3 గంటలకుపైగా కేసీఆర్ ను ప్రశ్నిస్తున్న సిట్ అధికారులు | SIT Investigation to Continue Against KCR
Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu’s Varanasi Promises Mythology, Time Travel, and Epic Adventure
Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu are set to join forces for one of the most anticipated collaborations in Indian cinema with Varanasi. The upcoming project is now sparking comparisons with Prabhas’s Kalki 2898 AD, particularly due to its exploration of time travel, mythology, and large-scale spectacle.
While Kalki 2898 AD was set in a near-futuristic dystopia, Varanasi takes audiences in the opposite direction, traversing ancient timelines and mythological eras. Reports suggest that the story spans multiple yugas—from Treta Yuga to Kali Yuga—and even stretches across continents, from Antarctica to Africa. The narrative promises a mythological globe-trotting adventure deeply rooted in Indian history and philosophy, evoking the spirit of an Indian version of an Indiana Jones-style quest.
Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra, an adventurer and devoted follower of Lord Shiva, tasked with recovering powerful cosmic artefacts scattered across different eras. Priyanka Chopra stars as Mandakini, a fearless woman navigating the modern world, while Prithviraj Sukumaran is set to play the antagonist. The synopsis hints at a catastrophic asteroid strike on Varanasi, raising the stakes and posing the question of whether a saviour must travel through time to alter humanity’s fate.
Industry insiders note that while time travel has been a popular theme in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cinema, it remains relatively unexplored in Indian films. Given Rajamouli’s enduring fascination with Indian mythology and epic storytelling, expectations are sky-high for Varanasi to deliver a grand, cinematic spectacle.
Ambati Rambabu Arrest Sparks Debate Amid YCP’s Caste Angle Claims
The arrest of YCP senior leader Ambati Rambabu has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many welcoming action against him following his use of abusive language such as “Chandrababu Amma Mogudu” and “Lan*akodakallara” directed at Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and TDP cadres.
Predictably, the YSR Congress appears to be framing the issue along caste lines, highlighting Ambati Rambabu’s Kapu community background and portraying the arrest as a government act of vengeance against the Kapu community.
However, fundamentally, belonging to any community or religion does not justify hurling derogatory remarks at another individual, let alone the state’s chief minister. Such abusive behaviour warrants accountability, which is what the arrest addresses. Critics note it is unusual to see the YCP politicize the matter through a caste lens.
Adding to the controversy, an old video of Ambati Rambabu has resurfaced and gone viral on social media. In the clip, he reportedly made disparaging remarks about the Kapu community, calling them “serial liquor drinkers” who consume excessive non-vegetarian food, and describing them as a “useless community,” despite being a member himself. Observers have pointed out the irony of the YCP now invoking the Kapu identity to defend him, given his own past derogatory comments about the community.
Vijay Devarakonda and Rashmika Mandanna to Marry in Private Udaipur Ceremony
Tollywood stars Vijay Devarakonda and Rashmika Mandanna have been keeping their wedding plans tightly under wraps, despite widespread speculation in the media. The couple, who privately got engaged in October last year, had not made any official announcement about their relationship or engagement.
Recent reports reveal that Vijay and Rashmika are set to tie the knot on February 26th at the iconic Udaipur palace in Rajasthan. The wedding is expected to be an intimate family affair, with only close relatives and a few select friends from the film industry in attendance. Both stars have consciously decided to keep the ceremony private, with no media coverage.
Following the wedding, the couple is planning a grand reception in Hyderabad, inviting prominent personalities from the film fraternity. Rashmika has been actively involved in overseeing the wedding preparations, making multiple trips to Udaipur over the past few months to ensure everything is perfectly arranged.
Both Vijay and Rashmika are currently busy with their upcoming period drama Rana Baali, but they are expected to take a short break from shooting to begin pre-wedding festivities and rituals. The couple reportedly fell in love while working together on films like Geetha Govindham and Dear Comrade, and have often been spotted vacationing together.
Despite dropping subtle hints, the duo has maintained utmost privacy about their relationship, engagement, and now their wedding. Their upcoming nuptials will finally put an end to months of curiosity and speculation among fans and the media alike.
Netflix Updates Dhurandhar with Higher Bitrate, Fans Await Uncut Version
In India, audiences generally expect OTT content to arrive uncut and uncensored, as there is usually no active censoring for streaming platforms. This expectation was challenged with Dhurandhar, when Netflix initially released a version that was shorter than the theatrical print, with muted cuss words and poorer colour grading, leaving fans disappointed and vocal on social media.
