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Chiranjeevi and Venkatesh to Reunite with Anil Ravipudi for 2027 Sankranti
The long wait to see Megastar Chiranjeevi in all his glory has finally paid off with Mana Shankar Varaprasad Garu, which continues to dominate the Sankranti box office. Riding on the film’s success, Chiranjeevi has already hinted at another exciting collaboration with director Anil Ravipudi.
In a post-release promotional interview featuring Chiranjeevi, Anil Ravipudi, and Venkatesh, the Megastar expressed enthusiasm about working with Anil again, offering to play either a special role or a full-length appearance, possibly alongside Venkatesh. Venkatesh reportedly responded positively to the idea, and Chiranjeevi seemed genuinely excited about teaming up with the filmmaker once more.
Currently, Venkatesh is busy with Adarsa Kutumbam and has Drushyam 3 lined up. Meanwhile, speculation is rife that the new collaboration could be slated for Sankranti 2027, potentially serving as a sequel to the blockbuster Sankrantiki Vastunnam. Chiranjeevi, who has enjoyed tremendous success under Anil Ravipudi’s direction in the past, appears eager to recreate that magic.
Adding to the excitement, Venkatesh played a cameo in Chiranjeevi’s MSVG, and the Megastar might be looking to return the favour by featuring in the next Anil–Venkatesh project. A film uniting Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh, and Anil Ravipudi could well become a blockbuster in 2026, promising one of the most anticipated collaborations in Telugu cinema.
Puri Jagannadh–Vijay Sethupathi Film Title and First Look on Jan 16
Director Puri Jagannadh’s upcoming project starring Vijay Sethupathi has been one of the most talked-about films in recent times. Both the filmmaker and the lead actor are currently going through a challenging phase in their careers. While Puri faced major setbacks with films like Double Ismart, Vijay Sethupathi too hasn’t had a consistent hit run lately, except for Maharaja in 2024. This made expectations and curiosity around their collaboration even stronger.
After a long wait for updates, Puri Jagannadh has finally put an end to speculation by confirming that the film’s title and first look will be unveiled on January 16, coinciding with Vijay Sethupathi’s birthday. The actor, who enjoys a strong fan base in both Tamil and Telugu markets, turns 48 tomorrow, making the occasion special for fans eagerly awaiting the reveal.
Earlier, the film was rumoured to be titled Yachakudu. However, the teaser poster hints at a different narrative altogether. It appears to revolve around a visually challenged protagonist who walks with a stick while also wielding a hammer, suggesting an intense and unconventional character with a strong emotional and action-driven arc. Given Puri Jagannadh’s reputation for striking and unusual titles, there is considerable curiosity about what he has finally locked in for this film.
Apart from Vijay Sethupathi, the film features Samyuktha, Tabu, and Duniya Vijay in key roles. Music is composed by Harshavardhan Rameshwar of Arjun Reddy fame. With the first look and title announcement just hours away, all eyes are now on Puri Jagannadh to see if this film can mark a much-needed turnaround for both him and Vijay Sethupathi.
Teja’s Son Amitov Tej Duped of ₹72 Lakh in Online Trading Scam
Cyber crimes continue to rise at an alarming pace, with even well-educated and affluent individuals increasingly falling victim to sophisticated online frauds. After the recent case in which former CBI Joint Director Lakshmi Narayana’s wife reportedly lost crores in an online trading scam, another high-profile incident has now come to light, this time involving the son of noted filmmaker Teja.
According to reports, Teja’s son Amitov Tej was allegedly cheated of ₹72 lakh by a couple who lured him with promises of quick and high returns through online trading. Trusting their claims, Amitov is said to have invested a substantial amount. However, soon after receiving the money, the accused reportedly switched off their phones, changed contact details, and vanished without a trace. Realising he had been duped, Amitov approached the police and lodged a complaint.
The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the IT Act and cheating, and efforts are currently underway to trace and nab the accused couple. Despite repeated awareness campaigns and special drives by the Telangana police to educate the public about cyber frauds, such incidents underline how the lure of rapid profits continues to override caution, especially among those with significant financial resources.
On the professional front, director Teja is preparing to launch Amitov Tej as a hero soon. Buzz suggests that Superstar Mahesh Babu’s niece, Bharati Ghattamaneni, daughter of late Ramesh Babu, may play the female lead. Meanwhile, Teja has not made any official statement regarding the alleged fraud involving his son.
