Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi Trailer | Ravi Teja | Kishore Tirumala | Ashika | Dimple
Sankranthi Biggies Face Slow Start in North America Pre-Sales
Both The Raja Saab and Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, the major Telugu releases for this Sankranthi, are facing certain challenges in the North American market. Limited theatre availability and relatively muted pre-release buzz have impacted their advance sales, resulting in moderate pre-sales figures so far.
The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas and directed by Maruthi, has collected close to USD 800K from premiere show pre-sales. Trade circles expect it to cross the USD 1 million mark before premieres begin, though initial expectations were higher, ideally around USD 1.5 million. With Maruthi not being a strong box-office draw among the general audience overseas, the film’s advance sales are largely driven by Prabhas’s star power.
On the other hand, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, directed by Anil Ravipudi and headlined by Megastar Chiranjeevi, has delivered a somewhat underwhelming surprise in terms of pre-sales. The film also stars Victory Venkatesh, who recently tasted massive success with Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, raising expectations further. Additionally, Chiranjeevi enjoys a loyal fan base in North America.
Despite this strong combination, the film has managed to cross only USD 200K in premiere pre-sales so far. However, with four more days remaining before premiere shows, there is still scope for a late surge if promotional momentum picks up.
Siva Karthikeyan Admits Matching Sreeleela’s Dance Energy Is Tough
Tamil star Siva Karthikeyan has candidly admitted that matching steps with Telugu sensation Sreeleela is a daunting challenge. Talking about their upcoming film Parashakti, the actor revealed that he was initially taken aback by her explosive dance energy.
“I was completely floored after watching her dance in the Telugu song Kurchi Madathapetti with Mahesh Babu. Her speed and grace were unbelievable. I honestly checked YouTube again just to see if the video was playing at 1x or 2x speed,” Siva Karthikeyan said with a smile.
Acknowledging the gap in their dance styles, the actor added that he has already requested the choreographer to keep his steps simple in Parashakti. “I asked for something comfortable for me while dancing with Sreeleela in this film. Maybe I’ll try a more racy number sometime in the future,” he joked.
Earlier, Mahesh Babu had also showered praise on Sreeleela at a public event, singling out her unstoppable energy on the dance floor. “Wow, she’s a terrific dancer, absolutely loaded with energy. It’s hard to put it into words,” the superstar said. He even humorously remarked that Telugu heroes might struggle to keep up with her pace, quipping that “some heroes may have to strain their backs,” drawing laughs from the audience. Sreeleela, standing beside him, appeared grateful and visibly thrilled.
Director Trinadh Rao Nakkina, who played a key role in launching her Tollywood career with the blockbuster Dhamaka, summed up her impact perfectly. He noted that songs like Jinthak Chittaka and Pulsar Bike, performed alongside Ravi Teja, were instrumental in making her a sensation. “Sreeleela’s dance skills are unmatched. She brings extraordinary energy to the screen. Being a trained Bharatanatyam dancer gives her an edge—she dances effortlessly and emotes beautifully. That combination is truly powerful,” he said.
Kerala Cinema Stalwart S. Chandran Passes Away at 90
S. Chandran, a towering presence in Kerala’s film exhibition and studio business, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 90, leaving behind a rich legacy deeply intertwined with the history of Malayalam cinema. He was the director of City Theatres and the son of legendary filmmaker P. Subramaniam, the founder of the iconic Merryland Studio in Thiruvananthapuram.
After his father’s demise, S. Chandran took charge of Merryland Studio and the management of several prominent cinema halls in the state capital. Notably, three theatres under his supervision are among the oldest surviving movie theatres in Thiruvananthapuram. Even as the film exhibition sector faced major challenges due to changing audience habits, declining footfalls, and the rise of OTT platforms, Chandran continued to run these theatres with remarkable perseverance and commitment to cinema.
Tributes have poured in from across the film fraternity. Veteran actor Kamal Haasan expressed deep sorrow over Chandran’s passing, highlighting their bond beyond professional association. In his condolence message, Kamal Haasan noted that while many of his films enjoyed long theatrical runs in Chandran’s cinemas, what truly connected them was a shared love for the arts. He described S. Chandran as a passionate admirer of art, with a special fondness for photography.
Several prominent personalities from the Malayalam film industry have also mourned his death, remembering S. Chandran as a dignified, art-loving individual who played a crucial role in preserving the theatrical culture of Kerala. His passing marks the end of an era for cinema exhibition in Thiruvananthapuram.
Drishyam 3 Officially Confirmed, April 2026 Release Planned
The much-awaited third installment of the Drishyam franchise is officially happening. Director Jeethu Joseph confirmed the exciting update during a private event held in Kochi, sending fans into a frenzy. Speaking about the journey of the franchise, Joseph said that Drishyam has had a profound impact on audiences as well as on him personally. He added that without building excessive expectations, viewers can look forward to watching Drishyam 3 in theatres during the first week of April, with the official release date to be announced soon.