In a surprising turnaround, Netflix has reportedly updated Dhurandhar with a much higher bitrate. The new version reportedly comes with a 12.56 Mbps bitrate, compared to the earlier 1.79 Mbps version. This nearly sixfold increase in data promises a significantly improved viewing experience—a technical upgrade rarely seen for AV1 content on the platform.
While the update improves the technical quality of Dhurandhar on Netflix, fans are still closely watching to see if the platform will also address concerns over cuts and censoring—an issue that has previously sparked controversy with the Animal episode and now Dhurandhar as well.
Shots Fired Outside Rohit Shetty’s Mumbai Residence, No Injuries Reported
Bollywood woke up to shocking news on Sunday morning as unidentified assailants opened fire outside the residence of renowned director Rohit Shetty late Saturday night, sending waves of concern through the film fraternity.
According to reports, four to five rounds were fired near Shetty’s building in Mumbai’s Juhu area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Security personnel stationed outside the residence promptly alerted the Mumbai Police following the incident.
A team comprising senior officers from both the civil and crime branches reached the location to assess the situation. Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti confirmed the incident to the media, stating that an investigation has been launched to identify the attackers. The motive behind the firing remains unknown, and it is not clear whether Rohit Shetty was at home at the time. Security at the residence has been significantly increased, and a forensic science team has been deployed to collect evidence.
The firing comes amid growing concerns over Bollywood personalities being targeted by fringe elements. A similar incident occurred outside Salman Khan’s residence in 2024, raising alarms about the safety of high-profile figures in the industry.
Rohit Shetty is one of Bollywood’s top directors, celebrated for delivering high-octane commercial hits that blend action, comedy, and mass entertainment. His notable works include the Singham franchise, Chennai Express, and the Golmaal comedy series—Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006), Golmaal Returns (2008), Golmaal 3 (2010), and Golmaal Again (2017).
Union Budget 2026-27: Cheaper Overseas Remittances, Customs Duty Cuts, Higher Taxes on F&O and Tobacco
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, presenting the Union Budget 2026-27 on Sunday, announced several measures aimed at easing outward remittances, boosting trade, and promoting economic growth. Notably, select overseas remittances have become cheaper, with the Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on overseas tour packages, education, and medical remittances reduced to 2 per cent. Earlier, TCS on tour packages ranged from 5–20 per cent, while overseas education and medical remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) were taxed at 5 per cent at source.
The Budget also provided relief on customs duties and transaction charges for several sectors. Basic Customs Duty (BCD) has been cut or exempted on energy-transition equipment, solar glass inputs, capital goods for critical minerals and lithium-ion cells, civilian aircraft MRO components, rare and cancer drugs, and certain textile and leather inputs. Fish caught by Indian fishermen and nuclear power goods have been exempted from BCD, while BCD on microwave ovens and personal-use imports has been halved from 20 per cent to 10 per cent.
Import duties have been reduced on graphite, quartz, coal, sand, silicon, rare-earth metals, and metal oxides. Export realisation periods for select textile and leather shipments have been extended to one year. Duties on makhana and roasted nuts were cut sharply to 30 per cent from 150 per cent, while almonds and walnuts also saw reductions. Seeds and spores for sowing now attract 15 per cent BCD instead of 30 per cent, and wet blue leather will enjoy zero import duty.
On the taxation front, misreporting of taxes will now attract penalties up to 100 per cent of the tax amount, along with applicable tax and interest. Futures and options (F&O) trading costs have increased, with the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on stock options raised to 0.15 per cent and STT on futures trading increased to 0.05 per cent from 0.02 per cent. TCS rates were also raised from 1 per cent to 2 per cent on alcoholic liquor, minerals, and scrap sales. Additionally, National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD) on chewing tobacco products, including zarda and gutkha, has been increased from 25 per cent to 60 per cent.
Highlighting the vision behind the Budget, Finance Minister Sitharaman said it rests on three pillars: faster growth, inclusive development, and structural reforms, with a central focus on improving the lives of the poor.
Konidela, Kamineni Families Are Overjoyed: Chiranjeevi
It is known that Mega Power Star Ram Charan and Upasana Konidela have become proud parents once again, this time welcoming twins. Megastar Chiranjeevi is overwhelmed with joy and extended heartfelt thanks to everyone for their warm wishes.
