MLA Arava Sridhar & Veena Issue : ఆ వాయిస్ నాది కాదు..నేను రూ.25 కోట్లు అడగలేదు : Veena
Rajini–Kamal Multistarrer: Nelson in Talks to Direct
Two of the biggest icons of South Indian cinema, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, may soon be coming together for a much-anticipated multistarrer. Reports suggest that a collaborative project featuring the two legendary actors is currently in the works, creating massive excitement among fans and industry circles.
Earlier, it was said that director Lokesh Kanagaraj would helm the project and had even narrated a concept to the stars. However, sources indicate that both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan mutually preferred to be part of an entertaining, light-hearted film rather than a hardcore action subject.
This led to the search for a filmmaker capable of presenting the two legends in a fun yet engaging manner. According to the latest buzz, Nelson Dilipkumar has emerged as the frontrunner to direct this prestigious multistarrer. Reports suggest that Nelson is close to being finalised, with a promotional shoot likely to take place as early as next week.
Nelson is seen as a trusted choice, especially after delivering the blockbuster Jailer with Rajinikanth. He is currently working with the superstar again on Jailer 2, and if this project materialises, it will mark his third collaboration with Rajini and his first with Kamal Haasan. Known for his unique brand of dark comedy and his ability to handle star-driven narratives, Nelson has previously worked successfully with top stars like Thalapathy Vijay as well.
With the right balance of humour, entertainment, and star power, a Rajinikanth–Kamal Haasan film under Nelson’s direction could turn into one of the most eagerly awaited projects in Indian cinema. While official confirmation is still awaited, expectations are already sky-high.
Sharwanand’s Biker Locks April 3 Release
The Telugu romantic motorsport drama Biker, starring Sharwanand and Malavika Nair, is finally gearing up for its theatrical release. Initially scheduled to hit screens on December 6, 2025, the film has now been officially rescheduled, with April 3 locked as the new release date.
The makers have strategically chosen April 3, coinciding with the Good Friday holiday, to capitalise on the extended weekend and ensure strong opening footfalls at the box office. Directed by Abhilash Reddy Kankara and produced by UV Creations, the film is currently in the final stages of post-production, with special emphasis on high-end technical work.
What sets Biker apart is its ambitious scale and presentation. The makers are planning a large-scale release in 3D and 4DX formats, promising audiences an immersive, adrenaline-charged theatrical experience. Blending motorsport elements with a romantic narrative, the film aims to deliver a fresh and visually striking offering in Telugu cinema.
With post-production progressing at a brisk pace and a holiday release firmly in place, Biker is now officially on track to roar into theatres on April 3.
Pawan Kalyan Adopts Giraffes at Vizag Zoo
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan once again highlighted his compassion for animals during his visit to Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. Ever since taking charge as the Forest Minister, he has been consistently emphasizing the need for animal welfare and environmental conservation.
As part of the visit, Pawan Kalyan toured the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, where he inaugurated a newly developed bear enclosure. He later visited the enclosures of elephants, black bears, tigers, and lions, interacting with zoo officials to understand the care standards, feeding practices, and conservation measures being implemented. Displaying a hands-on approach, he personally fed elephants and giraffes and spent time playing with parrots, much to the delight of zoo staff and visitors.
On the occasion of his mother Anjana Devi’s birthday, Pawan Kalyan announced the adoption of two giraffes at the zoo for a period of one year, stating that he would personally bear all expenses related to their care and maintenance.
The Deputy CM also urged corporate organisations to actively support animal conservation initiatives. Later in the day, he inaugurated the Urban Forest at Kambalakonda Eco Park and participated in a canopy walk along the wooden bridge, where officials briefed him on the region’s plant species and ecological significance.
Officials believe that Pawan Kalyan’s visit will go a long way in raising public awareness about environmental protection and animal welfare.
Why Karthikeya 3 Is Yet to Go on Floors
Karthikeya 3 is one of the most anticipated films among Nikhil Siddhartha’s fans. Following the massive success of Karthikeya 2, expectations for the third installment are sky-high. Many fans are wondering why the film hasn’t gone on floors yet. The delay isn’t due to the story or a lack of interest—Nikhil is fully onboard and excited to continue the popular franchise. The real challenge lies in managing his packed schedule.
