Republic Day Celebration 2026 | India’s 77th Republic Day Parade | PM Modi
Tarun Bhascker Back to Direction with ENE 2
Director Tarun Bhascker, who shot to fame with Pelli Choopulu and later delivered the cult hit Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi, shifted his focus in recent years toward acting, hosting television shows, and serving as a showrunner for web series. However, the filmmaker is now all set to return to direction with renewed focus and determination.
Tarun Bhascker is currently at the helm of ENE 2, the much-anticipated sequel to Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi. Despite facing a recent hurdle with the exit of one of the lead actors, the director remains committed to the project and is pushing ahead to complete the film, targeting a release within this year.
The sequel is expected to be a crucial milestone in Tarun Bhascker’s directorial career, with expectations running high among fans and industry circles alike. On the acting front, Tarun will next be seen in Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi, where he plays the lead opposite Eesha Rebba. The film is slated for release later this month.
Summer 2026 Release Dates See Major Shake-Up
There has been a significant reshuffle in the Summer 2026 release calendar, with several major Telugu films adjusting their theatrical plans. Ram Charan’s Peddi has stepped away from its previously announced release date, while Nani’s The Paradise has also moved out of its planned March window.
At the same time, the makers of Ustaad Bhagat Singh have resumed promotions, strongly indicating an early summer release. Although the exact release dates of these three high-profile films are yet to be officially announced, it is now clear that all of them are firmly eyeing a Summer 2026 theatrical release.
An interesting factor this time is the complete absence of pressure from OTT commitments. Unlike in 2025, when non-theatrical deals often dictated release timelines, leading streaming platforms have already locked in the digital rights of major Telugu films well in advance this year. Netflix has reportedly acquired the OTT rights for Ustaad Bhagat Singh, Peddi, and The Paradise.
If Chiranjeevi’s Vishwambhara also enters the summer race, it is expected to face no hurdles on the OTT front either. With Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu turning into a massive hit, the film’s digital deal is likely to be finalized soon.
As things stand, the Summer 2026 big releases appear to be completely free from non-theatrical pressures, giving makers greater flexibility to choose the most favorable release windows.
Ravi Teja’s 77th Film Titled Irumudi
Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja has officially teamed up with director Shiva Nirvana for his landmark 77th film, which is being produced by Naveen Yerneni and Y Ravi Shankar under the Mythri Movie Makers banner.
Marking Ravi Teja’s birthday, the makers unveiled the film’s title along with its striking first-look poster, creating a wave of excitement among fans. The film has been titled Irumudi, a name that instantly sparks curiosity.
In the first look, Ravi Teja is seen in Ayyappa Mala Deeksha, offering a refreshing and unexpected transformation. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant devotional procession, he is shown carrying a young girl, with his radiant smile and ecstatic expression adding warmth and emotional depth to the visuals. The poster beautifully blends festive energy with heartfelt emotion, hinting at the film’s soulful core.
Director Shiva Nirvana is said to have crafted a powerful narrative that seamlessly weaves action, family emotions, and intense drama. At the heart of the story lies a strong and touching father–daughter bond, with Ravi Teja set to appear in a never-seen-before role.
Sharing his excitement, Ravi Teja said, “Some stories choose you at the right moment in life. Feeling blessed to be part of one such story again, letting belief lead the way. Excited to begin this new journey called #Irumudi with @ShivaNirvana & @MythriOfficial. Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.”
Priya Bhavani Shankar plays the female lead opposite Ravi Teja, while Baby Nakshathra will be seen as his daughter in this highly anticipated film.
Dil Raju’s 2026 Lineup: Big Risks, High Stakes
Star producer Dil Raju, traditionally known for his safe and calculated choices in the film industry, seems to be taking unprecedented risks with his 2026 movie lineup. Over the years, he has built a strong reputation by backing sensible stories and bankable star combinations. This year, however, his slate spans from Tollywood to Bollywood, featuring high-profile projects that come with significant challenges. While early buzz is promising, trade analysts caution that the box office journey may be far from smooth.
One of the most anticipated films is Rowdy Janardhana, starring Vijay Deverakonda and directed by Ravi Kiran Kola. This raw, mass-action entertainer is crucial for Vijay, whose recent attempts to solidify a mass-image haven’t fully resonated with audiences. The film’s action-packed and violent tone has sparked curiosity, but whether it will connect with the public and cement Vijay’s “rowdy” persona remains uncertain.
Another bold experiment is Yellamma, where acclaimed music director Devi Sri Prasad is stepping in as the lead actor. Director Venu, praised for Balagam, is taking a risk by casting Devi as a hero. While the concept has generated early buzz, audience acceptance will ultimately determine its success or failure.
