9 PM | ETV Telugu News | 29th March” 2026
A.R. Murugadoss in Trouble Over Madharaasi Budget Controversy
Director A.R. Murugadoss has landed in controversy following a complaint reportedly filed by the producer of Madharaasi. The dispute centers around the film’s sharply escalating budget, which has now become a hot topic within the industry.
As per reports, Murugadoss initially estimated the project at around ₹115 crore. However, by the time the film approached completion, the budget is said to have ballooned to nearly ₹170 crore. The producer has alleged that lack of proper planning and Murugadoss simultaneously working on another project, Sikandar, contributed significantly to the cost overrun.
Disturbed by the unexpected financial burden, the producer approached the Directors and Producers’ Council, seeking compensation of ₹10 crore. The issue was formally discussed, with both parties being called in to resolve the matter amicably.
After deliberations, a compromise was reportedly reached. As part of the settlement, Murugadoss has agreed to provide the story for Ramana 2 (Telugu version) free of cost to the production house. This arrangement is being viewed as a way to balance out the financial strain caused by the budget escalation.
Pooja Hegde Linked Again to Sharwanand’s Film
Pooja Hegde may not be signing many Telugu films lately, but her name continues to pop up every time a big project is announced. Whether she is actually being approached or not remains unclear, yet reports consistently suggest she is “under consideration.”
Now, once again, Pooja Hegde is being linked to Sharwanand’s upcoming film with director Srinu Vaitla, reportedly titled George Krishna. The buzz is that she is being considered for the female lead.
On paper, the pairing of Sharwanand and Pooja Hegde feels fresh and could offer an interesting on-screen dynamic. However, the bigger question remains—will this collaboration actually materialize, or will it end up being just another rumor?
The film is expected to go on floors in June, but there is no official confirmation yet regarding the casting.
This isn’t the first time her name has surfaced in such discussions. Previously, she was rumored to be part of projects involving Trivikram Srinivas and Venkatesh Daggubati, as well as a special number in Peddi. Reports also linked her to Nani and Sujeeth’s Bloody Romeo, along with another project featuring Venkatesh and Anil Ravipudi.
At this point, it almost feels like a pattern. The industry chatter keeps bringing her name into the spotlight, but official confirmations remain elusive. It remains to be seen whether this time Pooja Hegde will actually be finalized for the Sharwanand–Srinu Vaitla project or once again remain just a “discussion name.”
Pragya Jaiswal Stuns Again in Maldives Chic Look
Pragya Jaiswal continues to live up to her “Maldives queen” tag, once again serving major vacation goals with her latest island getaway. While many wait for the perfect season to hit beach destinations, she seems to be permanently in that mode, effortlessly turning every trip into a style statement.
This time, she ditched the usual bright beachwear and opted for a sleek ruched black outfit. The look is simple yet striking, with the gathered detailing adding subtle texture and enhancing her silhouette. The fit sits perfectly, offering a clean and elegant vibe without trying too hard.
Keeping the styling minimal, Pragya Jaiswal paired the outfit with straight hair and a chic handbag, letting the overall look speak for itself. The ruched pattern naturally accentuates her waistline and flows smoothly, creating a graceful and confident appearance.
Though she was last seen in Daaku Maharaja, Pragya may be taking it slow on the film front. However, with her consistent fashion moments and stunning holiday diaries, she continues to stay firmly in the spotlight.
Sharwanand’s Intense Transformation for Biker
Working as an actor goes far beyond memorizing lines—it often demands a complete physical and mental transformation. For Sharwanand, fondly known as Sharwa, that transformation came after a phase of personal and professional stagnation.
In a recently released transformation video, Sharwanand opened up about the intense journey he undertook for his upcoming film Biker. Feeling drained both physically and mentally, he was searching for a project that could reignite his passion. That turning point came with director Abhilash Reddy’s script, where he plays Vikky, an 18-year-old competitive motorcycle racer.
To convincingly portray a teenager in a high-adrenaline racing world, Sharwa committed to a grueling two-year fitness regime. What started as a professional necessity soon became a deeply personal mission. His routine was relentless—waking up before sunrise, running 32 kilometers daily, followed by strength training, yoga, and breathwork.
This transformation wasn’t just about physical change—though he did lose around 8 kilograms—it was about overcoming self-doubt and rebuilding himself with discipline and consistency.
A major shift came when he embraced yoga. While gym workouts enhanced his strength and physique, yoga brought clarity, calmness, and mental balance. What began as preparation for a role eventually evolved into a journey of self-growth—transforming not just the actor, but the person within.
Nara Lokesh’s 13 Kg Weight Loss with Intermittent Fasting
Nara Lokesh has reportedly undergone a noticeable physical transformation, shedding nearly 13 kilograms and appearing much leaner in recent times.