Vaa Vaathiyaar Opens Poorly, Records Karthi’s Lowest Post-COVID Opening
Vaa Vaathiyaar, starring Karthi alongside Krithi Shetty, Rajkiran, and Sathyaraj, has opened to a disappointing start at the Indian box office. Coming on the back of Parasakthi failing to meet expectations, hopes were high for this Pongal release from Kollywood, but the film fell short on its opening day.
The film managed to collect under ₹2 crore on Day 1, marking Karthi’s lowest opening in the post-COVID era. Multiple delays affected the film’s momentum ahead of release, and the lack of strong pre-release buzz was clearly reflected in weak advance bookings and spot sales.
Occupancy levels remained modest throughout the day, with morning shows recording around 15%, afternoon shows improving slightly to 22%, evening shows hovering near 20%, and night shows seeing a marginal rise to about 28%. According to Sacnilk estimates, Vaa Vaathiyaar earned approximately ₹1.65 crore net in India on Day 1, translating to around ₹1.94 crore gross.
The opening day performance places the film below Karthi’s previous lowest post-COVID opener, Meiyazhagan, which had debuted at ₹3.1 crore. With mixed word of mouth and a subdued start, trade circles believe the film faces an uphill task in the coming days.
Written and directed by Nalan Kumarasamy, Vaa Vaathiyaar is produced by K. E. Gnanavel Raja under the Studio Green banner, with music composed by Santhosh Narayanan. The supporting cast includes Nizhalgal Ravi, Anandaraj, Shilpa Manjunath, and Karunakaran.
Parvathy Opens Up About Distressing Period Experience on Film Set
Parvathy recalled being made to perform scenes where water was continuously poured on her throughout the day, despite the fact that she was menstruating at the time. What made the situation more difficult was that she had not been informed in advance about the extent of the water-based scenes and had not carried spare clothes. Even as her physical discomfort increased, the shoot continued without consideration for her condition.
When she requested permission to briefly return to her hotel to change clothes, Parvathy said the director scolded her and refused, insisting there was no time and that the shoot had to be completed immediately. Feeling cornered and unheard, she eventually shouted out loud that she was on her period, hoping it would make the seriousness of her situation clear.
The actress described the moment as deeply distressing, especially because there was no other woman present on the set. She said the experience affected her not only physically but emotionally as well, due to the complete lack of support and understanding. Parvathy added that many women in the industry silently endure similar situations, often choosing not to speak up for fear of repercussions.
She also highlighted a broader social issue, pointing out how women are conditioned to hide menstruation and feel ashamed if it is spoken about openly. Stressing that menstruation is a natural biological process, Parvathy said it should never be treated as an inconvenience or a taboo.
Her revelation has resonated widely, with many praising her courage in speaking openly about an issue that is often ignored on film sets and in workplaces. The incident has once again drawn attention to the urgent need for basic sensitivity, safer working environments, and clear protocols to protect women professionals in the entertainment industry.
Mrunal Thakur and Dhanush Rumored to Tie the Knot on Valentine’s Day
Speculation is swirling in film industry circles about a possible Valentine’s Day wedding between popular actors Mrunal Thakur and Dhanush. Reports and industry buzz suggest that the two stars have been in a close personal relationship for some time, keeping their bond largely private.
Recent chatter indicates that the couple may choose February 14 for a private and intimate ceremony, attended only by close family members and a few trusted friends. No large-scale celebrations or public appearances are expected, reflecting the actors’ well-known preference for privacy.
Both Mrunal Thakur and Dhanush are known for maintaining a clear boundary between their personal lives and professional achievements, which likely explains why no official statement has been made. As of now, neither actor has addressed the reports or confirmed the rumours, leaving fans and media to watch closely for any official word.
Until an official announcement is made, the Valentine’s Day wedding speculation continues to generate buzz across entertainment circles and social media.
Manaswini Balabommala Makes Telugu Film Debut With Kokkoroko
Young and promising performer Manaswini Balabommala is all set to make her silver screen debut with the Telugu film Kokkoroko, marking a milestone in her artistic journey. The makers recently released a special Sankranti poster, which immediately caught attention with its warm, festive appeal. Featuring a cheerful Sankranti greeting and the announcement that Kokkoroko is coming to cinemas soon, the poster generated curiosity and excitement around the film.
The poster also unveiled Manaswini’s first official look from the project. While her role is a guest appearance, it formally introduces her to Telugu audiences and has already created positive buzz. Her presence alongside senior performers, portrayed naturally and traditionally, added to the poster’s charm.
Before entering films, Manaswini built a strong foundation as a well-trained performer. She has notable theatre experience, having played lead roles in productions like Little Women and Much Ado About Nothing. She is also trained in Perini Natyam, a classical dance form, and has formal Carnatic music training. Her background includes anchoring major school events and performing devotional pieces, showcasing her versatility, confidence, and strong stage presence.
