాయం చేశాడు. హైపర్ ఆది తన రొటీన్‌ పంచ్‌ డైలాగ్స్ తో పర్వాలేదు అనిపించాడు. ఇతర పాత్రల్లో నటించిన వారు వారి వారి పాత్రల్లో పర్వాలేదు అనిపించారు.  టెక్నికల్‌: దర్శకుడు భాను కథ విషయంలో ఇంకాస్త వర్కౌట్‌ చేస్తే బాగుండేది. రైల్వే పోలీస్‌ అనే లైన్‌ బాగానే ఉంది, కానీ గంజాయి చుట్టూ సాగే కథలు చాలానే ఉన్నాయి. ఇంకాస్త విభిన్నంగా కథను రాసుకుని ఉంటే బాగుండేది. కనీసం స్క్రీన్‌ప్లేతో అయినా మ్యాజిక్ చేసి ఉంటే బాగుండేది. డైలాగ్స్ కొన్ని యాప్ట్‌ కాలేదు. భీమ్స్ అందించిన పాటలు ఒకటి రెండు వింటూ ఉంటే బాగానే ఉన్నాయి. కానీ స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లే కు బ్రేక్‌లు వేసినట్లుగా అనిపించాయి.  ముఖ్యంగా సెకండ్‌ హాఫ్‌ లో వచ్చే పాటల ప్లేస్‌మెంట్‌ ఏమాత్రం సెట్‌ కాలేదు. అయితే బ్యాక్ గ్రౌండ్‌ స్కోర్‌ తో రవితేజ ఫ్యాన్స్‌కి, ఆయన ఎలివేషన్ సీన్స్‌ కి మంచి హైప్‌ వచ్చే విధంగా భీమ్స్ చేశాడు. సినిమాటోగ్రఫీ బాగుంది. ముఖ్యంగా యాక్షన్‌ సీన్స్ లో సినిమాటోగ్రఫీకి మంచి మార్కులు పడుతాయి. యాక్షన్ సీన్స్ నేచురాలిటీకి దగ్గరగా ఉండే విధంగా ప్లాన్‌ చేశారు. నిర్మాణాత్మక విలువలు బాగున్నాయి. ఎడిటింగ్‌లో జర్క్‌ లు ఉన్నాయి. కాస్త క్రిస్పీగా ఉండాల్సింది.  విశ్లేషణ : రవితేజ సినిమా అనగానే మాస్ ఆడియన్స్‌తో పాటు అన్ని వర్గాల ప్రేక్షకులు ఆసక్తిగా అప్పట్లో ఎదురు చూసేవారు. కానీ ఇప్పుడు రవితేజ గత చిత్రాల ఫలితాల నేపథ్యంలో ఈసారి అయినా రవితేజ హిట్‌ కొట్టేనా అని నీరసంగా, నిరుత్సాహంగా ఎదురు చూస్తున్న వారు ఉన్నారు. అయినా కూడా రవితేజలో ఎనర్జీ మాత్రం తగ్గలేదు. తన సినిమాల ఫలితంతో సబంధం లేదు అన్నట్లుగా వరుస సినిమాలు చేసుకుంటూ వెళ్తున్నాడు.  సితార వారి బ్యానర్ నుంచి సినిమా వస్తుంది అంటే మినిమం గ్యారెంటీ అనే నమ్మకం ఉండేది. అది కూడా ఈ మధ్య కాలంలో మెల్ల మెల్లగా పోతుంది. ఇలాంటి సమయంలో వచ్చిన మాస్‌ జాతర రవితేజ స్టార్‌డంను నిలబెట్టేనా, సితార వారి పరువు నిలుపుతుందా అని అంతా ఆసక్తిగా ఎదురు చూశారు. కానీ ఈ సినిమా పూర్తి స్థాయిలో ఆ పని చేయలేదు అని చెప్పక తప్పదు. రవితేజ మార్క్‌ ఎంటర్‌టైన్‌మెంట్‌తో ఫస్ట్‌ హాఫ్‌ సాఫీగా సాగింది. కానీ సెకండ్‌ హాఫ్‌ విషయంలో తీవ్రంగా నిరాశ పరిచాడు. ఒకటి రెండు యాక్షన్ సీన్స్‌ తప్ప సెకండ్‌ హాఫ్‌ లో చెప్పుకోవడానికి ఏమీ లేవు.  కథలో ట్విస్ట్‌లు లేవు, స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లే మొత్తం ముందే ఊహించేదిగా ఉంది. ఎక్కడా ఆసక్తికరంగా స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లే సాగిందే లేదు. ఆది కామెడీతో నవ్వించే ప్రయత్నం చేశారు. కానీ అది వర్కౌట్‌ కాలేదు. మొత్తంగా మాస్ జాతర ఆకట్టుకోలేక పోయిన యాక్షన్‌ జాతర.  ప్లస్‌ పాయింట్స్‌ : రవితేజ, ఫస్ట్‌ హాఫ్‌ కొన్ని సీన్స్‌.  మైనస్ పాయింట్స్ : కథ, కథనం, రొటీన్‌ కామెడీ, యాక్షన్‌, పాటల ప్లేస్‌మెంట్‌, రొటీన్‌ క్లైమాక్స్‌.  చివరగా... వింటేజ్‌ రవితేజను చూపిస్తారనుకుంటే రొటీన్‌ యాక్షన్‌ ఎంటర్‌టైన్మెంట్‌ను చూపించాడు.  బ్యానర్ : సితార ఎంటర్‌టైన్‌మెంట్స్‌  నిర్మాత : నాగవంశీ  దర్శకత్వం : భాను భోగవరపు  సంగీతం : భీమ్స్‌ సిసిరోలియో  తారాగణం : రవితేజ, శ్రీలీల, నవీన్‌ చంద్ర, రాజేంద్ర ప్రసాద్‌, నరేష్‌, హైపర్‌ ఆది తదితరులు"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aQThSLpReVYa35Yx_massjathara.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2025-10-31T19:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm-wNxOcEL4"}},"uid":"mass-jathara-review-routine-action-entertainer"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"Review: Thamma - A fiery blockbuster ride!"},"content":{"text":"Thamma is big-screen fun at its purest — a daring mix of folklore, family, fantasy, and fanfare of a full-blown franchise. With this new movie in the Maddock horror-verse, director Aditya Sarpotdar is taking Indian genre cinema to a whole new level. It’s all sorts of strange, clever, and wildly creative — yet, very relatable. While Stree was scary and subversive and Bhediya went into the wilds, Thamma conquers the territory by merging horror with love and, thus, leaving a cinematic experience that is totally different.  