Currently, Nikhil has multiple projects in the pipeline. His film Swamybhu has already completed shooting, while The India House is still in production and demands his full attention. Once that wraps up, he faces a choice: begin work on Karthikeya 3 or move forward with a new superhero film being planned with Asian Cinemas.
The Karthikeya franchise has become a strong brand, and the makers want to proceed carefully. Budget planning, scheduling shooting days, and aligning the availability of both the director and Nikhil are all critical before an official announcement. Another factor is Nikhil’s recent box office performance—his last few films failed to make an impact. In this context, Karthikeya 3 could be a strategic move, as the franchise has historically brought him major success: the first part was a super hit, and the second turned him into a pan-India star.
Fans will have to wait a little longer, but all signs indicate that Karthikeya 3 is on track to be Nikhil’s next big milestone.
Allu Arjun’s AA23: Shraddha Kapoor in Talks
The suspense around Allu Arjun’s next collaboration with Kollywood sensation Lokesh Kanagaraj has finally ended with an official announcement during the Sankranti festival. The buzz around the project continues to grow even before it goes on floors, fueled by the high expectations surrounding this exciting combination. The film, tentatively titled AA23, is expected to begin shooting later this year after Allu Arjun wraps up his project with Atlee.
Adding to the excitement, reports suggest that Bollywood star Shraddha Kapoor is in talks to play the leading lady opposite Allu Arjun for the first time. Lokesh Kanagaraj has reportedly shared the script with the Saaho actress to rope her in for this big-budget, pan-India entertainer.
Shraddha, riding high on the success of Stree 2, is popular among both Bollywood and South Indian audiences. Her presence in AA23 is expected to create massive hype, particularly in North India. Earlier, Shraddha was slated to appear in Pushpa 2 for an item number with Allu Arjun, but the role eventually went to Sree Leela for unknown reasons. If she signs on for AA23, it will mark her first collaboration with Mythri Movie Makers.
The concept video for AA23 has already impressed fans with its intriguing setup and Anirudh Ravichander’s electrifying background score. Further updates on the film, including casting confirmations and shooting schedules, are expected once principal photography begins later this year.
AP Welfare Face-Off: Delivery vs Delay
As the coalition government marks two years in office, public discourse is increasingly centered on a single question: delivery or delay? With the third budget around the corner, welfare beneficiaries across Andhra Pradesh are openly comparing the performance of Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tenure with that of Chandrababu Naidu.
Under Jagan’s leadership, welfare schemes followed a fixed calendar, ensuring that money reached beneficiaries on time, even amid the COVID crisis. Monthly disbursements meant that many citizens had cash in hand, keeping local economies active and fostering a sense of trust.
The current coalition, despite winning votes with ambitious promises like Super Six, has struggled with consistent implementation. Massive borrowings, delayed schemes, reduced beneficiary coverage, and missing welfare calendars have led to growing disappointment. Apart from pensions, many promises remain diluted or postponed.
Farmers are still waiting for the Annadata Sukhibhava benefits, women have seen only partial support, roads are in disrepair, and tangible development remains scarce. Yet, the government continues to project its welfare initiatives as a “super hit.”
With public dissatisfaction quietly simmering, comparisons between Jagan and Babu are now inevitable. As elections draw closer, this welfare face-off could significantly influence the state’s political mood.
Varanasi Release Date Hinted by Rajamouli: April 7, 2027
SS Rajamouli is not only celebrated as one of the biggest commercial filmmakers of this generation but also admired for his brilliant marketing acumen. His upcoming film Varanasi with Mahesh Babu is now showcasing this skill yet again.
After the grand glimpse launch last year, the Varanasi team had maintained a low profile, focusing on production work. Suddenly, an impromptu promotional material appeared, perfectly aligned with the film’s theme. A hoarding in the holy city of Varanasi read “In Theatres April 7, 2027,” and photos of it quickly went viral on social media. While there has been no official confirmation from the makers, this seems like another clever marketing move by Rajamouli to subtly announce the release date.