Chiranjeevi Gifts Range Rover to Anil Ravipudi After Blockbuster Success
Megastar Chiranjeevi has celebrated the monumental success of Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, the biggest blockbuster of his career, in a truly special way. The film, which also became a career-high hit for director Anil Ravipudi, emerged as a sensational industry hit among Telugu films, enjoying a strong and sustained box office run.
To express his joy and admiration, Chiranjeevi surprised Anil Ravipudi with an ultra-luxury Range Rover Sport, marking one of the most lavish gifts the megastar has ever presented to a filmmaker. While Chiranjeevi has gifted directors in the past, this is the first time he has gifted a car, underscoring both his happiness and the strong bond he shares with Anil Ravipudi.
The director’s skill in portraying Chiranjeevi in a vintage, humorous, and crowd-pleasing avatar not only contributed to the film’s massive success but also earned the megastar’s wholehearted admiration. Impressed with Anil Ravipudi’s vision and work ethic, Chiranjeevi has previously expressed his interest in collaborating with him again—this time for a multi-starrer alongside Venkatesh.
Vijay Sai Reddy May Launch New Party Ahead of BJP Move
Speculation is steadily growing around former YSRCP leader Vijay Sai Reddy, who exited the party some time ago and has since remained politically unaffiliated. His prolonged absence from any active political platform has fuelled curiosity about his next move, with many observers believing he may be planning a path that differs from the conventional political route.
According to ongoing political buzz, Vijay Sai Reddy is reportedly exploring the idea of launching a new political outfit of his own, possibly incorporating the word “Hindu” in its name. The alleged strategy is to build the party gradually, align it ideologically with the BJP, and eventually merge it with the national party at a later stage.
This has naturally raised questions about why he would choose such an indirect route instead of directly joining the BJP. Sources suggest that an immediate entry into the BJP may not have worked out, possibly due to the party’s existing alliance with the TDP. In this context, floating a like-minded political platform is being seen as a way to remain relevant and stay within the BJP’s broader ideological orbit.
While none of this has been officially confirmed, the speculation highlights Vijay Sai Reddy’s apparent effort to keep his political options open and position himself strategically for a future association with the BJP.
Allu Arjun Follows Prabhas’ Multi-Film Strategy
Among today’s biggest stars, Prabhas has carved a unique identity by announcing multiple projects back-to-back and juggling them with a packed shooting schedule. Without worrying too much about how many films are simultaneously on floors or nearing completion, he has consistently given bulk dates, making speed and volume a defining part of his working style.
Now, it appears that Allu Arjun is stepping onto a similar path. Bunny has begun lining up projects one after another, signalling a shift in strategy. Currently, he is committed to a high-profile film with Atlee and has also officially announced another big project with Lokesh Kanagaraj. While discussions and groundwork for these films are still in progress, Allu Arjun has already added yet another major collaboration to his lineup.
The latest addition is a film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The project has been officially confirmed by Bhushan Kumar of T-Series, who announced that the film will be produced under their banner. Interestingly, the Vanga–Bunny combination has been in talks for nearly three years, but various factors delayed its execution. Now, the project has finally been locked, much to the excitement of fans.
However, audiences will have to wait before seeing this collaboration on screen. Allu Arjun is expected to first complete his commitments with Atlee and Lokesh Kanagaraj before moving on to the Sandeep Reddy Vanga film. Meanwhile, Vanga himself is busy wrapping up Spirit, starring Prabhas.
Much like Prabhas, who has lined up massive projects such as Salaar, Kalki, The Raja Saab, Fauji, Spirit, along with sequels like Salaar 2 and Kalki 2, Allu Arjun now seems to be adopting a similar approach—locking multiple projects in advance and then managing dates accordingly. This new strategy reflects a clear shift in how top stars are planning their careers in the current era of big-scale cinema.
Mammootty Honoured with Padma Bhushan
Ahead of Republic Day, the Government of India announced this year’s Padma Awards, and legendary Malayalam actor Mammootty has been honoured with the prestigious Padma Bhushan. The award is a fitting recognition of his extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema, particularly Malayalam films, where he has delivered countless iconic performances over a remarkable career.
This marks Mammootty’s second Padma honour after nearly three decades, underlining the lasting impact of his work on Indian cinema. Widely regarded as one of the pioneers who elevated Malayalam cinema to national and international prominence, his influence extends far beyond box office success.
With more than 400 films to his credit across a career spanning over 55 years, Mammootty’s dedication and versatility stand unmatched. Even at 74, he continues to lead from the front, balancing commercially successful roles with critically acclaimed performances. Adding to this, the veteran actor has several films lined up in the coming years, proving that his passion for cinema remains as strong as ever.