The story revolves around the forest of myths where the past is still alive and the ancient guardians are awakening. Not Thamma by any means, but it still manages to conjure up a bizarre fantasy universe complete with its own laws, curses, and consequences. Compared to other supernatural thrillers, this one is basically an emotional comedy with a dose of humor and the human instinct to save those whom we love even if it costs our lives. It doesn’t become scary but rather keeps its faith. The movie is funny but not farcical. It is also emotional without being overly dramatic.  One of the main characters is journalist protagonist Khurrana from a small town. His incidental supernatural experience leads to a series of events that is not in his capacity to grasp the enormity of it. In the first half, he is simply lovable and relatable but later on he becomes quite intense. Mandanna delivers an emotional performance that is also very down-to-earth. She has the fire as well as the delicate side of her nature and does not go for the usual stereotypical trope of horror comedy being over-the-top.  The continuing part is just an explosive work of art — it features fight, change of characters, and a breathtaking fight between Alok and Bhediya (Varun Dhawan). Special effects are of great quality and the confrontation between these two forces is signaling their underlying relationship which will definitely influence this cinematic universe storyline in the future. Such a moment of grandeur is the kind of moment in which you wish to applaud in a jam-packed hall, and subsequently, you are left with more questions than answers. How are these two characters related? I promise; the answer will be beyond your imagination.  On the subject of universe-building, the movie is full of Easter eggs and a few character recalls, but one highlights: the comeback of Sar Kata, the frightening character from Stree, who ominously appears, signaling the massive danger that lies ahead for the Maddock horror-verse. To be honest, the connection between Stree 2 and Thamma is quite strong, and by the time you get to the end, it’s only evident that it’s something huge that is on its way. The seeds of a mega-crossover have been dropped.  The acting, in general, is great. Paresh Rawal offers a great comic relief performance as the sarcastic and sharp-witted father while Nawazuddin Siddiqui dominates the movie with his intense and dark presence. The upward movement of his character feels like the dawn of something bigger and maybe a major factor in the future war of good vs. evil in this ever-expanding universe.  Following that is the comeback of Sathyaraj as Elvis, the idiosyncratic paranormal expert who got the nickname Hand of God. However, this time, he is not only here for the laughs — his arrival subtly changes the bigger picture. In a significant moment, Elvis points to a vital connection between Alok’s freshly changed Betaal and Bhediya, the one who was last seen grappling with Sar Kata in Stree 2. It’s a clever, low-key link that signals the coming events and the Maddock universe fans will instantly get the excitement of the bigger plot unfolding.  Moreover, the talked-about Nora Fatehi cameo is not only a glam reel but also an addition to the lore. Her unveiling provides a wonderful emotional connection to Stree and is a massive high point for long-time fans of the universe. Being a kind of fan service, it rewards attention and gives a totally different perspective to everything that we thought we knew about this world. Is she the one who opens the door to its secrets or something else?  