Earlier, the film was speculated to release in the fourth week of March. Confusion arose when Sandeep Reddy declared March 5 as the release date for his Prabhas-starrer Spirit, raising the possibility of a clash at the box office. The April 7 release now ensures a comfortable gap of one month between the two films, benefiting both productions and their audiences.
This surprise promotional tactic has once again highlighted Rajamouli’s mastery in building anticipation while keeping fans engaged.
OpenAI Raises $60B from Nvidia, Microsoft & Amazon
Big Tech giants Nvidia, Microsoft, and Amazon are reportedly in advanced talks to invest a combined $60 billion (around ₹5.52 lakh crore) in OpenAI, as the AI company seeks funding to accelerate its development. The proposed investment would value ChatGPT’s creator at approximately $730 billion pre-funding, potentially pushing its valuation past $800 billion, making it the world’s most valuable private company.
Nvidia is expected to lead with up to $30 billion, reflecting its critical role as the primary GPU provider for training OpenAI’s large language models. Amazon is considering its first direct stake in OpenAI, ranging from $10–20 billion, likely tied to expanded use of Amazon Web Services (AWS) and a commercial agreement to sell OpenAI products, including enterprise ChatGPT subscriptions.
Microsoft, a long-term OpenAI backer, is reportedly contributing around $10 billion, further integrating OpenAI’s technology with its Azure cloud platform. This funding round follows SoftBank’s $41 billion investment in December 2025 and comes as OpenAI faces rising expenses for data centers and computing power needed to pursue Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
Digital & Gaming Addiction: India’s 2025-26 Economic Survey Highlights Youth Risks
The Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled on January 29, has highlighted a growing concern among India’s youth: digital and gaming addiction. As India rapidly moves toward a digitally empowered society, the government recognizes that uncontrolled engagement with online platforms poses serious risks to the cognitive, social, and financial well-being of young people.
The survey emphasizes that the solution is not to “demonize technology” but to restore balance by combining safeguards with positive offline opportunities. Central to this effort is the Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2025, a landmark legislation aimed at curbing financial losses and compulsive behavior among youth. The Act prohibits online money games involving wagering, sets strict licensing rules for skill-based games, and imposes stringent advertising restrictions to reduce the appeal of addictive platforms.
From an economic perspective, digital addiction threatens the development of a future-ready workforce. The survey warns that compulsive gaming and screen time can have consequences comparable to poor nutrition and rising obesity, undermining long-term growth and productivity.
India’s response is multi-pronged, including initiatives such as the Tele-MANAS 24/7 mental health helpline and the SHUT (Service for Healthy Use of Technology) Clinic at NIMHANS, Bengaluru, which focus on early intervention and digital wellness. The lack of comprehensive national data, however, remains a challenge for designing targeted interventions. The upcoming Second National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), led by NIMHANS, is expected to provide critical insights into the prevalence and impact of digital and gaming addiction in India.
India’s approach aligns with global recognition of the issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified gaming addiction as a mental health disorder in the ICD-11, noting impaired control and prioritization of gaming over essential activities despite negative consequences. International examples include China’s ‘fatigue system’ limiting gaming time for minors, Australia’s nationwide social media ban for children under 16, and South Korea’s pioneering ‘Shutdown Law,’ now complemented by parental control measures and dedicated recovery centers.
By implementing strict regulation, mental health support, and awareness initiatives, India aims to ensure that digital progress empowers youth rather than ensnaring them in addictive behaviors.
Indonesia Launches Global Citizenship Visa for Diaspora
Indonesia has officially introduced a new visa pathway aimed at reconnecting with its global diaspora and reversing the growing brain drain. The Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) programme offers lifetime residency to foreign nationals who have blood or family ties to Indonesia, even though the country does not allow dual citizenship.