“To all our well-wishers, fans, and everyone who keep us in their prayers- I wanted to personally share the wonderful news from our home. We’re thrilled and overflowing with happiness. Both the Konidela family and the Kamineni family are celebrating this moment with immense joy. Ram Charan and Upasana welcomed twins last night. Upasana and the babies are doing perfectly well.
By God’s grace and Lord Hanuman’s blessings, we’ve been blessed with a baby girl and a baby boy. This brings tremendous joy to all of us, and sharing this news is an absolute delight.
Dr. Suman from Cradle Chennai performed the delivery, and we are deeply grateful to her. Likewise, Rama Sinha, who oversaw everything here, has our heartfelt appreciation. I also extend special thanks to Apollo’s pediatrician, Dr. Latha. Heartfelt thanks to the entire staff- each and every one of them. Our fans are celebrating this like a festival too.”
January 2026 North America Box Office: Record Total, Few Real Winners
The North American box office for Telugu films in January 2026 recorded its highest-ever cumulative figures, but a closer look at individual performances reveals a far less celebratory picture. While the total Telugu gross for the month is set to close at an impressive $8.5 million, most releases failed to live up to expectations when measured against their budgets and pre-release projections.
Several factors worked against January releases this year. Odd-day release strategies, uneven show allocations, and poor planning created challenges for distributors right from the start. The arrival of multiple films within a short span led to intense competition for screens and audiences, diluting potential collections. Adding to the woes, bad weather in key North American markets during the crucial second weekend further impacted footfalls. As a result, despite the strong combined total, very few films truly capitalised on their potential.
The clear winner of the month was Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, which emerged as the biggest success of January 2026 in North America. The film wrapped up its run at $3.34 million, showcasing excellent consistency across weekends and benefiting from strong word of mouth. It stood out as the lone film that fully maximised the festive window.
Another decent performer was Anaganaga Oka Raju, which closed with $1.76 million. Despite modest expectations, the film managed steady audience support and comfortably achieved hit status overseas. On the other hand, Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi ended its run as a clear flop, collecting just $213,000 (approximately ₹1.95 crore), marking yet another underwhelming overseas outing for Ravi Teja.
Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi, released towards the end of the month, failed to gain any momentum. The film collected a mere $35,000 in total, with premieres contributing only $16,000, making it a non-starter at the North American box office.
The biggest disappointment of the month was The Raja Saab, which turned out to be a full-fledged disaster in the region. The film closed at $2.356 million (around ₹21.57 crore), falling well short of its revised breakeven target. The USA contributed $2.168 million, while Canada added $188,000. Language-wise, the Telugu version dominated with $2.295 million, but the Hindi version managed just $58,000 and the Tamil version a negligible $3,000, highlighting the film’s failure to attract audiences beyond its core market.
Overall, January 2026 followed a familiar box office pattern in North America. One major hit significantly boosted the cumulative numbers, a couple of films delivered acceptable results, but several releases struggled badly. Despite record totals on paper, the month once again underscored how crowded release calendars, weak execution, and external factors like weather can severely impact individual film performance.
Venkatesh Hosting RSS Chief Sparks Political Curiosity
Venkatesh has long been seen as one of the most non-controversial and apolitical figures in Telugu cinema. Over the decades, he has carefully maintained a neutral public image, consistently staying away from politics and avoiding overt political associations. While his elder brother Suresh Babu is known to share cordial relationships with several chief ministers, Venkatesh himself has largely kept a distance from political engagement.
Even on occasions involving close family, he has chosen restraint. When his elder daughter actively campaigned for her father-in-law, who contested and won the MP elections from Khammam on a Congress ticket, Venkatesh noticeably stayed away from the campaign trail. Although his late father, D. Ramanaidu, served as a Telugu Desam Party MP and the family is traditionally perceived as TDP-leaning, Venkatesh has remained personally and publicly apolitical throughout his career.
Against this backdrop, his recent move has sparked curiosity and debate. The actor hosted a gathering at his Manikonda residence in Hyderabad to honour RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is currently marking 100 years of its existence, and as part of its centenary outreach, Mohan Bhagwat has been meeting prominent individuals and organisations across the country.