Kokkoroko has completed shooting and is slated for a 2026 theatrical release. Structured as an anthology, the film revolves around five different characters and is rooted in the traditional backdrop of rooster fights, promising a fresh narrative style with emotional depth. With its grounded theme and introduction of new faces, Kokkoroko is shaping up as an interesting and promising project, with Manaswini Balabommala’s debut adding a refreshing note to the film’s journey.
Nara Family Reunites for Grand Sankranti Celebrations at Naravaripalle
The Sankranti season has always been a significant and festive period for the Nara family, and this year was no exception. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu made it a point to celebrate the auspicious festival with his entire family, continuing the longstanding tradition.
The family came together at Naravaripalle for the celebrations, marking a special gathering of the entire Nara clan. Sharing glimpses of the festivities on social media, Lokesh Naidu highlighted the presence of key family members, including Chandrababu, himself, Bharath, Nara Rohit, and others.
This reunion reflects the wholesome and celebratory spirit of the Nara family during Sankranti. At a time when some prominent political families face internal divisions, Chandrababu’s efforts to keep the Nara and Nandamuri families united stand out as a heartening example of familial cohesion.
Indian Couple Wins ₹1.6 Crore Over Palak Paneer Dispute in US University
An unusual dispute over food has turned into a ₹1.6 crore compensation win for an Indian couple, highlighting issues of cultural sensitivity at US universities.
The incident occurred at the University of Colorado Boulder, where an Indian PhD student was reportedly stopped from using a microwave after a staff member complained about the smell of his homemade palak paneer. The student described the confrontation as humiliating and discriminatory.
The couple claimed that the situation escalated further, with university staff allegedly creating a hostile environment. The student’s partner, also a PhD scholar, reportedly lost her teaching assistant role without explanation, deepening their sense of discrimination.
Believing their cultural identity was being unfairly targeted, the couple filed a lawsuit against the university, citing civil rights violations and discrimination. After nearly two years of legal proceedings, the university agreed to a settlement of USD 200,000 (around ₹1.6 crore), allowing the couple to complete their academic degrees before returning to India.
The case has since sparked broader discussions on cultural inclusivity, diversity, and how universities address discrimination, illustrating how seemingly small conflicts can escalate into serious institutional disputes.
The Raja Saab Struggles at Box Office, Recovers Only 31% of Budget
The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas in the lead role, continues to struggle at the Indian box office, failing to maintain momentum after a decent opening. The big-budget horror-comedy has been hit hard by negative word of mouth, resulting in a steady decline in collections as the weekdays set in.
Even the Bhogi holiday on its first Wednesday (Day 6) offered only limited relief. While the ongoing Sankranti festive period helped the film post a marginal uptick, earnings remained well below trade expectations. On Day 6, the film collected an estimated ₹5.25 crore net, showing a modest growth of around 9.3% compared to Day 5’s ₹4.8 crore.
After six days in theatres, The Raja Saab has amassed approximately ₹124.65 crore net in India, translating to around ₹147.08 crore gross. Despite these numbers, the overall trend remains discouraging, especially given the film’s reported ₹400 crore budget. To reach the breakeven point, the film would need to recover a similar amount in net collections, but so far, it has managed to recoup only about 31% of its investment.
With more than ₹275 crore still required to enter the safe zone, trade analysts believe a turnaround at this stage is highly unlikely. Given the weak audience response, the film is now expected to struggle to even cross ₹175 crore net in India, placing it on track to become one of the biggest box-office disappointments in recent times.
Directed by Maruthi and produced by T.G. Vishwa Prasad under the People Media Factory banner, The Raja Saab features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, and Zarina Wahab in key roles. The film was released theatrically on January 9.
Rakul Preet Singh Blends Modern Glamour With Ethnic Grace
Rakul Preet Singh strikes a perfect balance between modern glamour and ethnic elegance, commanding attention with effortless confidence. Sculpted silhouettes and fluid drapes accentuate her toned form, while a daring plunging neckline and subtle skin show keep the look tasteful, powerful, and feminine.
Heavy statement jewellery adds a regal touch, catching the light and enhancing the richness of the ensemble. Bold, layered neckpieces frame her face beautifully, paired with striking makeup featuring luminous skin, defined eyes, and confident lips, turning the look into a true high-fashion moment.
Sensuous expressions complete the visual narrative, blending poise with understated allure. On the work front, Rakul continues to stay busy with multiple Hindi projects each year, while her return to the Telugu screen has been long awaited by fans.
