PM Modi Celebrates Christmas at Cathedral Church of the Redemption in New Delhi
Shambhala Gears Up for Grand Release on December 25
Aadi Saikumar’s much-anticipated supernatural thriller Shambhala, directed by Ugandhar Muni, is all set to hit theatres tomorrow, December 25.
Ahead of its grand release, special premiere shows are being held today, December 24, across the USA and select domestic and international locations, giving audiences an early glimpse into the film’s gripping mystery and suspense. The overseas release is being handled by Moonshine Cinemas.
The film is gearing up for a massive release, and the buzz surrounding it has been nothing short of phenomenal. Every teaser, poster, and trailer has steadily heightened expectations, offering intriguing hints of a thriller that uniquely blends mysticism, devotion, and edge-of-the-seat suspense.
Set across three distinct timelines, Shambhala promises an engaging narrative that keeps viewers guessing till the very end. Produced by Mahidhar Reddy and Rajashekar Annabhimoju under the Shining Pictures banner, the film is being touted as a perfect holiday watch for thriller lovers.
With curiosity at its peak, Shambhala is ready to cast its spell on audiences. Book your tickets now and prepare to experience the mystery unfold on the big screen.
Varun Tej Completes 11 Years of Fearless and Versatile Cinema
Completing 11 remarkable years in Telugu cinema, Varun Tej has firmly established himself as one of the most fearless and versatile actors of his generation. Right from his debut, Varun Tej has been recognized for his bold story choices, honest performances, and an unwavering drive to explore new genres, making his cinematic journey truly distinctive.
Varun Tej made a promising start with Mukunda, showcasing a strong emotional core and marking himself as a performer to watch. He then took an early career risk with Kanche, a period war drama, demonstrating his commitment to content-driven cinema and his willingness to step outside conventional boundaries.
Not shying away from commercial cinema, he ventured into mass entertainers with Loafer, directed by Puri Jagannadh, and followed it with Tholi Prema, a romantic blockbuster from a debut director that became a defining film of his career, winning both audience and critical acclaim. Continuing his streak of unconventional choices, Varun Tej then surprised viewers with Antariksham 9000 KMPH, Telugu cinema’s first space-based film, proving his appetite for innovative storytelling.
He won hearts across generations with the soulful village love story Fidaa, directed by Sekhar Kammula, where his subtle and grounded performance became one of the most cherished portrayals of his career. His versatility shone even brighter when he embraced full-fledged comedy in F2: Fun and Frustration and F3: Fun and Frustration, both directed by Anil Ravipudi, solidifying his reputation as an entertainer with impeccable comic timing.
Varun Tej reached new commercial heights with Gaddalakonda Ganesh, directed by Harish Shankar, a mass action blockbuster that showcased him in a powerful, never-before-seen avatar. Continuing to explore diverse genres, he took on a patriotic role in Operation Valentine, centered around the Indian Air Force, once again highlighting his inclination toward meaningful and challenging narratives.
Staying true to his fearless approach, Varun Tej is now gearing up for a horror film, VT15, produced by UV Creations and First Frame Entertainments, and directed by Merlapaka Gandhi. The title and first look are expected to be unveiled soon, with anticipation already running high among fans.
Across 11 years, Varun Tej has consistently reinvented himself, refusing to repeat formulas, and challenging audience expectations. His journey exemplifies courage over convenience, striking a rare balance between content, commerce, and creativity.
Here’s wishing the Mega Prince Varun Tej many more milestones, memorable performances, and blockbuster successes in the years ahead. The journey continues—stronger, bolder, and bigger.
Archana Iyer Says Shambhala Pulls Audiences In Within First 5 Minutes
Actress Archana Iyer has expressed strong confidence in the immersive experience offered by Shambhala: A Mystic World, stating that audiences are completely drawn into the film’s universe within the first five minutes. The mystical thriller stars Aadi Saikumar in the lead role and is directed by Ugandhar Muni, with music composed by Sricharan Pakala. Produced by Mahidhar Reddy and Rajasekhar Annabhimoju under the Shining Pictures banner, the film is gearing up for a grand theatrical release on December 25.
Speaking during promotions, Archana revealed that the response to Shambhala’s premieres has been overwhelmingly positive, with several shows running houseful. She noted that audiences are visibly reacting to the film’s intense and eerie moments, with many genuinely getting scared inside theatres—something she believes reflects the strength of the film’s storytelling and presentation.
Talking about her role as Devi, Archana said the character has been receiving strong appreciation, particularly her scenes with Aadi Saikumar. She shared that audiences respond warmly whenever she appears on screen and that several filmmakers have personally reached out to congratulate her after watching the premieres. Interestingly, Archana revealed that she agreed to the project even before hearing the full narration, impressed by the screenplay and the clarity that the role would be performance-driven rather than a routine commercial part.
The actress also observed that audience preferences have evolved significantly, especially after the pandemic, with viewers now seeking fresh concepts and new cinematic experiences instead of formula-driven films. She said she feels fortunate to begin her career with a project like Shambhala, which offers a distinctive narrative and a strong character arc.
Describing the film’s scale, Archana stated that Shambhala is designed for the big-screen experience, boasting rich visuals, powerful sound design, and emotions that connect deeply with viewers. She believes the film makes for an ideal theatrical watch during the Christmas season, blending mysticism, thrill, and emotional depth.
Archana also revealed that she is currently working on a large-scale fantasy project with People Media Factory, set 500 years in the past. Emphasizing her approach to choosing roles, she said she prioritizes comfort and story strength, and is open to experimenting with diverse characters as long as the narrative demands it. Crediting her parents for constant support, she added that their guidance plays a key role in her career decisions.