While the RSS is not a political party, it is widely viewed as being ideologically aligned with the BJP. This has naturally led to raised eyebrows and questions within political and film circles alike. Why did Venkatesh, known for his deliberate distance from political symbolism, choose to host the RSS chief? The gesture, subtle yet significant, has added an unexpected layer of intrigue to the actor’s otherwise carefully guarded apolitical stance.
Nabha Natesh Redefines Elegance with Timeless Simplicity
There is a quiet charm in simplicity, and Nabha Natesh embodies it effortlessly in her latest photoshoot. Draped in a classic checked saree paired with a soft, muted blouse, she strikes a perfect balance between tradition and contemporary elegance. The visuals feel warm, graceful, and timeless, drawing the viewer in without relying on excess.
The earthy colour palette, natural lighting, and minimal styling enhance her natural beauty. With subtle makeup, a neatly placed bindi, and understated jewellery, Nabha allows her expressions to take centre stage. Every frame radiates calm confidence—no loud poses, no forced glamour, just pure, effortless poise.
What truly stands out is her ease in the ensemble. Whether captured in a candid moment or holding a gentle smile, she carries the saree with natural comfort, reinforcing why ethnic wear never goes out of style. The simplicity of the attire only amplifies her elegance, making the shoot feel both refreshing and deeply relatable.
Even as she remains selective about her film choices, Nabha continues to stay connected with audiences through such classy public appearances. This photoshoot is a subtle reminder that glamour doesn’t always need sparkle—sometimes, all it takes is grace, confidence, and authenticity. Once again, Nabha Natesh proves that understated beauty leaves the most lasting impression.
Padma Snub Sparks Outrage: Why Singeetham Srinivasa Rao Deserves the Highest Honour
While Padma awards are conferred on many individuals every year, only a handful are truly perceived by the public as unquestioningly deserving. At the same time, Indian cultural history is replete with towering figures whose lifetime contributions were never adequately recognised. One such legend is Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, now 94, whose impact on Indian cinema is nothing short of monumental.
Singeetham began his journey in the golden era of filmmaking as an associate director during the time of Mayabazar, and went on to redefine storytelling across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema. A rare creative force who seamlessly blended intellect with entertainment, he delivered films that were far ahead of their time. His most celebrated work, Pushpaka Vimanam, remains a landmark in world cinema—a modern silent film that communicated universal emotions without dialogue and earned international acclaim.
Equally pathbreaking was Aditya 369, through which Singeetham became the first Indian filmmaker to introduce the concept of a time machine on screen, inspiring generations of filmmakers and audiences alike. Despite receiving multiple state and national honours, his absence from the list of Padma awardees continues to baffle cinema lovers.
Even in 2026, the fact that Singeetham Srinivasa Rao has not been honoured with a Padma award has sparked widespread disbelief among netizens and film fraternity members. Growing voices now demand that the Government of India recognise his unparalleled legacy with the Padma Vibhushan—an honour many believe is long overdue and truly befitting his stature.
Ram Charan–Upasana Welcome Twins, Become Parents of Three
Tollywood heartthrob Ram Charan has entered a new and joyous phase of life as a proud father of three. The RRR star and his wife, Upasana Konidela, have been blessed with twins — a baby boy and a baby girl — adding double happiness to the Mega family.
Megastar Chiranjeevi announced the delightful news on social media, expressing immense joy and gratitude. Sharing the update, he wrote that Ram Charan and Upasana have welcomed twins and confirmed that both the babies and the mother are healthy and doing well.
Overflowing with emotion, Chiranjeevi also shared his happiness at becoming a grandparent once again. He described the arrival of the newborns as a moment of pure joy and divine blessing for the family, and extended heartfelt thanks to everyone for their prayers, love, and good wishes. The message was jointly signed by Chiranjeevi and his wife Surekha.
Ram Charan and Upasana, who tied the knot in June 2012 after getting engaged in December 2011, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Klin Kaara, in June 2023. The couple had announced their second pregnancy during Diwali 2025, which has now culminated in the joyful arrival of twins.
On the professional front, Ram Charan is gearing up to entertain audiences with his upcoming film Peddi. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the film stars Janhvi Kapoor as the female lead and features an ensemble cast including Shiva Rajkumar and Jagapathi Babu.
ఎవడ్రా నువ్వు..| Vizianagaram TDP President Nagarjuna SENSATIONAL Comments on Ambati Rambabu
ఎవడ్రా నువ్వు..| Vizianagaram TDP President Nagarjuna SENSATIONAL Comments on Ambati Rambabu