Before the release, the buzz was mostly about item numbers and flashy visuals. However, Thamma, turn, defies the expectation. In the typical Maddock manner, every song in this movie has its function-character revelation, story advancement, or myth deepening. There are no unnecessary diversions, no hollow spectacles, only the narrative-driven songs that keep the emotional part of the story going. It is a very important revamp of the Bollywood horror formula and the result is great.  Director: Aditya Sarpotdar,  Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Paresh Rawal, Sathyaraj, Fasial Malik, Geeta Aggarwal, Rachit Singh and others"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aPddOLpReVYa3gmP_thamma.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2025-10-21T05:25:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mod_oXpftJA"}},"uid":"review-thamma---a-fiery-blockbuster-ride"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"'తెలుసు కదా' రివ్యూ... ఎమోషనల్‌ ఎంటర్‌టైన్‌మెంట్‌"},"content":{"text":"డీజే టిల్లు సినిమా తర్వాత స్టార్‌ బాయ్‌గా ఒక్కసారిగా లైమ్‌ లైట్‌లోకి వచ్చిన సిద్దు జొన్నలగడ్డ ఆ తర్వాత బ్యాక్ టు బ్యాక్‌ సినిమాలతో ప్రేక్షకుల ముందుకు వచ్చాడు. టిల్లు స్క్వేర్‌ ఆకట్టుకుంది, కానీ ఇటీవల వచ్చిన జాక్ సినిమా మాత్రం నిరాశ పరిచింది. దాంతో సిద్దు తదుపరి సినిమా విషయంలో ఆడియన్స్‌తో పాటు అన్ని వర్గాల ప్రేక్షకుల్లో అంచనాలు ఉన్నాయి. విభిన్నమైన కాన్సెప్ట్‌తో తెలుసు కదా రూపొందినట్లు టీజర్‌, ట్రైలర్‌, ప్రమోషనల్‌ స్టఫ్‌ ను చూస్తే అర్థం అవుతుంది. ముఖ్యంగా ట్రైలర్‌ చూసిన తర్వాత కాస్త బోల్డ్‌ కంటెంట్‌ అనే అభిప్రాయం ఏర్పడింది. మరి సినిమా ఎలా ఉంది? సిద్దుకి మరో విజయం దక్కిందా అనేది ఈ రివ్యూలో చూద్దాం.  కథ : అనాథ అయిన వరుణ్‌ (సిద్దు జొన్నలగడ్డ) తనకంటూ ఒక ఫ్యామిలీ ఉండాలి, పిల్లలు ఉండాలని కలలు కంటూ ఉంటాడు. చాలా నిజాయితీగా ఉంటూ రాగ కుమార్‌(శ్రీనిధి శెట్టి)ని ప్రాణంగా ప్రేమిస్తాడు. కానీ ఆమె బ్రేకప్‌ చేసి వెళ్లి పోవడంతో పెళ్లి చేసుకుని ఫ్యామిలీ ఏర్పాటు చేసుకోవాలి నిర్ణయించుకుంటాడు. మ్యాట్రిమోనీ ద్వారా అంజలి శర్మ(రాశి ఖన్నా) తో వరుణ్‌ కి పరిచయం అవుతుంది. ఆ పరిచయం ప్రేమగా మారి, పెళ్లి చేసుకుంటారు.  వరుణ్‌, అంజలి పెళ్లి చేసుకున్న తర్వాత చాలా పెద్ద షాకింగ్‌ విషయం తెలుస్తుంది, ఆ వెంటనే బ్రేకప్‌ చెప్పి వెళ్లి పోయిన రాగ సైతం వరుణ్‌ జీవితంలోకి వచ్చేందుకు రెడీ అవుతుంది.  అప్పుడు వరుణ్‌ ఏం చేశాడు? ఇంతకు పెళ్లి తర్వాత వరుణ్‌, అంజలికి తెలిసిన షాకింగ్‌ విషయం ఏంటి? ఈ ట్రయాంగిల్‌ స్టోరీ చివరకు ఏమైంది? అనేది సినిమా చూసి తెలుసుకోండి.  నటీనటుల నటన : ఎప్పటిలాగే సిద్దు జొన్నలగడ్డ మొత్తం బాధ్యత తన భుజాల మీద వేసుకుని సినిమాను మోసుకు వెళ్లాడు. ఆయన డైలాగ్‌ డెలివరి, ఎమోషనల్‌ సీన్స్‌, సెంటిమెంట్‌ సీన్స్‌, రొమాంటిక్ సీన్స్ ఇలా ప్రతి ఒక్కదాంట్లోనూ ఆకట్టుకున్నాడు. హీరోయిన్స్‌తో ఆయన చేసిన సన్నివేశాల్లో హీరోయిన్స్‌ ను కంటే ఆయన్ను చూడాలి అనిపించే విధంగా ఉంది. మొత్తంగా సిద్దు జొన్నలగడ్డ తెలుసు కదా బాధ్యత మొత్తం తీసుకుని సక్సెస్‌ అయ్యాడు. ఆయన డైలాగ్‌ డెలివరీ గతంతో పోల్చితే కాస్త మాస్‌ ఎలిమెంట్స్ తగ్గిందని చెప్పాలి. అయినా కూడా బాగుంది. సిద్దు లుక్ పరంగానూ ఆకట్టుకున్నాడు.  హీరోయిన్‌ శ్రీనిధి శెట్టి లుక్స్‌ పరంగా ఆకట్టుకుంది. యాక్టింగ్‌తోనూ మెప్పించింది. లవ్‌ సీన్స్‌తో పాటు, కొన్ని సెంటిమెంట్‌ సీన్స్‌లో శ్రీనిధి ఆకట్టుకుంది. సిద్దుకు సరైన జోడీ అన్నట్లుగా నటించింది. రొమాంటిక్ సీన్స్ విషయంలో కాస్త ఇబ్బంది పడ్డట్లుగా అనిపించినా ఓవరాల్‌గా తన పాత్రకు న్యాయం చేసింది. హీరోయిన్‌ రాశి ఖన్నా సైతం తన పాత్రకు న్యాయం చేసింది. సిద్దు ను వివాహం చేసుకున్న తర్వాత కొన్ని షాకింగ్ సంఘటనలు ఎదుర్కోవాల్సి వస్తుంది. ఆ సమయంలో ఆమె నటన బాగుంది. చాలా సహజంగా ఆ సీన్స్‌లో ఎమోషన్‌ పండించింది. ఓవరాల్‌గా రాశి ఖన్నా సైతం అంజలి పాత్రకు ప్రాణం పోసినట్లుగా నటించి మెప్పించింది. ఇక వైవా హర్ష కామెడీ ఇంకాస్త మెరుగ్గా ఉండాల్సింది. తనకు వచ్చిన అవకాశంను సద్వినియోగం చేసుకున్నాడు.  