Burning Topic : ఘాటెక్కిన గుంటూరు! హీట్ పెంచిన సవాళ్లు! | AP Politics
Anil Ravipudi to Bring Venkatesh–Rana Duo Together for Sankranthi 2027
During the success tour of Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu, director Anil Ravipudi confirmed that he has locked the title and theme for his next film and hinted that it could hit cinemas on Sankranthi 2027. He also revealed that the project will see a change in producer, according to reports.
It is already known that Venkatesh Daggubati will play the lead role in Anil Ravipudi’s upcoming Sankranthi release. While there was speculation that Megastar Chiranjeevi might appear in a cameo, similar to Venkatesh’s appearance in Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu, the latest buzz suggests otherwise. Instead of a cameo, Anil Ravipudi is reportedly keen on bringing the Babai–Abbai duo, Venkatesh and Rana Daggubati, together on the big screen.
Though Venkatesh and Rana are currently seen together in the Netflix series Rana Naidu, this film is expected to be a full-fledged Telugu commercial entertainer, with the story requiring strong roles for both actors. Industry circles are already abuzz with speculation that Anil Ravipudi may be exploring a concept similar to Bro Daddy, a film he earlier showed interest in remaking.
If reports are to be believed, Sankranthi 2027 will witness the much-anticipated on-screen reunion of Venkatesh and Rana. Keerthy Suresh is said to be in talks to play the female lead opposite Venkatesh, while another heroine is expected to be finalized soon.
Southern Heroines Sreeleela, Rukmini Vasanth, Bhagyasree Bhorse Making Waves in Bollywood
Sreeleela is already locked for two Bollywood films, including one opposite Karthik Aryan under Anurag Basu’s direction. Rukmini Vasanth is another rising star, frequently seen at Bollywood launch parties and events in Mumbai, and is reportedly set to appear in Ranveer Singh’s upcoming zombie film, Pralay.
Sreeleela gained fame with her Pushpa 2 item number, while Rukmini became popular in Mumbai following the success of Kantara Chapter 1. In addition, Bhagyasree Bhorse, even without major Telugu hits, has also caught the attention of Bollywood circles and may sign a film with a leading Bollywood hero soon.
Earlier, Rashmika Mandanna successfully made her mark in Bollywood, and now the industry is watching closely to see how these new Southern heroines will fare on the big Hindi screen.
Shruti Haasan Wins Hearts with Compassionate Gesture for Baby with Rare Genetic Disorder
Actress Shruti Haasan recently won hearts with a touching gesture when she met a baby suffering from a rare genetic condition. The family of the child, Aazhvi, shared pictures from the meeting on social media and expressed immense gratitude, calling the encounter “truly special.”
Sharing their experience, the parents wrote, “They say you should never meet your heroes, but clearly they haven’t met @shrutzhaasan. I have always been someone who feels a lot but says very little, and today my heart is just overflowing. This meeting was a milestone.” They highlighted Shruti Haasan’s warmth and humility, saying, “What touched us the most was not just her presence, but her incredible kindness. Being invited into her private space was a rare gift, but the way she welcomed us felt like family. The way she was with Aazhvi — so sweet, patient, and genuinely warm — is something we will hold onto forever.” They added that their daughter’s face lit up during the interaction, especially when Shruti thoughtfully gifted her a big bag of biscuits, calling the actor “the definition of down to earth.” Shruti responded to the post with heart emojis.
The parents also shared details of their child’s medical journey. Born in 2023, Aazhvi was diagnosed with MSMD (Mendelian Susceptibility to Mycobacterial Diseases), a rare genetic disorder, and faced serious health challenges from a few months old, ultimately requiring a bone marrow transplant in 2025. In an emotional note, they added, “They say when God can’t reach us, He sends someone. For us, that someone was Ms Shruti Haasan — truly godsent. She guided us to an incredible team of doctors, especially Dr Dharani and Dr Divya, and through them, we reached some of the best specialists across the country.”