Concluding, Archana expressed happiness over the love Shambhala is receiving even before its release, adding that roles like Devi come rarely and landing such a powerful character at the start of her journey feels nothing short of destiny.
Revanth Reddy Declares End of KCR & BRS in Telangana
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has issued a strong warning to former CM K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), asserting that they will never return to power in the state. He declared that it is his firm resolve to stop the KCR family politically for as long as he remains active in public life.
Revanth Reddy made these remarks while addressing a programme organized for Congress-supported sarpanches at Kosigi in Narayanpet district. During his speech, he launched a sharp attack on KCR, stating that the BRS era has come to an end and that Congress represents the future of Telangana.
Expressing strong confidence in his party, Revanth Reddy claimed that Congress would secure a huge majority in the next Assembly elections. He said that if elections are held with the current 119 seats, Congress would win around 80 seats, and if the strength increases to 153 seats, the party would bag close to 100 seats.
The Chief Minister openly challenged KCR, KTR, and Harish Rao, asserting that Congress would once again emerge victorious. He strongly remarked that the KCR family should never be allowed anywhere near power in Telangana.
Calling himself a son of Kodangal, Revanth Reddy said he has taken a personal vow that the KCR family will never rule Telangana again as long as he is in politics. According to him, KCR belongs to the past, while Congress symbolizes progress and the future of the state.
Revanth Reddy also targeted BRS working president KTR, stating that he did not rise in politics by leveraging his father’s name. Highlighting his own journey, he said he climbed the political ladder from a grassroots leader to Chief Minister through struggle and dedication.
Questioning KTR’s understanding of Telangana politics, Revanth Reddy concluded by asserting that he is not afraid of anyone and will continue his political fight without hesitation.
Mahesh Babu–Rajamouli’s Varanasi Likely to Release in Japan
Superstar Mahesh Babu’s highly anticipated film Varanasi, directed by SS Rajamouli, is steadily moving toward its planned grand release in 2027. While the shooting is yet to be completed, Rajamouli recently revealed that a significant portion of the remaining shoot will take place next year and is expected to span nearly six months.
Adding to the excitement, strong buzz is now emerging about the film’s potential release in Japan. Notably, the official IMAX Japan X (formerly Twitter) handle shared the film’s glimpse along with its release year, sparking speculation about a Japanese theatrical launch.
Rajamouli already enjoys massive popularity in Japan, thanks to the phenomenal success of RRR, which shattered box office records despite releasing there much later than its global debut. Building on that momentum, the makers are reportedly considering a simultaneous release in Japan along with the worldwide premiere of Varanasi, aiming to maximize the film’s international reach.
Given Rajamouli’s strong brand value in Japan and the growing appetite for Indian epics there, a parallel release appears very much achievable if schedules align as planned. For now, fans will have to wait for official confirmation, with more details expected to be announced in the coming months.
Kajal Aggarwal’s Bangladesh Post Triggers Fresh Social Media Debate
Senior star heroine Kajal Aggarwal has once again found herself at the center of intense social media discussion following her reaction to the recent lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh. Taking to her Instagram Stories, Kajal shared a strong message that read, “Wake up, Hindus. Silence won’t save you,” along with a graphic urging global attention toward the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh.
The brutal killing of Dipu Chandra Das has triggered protests in parts of India, though many leading celebrities have remained silent on the issue. Against this backdrop, Kajal’s participation in the “All Eyes on Bangladesh Hindus” campaign stood out, as she expressed deep concern and heartbreak over the violence faced by religious minorities in the neighboring country.
However, her post has also sparked criticism. During the earlier Pahalgam terror attack in India, Kajal had stated that terror has no religion and refrained from labeling the attackers as Islamists. At the time, this stance was widely appreciated by several left-leaning voices. Now, with Kajal openly speaking in support of Hindus, some of those same voices are questioning and mocking her position on social media, accusing her of inconsistency.
As celebrities increasingly voice opinions on sensitive socio-political issues, public reactions—especially around religion—have become sharper and more polarized. Kajal’s latest statement is a clear example of how quickly narratives can shift in the digital space.
On the professional front, Kajal Aggarwal has not signed any major new projects recently. However, she remains part of Ranbir Kapoor’s ambitious epic Ramayana, where she is reportedly playing Soorpanaka, the wife of Lord Ravana, alongside Yash, who essays Ravana’s role.
Bunny Vas Urges Reviewers Not to Spoil Eesha Climax Twist
Popular Telugu producer Bunny Vas is all set to test the nerves of audiences with his upcoming horror film Eesha, which is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 25, perfectly timed for the long holiday weekend. The film features Hebah Patel in the lead role and is being promoted as a complete, spine-chilling cinematic experience.
From the early stages of promotion, Bunny Vas has displayed immense confidence in the film’s horror quotient and has made several attention-grabbing remarks. At one point, he candidly stated, “If you are scared of horror films, don’t come to the theatres,” a comment that instantly went viral. In a lighter vein, he also joked that viewers should bring along friends who claim horror movies don’t scare them—only to see their reactions once the lights go out.
While these statements generated strong curiosity around the film, Bunny Vas’s latest comments at the pre-release event struck a more serious note. Addressing film critics and reviewers, he made a special request: “The entire story hinges on the climax twist. I request reviewers not to reveal the ending twist in their reviews, at least for the first two days. I respect everyone’s opinions, but this is a sincere request,” he said.
According to the producer, the climax twist is crucial to the overall impact of the film, and early spoilers could significantly dilute the audience’s experience. If Eesha truly delivers on its promise of genuine scares, it could well turn out to be another profitable venture for Bunny Vas, following the success of his earlier production Little Hearts.