టెక్నికల్‌ : ఈ సినిమాకి సంగీతాన్ని అందించిన తమన్‌ పూర్తి స్థాయిలో సంతృప్తి పరిచాడు. రెండు పాటలు చాలా బాగున్నాయి. సినిమా విడుదలకు ముందే అవి మంచి విజయాన్ని సొంతం చేసుకున్న విషయం తెల్సిందే. సినిమాలో ఆ పాటలు చాలా బాగున్నాయి. ఇక బ్యాక్‌ గ్రౌండ్‌ స్కోర్‌తోనూ సినిమా స్థాయిని పెంచాడు. ఓవరాల్‌గా తమన్‌ అందించిన సంగీతం తెలుసు కదా కి ప్రధాన ఆకర్షణగా నిలిచింది అనడంలో సందేహం లేదు.  సినిమాటోగ్రఫీ బాగుంది. సినిమాను గ్రాండ్‌ గా చూపించడంలో సినిమాటోగ్రఫీ పని చేసింది. దర్శకురాలు నీరజ కోన స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లే విషయంలో ఇంకాస్త వినోదాన్ని జోడించి ఉంటే బాగుండేది. సినిమా సీరియస్ నోడ్‌ లో సాగినట్లు అనిపిస్తుంది. ఎడిటింగ్‌లో చిన్న చిన్న లోపాలు మినహా అంతా బాగానే ఉంది. ఆకట్టుకునే విధంగా డైలాగ్స్ ఉన్నాయి. నిర్మాణాత్మక విలువలు బాగున్నాయి. సినిమాలో ఉన్న ప్రతి నటీనటుడు ఔట్‌ ఫిట్‌ పాత్రకు తగ్గట్లుగా బాగున్నాయి.  విశ్లేషణ : స్టార్‌ బాయ్‌ సిద్దు జొన్నలగడ్డ మరోసారి తన నటనతో మెప్పించాడు. కేవలం తాను మాత్రమే చేయగలను అన్నట్లుగా వరుణ్ పాత్రలో నటించి మెప్పించాడు. సినిమా ప్రారంభం అయినప్పటి నుంచి చివరి వరకు పాత్ర నుంచి బయటకు రాకుండా ఆకట్టుకున్నాడు. ట్రైలర్‌ చూసిన సమయంలో వరుణ్‌ పాత్ర అంటే సిద్దు జొన్నలగడ్డను నెగటివ్‌ షేడ్స్‌ లో చూస్తామా అనిపించింది.  కానీ సినిమాలో ఆయన పాత్ర ప్రతి కుర్రాడికి కనెక్ట్‌ అయ్యే విధంగా ఉంది. మంచి ఎమోషనల్‌ సీన్స్ ఉన్నాయి, అయితే ఎంటర్‌టైన్‌మెంట్‌, రెగ్యులర్‌ మాస్‌ ఎలిమెంట్స్‌, యాక్షన్‌ సీన్స్ కోరుకున్న వారు మాత్రం కాస్త నిరుత్సాహం వ్యక్తం చేస్తారు. పక్కా కమర్షియల్‌ మూవీ అన్నట్లుగా లేదు. ఎమోషనల్‌ లవ్‌ కమ్‌ రొమాంటిక్ సీన్స్‌ లో సినిమా సాగింది. అందుకే సినిమా స్లోగా సాగింది అనిపిస్తుంది. ఓవరాల్‌గా సినిమా చూడదగ్గట్లుగా ఉంది.  ప్లస్ పాయింట్స్ : సిద్దు జొన్నలగడ్డ, తమన్ సంగీతం, కొన్ని లవ్‌, రొమాంటిక్ సీన్స్‌  మైనస్ పాయింట్స్ : సెకండ్‌ హాఫ్‌ లో స్లో కథనం, రెగ్యులర్‌ కమర్షియల్‌ ఎలిమెంట్స్ లేకపోవడం, మెయిన్‌ లీడ్‌ కాకుండా ఇతర నటీనటులకు ప్రాధాన్యత లేదు  చివరగా.. ఈతరం యూత్‌ ఇష్టపడే రోమ్‌కామ్‌ మూవీ ఇది. జస్ట్‌ టైం పాస్‌కి చూడాలి అనుకుంటే తప్పకుండా వెళ్లవచ్చు.  బ్యానర్ : పీపుల్స్ మీడియా ఫ్యాక్టరీ  నిర్మాత : టీజీ విశ్వప్రసాద్‌, కృతి ప్రసాద్‌  దర్శకత్వం : నీరజ కోన  సంగీతం : తమన్‌  తారాగణం : సిద్దు జొన్నలగడ్డ, రాశి ఖన్నా, శ్రీనిధి శెట్టి, వైవా హర్ష తదితరులు"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aPIUlZ5xUNkB2FbH_TK.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2025-10-17T09:30:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clB21Xnu_SU"}},"uid":"review-telusu-kada---emotional-entertainment"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"'మిత్ర మండలి' రివ్యూ - నవ్వించలేక పోయిన కామెడీ"},"content":{"text":"ఈ మధ్య కాలంలో చిన్న సినిమాలకు మంచి స్పందన లభిస్తుంది, ఆ సినిమాల్లో కామెడీ ఉంటే ప్రేక్షకులు బ్రహ్మరథం పడుతున్నారు. అందుకే మిత్ర మండలి సినిమా గురించి మొదటి నుంచి ప్రముఖంగా చర్చ జరుగుతోంది. ముఖ్యంగా ఈ సినిమాను బన్నీ వాసు సమర్పించేందుకు ముందుకు రావడంతో ఖచ్చితంగా కంటెంట్‌ ఉన్న సినిమా అనే అభిప్రాయం వ్యక్తం అయింది. కనుక సినిమా చూడాలని చాలా మంది అనుకున్నారు. మరి సినిమా ఆ స్థాయిలో ఉందా అనేది ఈ రివ్యూలో చూద్దాం.  కథ : కులం అంటే ప్రాణం ఇవ్వడానికి అయినా, తీయడానికి అయినా రెడీ అన్నంతగా కుల పిచ్చి ఉన్న నారాయణ (వీటీవీ గణేష్‌) కూతురు స్వేఛ్చ (నిహారిక) ఇంటి నుంచి పారిపోతుంది. కులంలో పరువు పోతుందని, రాజకీయ జీవితం దెబ్బ తింటుందనే ఉద్దేశంతో కూతురు బయటకు వెళ్లిన విషయం రహస్యంగా ఉంచుతాడు. అయితే తన కూతురు వెతకడానికి ఎస్సై సాగర్‌(వెన్నెల కిషోర్‌) కి పని అప్పజెప్పుతాడు. అతడు స్వేచ్చ పారిపోవడానికి నలుగురు కుర్రాళ్లు కారణం అని అనుమానిస్తాడు.  