The Malayalam version of Drishyam 3 is slated for an early April 2026 theatrical release. Meanwhile, fans of the Hindi adaptation won’t be left behind for long, as Drishyam 3 (Hindi) is planned for release in the second half of 2026. Panorama Studios, which holds the Hindi remake rights, will once again back the project. Abhishek Pathak, who successfully directed Drishyam 2 starring Ajay Devgn and Tabu, is expected to return as the director.
As for the Telugu version, reports suggest that it is currently in the pre-production stage, with more details expected to be revealed in the coming months. The third part will continue the gripping saga of the Georgekutty family, with the core cast, including Meena and Ansiba Hassan, reprising their roles. Mohanlal, who was last seen in Vrusshabha, reportedly completed shooting for Drishyam 3 during the second half of 2025.
With all versions moving steadily toward release, Drishyam 3 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated thrillers of 2026.
Ravi Teja’s Bharatha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi Trailer Promises Clean Family Fun
Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja is gearing up to entertain audiences once again with his upcoming film Bharatha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi. The film has already generated solid buzz, especially after the teaser showcased its fun-filled and humorous tone. Adding to the excitement, the theatrical trailer was released today and promises a wholesome entertainer.
The story centers on a married man whose seemingly ordinary life takes an unexpected emotional turn after he meets another woman. Stuck between two contrasting personalities and faced with two tricky questions, his journey unfolds with a perfect blend of humour, confusion, and heartfelt emotions.
What could have easily slipped into melodrama is smartly handled by director Kishore Tirumala, who maintains a fine balance between comedy and emotion in his signature style. The narrative feels rooted yet contemporary, with clean situational humour and relatable emotions. The climax portion, in particular, stands out for its hilarious payoff.
Ravi Teja fits effortlessly into this family-oriented role, bringing his trademark swag, elegance, and impeccable comic timing. Dimple Hayathi brings intensity to her character, while Ashika Ranganath adds freshness and charm, both contributing effectively to the central triangle. Comedians Satya, Sunil, Vennela Kishore, and Muralidhar Goud elevate the entertainment quotient with their performances.
Cinematographer Prasad Murella’s rich visuals and Bheems Ceciroleo’s lively music beautifully complement both the comedic and emotional moments. Produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri under the SLV Cinemas banner, the film boasts strong production values and technical finesse.
Overall, the trailer promises a laugh-packed, warm-hearted family entertainer that explores relationships, misunderstandings, and emotions in a way that feels instantly relatable and enjoyable.
Nothing’s CMF Registers as Independent Company in India
Nothing’s sub-brand CMF has officially registered as an independent legal entity in India under the name CMF India Private Limited, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey. According to reports, the company was incorporated on December 23, 2025, allowing CMF to operate as a specialised consumer technology player rather than remaining under the direct shadow of its parent brand, Nothing.
The development was confirmed by Nothing co-founder Akis Evangelidis through a post on X (formerly Twitter). Emphasising India’s growing importance in the global consumer technology ecosystem, Evangelidis stated that CMF has a crucial role to play in this transformation and that becoming a legally independent entity strengthens that vision.
He further revealed that following a $100 million manufacturing partnership with Optiemus in India, CMF will now formally function as an India-based company. Evangelidis added that the brand is on a mission to build “the country’s first truly global consumer tech brand—built from India, to the world.”
This move represents a major step forward for CMF, which has quickly established itself as an affordable and design-focused consumer technology brand. The company has already gained attention with products such as the CMF Phone 2 Pro and has expanded into wearables including earbuds and smartwatches. CMF is also set to enter the audio segment with the launch of its first-ever headphones, expected to be positioned in the budget category. With India as its base, CMF now aims to disrupt global markets more aggressively.
Meta Pauses Global Launch of Ray-Ban Display Glasses Amid Surging US Demand
In September 2025, Meta introduced its next-generation Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, drawing widespread attention for their AI-powered display capabilities. The product quickly gained traction in the United States, generating demand far beyond initial expectations.
Now, as Meta highlights its AI display innovations at CES 2026, the company has announced a pause in the global rollout of the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses. In a blog post, Meta cited “unprecedented demand and limited inventory” in the US as the primary reasons for delaying international availability.
The smart glasses were previously scheduled to launch in markets including the UK, France, Italy, and Canada beginning in 2026. However, Meta confirmed that these plans are now on hold. “We’ve decided to pause our planned international expansion,” the company stated, adding that it will prioritize fulfilling existing US orders while reassessing its global distribution strategy. Meta also revealed that interest has been so strong that the current waitlist already extends into 2026.
Despite the delay, Meta used CES 2026 to showcase upcoming features for the AI-powered glasses. Among the highlights is a new teleprompter feature, allowing users to view notes or scripts directly on the display—useful for live presentations, content creation, and video recording. Additionally, Meta announced a broader rollout of its pedestrian navigation feature across the United States, further expanding the glasses’ real-world utility.