Shruti Haasan’s compassionate gesture and genuine empathy have drawn widespread praise, with many lauding her for her humanity and kindness beyond the spotlight.
Rashmika Mandanna Subtly Confirms February 26 Wedding with Vijay Deverakonda
Rashmika Mandanna has remained mostly quiet about her wedding plans, but she appears to have subtly confirmed the much-speculated date during a recent interaction with paparazzi. While at the airport, photographers congratulated her on a February 26 wedding, and instead of denying it, Rashmika responded with a smile and a nod, which many interpreted as confirmation.
Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are set to tie the knot on February 26 in Udaipur. The couple, who got engaged in October 2025, have largely kept their personal lives private.
Despite the ongoing wedding preparations, Rashmika continues to focus on her professional commitments and is actively participating in film shoots. The couple, who have shared screen space in films like Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade, are currently working together again in the period film Ranabaali, directed by Rahul Sankrityan.
Ustaad Bhagat Singh and Peddi Announce Summer Release Dates, Vishwambhara Pending
Mega fans are overjoyed with back-to-back updates as the makers of Pawan Kalyan’s Ustaad Bhagat Singh and Ram Charan’s Peddi officially announced their release dates, ending the suspense that has been building over the past few days.
Ustaad Bhagat Singh, marking the second collaboration between Harish Shankar and Pawan Kalyan after Gabbar Singh, will release on March 26, filling the slot vacated due to the postponement of Peddi. The film has already generated strong buzz thanks to this exciting combination, and the promotional content released so far has intensified fan anticipation.
Meanwhile, Peddi surprised audiences with a gritty new poster revealing its release date as April 30. Ram Charan is seen in a fierce and intense avatar, raising excitement even further. Despite speculation that the film might face further delays due to pending production formalities, director Buchi Babu confirmed that Peddi will stick to its Summer release, keeping fans’ expectations high. As a rural drama with massive hype, both films are well-positioned to capitalize on the Summer season, promising bumper openings at the box office. If reviews turn out positive, both movies could enjoy a spectacular run.
Meanwhile, attention now shifts to Megastar Chiranjeevi’s long-delayed magnum opus Vishwambhara, which has been postponed multiple times due to extensive VFX work. The big-budget entertainer has been in production for nearly two years, and though it was rumored to target the Summer season, the team has remained tight-lipped, leaving Mega fans eagerly waiting. It remains to be seen when the team will provide clarity on the release date and end the speculation.
YS Jagan Defends Ambati Rambabu, Questions Arrest Over Tirumala Laddu Remarks
Former Chief Minister YS Jagan resumed his weekly visit to Andhra Pradesh with a stop in Guntur, where he met the family members of Ambati Rambabu, who was recently arrested for making offensive remarks against Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and TDP cadres. Rambabu had used terms such as “Amma Mogudu” and other derogatory language, which led to police action.
Speaking to the media after meeting Ambati’s family, Jagan questioned the grounds of the arrest, asking, “What wrong did Ambati Rambabu do? What wrong did Jogi Ramesh do? What did Vidadala Rajini do?” He emphasized that these individuals only highlighted alleged irregularities in the Tirumala laddu issue and suggested that their actions did not warrant such severe consequences. Jagan also compared this case with past incidents involving TDP leaders, noting that similar criticisms or language by TDP figures, like Pattabhi, had been widely publicized and even led to arrests, but were treated differently by authorities.
Jagan pointed out that prominent leaders, including Chandrababu Naidu, Lokesh, and Pawan Kalyan, continue to make abusive comments without facing repercussions, whereas Ambati Rambabu was arrested despite expressing regret and clarifying his statements. He praised Ambati as a “tiger of the Kapu community” who has lived by strong values and criticized the treatment he received at the hands of the police. Jagan also issued a warning, stating that when the YCP government returns in 2029, there will be consequences for those involved in such actions.