ఆ నలుగురు కుర్రాళ్లు స్వేచ్చ వల్ల ఎలాంటి ఇబ్బందులు ఎదుర్కొన్నారు అనేది ఈ సినిమా కథ. ఇంతకు స్వేచ్చ ఎటు వెళ్లి పోయింది? చివరకు ఏమైంది? అనేది సినిమా చూసి తెలుసుకోవాల్సిందే.  నటీనటుల నటన : ఈ సినిమాలో నటీనటులు చాలా మందే ఉన్నారు. వీటీవీ గణేష్‌ తన నటనతో నవ్వు తెప్పించే ప్రయత్నం చేశాడు. వెన్నెల కిషోర్‌ తనదైన శైలిలో కామెడీ పండించే ప్రయత్నం చేశారు. కానీ ఆయనది ఇందులో ఓవర్‌ యాక్షన్‌ అనిపించింది. వెన్నెల కిషోర్‌ పాత్ర పెద్దగా ఆకట్టుకోలేదు.  ప్రియదర్శి పాత్ర మెయిన్‌ లీడ్‌లా అనిపించినా కథలో ఆయన ప్రాధాన్యత అంతగా లేదనే చెప్పాలి. ఇంతకు ముందు ఆయన చేసిన సినిమాలతో పోల్చితే ఈ సినిమాలో ఆయన పాత్ర నిరాశను కలిగించింది. పాత్రకు తగ్గట్లుగా నటించాడు.  నిహారిక ఎన్‌ ఎం ఈ సినిమాలో కీలకంగా ఉంది. అయితే ఆమె నటన నేచురాలిటీకి దూరంగా ఉంది అనిపించింది. ఇతర పాత్రల్లో నటించిన వారు వారి పాత్రల పరిధిలో నటించారు.  టెక్నికల్‌ : ఆర్‌ ఆర్ ధ్రువన్‌ అందించిన బ్యాక్ గ్రౌండ్‌ స్కోర్‌ ఏమాత్రం ఆకట్టుకోలేదు. ఒక పాట పర్వాలేదు, కొన్ని సీన్స్‌ లో బ్యాక్ గ్రౌండ్‌ స్కోర్‌ పేలవంగా ఉండటంతో బోర్‌ అనిపించింది. సినిమాటోగ్రఫీ పర్వాలేదు అన్నట్లుగా ఉంది. కొన్ని సీన్స్‌ సాగతీసినట్లుగా ఉన్నాయి. ఎడిటింగ్‌ విషయంలో చాలా లోపాలు ఉన్నాయి.  దర్శకుడు కథను కామెడీగా చెప్పే ప్రయత్నం చేశాడు. కానీ కామెడీ పండించడంలో విఫలం అయ్యాడు. నిర్మాణాత్మక విలువలు పర్వాలేదు అన్నట్లుగా ఉన్నాయి. మాటలు కొన్ని సీన్స్‌లో బాగున్నాయి. కొన్ని సీన్స్‌ లో పరమ రొటీన్‌గా ఉన్నాయి.  విశ్లేషణ : చిన్న సినిమాలకు మంచి ఆధరణ ఉంటుందని, కామెడీ సినిమాలతో వస్తే తప్పకుండా ఆకట్టుకుంటుందని భావించి ఇలాంటి సినిమాలు తీస్తున్నారు. కానీ కామెడీ సినిమాల పేరుతో ప్రేక్షకుల ముందుకు వచ్చి కామెడీ లేకుండా సినిమాలను చేయడం ఏంటని ఈ సినిమాను చూస్తే అనిపిస్తుంది.  ఒకటి రెండు సీన్స్‌ తప్ప ఎక్కడా ఆకట్టుకోలేక పోయారు. సినిమా స్టోరీ లైన్ బాగానే ఉంది. కానీ దాన్ని పూర్తి కథగా మార్చిన తీరు మాత్రం బాగాలేదు. ఓవరాల్‌గా సినిమా ఏమాత్రం ఆకట్టుకోలేదు. నటీనటుల నటన బాగాలేదు, కథ ఏమాత్రం బాగాలేదు, అయినా కూడా కామెడీతో నెట్టుకు వస్తారు అనుకుంటే అది కూడా లేదు. కామెడీ లేకుండా కామెడీ సినిమాను చూసినట్లుగా అనిపించింది.  ప్లస్‌ పాయింట్స్ : సత్య కామెడీ తప్ప ఏమీ లేదు  మైనస్ పాయింట్స్ : కథ, స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లే, కామెడీ ఆశించిన స్థాయి లో లేకపోవడం, సెకండ్‌ హాఫ్‌  చివరగా.. మిత్ర మండలిలో కామెడీ లోపించింది  బ్యానర్ : సప్త అశ్వ మీడియా వర్క్స్, వైరా ఎంటర్‌టైన్‌మెంట్స్  నిర్మాత : కళ్యాణ్ మంతిన, భాను ప్రతాప, బన్నీ వాసు  దర్శకత్వం : విజయేందర్‌  సంగీతం : ఆర్‌ ఆర్‌ ధ్రువన్‌  తారాగణం : ప్రియదర్శి, నిహారిక ఎన్‌ఎం, ప్రసాద్‌ బెహరా, వెన్నెల కిషోర్‌, సత్య, వీటీ గణేష్‌, విష్ణు ఓ ఐ, రాగ్‌ మయూర్‌ తదితరులు"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aPDW4J5xUNkB2C7l_MITHRAMANDALIREVIEW.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2025-10-16T09:28:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGXMm4Cx6Po"}},"uid":"review-mitramandali---comedy-less"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"'కాంతార : చాప్టర్ 1' రివ్యూ... మంచి విజువల్‌ వండర్‌ మూవీ"},"content":{"text":"చిన్న సినిమాగా రూపొంది పాన్‌ ఇండియా రేంజ్‌లో భారీ విజయాన్ని సొంతం చేసుకున్న 'కాంతార' సినిమాకు ప్రీక్వెల్‌గా ఈ సినిమాను రూపొందించారు. సాధారణంగా సీక్వెల్‌ అంటే ప్రేక్షకులు ఆసక్తి చూపిస్తారు. కానీ కాంతారకు ప్రీక్వెల్‌ అన్నా కూడా ఆ సినిమా క్రియేట్‌ చేసిన ఇంపాక్ట్‌ కారణంగా చాలా ఆసక్తిగా ఎదురు చూస్తున్నారు. ఎప్పుడెప్పుడు సినిమా వస్తుందా అంటూ అంతా ఆసక్తిగా ఎదురు చూస్తున్నారు. ఎట్టకేలకు నేడు ప్రేక్షకుల ముందుకు వచ్చింది. మొదటి పార్ట్‌ ను చిన్న బడ్జెట్‌తో తీస్తే ఈ సినిమాను భారీ బడ్జెట్‌తో నిర్మించారు. ఈ ప్రీక్వెల్‌ ప్రేక్షకులను ఆకట్టుకుందా అనేది ఈ రివ్యూలో చూద్దాం.  