Immigration and Corrections Minister Agus Andrianto said the initiative is intended to encourage members of the Indonesian diaspora to actively contribute to the nation’s development. Speaking to Nikkei Asia, he noted that the programme is designed to create a bridge for skilled and economically active individuals who still share a strong connection with Indonesia.
First announced in November, the GCI scheme is open to foreign passport holders who were formerly Indonesian citizens, as well as their children and grandchildren. Foreign spouses of Indonesian nationals are also eligible to apply. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a minimum annual income of $15,000 (or $1,500 per month) and provide an “immigration guarantee.”
For experts specifically recruited by the Indonesian government, an official invitation letter or an urgent notice from the government itself will suffice as a guarantee. Other applicants must meet investment requirements, which include placing at least $5,000 in Indonesian bonds, stocks, mutual funds, or bank deposits, or committing to property ownership valued at a minimum of $1 million.
However, the property investment clause has raised some concerns, as foreign nationals have traditionally been restricted from owning land and houses in Indonesia. While apartments can be owned, this is usually limited to leasehold arrangements, creating uncertainty about how this condition will be implemented in practice.
Officials revealed that India’s Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) programme served as an inspiration for the GCI framework, though India allows OCI holders to own land with some restrictions, unlike Indonesia. So far, only seven applications have been received, including from Australian passport holders. Andrianto said the government plans to fine-tune the process to avoid complications in the future.
Application fees for the Global Citizenship of Indonesia programme start at 34.8 million rupiah (around $2,078), marking a significant step in Indonesia’s effort to reconnect with its diaspora while safeguarding national legal frameworks.
Ram Charan–Upasana Expecting Twins in 2026
Ram Charan and Upasana Kamineni are once again in the news, with reports suggesting that the couple is likely to welcome twins on January 31, 2026. While an official confirmation on the exact due date is yet to be made, the news has already created excitement among fans and well-wishers.
The star couple, who tied the knot in 2012, became parents for the first time on June 20, 2023, with the birth of their daughter, Klin Kaara Konidela. On October 23, 2025, Ram Charan and Upasana officially announced that they are expecting twins, marking another joyful chapter in their family life.
On the professional front, Ram Charan is gearing up for his next big release, Peddi. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, the film features Janhvi Kapoor as the female lead and has music composed by AR Rahman. Although the film was initially slated for a March release this year, it has since been postponed indefinitely. Following Peddi, Ram Charan is set to collaborate with director Sukumar for another high-profile project.
Sharmila Takes a Dig at Jagan’s Early Pada Yatra Call
In an unexpected and unusually early move, YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy recently announced that he would undertake a Pada Yatra nearly a year and a half from now. The premature announcement has sparked wide-ranging political reactions, with many questioning the timing and intent behind it.
Now, his sister and Andhra Pradesh Congress president Y.S. Sharmila has weighed in with a sharp and sarcastic response. Questioning the very purpose of such an advance announcement, Sharmila asked what Jagan would actually do differently if he were to return to power. She reminded the public of unfulfilled promises from his previous term, including YSR’s Jala Yagnam and the much-publicised liquor prohibition.
Sharmila alleged that instead of implementing prohibition, the government encouraged the sale of substandard liquor for revenue, and accused Jagan of being inaccessible to the public once he became Chief Minister. Taking her criticism further, she quoted former US President Abraham Lincoln, saying, “To know the true nature of a man, give him power.” Using this analogy, she argued that Jagan’s tenure exposed his inability to govern effectively.
In a pointed remark in Telugu, Sharmila stated, “Jagan ki power suit kaaledu,” implying that power did not suit him. She added that unless Jagan sheds his excessive greed and transforms himself into a better person, neither God nor the people would bless him with another opportunity.
Interestingly, her comments come close on the heels of former close aide Vijay Sai Reddy, who recently dismissed the idea of Jagan returning to power unless he distances himself from his inner coterie. With both Sai Reddy and Sharmila—once considered among Jagan’s strongest supporters—now openly critical, political observers note that dissent from within his own circle is becoming increasingly visible.
According to political analysts, this growing disenchantment among Jagan’s former loyalists could pose a serious challenge to his future political ambitions.