The remarks have sparked discussions on social media, with many noting that while Ambati’s choice of words was problematic, the disparity in how political figures are treated raises questions about fairness and consistency in enforcement.
Prithviraj Promotes ‘The Goat Life’ Ahead of Global Release of ‘Varanasi’
Acclaimed Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, currently enjoying the peak of his acting career, is set to gain global recognition with SS Rajamouli’s highly anticipated film ‘Varanasi’, in which he plays the nemesis to lead actor Mahesh Babu. His first look as Kumbha has already drawn attention from audiences worldwide.
During the film’s first promotional campaign, the cast interacted with Hollywood media, sharing their experiences of working with Rajamouli on this globe-trotting action-adventure. Prithviraj stood out with his candid responses, particularly when discussing his career and past films.
In a notable moment, Prithviraj used the opportunity to promote his recent critically acclaimed film ‘The Goat Life’, for which he won the Kerala State Best Actor Award. When asked about a film that taught him the most as an actor, he highlighted The Goat Life, describing it as one of the most enriching experiences of his career. He also mentioned that the film is currently streaming on Netflix.
The Goat Life is considered Prithviraj’s career-best performance, reflecting the enormous time and effort invested in the project. The film took nearly 16 years from inception to release, with production announced in 2009, going on floors in 2018, and finally hitting theatres in 2024. The survival thriller follows an Indian migrant worker trapped as a slave in Saudi Arabia while pursuing livelihood opportunities. The film received positive theatrical response, and Prithviraj’s performance earned widespread praise.
While some netizens have criticized Prithviraj for using the Varanasi promotional platform to draw attention to The Goat Life, many have supported him, noting that his perseverance and dedication over such a long period deserve recognition. His strategy has generated renewed interest and buzz for the film, further highlighting his commitment to meaningful cinema.
Apple Launches Education Hub in Bengaluru to Train Supplier Employees
Apple has launched a first-of-its-kind Apple Education Hub in Bengaluru to expand its skill-building and training programs for employees at its supplier facilities across India. The hub will provide access to educators specializing in digital education and Swift coding, helping supplier employees gain new technical skills and career growth opportunities.
Apple has partnered with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) for the initiative, with courses set to begin in March. MAHE faculty will train instructors who will then conduct classes for large groups of employees at their supplier sites. Training will start with Tata Electronics and gradually expand to more than 25 Apple supplier facilities across the country.
The courses are funded through Apple’s $50 million Supplier Employee Development Fund and reflect Apple’s long-term investment in workforce development in India. Sarah Chandler, Apple’s Vice President of Environment and Supply Chain Innovation, highlighted the program’s goal of giving thousands of employees the opportunity to learn valuable new skills and explore career advancement paths.
Currently, more than 75 courses covering technical, digital, and professional skills are available to Apple supplier employees in India. Following the successful launch of a robotics training program in December 2026, Apple plans to expand the program further this year. The company will also train and certify factory educators at robotics labs, enabling them to teach other employees according to the specific needs of each facility.
Spinny Partners with Tesla to Simplify EV Upgrades in India
Indian used-car marketplace Spinny has announced a strategic partnership with Tesla Inc., aimed at streamlining the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric mobility for Indian consumers.
As a preferred exchange partner, Spinny will integrate its car-selling platform with Tesla ownership, providing a seamless digital journey for customers looking to upgrade to an electric vehicle. This collaboration is part of Tesla’s ‘Switch and Save’ programme, designed to make electric cars more accessible by simplifying the complex exchange process.
The partnership offers significant financial incentives. Customers can avail a ₹3 lakh exchange benefit through Tesla’s programme, along with a Spinny-exclusive bonus of up to ₹25,000 upon delivery. Flexible financing options are also available, with monthly instalments starting at ₹49,000 and a down payment of ₹6 lakh. Tesla further estimates that lower operating and maintenance costs could save owners up to ₹20,000 per month compared to premium petrol or diesel vehicles.