కథ : ఈ కథ మొత్తం కాంతార ప్రాంతం చుట్టూ తిరుగుతూ ఉంటుంది. మొదటి పార్ట్‌ ఎక్కడైతే ముగిసిందో అక్కడే ఈ ప్రీక్వెల్‌ను ప్రారంభించారు. పంజుర్లి జాతర తర్వాత మాయం అయిన తన తండ్రి గురించి తెలుసుకునేందుకు శివ ప్రయత్నిస్తున్న సమయంలో ఆ ప్రాంతం గురించి పెద్ద చరిత్ర తెలుస్తుంది. అదే ఈ కాంతార ఏ లెజెండ్‌ కథ. రాజశేఖర్‌ అనే రాజు పరిపాలిస్తున్న రాజ్యంలో కాంతార ప్రాంతం ఉంటుంది. అయితే ఆ ప్రాంతంలోకి రాజుకు, రాజు సైన్యంకు వెళ్లేందుకు అనుమతి ఉండదు. ఎవరైనా కాంతార ప్రాంతంకు వెళ్లాలి అనుకున్న, ఆ ప్రాంతాన్ని స్వాదీనం చేసుకోవాలి అనుకున్న చనిపోవడం జరుగుతుంది.  కాంతార ప్రాంతాన్ని బెర్మి(రిషబ్‌ శెట్టి) పరిరక్షిస్తూ ఉంటాడు. తన ప్రాంతంలో ఉండే ఖరీదైన సుగంధాలను రాజ్యంలో అమ్మి వ్యాపారం చేయాలి అనుకుంటాడు. ఆ క్రమంలో రాకుమారి కనకావతి(రుక్మిణి వసంత్‌)ని కలుస్తాడు. అంతా సాఫీగా సాగుతున్న సమయంలో యువరాజు కులశేఖర(గుల్షన్‌ దేవయ్య) కాంతార ప్రాంతాన్ని ఆక్రమించేందుకు ప్రయత్నాలు మొదలు పెడతాడు. ఆ తర్వాత ఏం జరుగుతుంది? కులశేఖర, బెర్మిల మధ్య జరిగే యుద్దం ఎలాంటిది? రాజకుమారి కనకావతి పాత్ర ఏంటి? అనే విషయాలు తెలుసుకునేందుకు సినిమా చూడాల్సిందే.  నటీనటుల నటన : సినిమాలో ఎంతో మంది నటీనటులు ఉంటారు. వారిలో చాలా మందికి కీలక పాత్రలు లభించాయి. అయితే బెర్మి పాత్రలో కనిపించిన రిషబ్‌ శెట్టి మొత్తం కథను తన బుజాలపై వేసుకుని నడిపించాడు అనిపించింది. ఆయన మొదటి పార్ట్‌లో అద్భుతంగా నటించాడు అంటూ విమర్శకుల ప్రశంసలు దక్కించుకున్నాడు. కనుక ఇప్పుడు అంతకు మించి అనిపించుకునేందుకు రిషబ్‌ ఎంతగా కష్టపడ్డాడో క్లీయర్‌గా వెండి తెరపై కనిపిస్తోంది. ఆయన యాక్షన్‌ సీన్స్ మొదలుకుని, కొన్ని రొమాంటిక్‌ సీన్స్‌, దైవత్వంతో కూడిన సీన్స్ ఇలా అన్నింటిలోనూ రిషబ్‌ శెట్టి నటనతో మెప్పించాడు. అద్భుతమైన నటనతో ముఖ్యంగా క్లైమాక్స్‌ సన్నివేశాల్లో రిషబ్‌ శెట్టి మరోసారి కాంతార వరల్డ్‌లోకి తీసుకు వెళ్లాడు.  హీరోయిన్‌గా నటించిన రుక్మిణి వసంత్‌ కు ఇంటర్వెల్‌కు ముందు వరకు పెద్దగా నటనకు స్కోప్‌ లేదు. కానీ సెకండ్‌ హాఫ్‌ లో ఆమె తన నట విశ్వరూపం చూపించే విధంగా నటించింది. తన పాత్రకు పూర్తి న్యాయం చేసింది. రాజు పాత్రలో నటించిన జయరామ్‌ ఆకట్టుకున్నాడు. హుందాగా చాలా సెన్సిబుల్‌ నటనతో మెప్పించాడు. ఇక ఆయన కొడుకు పాత్రలో గుల్షన్‌ దేవయ సృష్టించిన విద్వంసం అంతా ఇంతా కాదు. సాధారణంగానే ఆయన విలనిజం బాగుంటుంది అంటూ విమర్శకులు సైతం ప్రశంసిస్తూ ఉంటారు. అలాంటి పాత్రను అంతకు మించి అన్నట్లుగా పోషించి ఆకట్టుకున్నాడు. సినిమాలో నటించిన ఇతర నటీనటులు సైతం వారి పాత్రల పరిధిలో చక్కని నటనతో ఆకట్టుకున్నారు.  టెక్నికల్‌ : ఈ సినిమాలో కథ, స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లే కంటే టెక్నికల్‌ అంశాలకు ప్రధాన పీట వేసినట్లుగా ఉంది. ముఖ్యంగా సినిమాటోగ్రఫీ, నేపథ్య సంగీతం అద్భుతంగా ఉండటంతో సినిమా విజువల్‌ వండర్‌ గా మారింది. అంతే కాకుండా ఈ మధ్య కాలంలో వీఎఫ్‌ఎక్స్‌ విషయంలో చాలా సినిమాలు విమర్శలు ఎదుర్కొంటున్న విషయం తెల్సిందే. కానీ ఈ సినిమా మాత్రం అందుకు భిన్నం అన్నట్లుగా నిలిచింది.  సినిమాలో వీఎఫ్‌ఎక్స్‌ వర్క్‌ అద్భుతంగా ఉన్నాయి. సినిమాలో ఆవిష్కరించిన కొత్త లోకంను కళ్ల ముందు వీఎఫ్ఎక్స్‌ తో అద్భుతంగా తీసుకు వచ్చి పెట్టడంలో అన్ని డిపార్ట్‌మెంట్స్ సక్సెస్‌ అయ్యాయి. దర్శకుడు కథ విషయంలోనే ఇంకాస్త వర్కౌట్‌ చేయాల్సి ఉంది. స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లేతో పాటు కొన్ని చోట్ల డైలాగ్స్ విషయంలో జాగ్రత్తను తీసుకోవాల్సింది. ఎడిటింగ్‌ లో చిన్న చిన్న లోపాలు మినహా పెద్దగా చెప్పుకునే తప్పులు ఏమీ లేవు. సినిమాను భారీ బడ్జెట్‌తో అద్భుతమైన ప్రొడక్షన్‌ వాల్యూస్‌తో నిర్మించారు.  విశ్లేషణ : కాంతార ప్రీక్వెల్‌ అనగానే కేవలం కన్నడ ప్రేక్షకులు మాత్రమే కాకుండా మొత్తం పాన్‌ ఇండియా ప్రేక్షకులు ఊగిపోయే పరిస్థితి ఉంది. అందుకే దర్శకుడు రిషబ్‌ శెట్టి ఒకటి కాదు రెండు కాదు ఏకంగా మూడు ఏళ్ల పాటు కష్టపడి ఈ సినిమాను రూపొందించడంతో పాటు నటించాడు. నటుడిగా నూటికి నూరు శాతం సక్సెస్‌ అయిన రిషబ్‌ శెట్టి దర్శకుడిగా మాత్రం కాస్త వెనక పడ్డాడు అనిపించింది. ఎందుకంటే కథ ఎంపిక విషయంలో ఆయన చాలా ఎక్కువ రీసెర్చ్‌ చేసినట్లుగా అనిపించింది. విన్న కథలు, ఉన్న పుకార్లు అన్నింటిని ఆయన ఇక్కడ చెప్పేందుకు చాలా ప్రయత్నించాడు.  