Vamshi Paidipally to Direct Salman Khan for Mythri Movie Makers
Some directors continue to work with the same production house for years, not because they lack opportunities elsewhere, but due to the strong bond they share with that banner. Such filmmakers are often referred to as “in-house directors,” as they not only make films for that production house but also provide indirect support to its other projects. Tollywood has seen many successful producer-director combinations over the years, and one such notable name is Vamshi Paidipally. From the early stages of his career, he has been closely associated with Sri Venkateswara Creations.
For a long time, Vamshi Paidipally’s films were almost synonymous with Dil Raju and Shirish as producers under the SVC banner. Whenever his name came up, it was assumed that the project would be backed by Sri Venkateswara Creations. Recently, reports suggested that Vamshi would be directing a Bollywood hero’s film under Dil Raju’s banner. While it is true that he is set to work with a Bollywood star, the banner involved is reportedly not SVC.
Earlier, rumors surfaced about Vamshi Paidipally collaborating with a Bollywood star under Sri Venkateswara Creations, which prompted the banner to issue a press note. They clarified that several baseless reports were circulating about their upcoming projects and stated that they would officially announce any confirmed ventures themselves.
Now, the latest buzz is that Vamshi Paidipally has locked a project with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, and this film is said to be produced by Mythri Movie Makers. If this turns out to be true, it would mark Vamshi’s first project outside the Dil Raju–SVC banner, signaling a significant shift in his career.
From Mythri Movie Makers’ perspective, Vamshi Paidipally is considered a strong choice to direct Salman Khan. Even though Vamshi makes a film once every three or four years, his projects are known for solid content and strong emotional depth, which is why top heroes readily give him the green signal. Reports suggest that the Salman Khan–Vamshi Paidipally collaboration is almost confirmed.
This project would be the first time Vamshi is directing a film outside his long-standing association with Dil Raju. After delivering multiple films under SVC, his move to Mythri Movie Makers has come as a surprise to many. It remains to be seen whether this marks a complete exit from Dil Raju’s banner or if Vamshi will return to Sri Venkateswara Creations for his next project.
With South Indian directors increasingly collaborating with Bollywood stars and setting new trends, a film featuring Salman Khan under the direction of Vamshi Paidipally certainly sounds special and has generated considerable excitement.
Ram Avoided Raghuvaran B.Tech Remake – A Smart Move
Raghuvaran B.Tech emerged as a major hit in Telugu through its dubbed version, bringing immense popularity to actor Dhanush among Telugu audiences. Interestingly, the film was initially planned to be remade in Telugu with Ram Pothineni in the lead role. However, at the last minute, the producers dropped the remake idea and opted for a straight dubbing release instead.
Director Kishore Tirumala, who penned the Telugu dialogues for the dubbed version, recently shared the backstory behind this crucial decision. He is currently promoting his upcoming film Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi, which stars Ravi Teja in the lead.
According to Kishore Tirumala, Ram Pothineni was first committed to Nenu Sailaja, and around the same time, Raghuvaran B.Tech was also under consideration as a remake. Eventually, the team made the wise choice to prioritize Nenu Sailaja, which went on to become a big box-office hit. This decision also worked in favor of Raghuvaran B.Tech, as the dubbed version released without the baggage of comparisons and turned into a huge success in Telugu states.
Telugu audiences warmly embraced Dhanush, instantly turning him into a familiar and celebrated star. Many believe that the film might not have achieved the same level of success had it been remade with Ram, as inevitable comparisons with the original could have diluted the impact. By stepping away at the right time, Ram effectively avoided that risk.
Later, Ram Pothineni and Kishore Tirumala reunited for Unnadi Okate Zindagi, continuing their successful collaboration. The duo is now expected to team up once again for a future project, raising expectations among fans.
Telangana HC Clears Ticket Hikes for Raja Saab & Chiranjeevi Film
The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas, is set to be the first big release to hit theatres this Sankranthi season. It will be followed by Mana Shankar Vara Prasad Garu, with Megastar Chiranjeevi in the titular role. In a significant development, the Telangana High Court has granted permission for ticket price hikes and premiere shows for both films.
As previously reported, the producers of both movies had approached the government well in advance seeking the necessary approvals. Earlier, in the cases of films like OG and Akhanda 2, the High Court had struck down the government orders that allowed ticket price hikes. However, this time, the court clarified that the earlier single-bench verdict applies only to Pushpa 2, OG, Game Changer, and Akhanda 2.
As previously reported, the producers of both movies had approached the government well in advance seeking the necessary approvals. Earlier, in the cases of films like OG and Akhanda 2, the High Court had struck down the government orders that allowed ticket price hikes. However, this time, the court clarified that the earlier single-bench verdict applies only to Pushpa 2, OG, Game Changer, and Akhanda 2.
One positive aspect is that the producers of The Raja Saab and Mana Shankar Vara Prasad Garu completed all formalities much ahead of release, giving them sufficient time to address any legal or procedural hurdles. With these two major releases opening the box office for the year, the festive season is expected to offer a big treat for family audiences.
CM Chandrababu Hot Comments On Water Dispute Between AP And TG | Hyderabad
CM Chandrababu Hot Comments On Water Dispute Between AP And TG | Hyderabad