According to sources, this change is largely due to his disciplined approach to intermittent fasting. His routine is said to alternate between the 16:8 and 18:6 fasting patterns, depending on his daily schedule and commitments.
In addition, Nara Lokesh is believed to be following a one-meal-a-day (OMAD) approach while aiming to maintain a healthy body mass index. The strategy focuses on controlled eating and strict meal timing to keep his weight within an ideal range.
However, health experts caution that such a routine requires careful nutritional balance. If someone consumes only one meal a day, it must include sufficient protein, vitamins, and essential nutrients. Without proper planning, intermittent fasting may become counterproductive rather than beneficial.
Supporters of the OMAD method often report positive outcomes such as effective weight management, improved fatty liver conditions, better glucose regulation, and overall metabolic health. Still, experts emphasize that sustainability and balanced nutrition are key to long-term success.
Ustaad Bhagat Singh Faces Box Office Disaster
Pawan Kalyan’s much-hyped film Ustaad Bhagat Singh has turned out to be a major box office disappointment despite releasing during the lucrative Eid 2026 season.
Directed by Harish Shankar, the big-budget action entertainer has failed to sustain momentum after its opening days and is now heading toward a flop verdict. On Day 10, the film reportedly collected just around ₹86 lakh, showing a worrying downward trend instead of the expected weekend jump.
One of the key reasons behind this underperformance is the strong dominance of Dhurandhar 2, which is drawing audiences in large numbers and affecting the film’s theatrical run in the Telugu market.
After 10 days, Ustaad Bhagat Singh has managed to collect approximately ₹68.91 crore in India. Given its massive budget of շուրջ ₹150 crore, backed by Mythri Movie Makers, the film has recovered less than half its cost—putting it in a weak commercial position.
The situation is no better overseas. The film failed to gain traction in international markets and has collected only about ₹11.60 crore gross abroad. Its worldwide total now stands at around ₹92.91 crore gross.
At one point, reaching the ₹100 crore mark seemed like the only consolation, but even that milestone now looks out of reach. With more than ₹7 crore still needed and collections steadily declining, the chances of entering the ₹100 crore club appear slim.
For Pawan Kalyan, this film marks another disappointing box office outing at a time when expectations were exceptionally high.
Akshay Kumar Slams AI & VFX in Action Films
Akshay Kumar has raised concerns about the increasing reliance on AI and VFX in modern action films, emphasizing that it often compromises authenticity.
He pointed out that action cinema has changed significantly over the years. Earlier, stunts were performed with real effort and physical involvement, but today, much of the action is enhanced or entirely created using VFX.
Kumar also shared his reservations about AI-driven filmmaking, stating that audiences are perceptive enough to notice the difference. According to him, viewers can feel the effort behind real action, something that technology cannot fully replicate.
Expressing his passion for traditional filmmaking, Akshay Kumar said he aims to work on a film that showcases genuine, real action. He compared it to the difference between a handmade painting and a printed one—highlighting how authenticity carries a unique value that artificial enhancements often lack.
Aditya Dhar Stuck in His Comfort Zone?
Aditya Dhar has built a distinct identity in Bollywood by consistently working within a familiar thematic space—terrorism, geopolitics, crime, and national security. From Uri: The Surgical Strike to Dhurandhar, his directorial ventures reflect a strong inclination toward high-stakes political and military narratives.
Even beyond direction, his writing credits follow a similar pattern. Article 370 explores a covert mission set against the backdrop of Kashmir’s sensitive political landscape, with Yami Gautam playing a pivotal role. Likewise, Baramulla focuses on a police investigation in Kashmir, further reinforcing Dhar’s comfort zone of conflict-driven storytelling.
Interestingly, Dhar has also experimented slightly within this space. Dhoom Dhaam brings in elements of mistaken identity and suspense, yet still retains an undercurrent of intrigue rather than moving into a completely different genre.
The larger question now is whether Aditya Dhar can successfully break away from this established mold. While he has clearly mastered stories rooted in national security and political drama, audiences and critics alike are curious to see if he can deliver a compelling narrative in an entirely different genre—be it romance, comedy, or pure commercial entertainment.
Many leading filmmakers have proven that versatility can elevate a career. Directors like S. S. Rajamouli and Rajkumar Hirani have explored a wide range of subjects while maintaining consistent success. Even Dhar’s mentor, Ram Gopal Varma, built his legacy by experimenting across genres at different stages of his career.
For Dhar, stepping outside his comfort zone could be both a challenge and an opportunity. If he manages to bring the same intensity and storytelling grip to a new genre, it could redefine his creative identity and expand his reach as a filmmaker.