సినిమా కథలో పాత కథలు ఎక్కువ అయ్యాయి. అంతే కాకుండా రియాల్టీకి చాలా దూరంగా వెళ్లి పోయింది. మొదటి పార్ట్‌తో పోల్చితే సినిమా ప్రొడక్షన్‌ వాల్యూస్‌, ఇతర సాంకేతిక పరిజ్ఞానం నూరు శాతం మెరుగ్గా ఉంది అనడంలో ఎలాంటి సందేహం లేదు. కానీ సినిమా కథ విషయంలో మొదటి పార్ట్‌తో పోల్చితే చాలా వీక్‌గా ఉంది. స్ట్రాంగ్‌ స్టోరీ లైన్‌తో ఇలాంటి మేకింగ్‌ చేసి ఉంటే మరో లెవల్‌ అన్నట్లుగా ఉండేది. ఇప్పుడు మాత్రం విజువల్‌ వండర్‌గా అనిపించే విధంగా తీశారు. మొదటి కాంతారను మైండ్‌ లో పెట్టుకోకుండా ఈ సినిమాను చూస్తే తప్పకుండా ప్రేక్షకులు ఎంజాయ్‌ చేయవచ్చు.  ప్లస్‌ పాయింట్స్ : రిషబ్‌ శెట్టి, హీరోయిన్‌, వీఎఫ్‌ఎక్స్ వర్క్‌, యాక్షన్‌ సీన్స్‌, కాంతార ప్రాంతం విజువల్స్‌  మైనస్‌ : కథ, స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లే, ఫస్ట్‌ హాఫ్‌ లో కొన్ని సీన్స్‌, అనవసర కామెడీ, చాలా సీన్స్ ల్యాగ్‌, కొన్ని పాత్రలకు ప్రాధాన్యత లేకపోవడం  చివరగా... కాస్త బోర్‌ అనిపించినా ఫైనల్‌గా ప్రీ క్లైమాక్స్‌, క్లైమాక్స్‌తో ఫీల్‌ మారిపోతుంది.  బ్యానర్ : హంబులే ఫిల్మ్స్‌  నిర్మాత : విజయ్‌ కిరగందూర్‌  దర్శకత్వం : రిషబ్ శెట్టి  సంగీతం : అజనీష్ లోకనాథ్‌  తారాగణం : రిషబ్‌ శెట్టి, రుక్మిణి వసంత్‌, రాకేష్ పూజారి, జయరామ్‌, గుల్షన్‌ దేవయ్య తదితరులు"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aN4-jZ5xUNkB1ZYP_kantarachapter1.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"datetime":"2025-10-02T08:20:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axBF-4nNZ3s"}},"uid":"review-kantara-chapter-1....visual-wonder-movie"}},{"node":{"tags":["politics"],"data":{"title":{"text":"'ఓజీ' రివ్యూ... ఫ్యాన్స్‌కి పైసా వసూల్‌ మూవీ"},"content":{"text":"పవన్‌ కళ్యాణ్‌ ను ఫ్యాన్స్ ఎలా చూడాలని ఆశ పడుతున్నారో అలా చూపించాను అంటూ దర్శకుడు సుజీత్‌ చేసిన ప్రకటన సినిమాపై అంచనాలు భారీగా పెంచింది. అంతే కాకుండా విభిన్నమైన ప్రమోషన్స్‌, పవన్‌ కళ్యాణ్‌ లుక్‌ ఓజీ పై అంచనాలు భారీగా పెంచిన విషయం తెల్సిందే. రికార్డ్‌ స్థాయి అడ్వాన్స్ బుకింగ్‌ నమోదు చేసిన ఓజీ సినిమా అభిమానులు ఆశించిన రేంజ్‌లో ఉందా అనేది ఈ రివ్యూలో చూద్దాం.  కథ : జపాన్‌ నుంచి కొన్ని పరిస్థితుల కారణంగా ముంబై వస్తాడు ఓజాస్‌ గంభీర(పవన్ కళ్యాణ్‌). ఆ వచ్చే ప్రయాణంలో సత్య దాదా(ప్రకాష్‌ రాజ్‌)కి చాలా పెద్ద సాయం చేస్తాడు. దాంతో ముంబైలో ఓజాస్‌ గంభీరను ఉపయోగించుకుని సత్య దాదా పెద్ద వ్యాపార సామ్రాజ్యంను ఏర్పాటు చేస్తాడు. కొన్నాళ్ల తర్వాత కొన్ని కారణాల వల్ల సత్య దాదాను వదిలి గంభీర దూరంగా వెళ్లి పోతాడు. సత్య దాదాకి చెందిన పోర్ట్‌ను ఓమి భావు(ఇమ్రాన్‌ హస్మి) ఆక్రమించుకునేందుకు ప్రయత్నించడంతో పాటు, సత్యదాదాను చంపేందుకు సిద్ధం అవుతాడు. దాంతో మళ్లీ గంభీర రంగంలోకి దిగుతాడు.  సత్య దాదాను గంభీర ఎలా కాపాడుతాడు? అసలు గంభీర జపాన్‌ నుంచి ఎందుకు వస్తాడు? ఈ గ్యాంగ్‌ వార్‌లో చివరికి పై చేయి సాధించింది ఎవరు? అనే విషయాలు తెలియాలంటే సినిమా చూడాల్సిందే.  నటీనటుల నటన : ఈ సినిమాలో పవన్‌ కళ్యాణ్‌ లుక్ విషయంలో దర్శకుడు సుజీత్‌ చాలా శ్రద్ద పెట్టినట్లుగా అనిపించింది. అందుకే గతంలో ఎప్పుడూ లేని విధంగా ఫ్యాన్స్‌ పవన్‌ లుక్‌ విషయంలో చాలా సంతృప్తిగా ఉన్నారు. రెగ్యులర్‌గా ఉండే లుక్‌ కాకుండా విభిన్నంగా కనిపించాడు. పీరియాడిక్‌ నేపథ్యం కావడంతో పాటు, గ్యాంగ్‌స్టర్ నేపథ్యం కావడం వల్ల పవన్‌ కళ్యాణ్‌ ను కొత్తగా చూడగలిగాం. ఆయన నటన గురించి ప్రత్యేకంగా చెప్పనక్కర్లేదు. యాక్షన్‌ సన్నివేశాల్లో అదరగొట్టాడు. తాను గన్‌ పడితే ఎలా ఉంటుందో పవన్‌ కళ్యాన్‌ మరోసారి చూపించాడు. ఓవరాల్‌గా ఫ్యాన్స్ కోసం పవన్‌ ఈ సినిమాలో చాలా కష్టపడ్డాడు అనడంలో నూటికి నూరు శాతం నిజం.  హీరోయిన్‌ ప్రియాంక అరుల్‌ మోహన్‌ పాత్ర నిడివి తక్కువగానే ఉంది. ఆమె పాత్రను మధ్యలోనే ముగించారు. ఉన్నంతలో పర్వాలేదు అనిపించింది. ప్రకాష్ రాజ్ పాత్రకు కథలో మంచి వెయిట్‌ ఉంది. ఇలాంటి పాత్రలు పడ్డప్పుడు ఆయన ప్రాణం పెట్టి నటిస్తాడు అంటారు. అన్నట్లుగానే ఆయన చాలా చక్కగా సినిమా కథను ముందుకు నడిపించడంలో తన నటనతో మెప్పించాడు. ఇమ్రాన్‌ హస్మి సైతం తన పాత్రకు పూర్తి న్యాయం చేశాడు. అయితే హీరో పాత్ర ముందు అన్ని పాత్రలు కూడా తేలిపోయాయి. హీరోకు ఇచ్చిన ఎలివేషన్ మరే పాత్రకు లేదు. అందుకే ఇతరుల నటన గురించి పెద్దగా చెప్పుకోవడానికి ఏమీ లేదు.  