Enhanced convenience for Model Y buyers
For Tesla Model Y buyers, the transition becomes even more practical with a complimentary wall connector for home charging, with costs estimated at just ₹1 per km. Consumers can sell their current vehicles via the Spinny app, at a Spinny Hub, or directly at a Tesla Centre.
Niraj Singh, Founder and CEO of Spinny, said, “This partnership is about making the shift to electric simple and rewarding for Indian consumers. By enabling customers to sell their cars on Spinny and seamlessly transition to a Tesla, we are creating a true end-to-end upgrade journey. Tesla sets the benchmark for the electric driving experience, and Spinny’s trusted, technology-led platform removes friction from the transition. Together, we are reshaping how consumers move to electric mobility.”
By tackling complexities in vehicle valuation and documentation, Spinny and Tesla aim to build consumer confidence and unlock significant potential for EV adoption in the Indian market.
Singapore Welcomes 1.2 Million Indian Tourists in 2025, Spending Up 5%
Singapore ended 2025 on a high note for tourism from India, welcoming more than 1.2 million Indian visitors despite strong competition across Asia. Data released by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) shows a 1 percent increase in Indian arrivals compared to 2024, reflecting continued interest in Singapore as both a leisure and business destination. Markus Tan, STB Regional Director for India, Middle East, South Asia, and Africa, said the milestone year coincided with the 60th anniversary of Singapore-India diplomatic ties and highlighted strong tourism spending from the Indian market.
India remained among Singapore’s top five source markets in 2025. Overall international visitor arrivals reached 16.9 million, up 2.3 percent from 2024. The leading markets were Mainland China (3.1 million), Indonesia (2.4 million), Malaysia (1.3 million), Australia (1.3 million), and India (1.2 million), underlining Singapore’s sustained regional appeal.
Tourism spending also showed significant growth. Total tourism receipts hit SGD 23.9 billion in the first three quarters of 2025, a 6.5 percent increase from the previous year, marking the highest level recorded for that period. Spending from Indian visitors reached SGD 1.17 billion, up 5 percent year-on-year, reflecting both higher spend per traveler and steady visitor numbers.
Tan noted that the success was driven by a diverse range of visitors, from leisure travelers seeking authentic experiences to corporations hosting major MICE events. He attributed the growth to strong partnerships, enhanced connectivity, seamless travel experiences, and marketing campaigns that effectively engage Indian travelers.
Canada Issues 423 Express Entry Invitations Prioritizing Local Candidates
Canada’s immigration authorities have continued their 2026 pattern of prioritizing candidates with strong in-Canada connections through the latest Express Entry draw. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 423 Invitations to Apply for permanent residency under the Provincial Nominee Program, which allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate skilled candidates based on local labor demand. Candidates receiving a provincial nomination gain a significant boost to their Comprehensive Ranking System score, increasing their chances of selection in Express Entry.
For this draw, candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 749 and an Express Entry profile created before 10:30 p.m. (UTC) on December 16, 2025. This marked the fifth Express Entry draw of 2026 and reflects a clear preference for candidates already connected to Canada through local work experience or provincial nominations.
So far this year, IRCC has focused on two main categories: Canadian Experience Class, for candidates with eligible Canadian work experience, and the Provincial Nominee Program, which supports candidates nominated by provinces. Previous draws in 2026 include the Canadian Experience Class draw on January 21 with a CRS cut-off of 509 and 6,000 ITAs issued, the PNP draw on January 20 with a CRS cut-off of 746 and 681 ITAs issued, the Canadian Experience Class draw on January 7 with a CRS cut-off of 511 and 8,000 ITAs issued, and the PNP draw on January 5 with a CRS cut-off of 711 and 574 ITAs issued.
The early draws indicate that Canada is focusing on candidates with existing ties to the country’s workforce and provincial immigration streams, making local experience and provincial nominations increasingly valuable for prospective immigrants.