టెక్నికల్‌ : ఓజీ సినిమా సాంకేతిక బాధ్యత పూర్తిగా తమన్‌ తన భుజాలపై వేసుకున్నాడు అనడంలో సందేహం లేదు. దర్శకుడు సుజీత్‌ ఎలా అయితే ఫ్యాన్‌ బాయ్ మూమెంట్‌తో సినిమాను తీశాడో, అలాగే తమన్ ఈ సినిమాకు సంగీతాన్ని అందించాడు. కేవలం తమన్‌ సంగీతం వల్ల ఫస్ట్‌ హాఫ్‌ రేంజ్‌ రెండు మూడు రెట్లు పెరిగింది అనడంలో సందేహం లేదు. ఆయన బ్యాక్‌ గ్రౌండ్‌ స్కోర్‌ కి ఫ్యాన్స్ పిచెక్కి పోయారు. పవన్‌ ఫ్యాన్స్‌ కి హై తీసుకు వచ్చేందుకు తమన్‌ ఇచ్చిన బ్యాక్ గ్రౌండ్‌ స్కోర్‌ బద్దలు అయింది. సినిమా మొత్తంలోనూ తమన్‌ మ్యూజిక్‌ ఫ్యాన్స్‌కి హై తీసుకు వచ్చింది.  సినిమాటోగ్రఫీ సైతం బాగుంది. ముఖ్యంగా యాక్షన్ సన్నివేశాల్లో పవన్‌ కళ్యాణ్‌ను చూపించిన తీరుకు ఫ్యాన్స్‌ ఫిదా అవుతారు. ప్రతి ఫ్రేమ్‌లోనూ పవన్‌ కళ్యాణ్‌ లోని అన్ని యాంగిల్స్ బ్యూటీని సినిమాటోగ్రాఫర్ ఆవిష్కరించినట్లుగా అనిపిస్తూ ఉంటుంది. దర్శకుడు సుజీత్‌ తన దర్శకత్వం, స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లేతో మెప్పించాడు. అయితే కథ విషయంలో ఇంకాస్త వర్క్ చేయాల్సి ఉంది. ఎడిటింగ్‌ లో చిన్న చిన్న లోపాలు మినహా పెద్దగా ఇబ్బంది లేదు. నిర్మాణాత్మక విలువలు టాప్‌ నాచ్‌లో ఉన్నాయి.  విశ్లేషణ : పవన్‌ కళ్యాణ్‌ చాలా కాలంగా ఎదురు చూస్తున్న ఈ సినిమా వారికి పూర్తి స్థాయి సంతృప్తిని ఇచ్చే విధంగా ఉంది. పవన్‌ కళ్యాణ్‌ ను వెండి తెరపై చూసిన సమయంలో వారు పొందే అనుభూతి ఈ సినిమాతో రెట్టింపు పొందుతారు అనడంలో ఎలాంటి సందేహం లేదు. పవన్‌ ను స్క్రీన్‌ పై పవర్‌ హౌస్‌లా చూపిస్తున్న సమయంలో బ్యాక్‌ గ్రౌండ్‌ మ్యూజిక్‌ ఆ విజువల్స్ స్థాయిని పెంచేశాయి. తమన్‌ అందించిన సంగీతం ఫస్ట్‌ హాఫ్ లోని పవన్‌ ఇంట్రడక్షన్‌ సీన్ తో పాటు, ఇంటర్వెల్‌ బ్యాంగ్‌ సీన్‌కి ఫ్యాన్స్‌ ఫిదా అయ్యేలా ఉంది. పవన్‌ కనిపించిన ప్రతి సారి తమన్‌ రెచ్చి పోయాడు అనిపించింది. అయితే దర్శకుడు సుజీత్‌ కథ విషయంలో ఇంకాస్త వర్క్ చేయాల్సింది. అంతే కాకుండా పవన్‌ ఎలివేషన్స్‌ కాకుండా స్క్రీన్‌ ప్లే విషయంలోనూ జాగ్రత్తలు తీసుకుని ఉంటే బాగుండేది.  సినిమాలో చాలా మంది స్టార్స్ ఉన్నారు. కానీ వారందరి పాత్రలు తేలి పోయే విధంగా కేవలం పవన్‌ కళ్యాణ్ పాత్రను మాత్రమే ప్రతి సీన్‌లో హైలైట్‌ చేయడం జరిగింది. పవన్‌ పై తనకు ఉన్న అభిమానంతో ఈ సినిమాను తీసిన సుజీత్‌ అనుకున్నట్లుగానే ఫ్యాన్స్ కాలర్ ఎగరేసే విధంగా సీన్స్‌ను రాసుకున్నాడు, తీశాడు. అయితే పవన్ ఫ్యాన్స్ మాత్రమే కాకుండా అన్ని వర్గాల ప్రేక్షకులు, ముఖ్యంగా ఫ్యామిలీ ఆడియన్స్‌ చూడాలంటే కాస్త ఆలోచించాల్సిందే. సినిమాకు ఏ సర్టిఫికెట్‌ ఇచ్చిన విషయం తెల్సిందే. రక్తపాతం ఏ స్థాయిలో ఉందో సెన్సార్‌ సర్టిఫికెట్‌ ను చూస్తే అర్థం అవుతుంది.  పవన్‌ కళ్యాణ్‌ పై అభిమానంతో గంభీర పాత్రను సుజీత్‌ అద్భుతంగా డిజైన్ చేశాడు, కానీ ఇతర విషయాల పట్ల ఆయన పూర్తి స్థాయిలో సక్సెస్‌ కాలేదని చెప్పక తప్పదు. పవన్‌ ఫ్యాన్స్ కి ఇది ఫుల్‌ మీల్స్‌. మరి ఇతర సినీ గోయర్స్‌కి ఎలా ఎక్కుతుంది అనేది చూడాలి.  ప్లస్‌ పాయింట్స్ : పవన్‌ కళ్యాణ్‌, తమన్‌ బ్యాక్‌గ్రౌండ్‌ మ్యూజిక్‌, యాక్షన్‌ సీన్స్‌, హీరో ఎలివేషన్స్‌  మైనస్ పాయింట్స్ : శృతి మించిన యాక్షన్‌, వీక్‌ స్టోరీ, హీరో కాకుండా ఇతర పాత్రలకు ప్రాధాన్యత లేకపోవడం, ఎమోషనల్‌ కనెక్షన్స్‌ లేదు, క్లైమాక్స్‌  చివరగా... పవన్‌ కళ్యాణ్‌ ఫ్యాన్స్ కోసం ఈ ఓజాస్‌ గంభీర.  బ్యానర్ : డివివి ఎంటర్‌టైన్‌మెంట్స్‌  నిర్మాత : డివివి దానయ్య  దర్శకత్వం : సాహో సుజీత్‌  సంగీతం : తమన్‌  తారాగణం : పవన్‌ కళ్యాణ్‌, ప్రియాంక అరుల్‌ మోహన్‌, ప్రకాష్ రాజ్‌, ఇమ్రాన్‌ హస్మీ, శ్రియా రెడ్డి, అర్జున్‌ దాస్‌ తదితరులు"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aNRTMp5xUNkB1E2K_TheyCallHimOG.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2025-09-24T20:23:00+0000","embed":{"embed_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8J8LwoVH_0"}},"uid":"review-og---paisa-vasool-for-fans"}}]}},"pageContext":{"isCreatedByStatefulCreatePages":true}}